Better Living Through Circuitry

This rave-culture documentary by veteran music-video director Jon Reiss has more in common with Penelope Spheeris's Decline of Western Civilization punk-rock trilogy than any of this summer's fictitious rave-party movies. And though its title is a play on the name of the debut album by UK dance-music superstar Fatboy Slim, the movie documents the contemporary American party circuit instead of the more-celebrated European scene. Like a happier version of the Spheeris documentaries, Better Living explores an underground world of music-crazed idealists determined to fight middle-class complacency on their own terms.

Reiss has assembled an impressive cast of dance-floor luminaries. A sizzling live set by British drum 'n' bass star Roni Size and his band is one of the many performance highlights; meanwhile Brooklyn DJ Frankie Bones talks passionately about the rise of the American scene and the crucial role music has played in his life. The kids get their say, too, on everything from what to bring to a party, selling out, and, of course, the joys and evils of drug use. Theorizing and history lessons aside, the movie's pounding beats and arresting visuals are sure to send viewers running to the nearest dance floor before the last note fades away.

-- Sean Richardson