Kneecap rejuvenates the bland biopic like a drug

Perhaps it is because I knew nothing of the artists at the center of Kneecap, but this is the most refreshing musical biopic to come around in years — maybe ever.

Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody, Ray, Rocketman, and every other cookie-cutter offering, this is a jolt of adrenaline.

Coming on the heels of this year's rock bottom debacle Back to Black, it is a sign that the genre need not be so predictable and square.

Instead of the guaranteed downward spiral of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, the drugs are the baseline for this rapping trio before the music even started.

There is an awful lot of Danny Boyle's Trainspotting in the DNA of this rebellious feature about the unlikely rappers (think Beastie Boys meets NWA) that helped save the Irish Gaelic language from extinction.

The group members, playing themselves here, are surprisingly talented thespians, and they are given a big boost by the always reliable Michael Fassbender in a miniscule role.

This is a raw and uneven directorial debut from first-time director Rich Peppiatt, but the energy is unmatched.

There are several memorable shots and sequences scored by one of the best soundtracks of the year.

This will probably only last in theaters for a week, but it is definitely worth the price of admission.

8 out of 10