Watch Beatbox

Beatbox, released in 2015, is a thought-provoking, coming-of-age film that explores the world of beatboxing and its cultural significance. The movie is directed by Andrew Dresher and stars Akim Funk Buddah, McCaleb Burnett, and Curtiss Cook Jr. in lead roles. The film revolves around a young, African American beatboxer named Terron (played by Akim Funk Buddah) who dreams of making it big in the music industry. As a child, Terron was introduced to the art of beatboxing by his father, who was also a musician. Since then, Terron has been honing his skills, performing at local competitions and events, and working on his signature sound.

However, Terron's journey to success is not easy. He faces a number of challenges along the way, including racism, poverty, and the pressure to conform to traditional expectations of success. Despite these obstacles, Terron remains committed to his dream and strives to create a unique style of beatboxing that reflects his own identity and experiences.

One of the themes that permeates the film is the power of music to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. Throughout the movie, we see Terron interacting with other beatboxers from around the world, each with their own unique perspective on the artform. By sharing their stories and experiences, these characters demonstrate how music can be a bridge between people who might otherwise have nothing in common.

Another central theme in the film is the concept of self-discovery. As Terron grows as an artist and as a person, he learns to embrace his own identity and to resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations. This journey of self-discovery is reflected in many of the film's visuals and soundscapes, which often shift between dreamlike sequences and more grounded, gritty realities.

The performances in Beatbox are strong across the board. Akim Funk Buddah is particularly impressive as Terron, bringing a raw vulnerability and ion to the role. His beatboxing skills are also on full display, with several extended sequences showcasing his jaw-dropping talent. McCaleb Burnett and Curtiss Cook Jr. add depth and complexity to their roles as Terron's friend and mentor, respectively.

Visually, the film is stunning, with a richly textured palette of colors and a playful, inventive use of camera angles and framing. The music, which ranges from hip hop to jazz to traditional African beats, is also a standout feature, contributing to the film's overall atmosphere of creativity and possibility.

Overall, Beatbox is a powerful and inspiring film that showcases the art and culture of beatboxing in a unique and compelling way. It's a story about following your dreams, embracing your own identity, and connecting with others through the power of music. Fans of hip hop, music documentaries, or coming-of-age stories will find plenty to enjoy here.

Beatbox is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.