there’s too little evidence that freestyling in itself deserves even the short 75 minutes allotted for this film
Comment
05/06/05
Rate this Movie 
Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
89
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:18
Fresh:16
Rotten:2
Average Rating:6.9/10
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Jul 16, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: Although carefully constructed rap songs have become a staple of the mainstream music scene, most freestyle rhyming remains undocumented, with a variety of talented rappers seeing their words... [More]
Starring: Mos Def, Roots, Last Poets, Jurassic 5
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Reviews for Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
1 - 19 (sorted by critic A-Z)
Dispels myths about the 'gangsta' aura that clings to rap and shows this poetry of the streets in all its different forms: social protest, entertainment and aggression.
07/16/04
Top CriticMakes for an interesting close-up on an art form whose intricacies could all too easily go unnoticed.
12/08/02
An engaged and knowing look at the underground world of improvised rap, concentrating on artists less interested in commercial success and cutting records than in the 'spontaneous right now' of 'nonconceptual rhyme.'
07/20/04
Top CriticVery innovative chronicle of a notable culture.
07/23/04
Even if you have no previous interest in or extensive knowledge of hip-hop, Freestyle will draw you in, accomplishing that rare feat of making the creative process interesting while also telling a story.
07/23/04
Top CriticWatching some of the best freestylers riff like Charlie Parkers with thesauruses is often breathtaking.
09/23/04
A thoughtful overview of a major musical movement, from its churchy roots to its urban present, from its aggressive front to its spiritual underpinnings.
07/21/04
Where 2001's Scratch focused on 'turntablism' and the art of the DJ, Kevin Fitzgerald's brief but engaging documentary takes a look at those who do the actual rapping -- the MCs
07/16/04
Ebullient hip-hop documentary.
01/21/02
Despite cloying narration, Fitzgerald's footage and interviews are fantastic.
07/13/04
Top CriticImpromtu energy.
07/19/04
A solid documentary that examines the art's roots, from ad-libs by black preachers to 'toasts' delivered by Jamaican immigrants over instrumental tracks in the '70s South Bronx.
07/16/04
Top CriticThe film's conventions have become hip-hop doc clichés.
09/24/04
The skills on display in Freestyle are too varied and idiosyncratic for one movie to contain, but this one at least offers a heady, rousing education in an art form that is too often misunderstood.
07/26/04
Top CriticThe only downside of watching the movie? The rhythm gets you, and you’re likely not going to want to sit still in your seat.
07/27/04
Not since the groundbreaking Wild Style has there been a hip-hop film this exciting to watch.
07/23/04
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12/06/05
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07/15/05
1 - 19 (sorted by critic A-Z)
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