Review: I Love Boosters
Direction is on point, but the story leaves much to be desired.
What: Movie, 114 mins.
Where: In theatres
When: Fri., May 22
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating: NNN (out of 5)
Why you should watch: For Boots Riley’s inventive and absurdist direction.
Boots Riley’s sophomore effort, I Love Boosters, follows the success of his acclaimed debut, Sorry to Bother You. Released eight years later, the film packs in an overwhelming amount of ideas, for better or for worse.
The plot revolves around Corvette (Keke Palmer), a shoplifter who takes from vulture capitalist fashion designer Christie Smith (Demi Moore). The premise sets the stage for a clear “eat the rich” message; however, the storyline quickly spirals into an absurd mix that feels unfocused, lacking the sharpness found in Sorry to Bother You.
Riley’s direction, rich in vibrant visuals, shines throughout. Each heist is depicted with a unique color palette, adding freshness and excitement. The film aims to critique the fashion industry’s exploitation while providing a barrage of visual comedy—one standout scene involves a hilariously chaotic moment in Smith’s slanted office.
Despite the stunning visuals and clever direction, the screenplay falters. It introduces many ideas but fails to develop them fully, leaving subplots feeling disparate. For example, the introduction of Poppy Liu’s character feels forced, diluting the film’s momentum and failing to contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative.
Character development suffers as well. Although Palmer delivers a commanding performance, none of the characters experience significant growth. Conflicts, such as Corvette’s disagreements with her best friend, are left unresolved, resulting in a somewhat hollow conclusion.
Despite these shortcomings, the supporting cast, including Don Cheadle and Will Poulter, delivers strong performances, though they too get eclipsed by the narrative’s messiness.
Ultimately, I Love Boosters is a visually captivating film that struggles to maintain narrative coherence. While it marks an improvement over recent films in the “eat-the-rich” genre, it falls short in character depth. Viewers can only hope that Riley’s future works will bring a more balanced approach.
