SnoopyStyle
Russell Walker (Blair Underwood) runs Krush Groove Records with acts like Run-D.M.C. led by his brother, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow. He runs into money trouble when his small label cannot cope and the acts run off to join rival Galaxy Records. Russell pursues Sheila E. romantically. The nominal leads for the movie are The Fat Boys. It also features Beastie Boys, New Edition, and a young LL Cool J.This is suppose to be the story about the founding of Def Jam Recordings and Russell Simmons. The plot is a bit messy. It also relies on these real rap acts doing the acting. That part is a mixed bag. The Fat Boys are pretty charismatic as their fun selves. This is not really compelling as a story but great for its nostalgia factor.
dutchbeats
I put off seeing this back in the day since it was kind of corny and I was into the 'real' hip-hip of the times. I am so glad I finally had the chance to see it though...Rap, Hip-Hop, whatever you want to call it, this is a great piece for the culture in general and probably an awful amount of fun for those that were there to make it. Definitely Def! P.S. - Recommended accompanied viewing is the 1986 Dutch rap documentary called Big Fun in the Big Town which can be seen on Google video for free. This shows interviews with Russell Simmons, Run DMC and LL Cool J, offering further insight into the story behind Krush Groove(there's other great stuff in there as well but I won't give it away).
mailsean
A lot of good review comments, so I'll just add. This movie could well be classed a historical in some respects, and is actually shown in some colleges as part of curriculum. It is based on the true and personal story of Run DMC, The Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, Sheila E, and others breaking out rap music for the first time to the mainstream audiences against convention and against those who would view rap as non-music and a fad. It showcases the music as a true underground phenomena; fun, creative, positive, and energetic; embraced by urban youth eager to rebel. Poor, fat, whatever, just being yourself for a change was enough for you to make a go of it and be successful. There are 12 musical productions in the film and some showstopper performances by Sheila E (coached by Prince for this film) especially. This movie was based on real events and the roles played by the people themselves who lived them. In that sense it may not have a Hollywood calibre cast and complicated plot, but that wasn't the point of this film. This film was meant to showcase the struggles of a music, the struggles of artists in an emerging genre, and show people where it was at in 1985. It did just that, capturing the heart and soul of hip-hop, where it all is rooted, free from excessive profanity, free from guns and gangsterism; just go out and have fun, stand tall, express yourself, forget the nay-sayers, and throw down the creativity. And the rest is history.
app354
"Krush Groove" features some great performances by Run DMC (including their classic "King of Rock"), the Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, the Beastie Boys, New Edition, and a very young LL Cool J. Unfortunately, without any real plot or characterization, that's all the film really has. If you like hip-hop circa 1985, "Krush Groove" is worth watching; it you don't, then skip it.
AD
