Page 55 - january

ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIE REVIEWS
LOVE BEATS RHYME
8.5

Love beats Rhyme was a very pleasant find for me. I have to admit Rza has been very careful of
what films he attaches his name and music too. Whatever you may feel about Azealia Banks as a
rapper she does a great job as the lead of Coco in this film. We start the film off with Coco
representing her rap group in a battle Vs pleasant blast from the past Jin playing a rival rapper of
who she promptly annihilates in a very you got served reminiscent opening ambiance. It’s clear
from jump that there are very artistic differences between Coco and her male counterparts
especially Mahlik who she clearly has a complicated romantic relationship with as well. This starts
the film off with an already layered form of loyalty challenges with its characters which instantly
intrigues the audience. Coco’s mom and boss at the family business(restaurant) Michelle is played
hilariously and poignantly by Lorraine Toussaint. Michelle loves her daughter to success but her year

off of school to pursue music is already longer then apparently agreed on and she is insistent her
daughter finish her last semester of College after all the years of sacrifice her and her husband put
in to make that possible. So upon return her best friend Julie played with great edge and comedic
timing by Hana Mae Lee recommends a fun elective she figures will be right up Coco’s alley...poetry.
And this is where the heart of the story lies. It is an excellent look at the similarities and differences
between poetry and rap. What their relationship is and how one can drive, enhance, or even limit
the other. Along with that is an authentic love triangle which mirrors the emotion evoked by each
art form. With a strong supporting cast of complex and layered characters and a solid and nuanced
plot we rarely see love beats Rhyme is a great film with a little bit for everybody. The love triangle is
grounded and relatable with the excellent conflicting point of views played with swag and
masculinity by Mahlik(Washington) and Derek(Laviscount). The complex mentorship of Professor
Dixon(Jill Scott) and her sexy, expressive and provocative way she teaches and performs poetry
during her lecture room styled college course. To the slam poet vibe set in the Nuyerican Cafe with
the showcase hosted by Common who plays Coltrane. It is definitely a film that is an ode to true
linguistic artistry, but it is also accessible enough for audiences of any kind. I do think there could’ve
been stronger material on the rap side of things, but overall I consider this film an 8.5 out of 10
sleepers you definitely want to check out.