Bomb It 2 (2013)

Jon has out done himself this time with a fast paced globe trotting vision into how the graffiti world has evolved and expanded over the years. Since this was a Kickstarter project there is a sense of community through out the whole piece. I really enjoyed seeing how styles have changed over the years and how the motivations for doing street art around the world differ from the political to the pursuit of beauty. It is also very interesting to see how different communities react to the art. There is the typical disdain all the way to pure admiration of skill. Even people wanting the art on there walls. It is amazing to watch as street art becomes a more accepted medium. Of course the term street art casts a large net. That net is full of innovation and experimentation all across the world which is what Bomb It 2 is so good at showing.

Where it's predecessor offers a thorough overview of the origins of graffiti art, Bomb It! 2 delves deeper into the people and cultures that risk their lives (Singapore, Jakarta, etc.) in order to express themselves. An eye-opening look at the power of graffiti in terms of changing a culture.A killer soundtrack caries us on a journey around the world where graffiti isn't necessarily as common place as it is in western countries. This is a serious fight for freedom of expression. Bomb It 2 shows street art culture beyond Banksy, where unknowns in little pockets of cities are making their mark, in order to change the world perhaps? Everyon has their reasons, but either way I'm on board.

The music, the editing, the characters! This entertaining documentary shows there is a street art scene in Asia. Everyone thinks Asian people are orderly and it's refreshing to see a documentary that explores the richness of the cultures and how connected we are with art. The music is great, the artists are fascinating people who have great stories. I especially loved the characters in Singapore who talk about the criminal consequences because I never knew anyone would dare commit that crime there after the Michael Fay case! So scary! They are either really stupid or really brave. Either way they are determined to share their ideas!

Jon Reiss is back at it with a follow-up to Bomb It, his hugely successful indie doc. Bomb It 2 finds Reiss exploring new territory -- indigenous street art scenes around the globe, from the streets of Singapore (interesting, considering that chewing gum is actually illegal there -- hard to imagine what the authorities would do to a graffiti artist) to Palestinian refugee camps on the West Bank. If you liked the first film, you'll love this one, too. A great insight into a world of artists who often keep their identities hidden, while making their art in the most public places possible. Reiss shot this as a one-man crew, no small feat considering the many challenges involved.