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Backstage
Generally unfavorable reviews
Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 3 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info
Genre(s): Documentary
Written by:
Directed by: Chris Fiore
Release Date:
Theatrical: September 8, 2000
DVD: February 13, 2001
Running Time: 86 minutes, Color
Origin: USA
Summary
RATING: R for strong language, nudity and drug content
Starring DJ Clue, DMX, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Method Man, Redman, Amil, and Memphis Bleek
This documentary offers an intimate view of what life is like backstage at one of the biggest Rap Concert tours of all time, the Hard Knock Life tour.
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
New York Post Jonathan Foreman
There are times when the urban dialect is so thick, you wish the film came with subtitles.
Mr. Showbiz Kevin Maynard
On the whole, this documentary is best-suited to hardcore fans.
New York Daily News Jami Bernard
While their often-unclothed bodies are visible, their faces are replaced with digital "buttons" saying things like "Your ad here."
Read Full Review >LA Weekly Nicole Campos
An entertaining trip, one for which fandom in the genre isn't necessarily a prerequisite, though it doubtlessly helps.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times Steve Hochman
It delivers the stars in unguarded moments that should give fans--if not everyone--some kicks.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Maitland McDonagh
Fiore captures various artists horsing around with groupies, smoking dope and hanging out backstage, and cuts the material together in the kinetic but meaningless manner of MTV promos.
Read Full Review >Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector
People frequently cover the camera lens with their hands or refer to the "documentary" being filmed, as if to assure us that what we're seeing is real.
Read Full Review >Film.com Ernest Hardy
If you're already a huge fan of any of these artists, this film will be a lovefest. For all others, it's a mild diversion at best.
Read Full Review >Variety Scott Foundas
Lacks sufficient appeal beyond niche aficionados of its featured performers.
Read Full Review >The New York Times A.O. Scott
Backstage isn't as good as the rap documentaries "Rhyme and Reason" and "The Show," but it still casts a keen, observant eye...on this world.
Read Full Review >San Francisco Examiner Wesley Morris
Mildly satisfying.
Washington Post David Segal
Mostly, these guys carry on like spoiled children, complaining, roughhousing and badgering women to strip naked.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 10.0 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Robin D. gave it a 10:
Dmx is the greatest rapper to ever live.
Doug N. gave it a 10:
Man, ive never seen backstage i went out bought the cd its off the hook memphis bleek can rap man.
Khalaa G. gave it a 10:
I truly enjoyed this movie. I feel as though it provided a real life insight as to what goes on "backstage," just as the title entails. I think this movie shows youngsta's that it takes more than just rhyming words to get into the rap hustle. It also shows that hiphop is not just dancing and rapping...it shows the business aspect and the emotional aspects. And for those that say this is nothing but badgering women to strip naked... trust and believe...these girls are DYING to strip naked for these guys... they don't have to badger SH**. These rappers are men... just as any other men...don't hate.. they just have something most don't. I Love you Jigga Man! I love you sexy Dash! Masalaama Beanie!
