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The alumni of Hollywood Shuffle are spread across dozens of current comedies and TV sitcoms--this is the movie that introduced Robert Townsend and the Wayans Brothers to the world. Townsend plays a young actor who struggles with being offered stereotyped street hustler roles while trying to maintain his self-respect and the approval of his family. Between scenes of comically humiliating auditions, Bobby has satirical fantasies about the plight of black actors, including the classic "Black Acting School" sketch, in which white teachers demonstrate jive talk and street moves for the befuddled black students. Townsend has a charming, low-key comic style, one considerably more subtle than that of some of the black comics who have risen to success with supposedly self-aware renditions of the stereotypes Townsend mocks. Townsend made this movie on his credit cards and it is clearly a heartfelt labor of love. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Still Robert Townsend's best movie
Even though I really enjoyed THE NATALIE COLE STORY and THE FIVE HEARTBEATS, HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE is still my favorite film by Robert Townsend. It takes a humorous but and oh, so true look at the struggles Blacks have to go through in the film industry to get decent roles, which are still scarce for Blacks in Hollywood today. Townsend plays a struggling young actor who refuses to compromise his self-respect by playing demeaning roles. Just like it was back in the early days of film when Blacks only played mammies, ignorant and shiftless Uncle Toms, Blacks today are mostly regulated to roles as gang bangers, drug dealers, hookers, golddiggers, the asexual best friend of the white hero, etc. unless your name happens to be Denzel Washington. This movie is hilarious. For anyone considering film as a career, or just anyone who loves to laugh, this is the movie for you!

hilarious comedy
Hollywood Shuffle is a spoof of many of the 'blaxploitation' films of the seventies. This was hollywood's introduction to Robert Townsend, as he wrote and starred in the film, reportedly financing it with credit cards.

Townsend stars as an actor trying to break into the bigtime. He finds it tough to break out of the hollywood ideas for black actors. The movie sends up several popular films, including Dirty Harry and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Be sure to look for the Siskel and Ebert parody.

Not very deep, and probably not for those who can't laugh at themselves. Some of the humor might be considered insensitive. I consider it hilarious.

Satire and the Establishment
Most of the reviews have touched most facets of the movie and even mentioned allusions. But I enjoyed the film and will say a few things as well. I think this movie could be used to describe the current situation in Hip-Hop. The "sell-outs", stereotypical roles, and perpetuation of amorality is rampant in most Hip-Hop acts. Townsend is talking about the lack of equality and degeneration of black probity in this film, which is currently at an all-time high in modern music. This movie not only commentates about prejudice in Hollywood, but the ignorance of the people who consume the stereotypical garbage. This movie is hilarious and disheartening. The absurdity strikes home when you realize that these formulated characters and shows appear on your television today. This film did remind me of Bamboozled as well, but Hollywood Shuffle is nowhere near as caustic toward [stereo]type-casting. There is intelligence in the black community and this film blasts the one-dimensional depiction of black people.

Robert Townsend's best film. A must see for all.
Robert Townsend's first film Hollywood Shuffle is a hilarious satire that cleverly condemns the way Blacks are treated in the entertainment industry. It's clear that Townsend knows his material and uses that insider knowledge to poke fun at the sterotypical way blacks are portrayed on TV and in film. Through satire Townsend makes fun of Hollywood while telling everyone the truth about how hard it is for black actors.

Desperate to get the lead role in "Jivetime Jimmy's revenge" struggling actor Bobby aspires to become a superstar while working at a dead end job at Winky Dinky Dog. During Bobby's journey, we learn that and the road to stardom for African-Americans is full of compromises that force intelligent hardworking black actors to degrade and humiliate themselves in order to get a break. As he gets the lead role in Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge, Bobby must wonder if his dignity and self-respect are worth sacrificing to achieve his dream.

Robert Townsend makes a groundbreaking film and his cast of then unknowns gives great performances. After this film was produced most of the cast of this film went on to successful careers John Witherspoon, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Rusty Cundieff are just a few of the people who became stars as a result of this film I think every African-American who wants to work in the entertainment industry or any African American who already is and actor needs to watch this film. I also think a certain Black actress who just compromised herself to win an Oscar really needs to watch this film. It will make you think about the way they portray people of color in media.

"Winky...dinky...daaaaawwwwg!!!"
This movie is absolutely hilarious. Mixed with biting satire and an all-star cast of then-unknowns this was easily one of the funniest films of the 1980s. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is the dated feel and the obvious low-budget look. However, at times there is a charming independent look to the movie that helps to ignore the cheesiness. There are plenty of memorable scenes, quotable dialogue, and gallons of Jerry-Curl!!! This is a noteworthy comedy and should be seen by anyone with a passion for social satire. Great fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Long-suffering comic Rodney Dangerfield (Caddyshack, Backto School) stars in this cinematic fairy tale about a New Yorkrestaurant owner named Lupo, a cynic who suddenly falls madly in lovewith a tempestuous singer (Annabelle Gurwitch). She spurns him, sayingshe can only love a man who can sing great opera--so Lupo sets out tolearn and falls under the sway of a couple of Italian con men who promiseto teach him how to sing. But when he is given a role in an opera, hisvoice turns the audience into an angry mob. He flees and ends up meeting abuxom young widow (Anita De Simone) with a family secret that can giveLupo the voice he desires--but will it give him Gina? The 4thTenor strives for a gentle, magical tone. Fans of Dangerfield mayenjoy the movie as the comic's last hurrah; others will find him far tooold for the part. His spirit yearns, but his flesh is weak. --BretFetzer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I really wanted to love it, really
This could have been a nice little movie; it almost is. The plot is blissfully uncomplicated, much like a Marx Brother's film, but even at his oldest, Groucho never seemed as old as Rodney does in this DVD. The idea of going to the ends of the earth to win the love of your lady is timeless. But with a thirty-something leading lady and an eighty-something leading man, searching for your Viagara and your teeth would seem like a more realistic quest. I'm especially disappointed that there were no memorable "Rodney lines" like in Caddy Shack - "Oh that's the worst looking hat I ever saw ... looks good on YOU though." A sweethearted, non-wise cracking Rodney didn't work for me. Honestly, I feel bad not loving this movie. I am a Rodney fan - have all of his records (yup, on vinyl), DVDs and CDs too. I have seen him live and use his lines all day long - "I went to the doctor, I said doc, when I wake up and I look in the mirror, I wanna throw up, what's wrong with me? he said, I don't know, but your eyesight's perfect!" But in this film he was mis-cast. Picture Billy Crystal in the lead and you know what I mean. Anyway, if you love Rodney, maybe you shouldn't see this movie. It's just too painful. I had to go watch Caddy Shack a couple of times to get over it.

TIme and Money Lost
This movie was proabably one of the worst films i've ever seen. To the person aka Mike Vegas, have you ever been on a trip to Italy? This movie was filmed entirely in California. WAKE UP!!!!
This movie ranks along side the classic Stallone flick......Rhinestone.

Hear him...Or live and regret it!!
Rodney travels to italy to learn how to sing. and meets a charming lady. I tell you, this movie is an adventure. and in this movie, not even the horses show Rodney any respect, like when he calls for the horse, and the horse run away.
and Rodney actally slaps Robert Davi around, can you imagen that? Rodney brawling like Bud Spencer in the kitchen, and to top that, Davi ends up getting suffocated between Annabella Gurwitch legs.
This movie will bring you more than a couple of laughs, its a charming and well done flick, with alote of well known faces, its just a real treat. with a little magic. it has all the ingredients for the perfect movie. it has comedy, romance, wine, women and song, a little action and actually some horror. (you who has seen the movie knows what i'm talking about)
Bravissimo!!

Rodney Dangerfield Has Aged Like Fine Wine!
Rodney Dangerfield plays Lupo, the owner of the Serenade Cafe, a very successful Italian restaurant that features singing waiters. Rodney is in his eighties but still manages to fire off some great jokes. When a couple asks him how he keeps his weight down, he replies, "At my age, everything is down!" When he asks an overweight couple how they're enjoying their meal, they grunt their approval while they keep on eating. He warns them, "When you get to the white part, that's the plate!" Lupo hires a female opera singer to entertain the diners. When Gina sings, Lupo falls madly in love with her. Gina (Annabelle Gurwitch) tells him that she can only love a man who is a great opera singer. Since Lupo can't carry a tune, he flies to Italy to be trained as an opera singer by Vincenzo (Richard Libertini). No matter how bad he sings, Vincenzo keeps encouraging him to keep taking lessons so he can keep taking Lupo's money. Vincenzo persuades the local opera company to let Lupo sing. Lupo is so bad that the villagers chase him off the stage and down the streets. The scene of him being chased by villagers carrying torches is reminiscent of a similar scene from Frankenstein! Lupo finally reaches a dock, finds a rowboat and paddles his way to safety. The next morning, he washes ashore on a pond and is found by a young boy, who calls his mother. She is the beautiful Rosa (Anita De Simone) who takes pity on Lupo and takes him home. There we meet her Mamma (Elsa Raven) and Papa (Hamilton Camp) who also take a liking to Lupo. Lupo listens to the family singing as they work, and can't believe how great they all sing. Rosa lets him in on their family secret. The grapes they grow produces a magical wine, and anyone who drinks the wine becomes a great singer! Lupo returns to America and, with a constant supply of wine, becomes the opera singing sensation Lupo the Great! Unfortunately, Gina still wants no part of him. When Lupo discovers that Rosa is going through with an arranged marriage to Marcello (Vincent Schiavelli), a man she doesn't love, he flies back to Italy to stop the wedding. Lupo's attempts to get to the church on time, first on horseback and then with the help of the police, outdoes Dustin Hoffman's similar scene in The Graduate! Lupo arrives just in time to stop the wedding and profess his love for Rosa.

This movie has a more leisurely pace than Rodney's previous films, with less one-liners and more character development. The pastoral scenes in Italy are visually beautiful and give the movie a magical quality. On the other hand, the scenes of the restaurant and surrounding streets in New York City have the look of a soundstage in a movie studio. Considering the peak of the Three Tenors' popularity and Rodney Dangerfield's age, I'm sure this movie would have found a much bigger audience if it had been made several years ago.

Romantic Rodney?
Rodney Dangerfield in a blushing romantic comedy? It worked for me! Rodney is lovable as Lupo and the storyline is sweet and clever. I was charmed and so was my boyfriend who is a die-hard fan of Robert Davi who's also in the movie. Don't see it unless you have a jug of wine on hand. You'll see why as the story unfolds. The wedding scene is the best but I don't want to give it all away. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

hillarious! a must see!
Kevin McDonald did an excellent job in this movie, so did Rodney Dangerfield. This movie is kind of a spoof of The Godfather. I found this movie very entertaining and if you're a fan of mob movies (or not)you should see this. I rented it from Blockbuster video and thought it was worth seeing!

All that suck looks heavy? Need a hand? How about a knife?
There's a theory that if you put a lot of monkeys in a room with a typewriter that they'll eventually recreate Shakespeare. The Godson is the first effort by these monkeys and the title foreshadows the entire movie: not funny.

In this film, the ugly guy from Kids in the Hall burgles a month from the careers of Dom DeLuise and Rodney Dangerfield. Now, you might be thinking, "those two guys are very funny, so this should be a funny movie." But if it's so funny, why haven't you heard of it and why did it go straight to video? Because it's terrible; in fact, it's the opposite of funny: it's not funny.

It's a spoof of mob themed movies, except, unlike most spoofs, this one is not at all funny. No laughing took place while watching this film. However, there is one highlight, no, wait, there's not. It's all garbage.

If you want a funny mob spoof, rent Mafia. If you want a funny spoof that has Dom DeLuise in it, rent Silence of the Hams. And if you want to waste an hour and a half of your life, four dollars, and have your friends and relative think less of you, rent The Godson.

Great Movie
This is a great movie that you will enjoy over and over again. My brother and I saw this movie a couple of years ago and we still can't stop talking about it. This is definetly a must see movie.

Art as Cinema
This film is, by far, the defining moment in American cinematic history.

Roundabout
We can see the complexities of a movie like "The Godson." The timeless philosophical entanglements arising from such social constructions as Gender and the Master/Slave relationship are
shrewdly considered through several hours of in-depth dialogue.
Rodney Dangerfield, whose chosen field before he turned to comedy was in fact Old Testament Theology (he'd done a Ph.D. dissertation on "The Book of Hebbekiah with Reference to neo-Bultmannian Ontology") serves up a god-awful performance.
For those of you who happen to watch this video, beware:
it is worse than "Red Dawn," which was a very bad apocalyptic sci-fi starring Patrick Schwayze. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For Robin Johnson Fans
This movie is pretty low budget! It doesn't have the greatest plot in the world, but it does have Robin Johnson! Some scenes are pretty funny, but overall this movie is pretty bad. I happen to enjoy it despite this set back! ... Read more

Description

Who wants to be a star? Who has what it takes? How do they think up all that funny stuff?!? For every comedian that you see knockin' 'em dead on Jay Leno or the Letterman Show, there are thousands more who battle each week...not for the national spotlight but for survival, five minutes at a time, on the stage of comedy clubs, roadway dinners or hole-in-the-wall bars across America. These are the next generation of star comedians, and their stories are central to understanding what it takes to make it big. "Open Mic" is a revealing look behind the veil of Hollywood's glamour into the competitive and crazy world of stand-up comedy. Featuring comedy performances and interviews from some of today's hottest comedians, this is the breakout film that proves: dying is easy...comedy is hard! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Decent documentary but definitely not a Chappelle comedy
If you think you're getting a Dave Chappelle stand-up comedy video with "OPEN MIC", then think again.This is a behind-the-scenes documentary about the often unfunny business of trying to make it as a stand-up comedian.The producers have done a credible job in presenting interviews with a dozen or so comedians and wanna-be's.But there's not many laughs in what seems to be a very cut-throat business.Yes, Dave Chappelle is one of the interviewees, sans humor.But personally, I found the somber observations of Chappelle to be revealing and potentially insightful to the "real man behind the mask" which otherwise is seldomly seen (if ever) for Chappelle.Director Jason Dudek seems talented and promising. ... Read more