Is American Rapstar Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

📖 The Core Premise

American Rapstar stands as a 2020 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Music, Documentary landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A new scene of troubled, lo-fi young rappers have emerged from Trump’s America, utilizing the SoundCloud streaming platform to quickly become the most culturally disruptive force in hip hop, shocking the world with their rambunctious antics, prescription drug use, facial tattoos, and rebellious punk energy. What do these newly minted millionaire artists say about the state of youth culture today and the future of the music streaming economy? We examine the SoundCloud rap scene’s biggest stars from within the culture as well placing them in the broader musical context in an attempt to understand how we arrived here and where we are headed."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Lil Pump's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is American Rapstar worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, American Rapstar is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 81 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.