How many of us really followed our dream? If your childhood self meant the current version of you, would they be proud or disappointed? The Stylist recently got me thinking about this. There is a part in the movie where Brea Grant’s Olivia is recounting how rebellious she was as a child and how she would be so disgusted by her domesticated life. I wonder what my younger self would have to say about my modern day self. Growing up, I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I mean who didn’t, right? I wanted to work in film. 

Over the years that desire changed so many times. First I wanted to be an actor. I wanted the world to see me for the ability to transform myself in and out of roles like it was nothing. Then somewhere along the way, that changed to wanting to be a director. For as much as I’ve tried to escape my own reality, I’m a natural born leader. That’s not me being prideful or cocky but observant. Nearly every job I’ve ever held I’ve been a manager, every church I’ve ever attended eventually I ended up in some position of authority. The dream of a director seemed to fit my personality a bit more than the roles of an actor. Then somewhere along the way that changed again, and I wanted to take the creative route and be a writer. Now I just write about movies and what makes them good or bad. I write about how their stories are connected to mental health and how they challenge us to grow.

I’m curious if the child with an ambition for acting would be proud or even understand where I am now. Along the path to following your dreams, there are many that will settle for a lesser result out of fear of being judged because of their dream. I can completely confirm that I’ve faced my fair share of confusion and judgment over the years as well for following such decisions. It’s about the growing process. It’s about evolving into who we are made to be. The new film Boogie explores this very concept. Boogie tells the story of a young man (Taylor Takahashi) who dreams of being a professional basketball player. Along the dream journey he navigates through the day to day challenges of life in this coming of age sports film. 

Perhaps what helps Boogie to stand out among the plethora of other coming of age sports movies is its cultural influence. Takahashi’s family are Asian-Americans. The film really uses its voice to commentate on how individuals of Asian heritage are mistreated in our country. Last year’s indie darling Yellow Rose used its voice to explore similar themes with another culture. The cultural undertones establish an effective foundation for the film that is enlightening while also heartbreaking. So much of the film revolves around basketball, but it’s the Chin family dynamic that makes Boogie compelling and important. There is one scene in particular when Boogie is explaining about how different cultures use broccoli in their food. He states that Americans reduce Chinese people down to nothing more than beef and broccoli.

It’s a simple analogy but effective nonetheless. Boogie is filled with moments like these. It’s the emotional core of the film that helps Boogie stand out as not just another sports movie. Takahashi is a man between two cultures encountering pain nearly everywhere he turns; this culminates in an extraordinarily raw performance from the young actor. He’s as charismatic as he is passionate. Takahashi is a clear stand out in the film. His chemistry with love interest Eleanor, played by Taylour Paige, is equally impressive. While Boogie can feel busy at times it has a great love story to tell. Paige and Takahashi have a marvelous connection that is a gift to watch unfold.

There are a few moments where the film does walk the line of being occasionally cheesy. An actor will deliver a line that falls flat, or the film falls into tiresome sports cliches. These moments are few and far between. It’s a very minor complaint, especially considering how emotionally raw the script from Eddie Haung is. Haung presents a character study that marvels in its meta nature, at times, but has serious strength. The score, and soundtrack, both are equally incredible. Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge do a tremendous job at bringing energy to the film, along with a soundtrack that heightens the emotional aspects Haung crafts with these characters.

Overall, Boogie is a brilliant sports film. One of the best we’ve seen in a long while. Taylor Takahashi is a vivid display of emotional complexity, navigating himself through multiple cultures and decisions to find himself happiness and his family honor. The cultural ties that Boogie present make this film one of a kind. It is a compelling drama, beautiful love story, and exciting sports film - Boogie has something for everyone.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: Early in the film we are exposed to Boogie’s home life. We quickly learn that his father has a temper and Boogie has inherited said temper. He is a cocky basketball player. To experience his journey through the events of the film is a true delight. Early on, Boogie has an aside with his coach. His coach corrects him about being selfish on the court and how this is a team sport. 

Boogie responds by calling all of his team mates “hot trash.” His coach responds by saying “you can’t equate someone down to trash. They’re people.” I feel like sometimes we forget about this truth. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. We go through cycles where, much like Boogie, we only see ourselves and our issues. At one of my former jobs, I had a co-worker who would always belittle people and call them worthless. For some of us this might sound familiar. 

None of us are worthless. Not the person writing this, not the person editing this, or even you the reader. We might not be the greatest at everything under the sun but that doesn’t make us worthless. It doesn’t make us trash and it doesn’t make us less than people. I’m challenging those of us who use words like useless so casually without considering the person we’re describing. I’m writing to those of us who have been called that and for those of us who believe such a lie. You are anything but worthless. You are enough.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Boogie is property of Focus Features. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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