The Beat (1988) User Reviews

Proof that any nimrod can write bad poetry

[Jtalledo · 5/10 · 2 May 2000]

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.

No real beat in this ho hum failing

[videorama-759-859391 · 5/10 · 6 November 2014]

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.

Was it really that bad?

[oscar-nawel · 13 December 2005]

Along with the other comment here, I've heard another bad comment on this movie -from a member of the rock band featured in the film. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion.

My problem is that I have a more or less good memory of that movie. I mean, I remember that I was very interested in it, I thought it was a good movie and spend years trying to find out some more about it.

Well, I was a kid when I saw it and that may have something to do with my positive evaluation of the film. Plus, the Cro Mags played there and that is definitively a plus! Anyway, I wouldn't go so far as to recommend it, but if you find it some late night in some cable station, give it a try. I want to see it again myself and see if I'm so wrong.

This Movie was not that bad. It was pretty good.

[galatians221 · 7/10 · 13 January 2007]

The Beat was an exciting movie about a couple of young punks trying to survive in 1980's New York. This involves fighting with the other street gang that they directly share a high school class with, trying to stay in school, as well as going to local shows that involve bands that look like the Dead Kennedy's and have the name Skulls for their band name. Rex (played by David Jacobson) Plays an autistic kid who starts to get a long with all of these kinds, and starts to show them that poetry is really beautiful, and if applied to what these kids do in life can really make things work out for the better! Billy Kane (Played by William McNamara) and Kate Kane (played by Kara Glover) are brother and sister. Although they roll with this crowd of thugs, these kids are not the same type of people as this group. They care for Rex and they care for others, and really show an enlightened side of themselves. While his sister sleeps with the head of the Gang, she is also falling in love with Rex, trying to show him that she is not a slut. But in the end, the teachers at the school finally get to him and want to put him in a mental institution, he finally feels it is time to end his life, while Animals of Sound played without him. But they like to think that he is not dead, he is just living his life to the fullest, riding sharks and being happy living in the ocean. This movie, was one of those movies where I was glad that I watched it. While it was extremely entertaining, it also had a big message to it. Something a long the lines that these kids had no direction, no future, no figure heads to look up to, but because a troubled kid came along they all realized that there was way more important things to life then fighting the local black kids, or being destructive to everything. Rex showed them the beauty in angry music. Rex showed them the beauty in Rats, Disease and Murder. Rex showed they the beauty in almost everything, while some of those things have no beauty involved, they still were able to see that when used in poems, these poems speak to people. Rex played an important part in this move, who changed everyones heart from depression, to see that there is hope for them, and thats why he started to show them; The Beat.

It sticks in my mind as a good art movie

[benwyss · 7/10 · 15 June 2005]

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.

silly film? yes. entertaining film you must see? DEFINITELY!

[stevek69 · 10/10 · 9 April 2003]

"... the beat is too strong ... we're deaf mutants now--like them", Rex Voorhas Ormine

I am surprised that this movie has been uniformly bashed. Let me be the first to actually discuss the virtues of "The Beat" and why YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM NOW.

Make no mistake, this movie is cheesy and "bad" in the conventional sense: the story is preposterous, the poetry is silly, and the acting is inconsistent.

But these are the film's CHARMS--all of these ingredients form the recipe for one of the most UNDERAPPRECIATED CHEEZY FILMS of the 80's.

If the reference to "deaf mutants" didn't pique your interest, then perhaps this will: What kind of name is "Rex Voorhas Ormine", anyway? It is such an unusual name (for North American audiences) that I said to myself, "even the names of the characters in this friggin' movie are firggin' silly."

Well, "The Beat" is so fabulously cheezy that the "meaning" and "symbolism" behind "Rex Voorhas Ormine" is revealed not-too-subtly by Bart Waxman (the misguided guidance counselor you love to hate). I won't spoil the revelation behind Rex's name, but please don't get too excited, O.K.?

Overall, the acting is inconsistent (John Savage--who plays the "concerned teacher" Mr. Ellsworth is pretty good, as is the fellow playing Bart Waxman, but the rest of the cast are unconvincing). That said, the acting does NOT detract from the film. Why? There is a SINCERITY in each of the actors' performances that makes the characters they play endearing. So although the performances may suck, you are still left with the impression that the actors are really trying to do their best. As a result, the actors' sincerity succeeds where their acting fails (which is quite often).

The homage to "beat poetry" in this film is bad, bad, bad. But this is a good, good, good thing when it comes to entertainment. Would you actually enjoy "better quality" or "more respectable" poetry--especially in a film like this?

Folks, that would be BORING (think about the droll they made us read in high school--sanitized to avoid "corrupting the youth", politically conservative and devoid of any critical analysis, etc.) Even if you don't like poetry or "arty" movies (with all of the "intellectual" posturing that implies), you most certainly can (and should) appreciate LUDICROUS POETRY in a WANNABE ART FILM!!!! How could you not enjoy the following?

"do you remember the roar of the dinosaur? a woman's scotty craps on the floor bad scotty bad, oh the woman's so sad she washes her hands and then waits by the door today, yeah--today!"

Yes, that is an example of some of the remarkable poetry liberally sprinkled throughout "The Beat." But what about the story, you ask?

Well, the story is preposterous. But then again, that is the beauty of this film. Apart from some cliches, stereotypes, and predictable plot points, there are enough genuinely unique elements to the plot/story to keep things interesting. Who is Rex? Where did he come from? What the heck is he talking about? Deaf mutants? Illiterate angels? Do Billy and Kate REALLY understand what Rex is saying? Is the audience supposed to understand Rex and his poetry posse? (I've seen the movie several times and I still haven't figured everything out.)

Will bad poetry and high school talent shows really END GANG VIOLENCE?

I guarantee that you have never seen anything quite like "The Beat"--a perfect combination of brilliantly bad poetry, mediocre-yet-sincere acting, and a "mythopoetics conquers gang violence" storyline that has YET TO BE RIVALLED BY ANY FILM EVER MADE.

Bonus for fans of classic NYC hardcore: The Cro-Mags make a rare film appearance as the "Iron Skulls" and it's a hoot to see them perform several songs. I wish they included more concert footage, but maybe that will be an "extra" included on the "collector's edition" DVD I fantasize about.

My Favorite film

[Hyzenthlay-Foresight · 10/10 · 8 March 2007]

I think it's the sort of film you either love or hate and I'm really not the type to go in for arty movies. My mother rented "mullhuland DR" the other night and I nearly ran from the room, ha. But I love this film.

We recorded "The Beat" one night when we had just let the tape run and got a great film that way by accident. Saved that tape and watched it a lot. I eventually got the VHS to add to my collection. I've watched it many times and at one point copied down the poems. I even tried to preform one scene for my high school drama class. She had said we could do any scene we wanted and just cut out the bad words. She refused to let me do it. If it could upset my drama teacher that much it has to be good :) Honest she never treated me the same after that.

I liked the acting it came off very true and honest. It wasn't clean and polished but it was better than that. It was true to life, how anyone would truly behave and display emotions not how Hollywood does. It was great acting especially by the one playing Rex.

The story was original. Not only do the characters get drawn into his world but you do too. Not your typical person meets inner city kids and saves them through knowledge film at all. Simply caring and friendship make things a bit better.

The only thing is that even in the 80's there was more gun violence and less simple stuff like rock throwing but that little bit of innocence didn't hurt this film.

I think it's a must see. you will either love or hate it but either way it makes an impact and that makes a good film that you will remember and talk about later.

Lami Laki Sama (whatever the hell that means...)

[profundity_loaf · 10/10 · 16 September 2003]

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

A cool trippy Movie for Street kids of the 80's.

[mcsturm2001 · 10/10 · 10 August 2003]

This is a classic street punk & rock movie. If you remember those times out on the city streets 14 years old two in the morning and nothing better to do than skate from friends house to friends house and sparking it. This movie brings back old memeries.

Fatures the Cro-Mags..fair enough

[rtrn2hvn · 30 March 2001]

THE BEAT..pretty beat, in fact. Nice to see New York Hardcore legends The Cro-Mags, though. Lots of NYHC superstars in there, too(rich Krackdown, Sammy/Porcell, Richie Underdog, etc.). if you're into punk or hardcore music, this is worth a look for the live show stuff, but not much else going on.

The beat... The Beast...

[yusufpiskin · 8/10 · 17 September 2023]

American Drama film directed by Paul Mones, which was released in the USA after the Cannes Film Festival preview in 1988.

Featuring names such as William McNamara and John Savage, the production is one of the best films with the theme of "a teacher enters the classroom and everything changes".

By the way, the movie is William McNamara's first movie.

The beat's tempo and language are difficult to capture even today. The film, which was ignored even in 1988, is one of the most underrated examples of American independent cinema.

The expression of the students' situation through poetry fits the composition perfectly. The description of the students' situation through poetry fits the composition perfectly.

I watched this movie on Turkish state television channel TRT 3 after its release date. Years have passed and I miss you.

Bring on the pain!

[privers-175-527611 · 2 October 2011]

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!

Huh? What? Wait, hold on? What!?!?! But..... Huh?

[jesusofchicago · 7 July 2003]

Imagine taking a dictionary and switching every definition of every word, and then being forced to try and understand English. That's about as understandable as 'The Beat' was. Here's a quote: "I am the priestess."

Here's another one:

"Man, this sucks."

The second quote was from me, after watching this movie.

It's just about as cheesy as it can get. This is the 100% best contender for the 3AM 'Starlight Movies' showcase on the WB.

Dated, well-meaning failure

[lor_ · 20 April 2023]

My review was written in May 1987 after a Cannes Film Festival Market screening.

"The Beat", originally titled "Conjurer", is a fatuous treatment of the problems of ghetto youth in New York City, leaving no cliche unturned in its search for synthetic drama. Playing like a vulgarized tv movie of "Dungeons and Dragons", pic stands little chance of attracting a theatrical audience.

John Savage toplines (with many a meaningful gesture) as stereotyped sympathetic English teacher Mr. Ellsworth, trying to get through to his school-hating class in "Hellesbay", New York. The kids, underprivileged but nearly all white, belong to two warring street gangs, the Marathon Boulevard group including brother-sister team Billy & Kate Kane (William McNamara and Kara Glover).

Catalyst for the story is new kid in class, nerd Rex Voorhaus Ormine (David Jacobson overacting considerably), a disturbed youth who spouts insane poetry. Reviled by the kids at first, he eventually wins them over to his nutty philosophy and mind games, a variant upon "Dungeons and Dragons" in which he imagines he adult world already is dead via nuclear holocaust, with himself as the mythic hero Voorhaus, Billy as The Beggar and Kate as the Priestess/Princess ready to start a new civilization, chanting nonsense rhymes and marching to The Beat.

Since poetry is teach's pet project, soon the recalcitrant class is indulging in all sorts of idiotic self-expression and the leads form a musical group, Mutants of Sound, whose rap routine to The Beat brings the house down at the school talent show. Hounded by the nasty school shnrfink, Voorhaus barely escapes tghe men in tghe white coats coming to take him awayh, and commit suicide in the ocean insgtead. His pals believe he's gone off to a better place and carry on his nutty mysticism, presumably worshiping the coat he left behind.

With adult figures (particularly the shrink and school principal) portrayed as laughable caricatures, "The Beat" is one of those well-meaning films that sets up many a straw man to knock down. Writer-director Paul Mones uses Voorhaus as the mouthpiece for many inane explanations of young people's rebellious behavior, none of which ring true. Pic is as dated as its slam dancing centerpiece.

Coming off better than leads Savage and Jacobson are the brother-sister act, with McNamara sympathetic as a young Ricky Nelson type and Kara Glove's Wilhelmina model beauty shining out through the plain, feisty wrapping. Film's tech contributions are acceptable, but its misguided attempt at realism ends up looking smaller than life (particularly a scene at the siblings' home that looks like early Salvation Army).