“I Love Boosters” follows a crew of professional shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven.
There’s weird. Then there’s “I Love Boosters.” If you’re expecting something “traditional” here, you might want to look away. This film is anything but, and it’s all the better for it.
Those who are familiar with writer-director Boots Riley’s previous film, “Sorry to Bother You,” will likely know what to expect here. It’s constantly in your face through the editing and cinematography. The visuals contain every realm of the color palette. The script is compact, yet also all over the place. It’s bizarre on every level. However, through all of this, “I Love Boosters” still has something to say.
“I Love Boosters” is an adamant protest against a capitalist society that suppresses the “little guy.” It shows a world where people are forced to work in unsafe environments, paid inadequate wages and don’t receive long lunch breaks. So much creativity and passion are drained out of individuals… just so that the rich can get richer, and large companies can conglomerate even more. And here, the audience is actually told to root for the “bad guys” — which for once, actually works. This is because, in this tale, maybe the “stealers” are actually the ones being stolen from.
Basic human rights are simply explored in “I Love Boosters.” The film isn’t necessarily going in-depth on issues that the everyday person faces. It’s zany and surreal, but the core themes are there. And because of this, it will likely be relatable for many.
Alongside Riley, there are plenty of other crew members that give the film a unique aesthetic. Director of photography Natasha Braier utilizes a variety of lenses to capture the scenery in creative ways. The editing from Terel Gibson and Matthew Hannam is high-speed, integrated seamlessly with the score from Tune-Yards. The offbeat melodies will likely have your feet moving around, and the editing will keep your eyes doing the same. Production designer Christopher Glass and costume designer Shirley Kurata bring plenty of color to the screen. Not only are there slanted buildings and monochromatic storefronts, but there are also dozens and dozens (and dozens) of outfit changes.
Another aspect that defines “I Love Boosters” is its effects. They’re cheesy… by design. Undoubtedly, this will very quickly detract many viewers. However, if you can embrace the “cheesiness,” the experience grows much more enjoyable. Rather than going full CGI, the film itself embraces practicality. There’s stop-motion animation, miniature sets and additional tricks that are on full-fledged display as “I Love Boosters” draws to a close. This DIY approach is extra effective because it’s so akin to the movie’s core messaging.
Because of the frantic direction, however, “I Love Boosters” has a tendency not to trust its audience. While the messaging is abundantly clear, it still spells it out one too many times. This is frustrating as the credits near, because rather than fully committing to the climax, it pauses for explanation. The 95-minute runtime can feel especially long in these moments.
While eccentricity is a mainstay, that doesn’t mean the movie achieves complete tonal consistency. It’s a strange mixture of comedy, crime, social satire and even sci-fi. As it moves between genres, the combination isn’t always perfect — though it remains surprisingly coherent. Over the first half of “I Love Boosters,” it stays “grounded” enough to be believable. As it shifts into the final act, this is completely thrown out the window. For some, this is when the film will become its best. For others, it could grow unwatchable.
What’s commendable is that Riley doesn’t shy away from his vision. Many will be turned off by this, but the strangeness of it all gives this a shot at becoming a cult classic.
The all-star cast helps in bringing this vision to life. Keke Palmer (Corvette), Naomi Ackie (Sade), Taylour Paige (Mariah), Demi Moore (Christie Smith), LaKeith Stanfield (Pinky Ring Guy), Eiza González (Violeta), Poppy Liu (Jianhu) and Will Poulter (Grayson) all appear. Plus many more. It’s Palmer’s movie, portraying her usual charismatic persona so well. Oftentimes, it feels like Palmer is simply playing herself, and it’s so entertaining to watch. She lights up every scene with a identifiable personality that ebbs and flows as the movie progresses.
“I Love Boosters” revolts against everything mainstream, providing a relatable perspective intermixed with a whole bunch of weird.
Rating: 4 out of 5
