User reviews

So as a white kid growing up in the 90s all I did was listen to rap music. I was picked on and bullied for it as it was not the 'done thing' and constantly called wigger. My passion was genuine and I embraced the culture and still do.

So.... I had minimal expectations here. I was expecting 8 mile revamped. How wrong was I.... This movie touches on some really key stereotypes and misconceptions about rap in general and more importantly the appropriation of black culture. Storyline was basic but it paved the way for thought provoking dialogue and I would suggest if you don't get what I mean then this movie was not made for you. Since eminem every white kid wants to be a rapper and this is movie is a satirical take on that uneducated enthusiasm.

The underlying emotion after watching this is embarrassment. For all the millennials that think they 'get it'. This movie is about race and perception masked in satirical humour. A must watch for any real rap fan.

So many didn't get it. It's a more-than-decent ode to battle rap, but also a scathing attack on a world that gets off on getting offended by everything. A truly admirable effort by little-known actors in a low-budget film.

I didn't go into this film with much expectations. It is good though. Well directed, shot and acted for the most part on what I would imagine wasn't much of a budget. This isn't a another 8 mile. 8 Mile was about the characters, this Is a movie about the battle rap scene, so it falls into a couple of traps such as awkward cameos from famous battle rap faces that were clearly thrown in for the sake of it so that battle rap fans could go "oh look there's *insert*". The plot is not the strongest but it does the job. The comedy & jokes are good, I laughed out loud a couple of times in a good way. It can be cringey and cheesey though, especially the last 30 mins. And unfortunately this film tries to go for "the deeper message" about cultural appropriation but keeps going for it then abandoning it and then coming back again. Some of the leftie angles this film went for I honestly thought were tongue in cheek until the movie progressed and I realised they weren't. All this said it was worth a watch, especially if you are a battle rap fan, it does show how this day and age this is more of a sport

It took me a few minutes to understand what was happening but it's not exactly what you think it is. It's remarkably pure...that we can access whatever part of ourselves we didn't even think we had...but always had a hint (of greatness) of. What a movie.

Extremely realistic view on racism and being "politically correct". Amazing against all odds journey to what You desire and development story of the main character. Very real and true to nowadays values of the society and how we are lost when it comes to racism and harassment on many levels. A must watch !

On day six of 2018, music video and indie film director Joseph Kahn, and writer Alex Larsen (Kid Twist "King of the Dot") presents a street spoken word battle rap film that surpasses it's producer Eminem's 2002 "8 Mile". While this in-your-face, loud (sound track by Eminem ft. dr. Dre and music by Brain Mantia and Melissa Reese), fast moving and at times crude delivery in dialogue film may not be everyone's cup of tea, the performances, relevant dialogue, comedic tone, interesting special effects and the opportunity to peak into the underground world of battle rap should to be missed. Where "Hamilton" introduced history to the live stage, "Bodied" brings rap to the big screen. Enter young college caucasian grad student Adam (Disney "Austin & Ally" star Calum Worthy), smack in the middle of a competition trying to explain the language spoken within battle rap to his equally out of place girlfriend Maya (Rory Uphold - "HelLA" TV). Doing his graduate thesis on "battle rap" and the use of the "N" word, Adam knows the lingo and all the players. Quickly he befriends lead battle rapper Behem Grymm (Jackie Long "The Comebacks" 2007) who takes him on as a reluctant protege. Once in, Adam realizes he's got it in him to battle rap, combining his his smart boy eduction and historic knowledge of the craft. Making a terrific reappearance on the big screen is the mature Anthony Michael Hall ("Sixteen Candles" 1984), as Adam's well respected literary professor and father. The film is also filled by many of today's battle rappers, who also coached the films stars in the craft. This is a well made indie film, packed with comedy and drama, that will surly be a huge stepping stone for its director, writer and especially it's main stars Calum Worthy and Jackie Long. You will want to be one of the first to see this film. "Bodied" was screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2018.

Considering how ridiculous the premise of this film (white nerd loves rap, becomes rap superstar without really wanting too - gets respect from hardcore rappers) it's actually quite well done. However there is one point I have to make. There is only one 'Boss' ....not the big-assed afro actress in this film wearing a chain that says it...and that is Lichelle Laws.

8 Mile doesn't have enough bars to keep up with Bodied. There is not a dull moment in this movie. It transitions from comedy to drama to comedy to drama to horror to comedy to action to comedy to drama to suspense to comedy etc..couldn't stop watching. Jackie Long & Calum Worthy performances were so good you would think they were really battle rappers. Script is full, all the characters matter. No misses. All hits. Joseph Kahn should get some gold in February.

I wasn't overly impressed. The sound wasn't the greatest and therefore couldn't understand some of the words they were spittin'. Also a few cringe worthy moments especially near the end. If rap battling includes making fun of people with serious illnesses then it ain't for me. It was funny and super cheesy at times, which I laughed out loud at.

Don't take it too serious, it's campy and fun, but not great or a 10, I've given out maybe 8-10x 10's ever.

All rap battles are acapella and nothing spectacular. It felt corny and cringey af times mostly around the min character. Not much of a storyline so thr fact that the battles were hard to watch made me want to write this negative review.

The movie was CRAZY. Loved it. The lyrics were insaneeeeeeee.

My big question is - so what was the byline with the random black cat??? It popped up at the most odd moments! Though much respect u to the writers of Bodied that was able to mix in certified dope freestyle battle rap along such heavy topics as racism, misappropriations, misogynistic, cancel culture, leftists' an fascists'. All compact into a 90-minut opus which took you on a serious ride through the underbelly of underground rap. If you are as unfamiliar with this niche genre as the couple was at the beginning then rewind and watch this film over until you do! This is what all rap should embody and not what's pushed down our throats by mainstream media! Bravo!

When I saw that Eminem is the producer i thought that this should be interesting, but wow, I did not expect such a great movie overall. But not everyone will agree with me, because its not the usual humour or storyline, its something fresh. Since I've watched some KOTD videos I was a bit familiar with scene and saw few acquainted faces so the whole story made sense. Also I'm a person who has a strange taste in comedy, but this suited me for 100%. Not that movie made me laugh a lot, it just made me smile and think about how witty it was. This movie is basicaly a familiarization with some stuff ordinary people would not know about and I dont think anyone will get bored watching this, but many could be left with a question "what did I just watch?". But if you can find the line where comedy meets with serious stuff in this story, which I think I did - then you will enjoy this movie. Certainly an original piece of work.

If you love Rap music, you have to watch it. There is nothing special about story totally run of the mill and a bit predictable, but the rap battles are epic

The acting was awesome and the storyline kept you watching. The rapping made you want to listen for more. Yes rapping can be offensive but like they say in the movie you shouldnt take it personally, they are just rapping and it was funny. You saw how they hang out with each other, its entertaiment. Have an open mind when you watch thiis movie.

Great movie super corny but it is supposed to be, the messages are real and need to be told, I really loved the cats and all the other little Easter eggs through out the movie

The rapping skills are acceptable, but the movie itself is just another youtube originals failure

What happens when an unassuming, straight white male takes a deep fascination with battle rap? Well, nothing spectacular... at first. However, throw in a dopamine rush from an impromptu battle, surround him with a bunch of Liberal Progressive Leftists as his pseudo-friends and love interest, and then topple it off in a society where saying the 'N' word can permanently ruin your life, and you have Bodied.

The comedy in this is more of a satire of real-life cancel culture than traditional comedy films. There are no ridiculous sight gags, no obnoxious physical humor, nor any heavy reliance on bodily fluids or gratuitous sex to get the point across.

The film, instead, focuses on how someone's passion can literally ruin their life simply because they're surrounded by the wrong people. It shows the effects of how cancel culture can target and label somebody because of their passion, as well as how Liberal Progressivism actually does more to hurt race relations than help it.

Bodied accurately mirrors how one wrong word or viral clip passed through Left-wing circles can end a scholarship, turn a school against you, or have you classified as a "racist", by everyone. We see it happening in real life seemingly every other day by celebrities and non-celebrities alike, many of whom get "cancelled" for saying things we would have considered benign during the 1980s, 1990s or early aughts.

The film also accurately dives into a sub-plot about hiding aspects of yourself to preserve your passion. We sometimes hear celebrities talk about this because too much exposure can actually tank your career. Even in the case of people who work 9-to-5 jobs, sometimes it's just easier to hide your true self behind a pseudonym to make it easier for people to digest the alter ego.

At the heart of the film, though, are a lot of cleverly written and highly entertaining battle raps. I'm not familiar with anyone from the scene, but the showdowns and match-ups are all expertly shot, well-lit, and contain plenty of emotion.

This film obviously isn't for everyone because it contains lots of raunchy language and racy subject matter in the battle raps themselves, but the juxtaposition of having Progressive types pick apart that aspect of the raps helps add context to what's going on for people unfamiliar with the whole scene. It's definitely worth a watch, though, especially given how it zeroes in on everyone's own (mis)conceptions about other cultures and views on what is and isn't actually racist.

I think movie was quiet good but they should have reduced the rapping part just a llittle bit.

It's a terrible mix of 8 mile and a Disney channel original, this film can't go two minutes without a character spouting something about appropriation or micro- aggressions so much so I thought it was supposed to be a satire, there is not one likeable character except for the dying little girl. I'm pretty sure YouTube payed out a bunch of money for these awards because this is the biggest piece of garbage I've seen since glass

This was a GREAT movie! I LOVE THIS MOVIE, they did an AMAZING job. ALL I CAN SAY IS PLEASE SUPPORT THIS MOVIE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

Joseph Kahn's film "Bodied" examines the battle rap subculture with an emphasis on identity, political correctness, and the limits of free expression. The movie centers on progressive graduate student Calum Worthy as he does research for his thesis by delving deeply into the cutthroat world of battle rap. Kahn and Alex Larsen co-wrote the script, which explores the nuances of political correctness, cultural appropriation, and the hazy boundaries between derogatory language and creative expression. The film's dynamic direction gives the battle rap arena a rebellious character while capturing its excitement. The video employs incisive and thought-provoking dialogue to elicit conversations among viewers regarding the influence of language and the indistinct boundaries between artistic expression and insult.