On the Come Up
On the Come Up

Movie spotlight

On the Come Up

2022
Movie
115 min
English

Sixteen-year-old Brianna Jackson is a gifted rapper who plans to take the battle rap scene by storm to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip-hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. However, when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this far and the false persona that the industry wants to impose on her.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes79%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users84%
Director: Sanaa LathanGenres: Drama, Music

Plot Summary

Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be a rapper, but her dreams of stardom are put on hold when her family faces eviction. To save their home, she has to win a rap battle, but doing so means sacrificing her authenticity and potentially going viral for all the wrong reasons. As she navigates the pressures of the music industry, Bri must also confront her father's legacy as a hip-hop legend.

Critical Reception

On the Come Up received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, music, and exploration of themes relevant to young Black artists. While some noted familiar plot points, the film was lauded for its heart and its authentic portrayal of the hip-hop world and the challenges faced by aspiring musicians.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant soundtrack and compelling musical performances.

  • Applauded for its heartfelt portrayal of a young artist's struggle and ambition.

  • Acknowledged for tackling relevant themes of authenticity, family, and legacy within the hip-hop culture.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed 'On the Come Up,' appreciating its inspiring story about a young rapper's journey and its strong musical elements. Many viewers connected with the protagonist's determination and the film's authentic depiction of the hip-hop scene. Some noted that while the plot had predictable moments, the overall message and performances were highly engaging.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the New York Times bestselling young adult novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, who also wrote 'The Hate U Give'.

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