Movie Review: Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

Throughout the 1990’s, A Tribe Called Quest established themselves as one of the most influential (if not biggest selling) rap groups ever.  They released a trio of classic albums that went a long way in shaping a non-stereotypical identity for Rap music.  Creative differences between members Q-Tip and Phife Dog would eventually tear the group apart as the latter’s struggle with diabetes exacted a hefty toll on his personal and professional life.  With Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, director and lifelong fan Michael Rapaport documents the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of four brothers travelling along a musical path.

Movie Trailer: Batman: Year One (Animated)

It seems that no modern adaptation of Batman will be able to escape the shadow of Frank Millers take on the character.  The animated series, as well as the films of Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan, all have taken some level of inspiration from Millers seminal graphic novels.  That influence has also yielded much fallout, as the pretentious ‘grim and gritty’ era of superhero storytelling was largely ushered in by Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.  Still, the visceral appeal of Frank Miller’s Dark Knight cannot be denied.  Interestingly, there was never been a literal adaptation of either Dark Knight or Year One.  Batman Begins is perhaps the closest that the live action films will ever come.  Now, the DCAU will be the first platform outside of comics to bring the Frank Miller’s vision of the caped crusader to glorious life.