Color, PG-13 (language, brief nudity, mature themes), DVD $27.98, VHS rental
Street: Oct. 25, Prebook: Sept. 27
DVD: director's commentary, music video, interviews, deleted scenes, dance lessons
First Run: L, June 2005, $3.5 mil.
Director: David LaChapelle
LIONS GATE
Bursting with energy and exhilaration, this streetwise documentary from photographer and music video director LaChapelle focuses on the "clowning" and "krumping" dance crazes that are big among kids and teens in South Central Los Angeles. Wild movements in which bodies go in all different directions, clown makeup, hip costumes and heated competition among contestants, who eventually take their swagger to playgrounds and in-door arenas for battles, are the name of the game here—all captured with pulsating energy and serving as substitutes for potential gang violence, although some of the contests get awfully intense. LaChapelle based this feature on one of his short films, and he gets into the right groove from the start, introducing us to the setting by dramatically showing us footage of the riots in the '60s, the Rodney King trial-influenced destruction of the '90s and South Central today. He also brings us up close and personal to the participants, especially "Tommy the Clown," an ex-con and former gang-banger credited with starting the craze. He now performs his "clowning" at kids' parties in full joker regalia. Look for strong sell-through action from people who dug Rize in theaters as well as newcomers interested in urban music and lifestyles.