The After Party

The After Party is an urban comedy of age, music, dreams, and friendship, directed by Ian Edelman, the man behind "How to Make it in America". The film was released in 2018 by Netflix and stars Harrison Holzer, rapper-actor Kyle Harvey (popularly known as Kyle), and Jordan Rock. Other celebrity cameos include some famous names from the music scene such as Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, DJ Khaled, and many more.

The film revolves around the lives of two friends, Jeff (Harrison Holzer) and Owen (Kyle), passionate for music and obsessed with the idea of making it big in the hip-hop universe. The film is set against the vivid and noisy backdrop of New York City, where dreams are as enormous as the sky-scrapers. The storyline intertwines elements of a classic buddy-caper with a blessed soundtrack filled with contagious beats and solid hip-hop music which adds to the contemporary vibe of the film.

Holzer is a fine-actor, playing Jeff, an upcoming music manager, who could not make it to college and instead decides to heavily invest in the musical talents of his childhood best friend Owen, who is played really well by Kyle. Owen, an inspiring rapper, suffers from a disability known as seizure triggered by bright lights, struggles to make a name for him in the hip-hop world.

The title of the movie, "The After Party", is more than just a title - it sets the stage for the crux of the story. As the duo grapple with the struggles and setbacks of the hip-hop industry, Jeff's never dying spirit zeroes in on his plan. He believes the key to Owen's success lies in getting him to perform at an after-party, a place filled with influential people who could possibly pave the way for their dreams.

Jordan Rock plays the character of Bernard, another aspiring rapper who's been working hard to shine in the music industry. His arc in the film further emphasizes the ambitious struggle of artists trying to break into the world of fame. The film effectively explores the world of rap and hip-hop, showcasing aspects of struggle, competition, desperation, and achievement embedded in this culture.

Characters are well developed and the dynamics between them are skillfully explored, especially the friendship between Jeff and Owen. Their bond is tested numerous times throughout the film, and the emotional roller-coaster ride adds a layer to their personalities and life-history, making their relationship relatable and robust.

The humor in "The After Party" is raw, unique, and well-placed. The makers ensured to incorporate comic moments to balance the gravity of struggles and disappointments. The dialogues are clever, making the interactions among characters feel organic rather than forced or artificial.

Visual representation throughout the film maintains a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic spirit. It has a modern big city cinematography that works well for the film giving it an edge. The editing is sharp which is accompanied by a pumping soundtrack that resonates with the movie’s theme.

While the story can appear predictable to some, the film does a solid job in portraying the difficulty of breaking into the music industry. Plus, the inclusion of cameos by famous rappers and hip-hop artists offers a degree of authenticity to the narrative. Fans of this genre of music will find plenty of relatable elements and can enjoy the soundtracks used throughout the film.

In conclusion, The After Party is an impressive presentation of the struggles, dreams, reality, and competitiveness of the hip-hop world, seen through the lens of two childhood friends passionately chasing dreams of fame and recognition. While the film is comedy-driven, the narrative showcases serious themes and the harsh reality of the industry. The performances are convincing, the cinematography is immersive, and the music, most importantly, is the heart and soul of the film. It's a must-watch for those who enjoy musical journeys with a touch of comedy and a lot of heart.