Saw IV (2007)

Great Movie!
As a Jamaican American (born and raised in JA), I can safely say this is one of the best Jamaican-themed movies ever! I saw it when it opened at Carib Theatre in Jamaica back then and I watch it over and over and over again on VHS. I'll be purchasing the DVD to keep with my movie collection. This movie touches on many issues that exist in Jamaica up until today.

Old Fashion movie made straight from the heart.
This movie is something else. When this was released in 1997, "Dancehall Queen" created a sensation in Jamaica, eventually surpassing [[ASIN:B0000AKY4I Harder They Come (Deluxe Edition)]] as the highest-grossing film in that country's history. I remember enjoying this film when it first came out on tape and before hand created a lot of buzz. Once I'd purchased it I'd also pass it along to my friends at the time and found it very entertaining. Just recently watching this the other day gave me a great sense of recollection on how much I enjoyed "Dancehall Queen." Like the dancehall music on its soundtrack, "Dancehall Queen" has a rough, self-produced feel disguised by a technically proficient coating. Utilizing elements of techno, rap, and reggae, dancehall combines technologically advanced production techniques with unmistakably Jamaican source material.

To lesser effect, "Dancehall Queen" does the same thing as a film. Shot on digital video, which makes everything look like a British soap opera, the film concerns the struggle of a Kingston street vendor (Audrey Reid) trying to raise two children on her own. After being continually harassed by a knife-wielding thug and, in a disturbing sequence of events, encouraging her 15-year-old daughter to accept the advances of a middle-aged sugar daddy, Reid realizes that she needs to find a way out of poverty. Naturally, her mind turns to the dancehall, and she soon finds herself joining barely clad Kingston youths in a style of dance that blurs the line between dancing and performing sexual acts. Although the question of how Reid expects to make money simply by going to clubs isn't answered until near the movie's end, it's pretty clear from the beginning that "Dancehall Queen" is an old-fashioned melodrama sure to culminate in the all-important big show. You'll be mesmerize by the clothes and the wigs that these women sport. The score itself is really good featuring Beenie Man (who provides the title track), Bounty Killer, Lady Shaw, Junior Demus and Sanchez.

Taken as such and enhanced by its Jamaican setting, it's not terrible, and it does feature a guest appearance by Beenie Man. But, despite being bankrolled by Island Records, it was clearly made on the fly, and the rough edges show. As you view this the upbeat dancehall style is catchy and infectious, and the dancing scenes will certainly hold your attention and probably be part of the reason why its like so much.

Good movie....inspirational
This was a really good movie. Since I've visited Jamaica my love for it has evolved into watching good movies and listening to good music. This movie was really good. You just have to listen close because some of the language is in patios.