Follows a washed-up musician who jumps at the chance to capitalize on his long-lost son’s stardom for his own renaissance but learns that fatherhood is much more than stardom.
Chuck says:
A primer to K-pop music and a loving tribute to American rhythm and blues, Anderson Paak’s “K’-Pops!” was born out of his son’s passion for the South Korean music that’s become a global sensation. During the Covid lockdown, the Emmy-winning producer was schooled by his son, Soul on all things K-Pop. Fascinated, he realized that through this he would be able to teach the young man about his own musical heritage, drawing connections between BTS and Earth, Wind and Fire among others. These teachable moments eventually prompted Paak to imagine a fictional version of their story, this surprisingly entertaining movie, being the result.
Paak is BJ, a drummer who’s his own number one fan. Passionate about his music, he’s been laboring at a Los Angeles bar for over a decade, getting nowhere in his pursuit of stardom and, more importantly, validation. Down to his last dime, he allows his friend Cash (Jonnie Park) to set him up with a lucrative gig. The problem is, it’s in South Korea on a music competition show called “Wildcard.” Out of options, the disgruntled drummer takes the job and heads east.
Though it takes him a bit to find his footing in the new culture, the percussionist soon comes to appreciate the talent of those he’s backing up on stage. 16 young singers and dancers are vying to be named the winner of this annual contest, which captivates the country each year. Among the hopefuls is Tae Young (Soul Rasheed), an affable young man who may not have the slick moves of his main competition, Kang (Kevin Woo), but has a passion BJ recognizes. Soon, the veteran takes him under his wing in an effort to guide him to the winner’s circle.
Paak is a surprisingly charismatic actor, charming us despite his character’s initial immature appearance. There’s a mischievous side to him that proves winning, his smile melting away any misgivings one might have about his intentions. His musical chops are also to be reckoned with, his prowess on the drums as well as in musical arrangement producing catchy and seductive tunes throughout. His son Rasheed is equally engaging, the rapport the parent and child display on screen genuine and winning.
Their relationship as well as the cast of broadly rendered characters breathe life into the film’s trite premise, making for a movie that’s more entertaining than it has a right to be. Jee Young Han brings fire and heart to the role of Tae’s mother Yeji, while comedian Cathy Shim’s outlandish show host Diamond manages to get laughs each time she has to put BJ in his place. Park is equally effective as our hero’s older friend who has eyes for his mother Brenda (Yvette Nicole Brown), their comic passion for each other a great counterpoint to BJ’s disgust at the situation.
For newcomers to the K-Pop phenomenon, like yours truly, the film is an eye-opening introduction. While BJ hones Tae’s song and dance skills, he breaks down the various components of K-Pop, which is more complex than appearances would indicate. Each member in a group has a distinctive persona, while the meticulous nature of the choreography and writing of the songs is impressive. The energy brought to the stage by these young performers is infectious, while the songs, many driven by an over-produced synth beat, are nearly impossible to resist.
While the music in the film may seem like the focus, it’s the relationship that develops between BJ, Tae and Yeji that provides the film with heart and makes it worthwhile. Paak wisely doesn’t overplay these moments, he and his cast bring a sincerity to these scenes that proves surprisingly effective. As a result, “K-Pops” winds up being a pleasant surprise, an unassuming movie that succeeds on its own terms.
3 Stars
