Banger

There is an obvious split in the reviews of this movie and its clear to see why. The people who voted this down were either expecting something else, or they dont like being laughed at.

Banger is a comedy/police movie in which Cassel plays a middle aged DJ who was at the top of pecking order but is now relegated to a warm up DJ for artists who were "inspired" by him. The local police realise his position and give him the opportunity to get one over on a younger DJ, in order to get him back on top. But this comes at the cost of risking his and his daughters safety.

What Banger gets right is the superficial and laugh out loud DJ/Producer culture. All the way down to the use of Ableton and the hardware synths in the studio, to the back to back DJ sets. In short this movie will hit the spot if you are an actual DJ/Producer, but maybe less so if you are the one on the dancefloor. The comedy also works well, maybe too well as it openly mocks the scene. Hence the butthurt reviews. I laughed more in this than in other movies billed as comedies. It has a high production value and has a great cast. But the cameos of the French artists were lost on me. If you are into the French scene then that will no doubt be another bonus. This was an easy watch and had no obvious political agendas being screamed at you. My only negative was the score which wasn't my kind of electronica, but I am sure it will be for others. Finally an electronic music movie that gets the details right and isn't trying to suggest its an ultra dark scene that will leave you dead from drugs (Beat) or is childish like Kevin and Perry. Worth seeking out.

A few good laughs for sure and it humorously shows how superficial and ridiculously up its own back end that the dance music (and fashion) scene is. Most of the music wasnt my thing but it did work well with the film so I give it credit for that. There are shades of It's All Gone Pete Tong here where a washed up DJ, played by Vincent Cassell, is living off past glories but he won't accept that his time has now gone, then he gets recruited by the police to go undercover to bust a criminal drugs ring which puts him back in the limelight. Probably wouldn't watch it again but it is worth a look, particularly if you were once part of the scene but those greying hairs allow you now to see it all for what it was/is.

I started watching this movie because I noticed 2ManyDJs were credited with the music (remembering the Soulwax "Belgica"soundtrack), and saw that Justice and a few other well-known artists made appearances as extras. That definitely caught my attention and raised the expectations. Visually, the film has some stylish moments, and the music adds a nice touch, but overall it falls a bit flat. The storyline feels underdeveloped, and the humor is too shallow to leave a lasting impression. Compared to other films in the electronic music scene, like Berlin Calling, this one just doesn't quite hit the same mark. It's watchable, but not particularly memorable.

Let me start to say that I really wanted to like this movie.

I love Vincent Cassel, he is a brilliant actor and pretty easy on the eyes.

Vincent Cassel plays the part of a dj who's been replaced by a younger generation, and therefore is desperate to stay relevant. Apart from the apparent ageism, this movie is just full of cliches. The so called underground drug scene, eastern European dealers who supposedly have a face off with knifes to guess old school EDM tracks. This particular scene reminded me of the video clip Beat it from Michael Jackson, the play fighting was equally lame. The plot is so flimsy and unbelievable. The soundtrack sounds hollow and clearly edited in post-production. What was even the budget for this thing?

I don't know if this movie is supposed to be satire or a parody, or if Vincent Cassel was in desperate need of a paycheck, but any person who is a long time techno lover or raver and has any knowledge of the party scene will think this movie is a waste of time.

"Banger" is a delightful French comedy that masterfully blends humor, music, and a touch of espionage. Directed by So Me (Bertrand de Langeron), renowned for his vibrant visual style, the film offers a fresh and energetic take on the electronic music scene.

Vincent Cassel shines as Scorpex, a once-celebrated DJ grappling with his fading fame. His portrayal is both comedic and heartfelt, capturing the nuances of a man desperate to reclaim his spot in the limelight. The chemistry between Cassel and Laura Felpin, who plays the quirky DGSI agent Rose, adds depth and charm to the narrative. Mister V's depiction of Vestax, the ambitious young rival, is equally commendable, bringing a modern flair to the story.

The film's soundtrack is a standout feature, pulsating with electrifying beats that immerse viewers in the world of electronic dance music. Cameos from notable figures like Kavinsky further enrich the authenticity of the musical landscape portrayed. So Me's transition from music videos to feature filmmaking is seamless, with "Banger" showcasing his knack for dynamic pacing and visually arresting sequences.

Beyond the laughs and catchy tunes, "Banger" offers a witty commentary on the challenges of staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry. It humorously explores the clash between the old guard and the new wave, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In summary, "Banger" is a must-watch for those seeking a fun, music-infused comedy with standout performances and a captivating storyline.