Bomb It 2 (2013)

Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Very few documentaries actually warrant a sequel - Bomb It was one of those rare exceptions. There are so many subcultures built around graffiti around the world that it would be impossible to exhaust them all in one film. Director Jon Reiss returns in top form for Bomb It 2, gleefully steering us from nation to nation to scope out the local color. The film, like so many indies these days, was made possible through a Kickstarter campaign. One might attribute the sudden demand for street art documentaries to the success of Exit Through the Gift Shop, but the Bomb It movies are sui generis - rather than zeroing in on one artist, they instead choose to take us around the world, introducing us to a broad array of characters.It probably won't inspire you to take up a spray can yourself (one segment takes place in Singapore, where many infractions merit corporal punishment), but it certainly is an entertaining glimpse into the high-stakes world of graffiti art. I'd highly recommend its predecessor as well, but it's not required viewing for enjoying Bomb It 2.

I always question why graffiti artists put themselves at risk to perform this type of art, in most parts of the world it's considered a felony and has some serious consequences. In the film, a Malaysian artist explains that authorities will strip you naked and whip you with a soaking wet rattan, ouch... Jon Reiss takes you around the world meeting artists from Bethlehem, Hong Kong, Copenhagen, Bangkok, Singapore and a plethora of other cities/cultures and really gives you a strong understanding behind the story/motivation of graffiti artists. I really appreciate the risks that were taken by Jon Reiss and the other filmmakers involved to pull together these stories, I will certainly never look at graffiti art the same.

Bomb It 2 is a piece of film-making that really changes how one sees graffiti, not as vandalism but an idea, a piece of art and someone's voice. Not only does the director take into account each artist individual account of their artwork but also what graffiti means to their country, government or regime. Speaking through a can of paint sends a powerful message especially in a place like the West Bank, China, or Palestine.The fact that film can remain unbiased and merely be a catalyst for the artists' voices is impressive considering the current dynamics of the world that we now live in. Politics play a minor role in the film rather than dictate it. Rather the paint and the pieces do the talking. Just looking at artists like Banksy who sell their paintings for thousands of dollars it does resonate that graffiti is being taken and abused in someway. In the end graffiti began on the streets and is for people to enjoy for free. It's about a story for some, discovering what is inside their own instincts, their sub-conscience and painting it for the world to see. Its not just a film about a can of paint, but human emotions, and how they are affected by the world that they live in. That's the genius of Bomb It 2.

A nice follow up to "Bomb It" that travels all over the world. I appreciate all the different cultures and artists throughout the film. Graffiti has never been a subject I sought information on but the film makes me feel differently. These artists risk it all for their work, and in some places they risk everything, so they can be seen by others to tell a story, send a message, or to bring something new to the community. Jon Reiss covers the globe and there's some phenomenal artwork throughout. The film has a nice rhythm and great, amazing interviewees.Fantastic variety, tons of passionate artists, and a subject that this film does a good job of showcasing.