Feel the Noise (PG-13, 2007)

common sense media says

Iffy content, so-so story about wannabe rapper.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this drama about an aspiring rapper (which was executive produced by Jennifer Lopez) includes several scenes of brief violence that result in bloodied, bruised victims. Main character Rob is a typical "angry young man" who steals to support his hip-hop ambitions -- and to get back at his long-absent father. There's a brief scene of forced physical attention that feels a lot like attempted rape. Characters drink, smoke (both cigarettes and pot), dance suggestively, and wear revealing clothes. There's one sex scene with some naked backs and shoulders. Language includes one use of "f--k," plus other profanity. A couple of characters and song lyrics use the "N" word.

Positive messages: The movie's primary "message" is all good (the coming together of hip-hop and reggaeton cultures). But kids struggle with ambition and frustration, and the protagonist steals, fights, smokes pot, becomes involved in a shady record deal, and resents his long-absent father (though eventually they forgive each other).
Violence: Thugs carry and fire guns in a club, inspiring Rob's mother's decision to send him to Puerto Rico. C.C.'s ex (who lurks and glowers in all his scenes) approaches Rob, who pushes him to the ground. The ex attacks Marivi in the store, punching and kicking her (after two hits, he's kicking at her fallen form behind the counter, off-screen); in the hospital, she's bruised and bandaged. The Mayor's guys beat up the ex, brutally (though again, mostly off-screen). Jeffrey pushes up against C.C., insisting she kiss him; she pushes him and runs away, avoiding what feels like a rape attempt. Rob, hoping to reconcile with the ex's buddies, agrees to fight one of them; the fight is brief and underlines that Rob is tough.
Sex: Several club scenes show dancers wearing short skirts/shorts and cleavage-revealing tops, dancing suggestively (thrusting, hip-pumping); C.C. is one such dancer, and Jeffrey comments on her "moves." Javi and Rob hope to "get some" one night. Rob and C.C. kiss passionately a couple of times; a sex scene shows their nude shoulders and backs and passionate faces. Tanya shows some cleavage. Background girls wear bikinis (on beach) or skimpy clothing (in clubs).
Language: One use of "f--k," plus other mild, infrequent profanity, like "s--t," "hell," "damn," "ass," and "bitch." A couple of characters use the "N" word, and it's used in a soundtrack lyric.
Consumerism: Several shots of and a reference to Heineken beer; other products visible in a store (Coca-Cola); iPod, Vaio laptop.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Several characters smoke cigarettes and cigars; bar and club scenes show drinking (wine, liquor, champagne); Rob and Javi share a joint; C.C. is drunk when Jeffrey tries to have sex with her.

More on Feel the Noise

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why Rob does what he does. How does he get his parents' attention? Do you think his behavior would have the same consequences in real life? How is his anger/aggression different from that of other characters (like C.C.'s ex-boyfriend)? Is it ever OK to act out in anger? How does music -- and artistic collaboration -- help Rob overcome his anger?

What's the story?

What's the story?
FEEL THE NOISE follows the familial and professional struggles of wannabe rapper Rob (Omarion Grandberry), who gets into trouble and is shipped off to Puerto Rico to live with his long-absent father, Roberto (Giancarlo Esposito). Sulky Rob perks up when he meets Javi (Victor Rasuk), who offers marijuana, admiration, and entrée into the local reggaeton clubs. When Rob spots dancer C.C. (Zulay Henao) on stage he's smitten, but he's not the only one with designs on C.C. She has both a nasty ex-boyfriend and a new admirer, the plainly odious music producer Jeffrey (James McAffrey). When Jeffrey says he wants to introduce C.C. to "artists' agents," she believes him and convinces Rob and Javi to come with her to New York. What comes next is disappointment, betrayal, frustration, and miscommunication. Rob resents Roberto, grows jealous of Jeffrey, and can't quite figure out how to deal with C.C.'s ex-boyfriend. Lucky for him, a neighborhood dealer named "the Mayor" (Malik Yoba) takes up Rob's cause back in Puerto Rico, ensuring that the bad guy gets what he deserves and clearing the way for Rob's return to NYC. Now Rob gets to be both Rican and native, performing during the Puerto Rican Pride Parade, mixing reggaeton with hip-hop, and reuniting with both his estranged dad and his estranged girlfriend without having to do much work at all.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Conventional, corny, and self-serious, the film's predictable plot is overloaded with domestic melodrama, musical ambition, minor street thuggery, and—the cherry on the top--trite romance.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Alejandro Chomski
Cast: Giancarlo Esposito, Omarion Grandberry, Zulay Henao
Genre: Drama
Run time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release: October 5, 2007
DVD release: January 29, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sexual content, violence, some drug use, language and innuendos.
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This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

haitian dime
teen, 18 years old
 
I cried! I laughed
i cried i laughed, sumtimez it feels gud to laugh but when it cums 2 cry its an optional decision, wateva happens happens it doesnt matter i jus knw dat life goes on, nd it wuzn't meant 2 stick 2 one, life goes on nd on,so lets jus live wateva happen in life happen cuz its life[stuff happen].by mz.haitian dime 4 life.,

Basye
adult
 
I WALKED OUT
I work with mostly teenagers and mostly boys. I took three of them to see this film and walked out within 15 minutes. They were smoking pot and practically having sex on the dance floor and the scene just continued and continued. I felt very uncomfortable sitting there with 3 teenage boys watching this film.

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