This time capsule of bohemian New York distorts its representation of the city for reasons more loving than lazy.
The film seems far more interested in celebrating a short-lived era of artistic invention than interrogating it.
Charlie Ahearn’s Wild Style has retained its cult classic status for 25 years as a time capsule of early 80s hip hop culture, but seen right now, it stands out most as a satire on urban class collision.
The documentary is content to slide on hagiography and shortchange cultural critique.