While Boogie is a work of fiction with a realistic storyline, what makes the film exciting is knowing that the main actor, Taylor Takahashi, in the film is actually a good basketball player. Takahashi was born in the Bay Area, one of the most diverse playgrounds in America where street courts either made you or broke you. It certainly sets the tone for this coming of age film that’s compelling and thought-provoking.
The film opens in NYC introducing Mr. (Perry Yung) and Mrs. Chin (Pamelyn Chee) as they press a fortune teller to tell them the sex of their unborn baby. The scene shows the temperament and personality of the two who are about to give birth to their son Alfred (Taylor Takahashi).
The story flashes forward 18 years and we find Alfred, nicknamed Boogie, finishing his last year of High School at City Prep. The star of the basketball team, Boogie has a lot of responsibility on the court that will determine his future. But if Mrs. Chin has anything to say about it, she wants him to get a scholarship to a top 10 College. With time running out on getting a full paid sports grant, it comes down to how well he can stand up against Monk (Bashar “Pop Smoke” Jackson) NYC’s top High School basketball player.
The acting is very good making their characters very realistic especially with the drama mixed with that of the basketball players. As previously stated Taylor Takahashi has a knack for the sport and it shows in his performance. His ability to show the teen’s angst involving his parental pressure pushing Boogie to get a scholarship under a lot of duress. He also gets A’s for his coming of age romance with fellow student Eleanor (Taylour Paige) who sides with Boogie in some pressure decisions. But, where Takashi shines the best is his dealing with a family that has some serious financial woes and a father still working on controlling is temper.
Speaking of Taylour Page, she appeared in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with an unforgettable performance as Dussie Mae. In this film she continues to show her fine acting as she tries to bring some strength and comfort to Boogie as he goes through the trying times of parental pressure and helping him center on their budding love life.
Boogie has been rated R by the MPAA for language throughout including sexual references, and some drug use. There is also a quick scene of violence involving a disagreement between Mr. Chin and Boogie’s manager Melvin (Mike Moh).
Boogie opens on Friday March 5th in select theaters so check your local listings. My rating is 4 out of 5 Stars for the storyline, realism and portrayals.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
