Watch Breaking A Monster

Breaking A Monster is a gripping documentary that follows the explosive journey of an all-teenage heavy metal band called Unlocking the Truth. The movie begins with founders Malcolm Brickhouse, then 11 years old, and Jarad Dawkins, then 9 years old, busking on the streets of Times Square in New York City, playing covers of metal bands like Metallica and Slipknot. The boys' skills eventually catch the attention of a 70-year-old music industry veteran named Alan Sacks, who has managed TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and movies like Welcome Back, Kotter.

Sacks, accompanied by his protégé, another music veteran named Steve Jordan, introduces the boys to a world that they had only imagined in their dreams - fancy studios, expensive instruments, sound engineers, PR agents, and ultimately, a record label. Breaking A Monster, directed by Luke Meyer, showcases the tension and friction that arises as these kids from Brooklyn attempt to break into the notoriously lucrative but also cut-throat music industry.

The movie features amazing footage, filmed over the course of three years, that presents a raw and authentic portrayal of what it means to be a young and talented African American metal band in a genre and industry dominated by white males. The boys, along with their bassist Alec Atkins, are all likeable characters who exude both innocence and bravado. Malcolm, the lead guitarist and charismatic frontman, has a contagious energy that electrifies the band's performances, while Jarad's hard-hitting drumming style is noteworthy for his age.

As Unlocking the Truth continues to gain traction, they quickly discover that success comes with a hefty price tag. They sign a 1.7 million dollar contract with Sony Music’s The Orchard that requires them to release two albums and tour extensively. They also face a lot of criticism from people who can't take the idea of a black metal band seriously, let alone one made up of kids who aren't afraid to flaunt their flamboyant style.

The movie raises interesting questions about race, marketing, and artistic integrity. Sacks and Jordan, who are white and have a history of working with black artists, are viewed as either opportunistic vultures who are exploiting the boys for their talent and youth, or as benevolent wise men who are helping the boys achieve their dreams. Malcolm and Jarad's families grapple with how to balance protecting their kids with giving them the space they need to grow and flourish.

The film also does an excellent job of showing what touring is really like for a young band. The boys are often homesick, sleep-deprived, and miss school. During their sets, they have to deal with technical problems, disinterested audiences, and headlining acts that sabotage their sets to avoid getting upstaged.

Breaking A Monster invites the viewer to consider the politics and power dynamics of the music industry, and its ability to either make or break aspiring artists. It also offers a rare glimpse into what life is like for young black boys who are passionate about rock music, and who are not afraid of breaking norms and expectations. While the film leaves some questions unanswered and unresolved, it ultimately offers a story of resilience and hope that is worth watching.

Breaking A Monster is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 72.