“Sorry to Bother You,” but if you aren’t paying attention to Boots Riley, you’re missing one of the most original voices working today. With just two features, he’s carved out a lane that recalls early Charlie Kaufman with a shot of Spike Lee, yet sounds like no one but himself. His latest, I LOVE BOOSTERS, is a slapstick comedy that rewards you for checking your brain at the door and surrendering to the absurd ride.
The clear star is Riley’s audacious writing and direction, but the film sings because every supporting piece pulls its weight.
- Tune-Yards: I’m new to this group, but their early-Danny Elfman-inspired songs propel the slapstick action forward in a way that reminded me of PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE.
- Keke Palmer: She’s good. So good. Her pent-up rage is sheer perfection, balancing the supporting cast with highlights from Will Poulter, LaKeith Stanfield, Poppy Liu, and Demi Moore.
- Style: Miniatures, documentary, cinematic, stop-motion animation, and more. You name it, and this film has it. And somehow, it all works.
Final Thought: I’d love to see Boots Riley get a boost and more people see his movies. I LOVE BOOSTERS is a wild popcorn film with deep universal themes that’s easy to like and hard to ignore.
It’s available in theaters now.
