The Beat

Yet another tale of people's lives being changed by an unlikely hero. In this one, token ironic hero Rex is a new student in a New York City high school who doesn't fit in but has a penchant for poetry. After being the victim of a violent society that is unwilling to accept the different and in his case, the mentally challenged, he somehow manages to build his own little following of friends all of whom he changes the perceptions of. He makes them buy into some type of quasi-Religion that he invents and talks in verse that only melodramatic beatniks could appreciate. For some reason, his friends, who are in a constant struggle with adults and questions of adulthood, actually begin to understand what he's talking about and become better people for it.

While you can't really fault the movie for using the same tried and true formula that later made Forrest Gump successful, half the move you spend trying to figure out exactly what the heck Rex is saying. Just as with all poetry, his words are open to interpretation and the fact all his work seems ripped straight out of a bad mad lib book doesn't help any. A boring plot line that doesn't go anywhere and an extremely anti-climactic, predictable ending don't do anything to peak interest. Besides Rex's incessant ramblings, most of the characters can't seem to express themselves without throwing an expletive in their sentences here, there and everywhere. Also look out for punk teenager stereotypes and an odd lack of ethnic diversity in a strange New York as anomalies.

All in all, the Beat is under dramatic, predictably sympathetic work that won't do anyone any harm. Good to show on tape to an English class, if only to show students how poetry is not done.

Several fraternities at my college used this film as a hazing tool. At the time, it was in the HBO rotation.

Insufficiently invested pledges were forced to watch this film repeatedly.

I was once forced to watch this movie three times consecutively.

The beat, the beat...dah dah! The beat, the beat...dah dah! Those who endured the movie five times enjoyed special privileges in the 'TUBE Room.'We became varsity tube watchers will all the privileges and responsibilities attached thereto.

Eventually, several of us wore this feat of endurance as a badge of honor.

To those who could actually enjoy this pretentious, disjointed film - I pity you.

For those of who that sat through this garbage to test your ability to watch ANYTHING - I salute you sir/madam! For me, alcohol helped at the time.

A support crew may also be necessary - to steal the remote, block exits, provide booze, etc.

In short, watch this film...if you dare to be great!

My first review at IMDB, after a few years of using this site constantly...

Anyways, saw this on the tube the other night, loved it. It's in the mindset of a Dangerous Minds or a Substitute, but much better. Was sure for a moment that Rex was Speedy Levitch, in Waking Life, but after checking, it doesn't seem so.

I can see why many have problems with this plot and its poetry, but I also think these people are close-minded. Admittedly the ending wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but overall it was so unique and well-acted, I can't complain. I wouldn't call this cheesy, as one reviewer did, it pulled off the scene better than most films of the 80's did. And they refrained from playing any really dateable 80's music.

Can't remember everything that made me smile when I saw this, but basically it realistically showed very creative individuals surrounded by mediocrity, and whether I share Rex's beliefs or not, I love original attempts to describe the meaning of life. And his Mutant theory is, to my knowledge, original. He rambled a lot as well, but they showed how confused he was at times, and why he might have some psychological issues. And then in his moments of clarity he was a philosopher extraordinaire, a person who noticed the little details in life and tried to give expression to them.

Also I was very impressed with John Savage as the teacher. Usually actors fail at that role. He pulled it off brilliantly.

If you enjoyed Waking Life, I say watch this movie if you get a chance.

9.5/10

pk

I must say, this film, really disappointed me. The best thing about it was the presence of some actors I like. John Savage was just wasted as a professor, while I've always found William Mcnamara interesting to watch, especially as the nutso in Copycat. And weirdly it was directed by a guy who really didn't go anywhere as an actor, but made such an impact as a brutal gang leader in Tuff Turf. I actually found this movie pretty dull and boring. The new kid in school, is a few stamps short of full postage, a weirdo, who I must admit is fun to watch. He's a poet, out to teach a dangerous community of kids, how to express themselves, and not be afraid. This film lacks any kind of punch, and there's no real spark, and the lead weirdo tends to get on your nerves. A little bit of brutal violence is on offer too, where not much else is in this film, that really disappointed the crap out of me.

I watched the movie about 13 yrs ago while living in Airlie Beach Qld Australia. I had found it in the shelves of a little shop in the back that most don't bother to browse.

To my pleasure I found it and watched it with the intention of one day owning it and being in my collection. I still do not have it but will one day.

I like the concept with the poetry and the fantasy. The semi deserted street scenes with a busy teaming city in the far background added to the visual effect.

I have numerous times mentioned this movie to people that enjoy this genre, with nothing but praise. It has stuck in my mind and will for a long time to come.

I fully recommend this film, but only to those that are into this type.

This comment and the one from LA,CA can assist you when choosing to watch this film. The comments may be negative but I found them positive if you look past the derogatory connotation.