Louder than a Bomb 2011
Distributed by Ro*co Films International, llc, 80 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 5, Sausolito, CA 94965; 415-332-6471
Produced by Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel
Directed by Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel
DVD, color, 99 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
Poetry, Writing, Popular Culture, African American Studies, Multicultural Studies
Date Entered: 10/27/2011
Reviewed by Barb Bergman, Minnesota State University, MankatoThis film takes its name from the world’s largest youth poetry slam which occurs annually in the Chicago area. At a slam, students perform their original poetry. Each team member presents a solo piece and a team piece with all four members. And a slam is most definitely a performance, not a dry debate club recital.
This film follows four diverse students from equally diverse schools as they prepare for the slam and then as their teams compete in the slam. The four students are very different, with very different home lives, but have all found a means of expressing themselves through performing very personal poetry. By the time you view the competition, you’ll wish you could have been there to cheer them on.
The film has excellent production values and editing.
An inspiring film with endearing characters, Louder than a Bomb is highly recommended for courses covering poetry, creative writing, speech, ethnic studies, teacher education programs, and for anyone who enjoys an uplifting story.