Worth: $14.50
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Lil Nas X, Saul Levitz, Adam Leber, Madonna
Intro:
… somewhat patchy and has a promotional edge, but it has more than enough going for it to take it beyond ‘fans-only’ offering.
This film about rapper/hip-hopper Montero Lamar Hill – better known as Lil Nas X – may feel more like a music company promo than a documentary, yet it’s an enjoyable ride following his American tour and going behind-the-scenes to see the rehearsals, the wigs, and Madonna, who meets with Lil Nas X backstage. She’s barely recognisable.
Lil Nas X is a gay black man with a message – like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, he has forged a deep connection with his fanbase. He’s able to reach people on a personal level through being open about his own emotional life. Here, he talks here about coming out and his discomfort around his father, who is nevertheless accepting and very much the proud dad dancing backstage.
The artist’s attitude is life affirming, and he speaks of a fuzzy kind of non-denominational spirituality – another thread in this documentary. His words appeal to people who like to use terms like ‘authentic self’ (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
He’s described as a rap artist, but there’s a strong influence of contemporary pop, laced within steady grooves. He delivers vibrant, choreographed performances with a team of dancers – it’s pink and camp, but it’s a brand of camp that often has little irony. And it works. He takes camp to another place.
Sometimes, music docs can be short on music, but the songs have plenty of air time here, and the concerts are spectacular – definitely the strongest parts of the film. The off-stage scenes could have used trimming, but Lil Nas X is engaging and likeable.
He’s also interesting – musically and as a person. The rap scene isn’t gay-friendly, and it was a gutsy move coming out of the closet. Musically, he goes against expectations. He flirts with country, and formed an unlikely duo with Billy Ray Cyrus to produce a remix of the hypnotic ‘Old Town Road’, which he performs here (sans Cyrus), with the giant video background showing horses and later a cityscape.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is somewhat patchy and has a promotional edge, but it has more than enough going for it to take it beyond ‘fans-only’ offering.
