How could a film starring Snoop Dogg -- one of the most fascinating characters in popular music -- be anything less than interesting? I mean, did you not see "Mac and Devin Go to High School?"

Snoop fans definitely will want to catch the documentary "Reincarnated," which opens Friday at Opera Plaza Cinemas in San Francisco. Even the uninitiated -- those who don't worship "Tha Doggfather" -- will enjoy getting the chance to know Snoop Dogg.

Oops, I mean Snoop Lion.

The 96-minute film follows the man born Calvin Broadus Jr. during his pilgrimage to Jamaica, where he explores Rastafari culture, visits the legendary Trench Town and records the reggae record "Reincarnated." Along the way, he meets Bunny Wailer,

Snoop Dogg performs at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) ( Nam Y Huh )
who re-christens the rapper as "Snoop Lion." Now that was a meeting of the minds worth capturing for posterity.

"I'm the point in my career, Bunny, where I have to say something. That's what this 'Reincarnated' thing is about," Snoop explains to Wailer, then adds: "I'd love to smoke with you."

Yes, there's no shortage of blunts burned in this film. What else would you expect when you drop Snoop into the reggae world?

The best moments of the film, however, come courtesy of the archival footage from, and the reminiscing about, Snoop's early days in the rap game. It was a treat to hear Snoop talk about 2Pac, Dr. Dre and his other talented cohorts, who combined to make some of the best hip-hop of all time.

Snoop Lion

Advertisement
comes across as a likable lead, and I found myself rooting for him to find what he was looking for in the reggae world. Two minutes after the movie ended, however, I just wanted the old Snoop Dogg back so I could listen to more "Doggystyle" hip-hop.

Follow Jim Harrington at Twitter.com/jimthecritic, Facebook.com/jim.bayareanews and http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/category/concerts.