Now that we’ve gotten documentaries for everyone from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Michael Jackson out of the way, it’s finally time to get to a real music legend. Chronicling the release of his follow up to the smash hit album Thriller, Also, Conner4Real is mounting his triumphant return with Connquest. Filmmakers Akvia Schaffer and Jorma Taccone never shy away from the dark side as they give us a glimpse of where the magic happens, following Conner4Real (Conner Friel) through his stratospheric rise to fame after his breakup with the hit hip hop group Style Boyz. We think we’ve seen it all, but sometimes it’s what happens when the camera’s are off that’s the most buzz worthy. And rest assured, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping takes every opportunity to let it all hang out.
Everyone knows Conner4Real has been dope since the age of four. But it wasn’t until founding the Style Boyz — alongside best friends Lawrence (lyricist) and Owen — that fame really came calling. After Conner thanks himself for all his success at the Poppy Awards, Lawrence denounces the group and takes off to be a farmer in Colorado. Owen sticks by Conner’s side as his DJ, but after Connquest fails to connect with the public, Owen can see that they need Lawrence back. Conner has none of it and decides — along with his manager Harry — to bring in an opening act in the form of hardcore rapper Hunter the Hungry. Now, Conner must face his inner demons when a failed marriage proposal to Ashley Wednesday, and an on-stage magic trick going awry, sends Conner into a spiral of depression.
No one would ever assume the life of a popstar to be doink de doink on a daily basis. But, it’s painfully clear Conner means well. While he may not see how misguided his first unintentionally homophobic first single (“Equal Rights” featuring Pink) may be, he seems to have undergone a lobotomy thinking “Finest Girl (Bin Laden Song),” “Mona Lisa,” or “Ibitha” were appropriate follow-ups. Schaffer and Taccone keep the pace moving along as we witness one misadventure after another, with just about everyone in the music biz providing their two cents along the way. For the hardcore Conner4Real fans, it’s an eye opening glimpse into what it means to be one of the world’s biggest stars, with paparazzi at every turn, and the struggle to make sure your perspective manipulator is always by your side.
Basic bitches need not apply, haters better humble up, there will be no shit emojis applicable here. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is exactly what you want from a documentary revolving around Conner4Real and like Jimmy Fallon always says, “I likey dat,” and you will too.
