Make Some Noise for this Beastie Boys doc!

You remember that article I wrote a few weeks ago about Spike Jonze’s directed films (“Being John Malkovich,” “Adaptation,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Her”)? Well, I wrote that to warm us up for his next feature, a documentary called “Beastie Boys Story.” And by the way, he previously directed some of their music videos like “Sabotage and “Sure Shot.” 

“Beastie Boys Story” is one of the most versatile documentaries I’ve seen this year or any year, because it isn’t all glamorous or mean-spirited. It cares about its members and their songs; and it provides the basis they deserve on where they came from, where they went, and how they have a major impact on fans in any generation.

This isn’t your standard documentary; it plays like a concert movie without the rapping, but as an audience lecture and fan event. Since Adam Yauch (MCA) passed away in 2012, the remaining members Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) are the ones who give the audience an education of their lives and adventures before and during their years as the Beastie Boys.

I’m a Beastie Boys fan, who admires their combination of rock and hip-hop, as well as their bouncing and dangerous lyrics. My all-time favorite song would be “Intergalactic,” which has a robotic beat, and keeps me moving. And I also listen to “Sabotage,” “Sure Shot,” “Make Some Noise,” “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” “Brass Monkey,” and “Body Movin’.” I know this review is not about me, but I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the band, and it’s valid.

In their narrative, they tell us how as high school kids in the 1980s, they became so inspired by Run DMC and the hip-hop world, that they’re will to show their act for a record deal. Despite being in a time when this genre was not that popular, they still weren’t going to let them tell them otherwise. Then, as MTV kicked in, rap managed to find a home with music lovers, and these guys joined the club.

They also explain how their hit songs came to be, and the music videos they’ve produced for them. For example: before “Sabotage” came to be, the members wanted a picture of them dressing up like undercover cops. Instead, they would make a music video out of it.

“Beastie Boys Story” has got enough beats and inspiration to keep fans glued to their computer or TV screen, depending on how they stream this movie. AppleTV+ is the distributor and streaming service that has it, for the record. You’re able to hear almost all your favorite songs, and you also acknowledge their meanings and styles.

It’s a shame that Adam Yauch passed away, but it’s still refreshing to see Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond reflect on their lives and struggles with a retro sense of charisma and humor. They’re both willing to tell all this to their fans, and they both pay their respects for MCA. Jonze delivers the goods by letting these guys express themselves. And I’m ecstatic that we get to see their “Intergalactic” music video during the end credits.

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Available for Streaming on AppleTV

Categories: Documentary, Music