VS. (2018) Reviews

• For all its impressive rap-battles, the film makes it clear that the real battle is inside; when it comes out, it's incredibly compelling.

  Pjtaylor-96-1380442018-10-20

  'VS. (2018)' is a compelling and, at times, emotionally resonant film that focuses on a troubled teenager (played by a guy who doesn't even come close to passing for seventeen) who, after being bounced around from foster home to foster home, finally finds an outlet for his inner anger when he stumbles upon the Southend rap-battle scene. It's an engaging and enjoyable time throughout, one that's brought to life with confident - if ever-so-slightly unremarkable - filmmaking and is based on an assured, effective screenplay. The acting is surprisingly good across the board, especially from the lead (who makes his feature debut), as it feels totally naturalistic and adds to the piece's realist aesthetic. It also bolsters the subtle and generally excellent character-work - which is what really drives the feature. The focus on character even runs through the flick's lyrically-accomplished and occasionally challenging battle sequences, which ultimately show an excellent understanding of the culture and even aim to dismantle some of its most toxic of tropes. While these sequences are the loudest and most energetic, they're rarely matched by the sheer power of the picture's quieter moments - a fine feat, indeed. When the two worlds collide in the impressive - if slightly convenient - finale, you'd be hard-pressed not to get a smile on your face. 7/10

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• Mediocre.

  Sherif_Ali12019-02-09

  Don't pay to watch it but if you find it on tv watch it , the acting is kind of good not perfect not terrible good , some very good rap battles , overall not bad not good ( Mediocre ).

• Taken by Suprise

  raymie-084642019-04-16

  I never knew this was out and I do like a bit of battle rap now and again but was so moved by the story and the performance it has inspired me to review this (which is something i never normally do). But all I can say is wow I was glued to the monitor watching it, I paid £3.5 rent it on google play and it was money well spent, for a small film it did really well. Highly recommend watching it even if you do not like battle rap.

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• Impressive real life story, with great idea of combating hatred that seems to live in us

  unitywithin2019-02-07

  Rap is poetry, this movie showed battle rapping and its hatred, showed more about our speech as humans and how impactful words can be. Simple, yet very real life story of young man who finds its way through expressing himself and win because of his creativity. It shows the british battle rap scene in its unique essence, and gives the young generation true message, that life is not about the hate u give and that you achieve only great suffering by blaming others.

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• Don't waste your time!!

  scassell-423002019-02-07

  Do not waste your time watching this movie. Rap is stupid and is not something that should be idolized in our culture.