Wassup Rockers is a 2006 version of Larry Clarks KIDS, this time not as harsh and with a sense of humor. But what do I Know? When KIDS came out I was the same age as the kids in the movie. The story was told so well that I was freaked out for weeks trying to picture all the girls I had been with, who they had been with, and who they had been with. Ten years later I'm older, but Clark's cast seams the same age. Only this time around we are not in New York, Florida, or Ohio, but on the West Coast with a story line that will still draw you in. Especially if you can appreciate the the attitude and style that can only come from a group of aggressive young Skaters. And that's Skate Boarders, not to me mistaken as Roller Skaters or Others. These skaters skated with style, and dressed with style. Wassup Rockers is a casually observed road movie that sees a group of 13 to 16-year-old Latino boys from South Central as they venture into the precarious terrain of Beverly Hills.

It starts out teasing you into thinking its Clark in full on sleaze mode with the camera voyeuristically pouring over the bare chest of 14 year old protagonist, Jonathan who is the leader of the pack. Then Clark sets-up a series of near-verite scenes in which Clark helps us get to know his likable cast, the movie casually picks up significance as it develops into a full-fledged adventure. Too informal to be a true coming of-age, this plot moves forward with an active disregard of consequence, grounding its come-what-may attitude in its central characters. Murders and deflowerings are treated with the same nonchalance as his other movies. The wildly exaggerated behavior of the characters in Beverly Hills suggest that were getting a skewed perspective, but perhaps its because the movie so well captures the teens point of view that its so fun to watch. The movie comes out in late June 2006. You may be able to catch it at a local Film Festival sooner. Check your sources and and see. If you can't view it any earlier, Wassup Rockers is a must see for June. Dont forget your Mike and Ikes

Check out movie trailer