The FP

Set in the dystopian future of Fraser Park (The FP for short), in Southern California the 2011 film, The FP, tells us a tale of gang rivalry, virtual reality, and dance off competitions. Directed by Brothers Jason and Brandon Trost and starring Jason Trost, Lee Valmassy, and Art Hsu, this action-comedy brings to its audiences an unconventional storyline wrapped up with flat-out humor and quirky characters.

The FP is an absurd but very entertaining spoof on post-apocalyptic gang dramas. The film's gritty aesthetics and its resemblance to the 80s style street gang films make the story uniquely engaging. Still, amidst all the chaos and ferociousness, at its core, The FP is a hilarious parody on the concept of turf wars. The idiosyncrasy of the plot primarily lies in its device of conflict resolution, a deadly dance-battle video game known as "Beat Beat Revelation," a clear nod to the real-life Dance Dance Revolution.

Jason Trost plays JTRO, the film's reluctant hero who has to rise from his self-imposed exile to save his town. After his brother BTRO (Brandon Barrera), the previous champion of Beat Beat Revelation, gets defeated and dies during a dance-battle, JTRO leaves it all behind. But with the rival gang leader L Dubba E (Lee Valmassy) taking control of The FP and stopping the alcohol supply, JTRO must return to confront him in the ultimate dance-off to save his hometown.

The film also features Art Hsu as KCDC, a charismatic, ever-confident hype man to JTRO. His unmatched energy and hilarious dialogue provide much comic relief in this uber-cool dystopian tragedy. Amidst this all-male rivalry, actress Caitlyn Folley as Stacy provides the female perspective and a romantic angle to the story. Her character gives viewers those brief moments of emotion amidst the raging dance rivalries.

The cinematography and visual effects employed in the movie enhance the narrative's eccentricity. The dark, neon-lit settings combined with the pulsating electronic music, transport us to an alternate reality that is as grim as it is funky. The dance sequences in particular are exceptionally shot, creating a sense of tension and excitement that keeps viewers glued to the edge of their seats.

The language used by the characters is also a unique aspect of the film. A futuristic slang heavily laden with urban slurs and F-bombs gives the dialogue a certain style that makes the film even more distinguishable. The wardrobe, too, is worth noting, with characters sporting outrageous, over-the-top outfits that seem to perfectly fit this outlandish dystopia.

Perhaps one of the standout aspects of The FP is its absolute commitment to its own absurdity. It celebrates its premise without shying away from the inherent silliness or attempting to imbue it with any undeserved significance. The movie beautifully marries intensity and silliness, and the result is a wonderfully original and enjoyable experience that is both intense and laugh-out-loud funny.

The FP isn't your conventional action-packed, post-apocalyptic drama, but that's what makes it so memorable. The storyline is simple, yet the presentation is undoubtedly unique. Through its off-beat humor, colorful characters, and intense dance off competitions, it keeps you invested till the end.

This film is a treat for the viewers who appreciate unconventional cinema and aren't shy of straying away from mainstream narratives. Its core strength lies in its weirdness. If you enjoy cult-classics, offbeat humor and unique storytelling methods, The FP can be a delightful experience. It's loud, it's crude, and it's absolutely entertaining. The film stands as a true testament to Jason and Brandon Trost's creative genius.

In the end, The FP is a fun-filled journey into an absurd, dystopian world dominated by street gangs and dance battles. Despite its bizarro setting and occasionally explicit language, the film boasts a surprisingly warm heart. It's a story of bravery, brotherhood, and redemption, all set to the beat of an electric dance-off. The FP is a truly unique cinematic experience that leaves a lingering afterthought long after the credits roll.