Netflix Review: "The FP"

"The FP" is an absurd genre parody written and directed by the Trost Brothers. It is a profane send up of post-apocalyptic thrillers and street gang films such as "The Warriors". In the not too distant future, two gangs are fighting for control of an area know as Frazier Park. They do battle over a deadly dance video game named "Beat Beat Revelation". When we first come upon the gangs, the leaders, BTRO and L Dubba E, are in the process of preparing for a dance battle. One that ends with BTRO's death. BTRO's younger brother, and fellow gang member, witnesses his death, and swears off "Beat Beat" for good. That is until L Dubba E's gang let's The FP go to waste by controlling the distribution of alcohol, and letting the drunks turn to meth addicts, or worse. It is now up to JTRO, with the help of a couple of friends, to train to take down the oppressive rule of L Dubba E.

I would like to start by syaing that this plot summary is not a joke. The Trost Brothers have created a parody, parading as a serious drama, that may be one of the silliest, most over-the-top comedies of the past few years. It may not be as good as recent soon-to-be cult films, like "Attack the Block", but it certainly leaves its mark. Jason Trost, pulling triple duty as co-writer, co-director, and the film's lead, JTRO, carries the film with an almost quiet stoicism, like a Clint Eastwood anti-hero. He seems almost immune to the insanity that is happening all around him. While on the opposite end, the film's villain, L Dubba E, is played with tremendously profane gusto by Lee Valmassy. Clad with his mohawk, fu manchu, and ornate grill, he is a shit-talking loudmouth, who runs The FP like his personal playground.

Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished

The supporting cast is every bit as good as the lead, Art Hsu as the hyperactive KCDC, Caker Folley as JTRO love interest Stacy, and a brilliant cameo from long time character actor, Sean Whalen, as Stacy's father, being bright spots among them. I must say that this script is a little loose, and sometimes all over the place, and makes some scenes a little rough around the edges. However, Brandon Trost's cinematography is so top notch, that it's never hard on the eyes. All around, this isn't a bad film, but it has a lot of flaws that, even as independent parody, keep it from reaching a higher standard as a cult classic. It's too good to be "so-good-it's-bad" and not good enough for anyone to say, "This is so good I can't believe I didn't see this sooner".

Grade: B-
RT: 82 min
Rating: R for pervasive language, sexual content, some nudity and brief drug material