Beautiful Losers

Some of the works featured in "Beautiful Losers" should look familiar. (Credit: Handout)

"Beautiful Losers" chronicles the anti-establishment art movement that grew out of a skateboarding, punk, DIY culture in New York in the '90s. Its members included Harmony Korine (director of "Gummo") and Shepard Fairey (founder of Obey).

While interesting subjects, the artists interviewed are not particularly eloquent (they mumble and pepper their conversations with words like gnarly, stoked and rad). However, their visually appealing creations are highlighted so viewers can become better-acquainted with the artists through their works.

This documentary succeeds at introducing the audience to an important subculture, but it has a tendency to navel-gaze and could benefit from a little editing.

Catch it: If you're not already familiar with the members of this group (which also includes Ed Templeton, Mike Mills, Barry McGee and Geoff McFetridge), you need to get familiar. They've gone from belonging to an emerging movement on the edge to becoming embraced by mainstream art institutions and commercial enterprises.

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