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Part concert documentary, part pop-cultural time capsule, Bert Stern's Jazz on a Summer's Day chronicles the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival with an approach as deceptively relaxed, even impulsive, as the music itself. Still photographer Stern sidesteps more formal documentary conventions such as narrative voiceovers to wander purposefully from festival stage to boarding-house jam sessions, taking in the parallel color and motion of the America's Cup preparations when he isn't capturing rich color footage of the performances and the celebratory mood of the concertgoers. In the process, he documents American jazz at a notably golden moment in its development--diverse, adventurous, and still broadly popular, this was jazz not yet under the shadow of rock and youth culture, played by an integrated artistic community a few short years away from social and political turmoil that would boil divisively to the surface during the '60s. To say Stern was rolling film in a jazz Camelot is overstatement, but only slightly so.

Stern's circular approach and wonderful eye achieve a breezy languor at the expense of more comprehensive coverage of the festival's bumper crop of strong jazz, blues, and gospel musicians. Perhaps inevitably, the camera lingers on Louis Armstrong, Anita O'Day, Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, and George Shearing. Avid fans of later styles may be frustrated by the fleeting glimpses of other musicians such as Eric Dolphy and Art Farmer, or the honor roll of classic jazz stylists whose Newport sets weren't included in the film, but such omissions seem forgivable, if not necessary, to Stern's serendipitous design. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (25)

This isnt a "Concert Film", it is a time Capsule
A great Film, my only dissapointment was the ommision of theDuke Ellington set, closing the actual event. This is an art film, thecinemaphotography is outstanding. The use of shape and light is masterful. Musical Highlights that ARE included in my opinion, are Anita O'Day, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, and Monk.

If you are a (open minded!) jazz fan, and a art genre fan this is the film you have been waiting for!

DVD Info: Excellent color and sharpness. Audio is in Dolby Digital Mono. Crisp clear tone. Extras include a complete playlist for all three days of the festival. An interview with Bert Stern (both text and audio) with accompanying documentary imagery relating to Mr. Stern's other works mentioned in interview. Much insightful discussion about the planning, filming and post production of the film. Very fascinating and well worth the price.

Now, it may be me, but it seems that i noticed some brief segments of footage in the DVD release that i never noticed on my VHS copy. But im not running the VHS again to check, this DVD is so much better!

Phenomenal Work of Art
Contrary to some comments on this list, this film is not a documentary or concert film. It is a visionary work of art. It's like Robert Franks' book THE AMERICANS coming to life. If you don't know what that is about, see for yourself. This is the America that Kerouac loved. And if you don't know what that means, find out before it's too late.

This film is really about a summers day in America in 1958. As a musician, a Jazz lover, a poet and a film buff, this film is the best of all worlds. It is pure poetry. It is like seeing the world through Kerouac's heart-filled eyes. Eyes we all have, but forget in our daily malaise. Notice the minute particulars, the spontaneous nature of life. Speaking of Beats, if you look real close you can see Gregory Corso in a couple of audience shots.

Jazz on a Summers day is about time and place. It freezes a moment in time and makes it eternal. A time when jazz was common music of american culture. A summers day when people living in the cold war and the Eisenhower era kick off their shoes and truly live. It is filled with moments of deep sighs, AH. Like, the shot of the young girl singing along with Satchmo, if that's not art I don't know what is. The performers too, Mahalia Jackson is a great bodhisattva/angel. The cinematography is vibrant. You've never seen the fifties this real.

I actually love the parts that digress from the festival. Even though I regret not seeing all of Monk. But it's still magnanimous, and contrary to another comment, the stage announcer that says Monk is "unconcerned" should be understood as Monk is on a different level. He makes music for different reasons. If you don't what that means, just listen. Monk will whisper to you in a dream.

This was a time when the music was more than just refined listening for museums and chamber halls, it oozed into everything. Seeing the boating footage with the Jazz, it's just poetic. Jazz is part of life. It is the expression of life. The people are having a good time on a summers day. A day that seems so far away. This will never happen again. Not like this. This is what great films and art are made of.

There is beauty in every waking moment my friends. Just look. Breathe. Feel. Thank you Bert Stern.

As hip as they come
Bert Stern has both an eye and an ear for jazz, par excellence, capturing the spirit of the Newport Jazz festival in its heyday. This is a wonderful showcase of performances, ranging from the detached Thelonius Monk to the super cool Anita O'Day. But, without doubt, the performance that stands out is that of Mahalia Jackson who brings the crowd to their feet with "40 Days" and then brings them to their knees with her closing psalm, so passionately felt.

The movie takes you through a figurative day, capturing the sea air of Newport, the quiet practice sessions, the ebb and flow of the crowd as it grows to its evening peak, with a rocking performance by Chuck Berry. The Satchmo takes a wonderful turn at the mike with Jack Teargarden joining him in a fun duet. Chico Hamilton is there in all his seriousness with Eric Dolphy highlighting the band's performance. George Shearer looks like he could be playing at the Hollywood Bowl.

I was hoping for more extras on the DVD. The movie leaves you craving for more music. The 50's were the peak of the hip jazz scene and this movie is as hip as they come.

An absolutely wonderful documentary of Jazz
While I've not seen other Jazz movies or documentaries, I've seen Jazz on a Summer's Day on both VHS and on DVD and enjoy it so much that I've watched it several times and just had to purchase it on DVD.

I have always loved the classic Jazz of the 1950's and 1960's and this film documents one of the best Jazz festivals around, and I think this was the first Jazz festival in what we now know as the Newport Jazz festival.

What I love about this film is how Bert Stern uses his movie camera to shoot the film, much like a still camera and framed the shots just the same. I find it works on motion film as on still photography, especially in this kind of documentary where your documenting a concert. I love the B-roll shots of kids playing, grown ups sunbathing, the dixieland jazz band, the couples driving their vintage autos, and of course the Yaught(sp?) club races and overall, I find that Bert Stern does an incredible job of showing the general atmosphere of the concert and the weather of late summer in Rhode Island.

I find this an incredible film that is worthy of multiple viewings. Not just for it's incredible of shooting techniques, but for the music that is represented here. Lots of great names such as Anita O'Day, Thelonious Munk, George Shearing, Dina Washington etc. I love Bert's use of the reflections of the boats on the water for the opening sequence, mated to Jimmy Giuffrie's live rendition of the Train and the River. All in all, I rate this film a definate 5.

A piece of yesterday, live and in color
Bert Stern was a still photographer who got the opportunity to take a film crew to the 1959 Newport Jazz festival. With limited time and film, Stern and his crew set out not just to record a musical event, but to record a social experience.

For the most part, he succeeds, although there is more than enough footage of a boat race on Chesapeake bay that day to last me for the rest of my life.

The film cuts from performances to reactions of the crowd, as any concert film would. It's interesting to see the wide difference in clothing styles that appealed to people in 1959. Everything from men in suits to greasers in denim can be seen dancing and grooving along with the music.

People living nearby the festival can be seen partying on their roofs and dancing, booze in hand, to the music. People of every age are shown bopping along with whoever is on stage at the time.

Highlights: Anita O'Day's spot-on performance, in spite of the fact that she's well into her much-ballyhooed drug and booze habit (in a recent radio interview she said she couldn't remember doing this gig after even watching the film); Louis Armstrong, Jerry Mulligan, and the rather out-of-place, clearly there-for-the-kids but dressed to the nines and behaving himself, Chuck Berry. Older jazz guys have no idea what to make of Chuck, and one guy, in an attempt to "jazz up" Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen," starts playing some rather odd clarinet runs. Think "Sweet Little Bar Mitzvah."

There's a nice bunch of extras on here, too, including an interview with Stern that expalins a lot about what was going on.
If you like jazz, or documentaries, or just good music, this is a keeper. ... Read more

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As a filmmaker and passionate fan of basketball, Spike Lee was the perfect director for this ambitious and heartfelt sports drama, which brought out the best in both Lee and his well-chosen cast. In his third film for Lee, Denzel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, who is in prison for the manslaughter of his wife. His estranged son Jesus (well played by Milwaukee Bucks basketball player Ray Allen) is the nation's best high school basketball star, and Jake receives a compelling offer from the state's governor: If Jake can convince Jesus to sign a letter of intent to attend Big State University, the governor will reduce his sentence. Lee turns this back-room bargain into a fascinating examination of capitalism in college and professional sports, but the film also works as the moving story of a father's desperate attempt to regain his son's respect. Lee handles the basketball angle with an insider's awareness, and takes a few stylistic risks (including a memorable final image) that pay off with considerable emotional effect. He Got Game fully explores the visual poetry of basketball and the greed that fuels this particular vision of the American dream, but Lee never loses sight of the sport's inherent beauty, or the higher priorities of redemption and family that form the solid foundation of this exceptional film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (59)

This movie has game
I must say that Spike Lee did a great job in making this movie. Jake (Denzel Washington) plays a prisoner who is in jail for murdering his wife years ago. He is given a chance to get out of prison if he does one thing. He has to convince his son, Jesus (Ray Allen) to attend a certain college. If he does that, Jake is a free man. Of course, it won't be easy because Jesus has to first forgive his dad for what he did to his mom before he can even think of going to a certain university in his dad's favor.

Denzel Washington and Ray Allen both put on great performances to make this a great movie. The basketball sequences in the movie are exciting, but the drama in "He Got Game" is what makes the movie work so well. I recommend anybody to get "He Got Game."

Compelling Story - Senseless Spike Lee Views....
Once again, rather then Spike Lee making trully great movie that will appeal to everyone; Lee injects his political/social views into what could have been a great movie. Good performances by D. Washington and rookie actor NBA star Ray Allen carry this movie. I thought the story had incredible promise, but Spike Lee once again has to inject his personal agenda while turning off 80% of the people who would go see this film.

First, every women featured in this film is white/latin and a whore/slut. An unusual combination considering this film is about about black inner city basketball. Not one black female shows up this film with any of kind of speaking role or substance.

The story turns into the absurd about half way through and stops making sense. Also, Rick Fox is well, Rick Fox. Nuff said. Listening to him try to sound street/from the hood is very laughable. I imagined he listed to some NWA records to prep for this role.

The most compelling part of the movie is the climax, D Washington playing R Allen in a classic Father/son one on one battle. This scene saves the movie.

Ray Allen who has the lead:great b-ball-player but bad actor
This movie probably could've been at least a little good if SPIKE LEE hadn't casted the NBA-player RAY ALLEN, he joins Dennis Rodman, Shaquille O'Neal & Rick Fox (who also is in the movie) in the list of BASKETBALL-PLAYERS who makes movies but can't act.

Denzel does good work in the film YES but it takes more to make a good movie than one or two people in it who knows how to act (Hill Harper is the second one).

Not a very moving story mainly becouse RAY ALLEN's and MILLA JOVOVIC's horrible acting.

If you thought that rappers were bad actors, they are nothing against b-ball players.

Any SPIKE LEE-movie is better than this one so skip it.

Denzel and Allen Great...
Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen) is the top high school prospect in the country. His father, Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington) is in jail for accidently killing his wife. THe govenor has promised Jake that if he can convince his son to play for his alma mater that he will cut his prison time signifigantly. Jesus has never forgiven his father and has hatred toward him. There is tons of symbolism in this movie. Ray Allen had a great debut, especially for a basketball player! He really did a great job, and Denzel also gave a great performance as usual. Go see this movie it is very moving and is my personal favorite of all time.

Best from Spike Lee ever!
To me, this movie was and still my all-time favorite movie dealing with Basketball.The Plot was superb. Denzel acting chops were on point in this or any movie he has been in. Ray Allen was amazing in acting debut.I give it two thumb or ten toes up!!!
Go cop that DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Material 5 stars; Mastering no stars
One can't say enough about how really funny this concert is. This concert shows Richard Pryor at his very best. There are so many bits, including "The Heart Attack," "Shooting the car," "The Pet Monkey," that it's unfair to begin to list the laugh-so-hard-that-you're-crying material. Now, to the bad news. The mastering of this tape is the worst I've ever seen. Period, bar none. While the picture is acceptable (obviously no time or expense to improve on the VHS product), it is the sound that is really disconcerting. A good half of the DVD, the sound is out of sync with the picture (I know this because I returned my first copy as being defective and got a new one that was exactly the same). It is unforgivable to see the lack of care that was put into this product. No extra features of notable mention. It is trully a shockingly poor representation of one of the all-time great comedians at his comic best.

I Couldn't Stop Laughing!
This is by far Richard Pryor's best taped concert. I saw it with my college roommate for the first time. He had already seen it, and he was laughing at me because I was laughing so hard that it literally brought tears to my eyes!

Then I bought the tape a few years later and watched it with my wife. She was laughing so hard that she missed most of the dialogue the first time around. She had to watch it again to catch what she had missed.

It's Richard Pryor at his rudest, crudest best-talking about his squirrel monkeys, run-ins with the police, heart attacks, drug use, sex, hunting and being an amateur boxer.

If you want to laugh your ... off, get this tape! It's hilarious!

There has never been a better performance!
It's clear that NO other comedian in a live stand-up show can equal to "Richard Pryor Live in Concert". This was a rare magical night when everything went right. Amazingly, he put 100% plus into this comedy act and it shows!

Known for his observational humor, he takes on his family with respect, like the bit with his grandmother's funeral. In his act, he seems to show little more respect for women than some comedians do. Pryor pokes a lot of fun at himself, his wife and the law. While he has a huge stage to himself, he uses it for some very funny physical routines that warrant its use.

He brilliantly takes on the voices of many characters and furthermore, he interjects the voice and thoughts of his dogs, and monkeys and he even takes on the voice of internal pain if you are not in shape. He also becomes the voice of body parts, such as the hilarious words from his heart (the organ while experiencing a heart attack.) It is funny to hear him when, vocally, he imitates the "white person."

He doesn't display the angst many of black comedians do, that is why his humor works for many! Yes, there is profanity, but he is NOT as disgusting or crude as so many others. Like most comedians of his type, there are always the sex routines.

To say this is funny is an understatement. It is hysterical with nonstop laughter throughout. Some routines are his fear of swimming, running to be in shape, the Chinese stutterer, in the woods, boxing, and his role as a parent, that classic bit when he finds his kid in a lie.

This 1979 90-minute performance is a classic! It's easy to see why Pryor is a major influence on the best comedians around....(...)

Pryor is great, DVD sucks
This DVD is a travesty. This is one of the great stand up comic shows of the last 50 years and yet the DVD sound track is off by so much that it is distracting. Stay away. Perhaps the VHS tape is better.

DO NOT BUY!!!!!
This is the funniest 90 minutes of my life!

However, the audio syncing on the DVD is SO BAD that it is extremely distracting. Buy the VHS version. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Explosive Mystery-Drama
In The Heat Of The Night is an explosively powerful murder mystery that at the time of its release in 1967 was quite controversial. It deals with a black detective, Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) going to a small southern town to investigate a murder. At first he meets the usually hatred and racism from the local cops led by the gruff and racist sheriff, Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger) He is arrested and accused of the murder, but when discovered innocent, he goes on to solve the mystery and gain the respect of the sheriff. Both Mr. Poitier and Mr. Steiger are brilliant in the film. Although they do sometimes plays things over the top, the acting fits the mood. The actors make a fine team and they push one another to excellence. The supporting cast is quite strong with Lee Grant, Warren Oates and William Schallert and Norman Jewison guides the movie with his deft hand. Haskell Wexler's cinematography is sharp and Quincy Jones' soundtrack is right on. The film went on to win the Best Picture Oscar and Mr. Steiger took home the Best Actor prize.

Cinema's all-time best detective thriller.
Between the dark film noir of "The Maltese Falcon" and the creepy gorefests inspired by "The Silence of the Lambs," the detective film wasn't exactly a vital film genre. But at least one entry into the genre made a major impact during those years, and that was 1967's "In the Heat of the Night." Since it was released, much has been made of the movie's status as a powerful story of race relations during the time of segregation, but the fact is, these elements are somewhat secondary to its brilliant character studies and expertly-handled mystery investigation. This is THE detective film, and quite possibly THE police film as well.

The film begins with Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger) -- sheriff of the small town of Sparta, Mississippi -- investigating the scene where a powerful businessman has been murdered. Gillespie's deputies arrest a traveller named Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) for the murder simply on the grounds that he is black, but he turns out to be a homicide detective from Philadelphia who was just passing through. After being cleared, Tibbs is anxious to leave Sparta, but Gillespie -- in need of such an expert -- convinces him to stay and help solve the case. And from there, we have our movie.

Besides the story, the main thing "In the Heat of the Night" has going for it are the performances of its lead actors. It would have been incredibly easy to portray Tibbs as a noble black crusader, forced by his innate nobility to offer his help in the face of hatred (Poitier had played this type of good-natured gentleman in many of his other films). It would have been even easier for Gillespie to come off as a mindless racist redneck. Neither description comes anywhere close to describing the characters in this film. Virgil Tibbs is arrogant and aloof when we first meet him. He's no hero; he's a real human being who reacts to the way the Sparta police have treated him in the understandable manner of trying to get out of town as quickly as possible. He doesn't want to help them, and even when he's forced to, he lets his prejudices against Southern whites cloud his investigation (Tibbs spends the majority of the film believing one of the victim's business rivals -- a detestable racist -- to be the murderer, only to be proven wrong).

If Poitier's portrayal of Tibbs as a realistic human being rather than a flawless screen hero is admirable, then Rod Steiger's handling of the Sheriff Gillespie character is downright masterful. Bill Gillespie does not like or trust African-Americans, and he makes no secret of this. And yet the filmmakers didn't fall into a cliche trap and take care to show that even though Gillespie is a bigot, he's also a good cop. Unlike certain similar characters (and even some of his deputies in this film), Gillespie doesn't allow his prejudices to stand in the way of his investigation (a character flaw that, oddly enough, Tibbs gives in to while Gillespie does not). This is no "Bull Connor" character; this is a man who knows his job, and does it well. Tibbs and Gillespie begin the movie as two prejudiced men who begrudgingly admit to needing each other's help due to the circumstances (Gillespie's lack of a homicide expert; Tibbs' being forced to remain in an unfamiliar and hostile environment), and end it with a powerful respect for one another.

"In the Heat of the Night" won Best Picture at the 1968 Academy Awards (the first detective film to do so), and Steiger took home the Best Actor award for his career-best portrayal of Gillespie. (Because this, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "To Sir, With Love" were all released in the same year, Poitier was unable to consolidate enough votes for any one film and thus failed to be nominated; Norman Jewison lost Best Director to "The Graduate"'s Mike Nichols.) That perfectly sums up this film's legacy: a brilliant film with two powerful lead performances, and an all-time classic of the detective genre.

Just About as Good as a Movie Gets
In 1967 Poitier made this movie and Look Who's Coming to Dinner. Both were extremely well received and this won academy awards for best picture and best actor. Poitier's career slid downhill from here almost immediately. That his status as The Greatest Black Actor Ever hasn't diminished nearly 40 years later is a testament to his excellence and influence in the late 50's and the 60's up until '67. The movie is nearly perfect. Rod Steiger gives the performance of his career. Poitier is excellent, of course. The story is good but the movie is really about the racial tensions and two men forced to work together despite their desire not to be in the same room together. Also at hand is a backward and archaic South being slowly dragged kicking and screaming into postwar 20th century.

TENSIONS FLAIR IN THE HEAT OF THIS NIGHT!
"In The Heat of the Night" is the racially charged melodrama that made Sidney Poitier a star. Poitier is Det. Virgil Tibbs, an out of state detective assigned to investigate a racially motivated crime in the deep South. Tibbs' initial congenial good nature immediate brand him a push over by both his fellow officers and the populous. But Tibbs is a man of conviction. He immediately runs into interference from Police Chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger), a bigoted and pompous law man who begins to change his ways when it turns out that Virgil's hunch on the case might just turn out to be true. Both the central performances of Poitier and Steiger, and the unlikely bond and ultimate friendship that ensue, are electrifying reasons to revisit this powerful drama of the 1960s. Lee Grant, Beah Richards and Warren Oates costar. In the late 80s "In The Heat of the Night" became a prime time television series starring Caroll O'Connor. But by then much of the tempestuous and confrontational aspects of its subplot had been removed.

MGM/UA gives us a non-anamorphic widescreen DVD. Colors are severely dated with a lot of fading present throughout the print. Age related artifacts are everywhere and sometimes distract. Black levels are often weak. Pixelization is primarily responsible for an unstable image. The audio is mono and badly dated as well, strident and poorly balanced. There are no extras.

STEIGER AND POITIER AT THEIR HEIGHTS OF POWER
In 1967, Sidney Poitier again stirred the red-necks with "In the Heat of the Night", where he plays Virgil Tibbs, a competent Philadelphia cop stuck overnight in a Mississippi town. It must be 110 degrees at night. The white boys sweat like stuck pigs while Virgil is as cool as a cucumber in a Savoy Row suit. The sheriff, Rod Steiger, is discomfited by circumstances in which Tibbs is "lent" to him to solve a murder that happens to occur when he is there. In working together, layer after layer of characterization is stripped away in marvelous fashion, through the skill of director Norman Jewison (who tells everybody he is not a Jew, he is Methodist), until understanding between the two men become a metaphor for the healing of a divided America. Very good stuff.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

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Spike Lee's semiautobiographical, 1994 film about the good and bad times for a Brooklyn family in the '70s has passion and nostalgic good feeling, but it is also a mess of random reflections and arbitrary storytelling. The centerpiece of the movie is a little girl (Zelda Harris) who views the ups and downs of her parents' experiences (mom and dad are played by Delroy Lindo and Alfre Woodard), and who navigates the life of her neighborhood. Lee tosses in a lot of '70s detail (watching The Partridge Family) and other diversions (Harris's journey through suburbia), but he has no master sensibility controlling the flow of it all. The film is more wearying than anything, although bright spots include Lindo's fine performance as a talented man suffering from irrelevance. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Great movie about Family
"Crooklyn" is a nostalgic story of the ups and downs of an African-American family living in 1970's Brooklyn . It is probably the second best movie that director, Spike Lee has ever made. Lee's best was the classic 80's flick "Do the Right Thing".But while "Do the Right Thing" was about ethnic tensions, racism and strife, "Crooklyn" is a film about love.In the movie we meet the Carmichael family. They yell, scream, call each names, even get into physical fights.But it is very evident, that love is very strong among this large brood.Dad (well played by Delroy Lindo) is a musician who is trying to create some honest music thats important to him. Mom (fabulously played by Alfre Woodard) is pulling her hair out, trying to keep this inner city family's finances above water, while trying to stop the kids from killing each other.But the film really centers on 9 year old Troy (Zelda Harris) who shows us the ins and outs of her family life and the close Brooklyn neighborhood that she is growing up in. Juvenile actress, Zelda Harris gives us an amazing starring performance that is totally believable. The movie is pretty much autobiographical (Lee wrote it with his sister Joie)and it richly lays on the 1970s nostalgia with cultural references among other things to "Soul Train", the "Patridge Family", Walt Fraiser, and baseball stategamatic.The film also has a wonderful soundtrack which is packed with '70s R&B and pop music from groups like the Jackson 5, the Spinners, Curtis Mayfield, the Staple Singers and Sly and the Family Stone.In fact, my favorite part of this movie is the opening credit sequence, where you hear Marc Dorsey's "People Make the World Go Round", while the film shows us the neighborhood's children playing various sidewalk, kids games.Between Soccer practice and video games, do kids even do this anymore? I just love this movie and I highly recommend it!

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this movie !!!!!!!
This movie will take you "Back Down Memory Lane."
I grew up during the 70's and this movie hit home to me 100%. The sound track alone will sell you on the movie. Spike Lee as well as ALL the characters in this movie will allow those who did NOT grow up in the seventies to know what the experience was like. The young girl in the movie is a STRONG actress and carries her role as the "MISS KNOW IT ALL" sister in the family while each of the brothers give her a hard time. It is up to the sister to keep the family together in the time of crisis.

Much love SPIKE for bringing this time period in the lives of African Americans to the big screen for those to enjoy!

This film's a mess, but still enjoyable.
I think Spike Lee was trying to make an African American version of the wonderful book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" -- but all of the Gershwin-esque music and fabulous camerawork can't hide a story severely lacking in purpose and that wastes too much time on irrelevancies. When it suddenly turns to serious drama, the performances warrant it but the tone and direction of the film do not. The most glaring shortcoming of the film is the attempt to pull of the various "characters" of the neighborhood -- with very little to no success. It's a shame because this was one of the great things in "Do The Right Thing." Still, he has such fabulous style and such an ear for dialogue that this film is a rich pleasure to watch. If it weren't for Lee's masterful talents this film would be quite poor -- maybe even a one-star review. That's quite a complement to him I think.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES
THIS MOVIE IS GOOD AND SEMI-REALISTIC....ALL THE ACTORS WERE GREAT(ESPECIALLY ZELDA HARRIS AS LADYBUG)I JUST HATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE END(IT'S REALLY SAD)BUT OVERALL IT'S A GOOD MOVIE

Superb !!!!!!
This is a great film about some kids it is about the oldest child being a girl and living with her litle brothers and how they got on her last nerve and how she had stood up for them and living with her mother and father and growing up in the 1970's . This film also showed how it is living in New York the terms and the conditons, and challenges tht you have to face growing up I really enjoy this film!!! I would reccommend anyone to buy this movie!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Larenz Tate Proves His Star Quality Once More
I don't know what it is about this guy but Larenz Tate can mesmerize a screen. Lackluster films like " Love Jones " and " Love Come Down " would have surely fizzled out if it hadn't been for his strong screen presence. This is one actor who deserves an Oscar ( but realistically will probably never get one ). If you're a Larenz Tate fan I am sure you've already seen " Dead " a thousand times. You won't get tired of it because Larenz brings his natural freshness to the film each time.

The movie begins in the late 60's where Anthony ( Tate ) and his friends, Skip ( Chris Tucker ) and Jose are riding to school on their bus. We quickly realize there is a war going on and this gives Anthony his golden opinion, which controls the direction of the film: Anthony wants to fight for his country. Anthony seems to be the perfect citizen by his innocent face and polite quality but has done some wrong things in the past like help the ongoing pool hall hustler cash in on illegal gambling money. After Anthony declares his love for Juanita ( the delightful Rose Jackson )he's off to fight. Anthony and the audience is thrust into some realistic yet vicious war segments. Let me warn you that this film is one of the most violent I've seen in a long time. It is not for those who can't stand blood. After learning he's become a father Anthony finally returns from the war. This is where the story gets emotional. As if it wasn't bad enough Anthony was fighting for his country, he comes home to a " country " that still sees blacks as less than human. He finds a dinky job cutting meat and loses it. If that wasn't a kick in the head he finds his woman has been seeing the local mobster/pimp Cutty. Meanwhile he and Juanita are struggling to keep their relationship together with a young daughter. After a violent confrontation with Juanita, Anthony storms off and finds Juanita's sister ( the lovely N'Bushe Wright ) who guides him to the " latest " war...the ongoing revolution for the militant black brothers and sisters to reclaim what's righfully theirs. Anthony's got other plans. A plan that stems from his pals. They decide to heist a money truck and half of them ( including N'Bushe ) end up murdered to death. This scene was graphic and incredibly violent. When Anthony thinks he's gotten away with something, he ends up meeting his destiny.

Larenz Tate was wonderful in this film. I have the feeling if this had been for the " Saving Private Ryan " audience he would have won recognition, but only the black community seems to appreciate Tate and films like " Dead Presidents ". The supporting characters were believable with the exception of Chris Tucker ( who I love ) but he needs to learn how to act less like himself in his roles and more like the character. He acts the same way on everything. He seems to be hired for his real-life persona instead of his acting ability. But Chris is always entertaining. Rose Jackson was who I especially enjoyed. She was lively and strong just like Anthony's lady would have been. The direction was slow at parts but realistic. The violence was a bit much but hey...that's life. This is a truly good film and it was screwed of mainstream attention like so many other good black films. It seems to me that if you're not Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson or Denzel Washington, you stay in the " black " forest of the cinema industry and that's unfortunate. Because our commmunity has turned out some of the most versatile actors in the world.

Larenz Tate Kills It ! Great Film!
Dead Presidents is a well plotted drama that grabs your attention from beginning to end. Larenz Tate's killer performance definitely makes this film worth while. Honestly, i've haven't seen much Larenz Tate movies but watching this makes you more interested in his other works. I won't give you a whole plot summary of the film but "Dead Presidents" is very gory especially in the war scenes. It's basically about a young man trying to find himself fresh out of high school. HE decides to fight in Vietnam but comes back havin to care for his baby girl which causes him and his buddies to try to make some quick cold cash, robbing a federal reserve bank. Chris Tucker even brings some humor to this outstanding drama. Keep an eye out for this movie and other works by Larenz Tate. In my opinion he could be the next big thing. You'll believe me when you see it.

Great Cast....
The movies is very good, You follow a young man growing up durining Vet Nam. He enlist the Marines Corps which shows him and his high school buddie, Skippy( Chris Tucker). I like what the preacher son gets as a good luck charm.
Tates character then returns back to his home town after 3 tours in Nam to find things have change alot. My heart goes out to him , but this is were the movie even gets better. Like I said the cast adds alot to the movie, when you watch the movie you will see what I am talking about..

Good Movie
This Flim Was A 10 out of 10 in my book. great actors and screenplay.

~*~ The BaG~*~

Good Film
This film was really good. By the end of the movie, I did not condone what was done, but I understood. How many of us know people who came back after fighting for their country, and they are working jobs that suck, and living a tough life. That's pretty much the message I got from the film. I watch this movie about once a month, I like it that much. Chris Tucker had a role in this film that makes you stand up and take notice. I would love to see him in more dramas in the future. He could do the roles. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ice Cube wrote and stars as Craig in this sequel to Friday, which he also wrote. His nemesis from that film, neighborhood bully Debo (Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr.), has just escaped from county jail and is out to get revenge. To protect Craig, Craig's father (John Witherspoon) sends his son to stay with his Uncle Elroy (Don "DC" Curry), who won the lottery and bought a house in Rancho Cucamonga. Craig expects the suburbs to be dull, but no sooner has he arrived than conflicts arise: The neighbors are hostile hoods, his cousin's girlfriend is out for blood and child support, and the house is about to be seized because of unpaid taxes. It's up to Craig and his cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps) to solve these problems before the day is over. It's a rambling, loose movie, but a genuinely entertaining one. Ice Cube doesn't write punch lines--though funny lines abound. He writes richly comic characters that speak in virtual arias of bragging, complaining, and scamming. Sure, some of the characters are stereotypes and many of the jokes are about drugs and scatology--but that's been the basis of humor since Plautus and Molière. The rhythmic energy of Ice Cube's dialogue and the easy charisma of his performance make Next Friday thoroughly enjoyable. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (100)

can u please tell me what ive been watching for 90 minutes?
this movie is very bad. i enjoyed the first friday to some degree, and was expecting a more comical sequel give the box office take of NEXT FRIDAY. what i got was more dirty jokes and stereotypes left and right, and not much of it was funny. a lot of the same topics are rehashed and beaten to death by the poor script and horrible acting. i chuckled maybe 4 or 5 times, and that was it in terms of comedic value. the film is confused, leaving the viewer even more confused.

Next Friday
I have to admit, when I first heard about this one and people told me that Chris Tucker wasn't going to be in, I thought right off the bat that this was going to be another terrible sequel. After I saw it, I gotta say I was wrong because NEXT FRIDAY was really funny and all out a great sequel to it's original FRIDAY.

In this one, Craig (Ice Cube) is going to his Uncle Elroy's for a little while. After a few days of hanging out and doing whatever with his cousin Dae Dae (Mike Epps), Craig signs for a special delivery and the letter states that his Uncle Elroy owes a lot of money because of a delinquent property tax payment and now his Uncle will lose his house if they can't get the money. So now Craig and Dae Dae have to fund the money so they don't lose the house, dodge their next door neighbors the Joker brothers that want to take it to them, Dae Dae has to dodge his ex-girlfriend and her destructive sister and the word is out that Debo has broken out of prison and he's looking for Craig. It's another great, kick back and laugh out loud comedy.

Like I said before, just because Chris Tucker isn't in this one doesn't mean that it's bad. I thought it was pretty funny and Epps really doesn't replace Tucker. In my opinion, Epps just adds a new character to the mix and Cube and Epps are funny as hell together. Plus this one has a lot more laughs. Granted yes, most of the comedy circles around the pot smoking but the parts that don't are really funny.

Just remember, if you want to check out NEXT FRIDAY you have to check out FRIDAY first or you'll miss some jokes and there will be holes in the plot as well. Check out these 2 great titles and when it comes to DVD and Video check out FRIDAY AFTER NEXT.

The Friday Collection Left The Other Movies In The Ash Tray
First off I'd like to start my review like this.
Why are you guys even attempting to compare these movies to other ones?

Friday ... it really set the standards to what goes on now in our community. It told people "dont be ashamed if you do it".

This second movie was without a doubt just as funny as the first one. Yes, Chris Tucker is not in it but they covered it up well in the movie.

The whole plot of the movie is that Craig has to get away from his neighbor---hood because of Deebo. He went to jail but rumors circulated that he was planning an escape.

Craig's Father decides he's going to move in with Uncle Elroy and his cousin Day-Day. His uncle had won the lotto so he moved into what they called a "White neighborhood".

Trouble occurs naturally. Ya'll just gotta buy it. If you haven't done so already, buy part 3 (Friday After Next) aswell.

Holla At Cha Boi

"Next Friday" DVD Review!
Ice Cube returns for the second installment in the "Friday" franchise. This time, he's moving out of the hood and into his rich uncle's home in Rancho Cucamonga. Chris Tucker's out of the picture and in his place is Mike Epps as Cube's wacky cousin. Also returning for this one are John Witherspoon and Tiny "Zeus" Lister but a majority of the characters are brand new to the series with Don "D.C." Curry, Tamala Jones, Clifton Powell, Justin Pierce, and Sticky Fingaz joining the ensemble cast.

"Next Friday" has Craig moving out to the 'burbs when he learns that the neighborhood bully, Deebo (Lister) has escaped from prison and is looking for him. The suburbs prove to be just as much trouble as he has to deal with the Latino thugs who live next door, a trigger-happy record store owner, and his cousin's obsessive ex-girlfriend. When it turns out that his uncle has just 24 hours to come up with some money to cover some unpaid taxes on the house, Cube devises a plan that has him, his cousin, Day-Day (Epps), and their token white friend (the late Justin Pierce) breaking into the next door neighbor's house.

"Next Friday" is a decent follow-up but the loss of co-writer DJ Pooh and star Chris Tucker is a lot to get over. Epps puts in a humorous comedic performance but he's no Tucker. The new characters are hit and miss. Amy Hill's Asian neighbor is a weak and tired sterotype-driven character. If you can't tell that Hill isn't Korean by looking at her, her awful attempt at an accent will give it away. Jacob Vargas as the loud-mouthed Latio neighbor is entertaining though they seemed to have run out of material for him in some areas. Sticky Fingaz is hilarious as Tyrone, Deebo's prison sidekick and Lisa Rodriguez is easy on the eyes as Cube's love interest.

While it's not on the same level as the original, "Next Friday" has more than a few laughs. Cube and Epps have pretty good chemistry and the suburban backdrop makes for a nice change of pace for an urban comedy (it's certainly done more effectively than on Fox's "Red And Meth"). The DVD presentation has a lot of cool extra features including an alternate ending, the Mike Epps audition tape, and an audio commentary by director Steve Carr.

should have been the third film
I enjoyed Ice Cube in this movie, but I think Day-day and uncle Elroy could have been funnier, Debo was the best part along with the new character sticky fingaz but wtf happened to Debo? ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The Original Kings of Comedy achieves the seemingly impossible task of capturing the rollicking and sly comedy routines of stand-up and sitcom vets Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac and the magic of experiencing a live concert show. Director Spike Lee and his crew plant a multitude of cameras in a packed stadium and onstage (as well as backstage, as they follow the comedians) to catch the vivid immediacy of the show, which is as much about the audience as it is about the jokes. And the jokes are funny.

All four riff fast and furiously (and with much swearing) on the world in terms of race, family, sex, and in one routine, outer space. Hughley takes comedic aim at extreme sports and eating disorders, while Cedric harks back to the day when gang fights meant calling opponents out onto the dance floor. Bernie Mac, the self-confessed id comedian of the group, presents a routine that is simultaneously offensive and hilarious--an apt reminder that comedy can and should be vicious if we are ever to learn to laugh at ourselves and hopefully be the better for it. Harvey, who acts as the MC for the show, has some transcendent moments with the crowd (a '70s slow jam sing-along, anyone?) that have to be seen to be believed. There's no doubt as to why Kings was a hit with concert and movie audiences; the laughs keep coming, in the tradition of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, with a sharp eye on the nuances of today's racially affected culture. --Shannon Gee ... Read more

Reviews (71)

More like one king, two princes, and one sucker
Bernie Mac is undeniably THE king of comedy in this movie, his set smokes all of the others. That's not to say that the other's aren't funny. D.L. Hughley is really funny, especially when talking about how black people and white people view work. Steve Harvey sort of MC's the concert and does like two 10-15 minute sets that are decent. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I really didn't think that Cedric the Entertainers set was funny at all. It's a good thing Spike Lee didn't open the film with him because I probably would have shut it off. The funniest part of the whole movie is hearing Bernie Mac's views on child raising, it's just simply hilarious. Bernie comes from the old school of child rearing where it's ok to give a kid an @ss whippin'. Anyway, this is definitely worth buying just for Bernie Mac's set alone, but D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey do a good job as well...a good addition to any comedy collection.

Almost a classic
The Original Kings of Comedy is not a movie per se; rather, it's an assortment of comics doing, well, comedy. Steve Harvey is the emcee, and he is joined by Cedric "The Entertainer", D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. They each do an exceptional job of bringing their own comedic style to the stage, and I don't want to really go into the specifics because that would be giving away too much of the movie.

So why didn't I give it five stars? Because there was one problem: part of D.L. Hughley's routine. Sure, his jokes were funny as ever, but we all know damn well that several of those jokes were the same jokes he told a year before (or a year later, depending on when this movie was taped) in his HBO special "Going Home". And I don't mean similar jokes, I mean EXACT jokes. Although the jokes are still funny, you can't help but ache for more new material. I've noticed that with a lot of black comedians. (I'm black too, so that's not a racist remark.) For example, several of Chris Rock's jokes from his HBO special "Bigger & Blacker" were the same jokes given during his monologue when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 1996...minus the profanity, of course. I think that kind of pattern isn't good to follow. I mean, how would you feel if you bought a new album from your favorite artist and discovered that the exact same songs from the previous album are on there? (Are you listening, Jesse Powell?)

This is still a good video, so add it to your collection.

A
this movie is hilarious. you should buy it or even rent it. i cant garantee you'll like it. dont listen to them haters hatin on this dvd. yeah, i agree that maybe its none too smart to make fun of your own culture, but its still funny. it would still be funny if any body from another race made fun of thier own culture. well anywayz this is a good movie. but its not as funny as the latin kings of comedy.

The King of the Stand-up Comedy DVDs
The first time I saw a blurry picture of Steve Harvey in a magazine I thought I was looking at a young Richard Pryor. My mistake, but besides that, I wasn¡¯t too far off; at least they¡¯re in the same business of making people laugh. Harvey, who is more or less the MC of the show, introduces the other comedians while adding in his own jokes along the way. I love that Harvey is so proudly ¡®old school¡¯ and dishes out critique at the ever-so-annoying unenlightened Hip Hop artists; Original Kings of Comedy came out in 2000, but four years on, Harvey¡¯s observations are truer than ever.

Obviously everyone will have his or her favourite comedian, but for me, the weakest link was by far DL Hughley. Maybe the younger crowd will like him more, but to me he seems more pretentious than the others. Unlike them, Hughley isn¡¯t self-effacing or self-deprecating, which to me is an essential quality for a comedian, because to be able to laugh at oneself is Basic Comedy 101. He¡¯s the first one on stage and to me he just sounds a lot like all the other stand up comedians out there. He lacks presence and charisma, which he probably thinks he makes up for by being loud and boisterous. Don¡¯t get me wrong, some of his jokes were funny, but the other 3 comedians just had a more unique style and flair.

Next up is Cedric The Entertainer: I had high expectations of him, so along with his routine and his backstage banter plus Latin singing warm up in the men¡¯s¡¯ bathroom, I was won over. He's got a real knack for pacing his jokes, that is, he takes his time more than the others. I mean this in a good way. It provides a nice contrast to the rapid-fire laughs of Mac and Hughley. He also plays with language a bit, and like Harvey, is excellent at creating a scene, where his characters and ensuing jokes come to life.

When Bernie Mac arrives I was at first surprised by his thick accent, because I¡¯m used to seeing him in movie roles where he pronounces and articulates his lines more clearly. So admittedly I actually had to switch on the subtitles briefly while I reacquainted myself with his accent. Anyway, Mac is just dynamite. He really is. He¡¯s such a great combination of honesty (especially about himself) and saying what the rest of us don¡¯t dare. And by the way he¡¯s right, it¡¯s not about black or white, we all just do things differently.

So if I disliked Hughley so much, why do I still award the film 4 stars? Come on now, you can¡¯t beat the laughs in this one. The deleted scenes are all great (especially Mac¡¯s) and yes, perhaps Hughley is the weakest link to me, but thanks to him you really do get to see a variety of talent, and besides, maybe YOU will like him. This film by Spike Lee is a heap of fun. I¡¯ve seen other stand-up comedy DVDs, but this one is undoubtedly the ¡®King¡¯ of ¡®em all!

Sickeningly Hilarious!
This film captures stand-up performances from comedians Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer and Bernie Mac, and is a non-stop laugh-fest in the highest sense of the term. This review is not going to be a very long one - to be rather honest. The humor, of course, revolves around many taboo subjects like racial stereotypes, sex, religion and other things - if you are easily offended by any of these things, I suggest you avoid this film like the plague, because it is no holds barred! A few of the many hilarious scenes that I consider personal favorites from each comedian:

(1). Steve Harvey does a pretty good job of mocking the characters in the Titanic film who choose to keep playing their violins amidst a major catastrophe. He later goes into detail about why he prefers "old-school" music; particularly old-school R&B, over the hip-hop and rap trends that seem to be preferred by the modern generation. He does an effective job of lambasting rappers, and is absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious. I was practically in tears from laughing so hard at this. Needs to be seen to be believed.

(2). D.L. Hughley was hilarious too, but like some have pointed out, some of his routines came from other, earlier stand-up specials. Side note: If you can find a copy of his stand-up comedic special entitled "Going Home," pick it up. That performance I believe to be his funniest, and it leaves me rolling on the floor everytime.

(3). Cedric The Entertainer's humor was the least brash of all the four, and has more of a laid-back, subtle charm, which still manages to make you laugh. The whole break-dance scene was funny, as well as his "cruising into outer space" scene, his self-made "martial art style" scene, and others.

(4). Bernie Mac - good lord. He was without a doubt the craziest, most brash, most (messed)-up comedian in this set. Sadistic and intensely cathartic, even. It's only fitting that he would be the last performer. His routine was just a little too much for me - and still is - and I mean that in the best way possible. His takes on kids and how they get (or should get) punished, sex and orgasm, and the "stuttering" kid were just too much - not only was I laughing too hard, but my lungs began to hurt, I nearly lost my voice for a brief period, and I was nearly out of oxygen. The guy was too much! Saying that he cracked me up would be a HUGE understatement.

All in all, recommended for many who want (or need) a major laugh-fest. Sometimes, one of the best ways - if not the best way - to deal with unpleasant situations in life is to be able to laugh at them - as exemplified in this film. If you suffer from chronic asthma, heart disease, and/or are easily shocked - particularly by the things mentioned in the above paragraphs (including loads of profanity) - stay VERY far away from this - you will be digging yourself an early grave. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Rock On!
Chris Rock follows up his 1996 hit "Bring the Pain" with another hilarious 1-hr routine. As always, Chris serves up his brutally honest opinions on the social and political nightmares we live in today. In this performance you'll find him tackling school gun violence, the plight of Native Americans, Ricky Martin, delinquent parents, racism, police brutality, incurable diseases, taxes, and a host of other issues. What makes Chris Rock so hilarious is that his commentary not only rings true but hits upon feelings and thoughts most of us have but are often afraid to express in today's "politically correct" atmosphere. Plus, Chris' naturally funny-looking physical appearance adds color to his performance. As with many other comedians, Chris Rock ends up spending a great deal of time on cliche comedian fodder such as sex and man-woman relationships. Thankfully, Chris Rock has managed to avoid tired old jokes and put hilarious new spins on these topics.

If you want intelligent comedy, this is the video for you! However, be forewarned that Chris Rock has a penchant for using the "f" word when emphasizing points, which some may find annoying after a while, and he is bound to say something that may offend someone. Nonetheless, I think that's what makes Chris Rock great and universal. Although Chris caters to an African-American audience, he ultimately has ideas that speaks to all segments of society- conservatives, liberals, white/black/asian/latino, homosexual, religious, non-religious, etc. A view that one segment of society finds appealing is bound to be held in disdain by another.

I must admit, in the past year that I've become a Chris Rock fan, I've found it difficult to watch other comedians. Few are as hard-hitting as Chris Rock. Get this video to see what I mean! While you are at it, get "Bring the Pain"- this one packs even more punch than "Bigger and Blacker".

Chris Rock Rocks!
While humor isn't universally the same, this DVD appeals to a broad audience. If you can't handle swearing then it isn't for you. Others have said it is too much but in my opinion it doesn't stand out as over the top like some comedians (Martin Lawrence comes to mind). Chris Rock has excellent delivery and material in this performance. While some of the material is somewhat dated (Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinski, and the woman that put the free world in jeopardy, Hillary Clinton) you will still laugh hard at his take on it. This is one of those performances that you catch yourself thinking about and going home and watching and laughing at yet again. The material is well thought out, the delivery is great, and the physical presentation by Chris Rock is outstanding. Truly one of the thinking comedians of this time. What you get with this DVD is Chris Rock performing his standup, which is great, but don't expect a long list of extras because they aren't here.

Funny Hee Hee, not funny, Ha Ha
This is a strong HBO special, full of hilarious bits of satirical comedy, but I didn't feel it was nearly as strong as his earlier stuff. I watched "Bring the Pain" repeatedly-- I belly laughed every time. I made my friends watch it. We'd recite the best bits over and over. With bigger and blacker, there weren't moments to be taken away. Sure, it was funny but not resoundingly so. While I would not argue that C-Rock is this generation's Pryor, this is not his Mudbone.

King Chris
Forget the editorial review above. There is no weak spot in this hour long presentation. Chris Rock is the most brilliant contemporary comedian I know of and he's at the top of his game in Bigger and Blacker. Let's get real...this is 2004....post Richard Pryor, post Eddie Murphy, Dice Clay etc....four letter words shouldn't be offensive to anyone at this point so it is not a valid argument to say that this wasn't enjoyable because Rock curses too much. Like any great, he can get the laughs without the swearing but this is his special and he comes out with both barrels blazing. The cursing isn't for cursing's sake....this is intelligent, razor-sharp, ADULT comedy. Put the kids to bed and kick back. Like any great satirist, Chris' jokes reflect a probable truth. In regards to his bits on family, love and relationships, I have LIVED his jokes. It's frightening in a funny way and I'm sure I'm not the only one who experienced that sensation of Rock peering into their lives and dragging out all of the dirty laundry. Any aspiring comic writers and stand up comedians need to study this; it's a gem. Rock did his homework studying Woody Allen and Richard Pryor and it shows. The torch has been passed.

Disappointed in Chris....
I have to say that I purchased this dvd and I wasn't very happy with it as I usually laugh at his material. Most of his material on this dvd wasn't funny at all. I found myself somewhat speeding up the dvd to the next joke just so that I could get a laugh. In my opinion, if you're going to buy it, then buy it used so that you won't feel like you paid too much for it if you're disappointed. I'm hesitant to buy his "Bring the Pain" dvd due to I don't know what to expect. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Poitier Is Masterful
1967 was an incredible year for Sidney Poitier. He starred in three magnificent films, the Academy Award winning films, In The Heat Of the Night & Guess Who's Coming To Dinner and this superb movie. Mr. Poitier stars as Mark Thackery who is an engineer, but in need of a job accepts a teaching position at a tough West End school. His class is made up of unruly ruffians and at first they rebel against him. It becomes obvious to Thackery that these kids don't have an interest in learning normal academics and that none of them will pursue higher education so he decides to prepare them for live by giving them lessons on how to cope in the real world. He gives cooking lessons, make up lessons for the girls, takes them to museums and they develop a respect and love for each other. Judy Geeson is fabulous as Pamela Dare, a blond beauty who develops a crush on Thackery. Christian Roberts is Devin the leader of the group. He is a thug not use to rules and is constantly testing Thackery. Lulu is Babs Pegg and she does a credible acting job and supplies the film with its famous theme song. Michael Des Barres has a minor part as one of the students and he would go on to minor rock career and marry one of the most famous of all rock groupies Pamela Des Barres. Mr. Poitier is the glue that holds the film together and he is equally forceful and compassionate in his performance. To sir With Love is dated in some ways with regards to the fashions and slang language, but it's story is timeless

Flawlessly wonderful
This is my all-time favorite movie. The story is of a Black engineer, born in British Guyana and educated in California, who takes a job teaching at a high school in a depressed area of London. He has no teaching experience, and so develops his teaching style from his own experience. Gradually the relationship between the teacher (Poitier) and his students evolves from suspicion, to respect, to love. There is the obligatory romantic attraction between Poitier and one of his students, Judy Geeson. (Geeson, who plays this part with endearing and convincing sweetness, grew up to become the supercilious and insufferable across-the-hall neighbor from Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt in the TV sitcom "Mad About You").

Everything is perfect in this movie. If you can watch the very last scene without tears, then you are stronger than I. In retrospect, I think this movie was one of the influences which caused me to become a teacher, 17 years after I first saw it. I hope it has done the same for some others, and that it will continue to do so in the future. See it!

Heartwarming Film
Poitier is a stunning actor.

This is a heartwarming film. This is a good feel-good movie for anyone who may be feeling down!

Jeffrey C. McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

One of Sidney Poitier's outstanding movies
This movie, based on E.R. Braithwaite's book, was one of the outstanding movies of Sidney Poitier. I am a sucker of such movies, especially as I can relate to them. I was in a difficult school during my teenage years with bad schoolmates and some good teachers set me straight, otherwise, I would have been in trouble. This movie inspired many other movies but did not do such a splendid job. The main difference was the script and the actors.

Sidney plays the part of Mark Thackerey who is an engineer who does not get a job as an engineer and decides to become a teacher as an intermediate job. In the East End school he sees how bad the standards of the students are and realizes that he is not making any difference. Finally one day he loses his cool, and then hits on an idea to change the students attitude. Gradually, the students warm up to him. Though some of the ideas might be dated (language, customs etc) for the present day, the ideas of racism, generation difference, teacher-student trust and problems are well brought out. This is still a timeless classic and for anyone who has worked with schools, teachers and problem students.

The DVD quality is excellent. Both video and sound transfer are good. Sidney is Sidney, what can I say, his quiet, dignified style of acting and the way he handles all the situations by showing his emotions is fantastic. The theme song of this movie is also special. Do not miss this movie.

A BEAUTIFUL FILM
"To Sir With Love" was a beautiful story about a black teacher, Sidney Poitier, who overcomes racial barriers to teach West London toughs and toughettes the meaning of life. It was, literally, banned in Alabama, which was ruled entirely by...the Democrat party. In 1967, Poitier again stirred the red-necks with "In the Heat of the Night", where he plays Virgil Tibbs, a competent Philadelphia cop stuck overnight in a Mississippi town. It must be 110 degrees at night. The white boys sweat like stuck pigs while Virgil is as cool as a cucumber in a Savoy Row suit. The sheriff, Rod Steiger, is discomfited by circumstances in which Tibbs is "lent" to him to solve a murder that happens to occur when he is there. In working together, layer after layer of characterization is stripped away in marvelous fashion, through the skill of director Norman Jewison (who tells everybody he is not a Jew, he is Methodist), until understanding between the two men become a metaphor for the healing of a divided America. Very good stuff.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Do you Believe Your Boyfriend, Husband, Girlfriend....!
Two Can Play At That Game is a very interesting movie. Whoever says this movie isn't funny hasn't been in a relationship before. Point Blank. Through each characters strategic tactics I see myself. I say holdup hold up ...I ve done that before. Anthony Anderson basically makes this movie though. This man is too funny. He emphasizes the important words in the sentence to get his point across and his voice makes it hilarious. This is his best acting performance. Vivica Fox gives women a few unnecessary pointers ( from a man's perspective at least ) but she does keep it real. Morris Chestnut does excellent as well. The movie is fast paced as Vivica Fox and Anderson each play their cards at the situation they are given. They play it like a chess game and the 'rules' are funny at times. The girlfriends (Tamala Jones, Wendy Racquel Robinson and MoNique )really act like real friends and they have good chemistry together. The movie wasn't too long and didn't bore me to death as most love stories do.

When I first saw it I couldn't really understand why Morris Chestnut was moping around. 'I'm not gonna call, I already called twice, can't be desperate" lol. I was like man if you don't quit b!tchin...But then I remembered that Vivica Fox is finer than a mutha. I'm surprised he didn't cry. Shante takes him through a grueling three day process where she hardly even speaks to him and breaks up with him. The only useless day was day six. There was no purpose for it. The funniest part is at the end when she expects him to be at her house waiting on her with flowers. I could have told her beyotch please that aint gonna happen. And then when he didn't show it was just hilarious. I was like "ahhh that shhh didn't work" and then five seconds later she's like "I know what ya thinking...the shhh didn't work" By then I was on the flo rolling. It was so funny.

The good thing about this movie is that actors really seemed like they enjoyed playing the roles. The movie is fast, fun, lighthearted, and entertaining. A nice classic chill out movie. The narrating didn't bother me at all. I recommend seeing this film.

It Someone Hiding Something From You....?
Two Can Play At That Game is a very interesting movie. Whoever says this movie isn't funny hasn't been in a relationship before. Point Blank. Through each characters strategic tactics I see myself. I say holdup hold up ...I ve done that before. Anthony Anderson basically makes this movie though. This man is too funny. He emphasizes the important words in the sentence to get his point across and his voice makes it hilarious. This is his best acting performance. Vivica Fox gives women a few unnecessary pointers ( from a man's perspective at least ) but she does keep it real. Morris Chestnut does excellent as well. The movie is fast paced as Vivica Fox and Anderson each play their cards at the situation they are given. They play it like a chess game and the 'rules' are funny at times. The girlfriends (Tamala Jones, Wendy Racquel Robinson and MoNique )really act like real friends and they have good chemistry together. The movie wasn't too long and didn't bore me to death as most love stories do.

When I first saw it I couldn't really understand why Morris Chestnut was moping around. 'I'm not gonna call, I already called twice, can't be desperate" lol. I was like man if you don't quit b!tchin...But then I remembered that Vivica Fox is finer than a mutha. I'm surprised he didn't cry. Shante takes him through a grueling three day process where she hardly even speaks to him and breaks up with him. The only useless day was day six. There was no purpose for it. The funniest part is at the end when she expects him to be at her house waiting on her with flowers. I could have told her beyotch please that aint gonna happen. And then when he didn't show it was just hilarious. I was like "ahhh that shhh didn't work" and then five seconds later she's like "I know what ya thinking...the shhh didn't work" By then I was on the flo rolling. It was so funny.

The good thing about this movie is that actors really seemed like they enjoyed playing the roles. The movie is fast, fun, lighthearted, and entertaining. A nice classic chill out movie. The narrating didn't bother me at all. I recommend seeing this film

O.k.
This movie was O.K. Good for having professional blacks, but bad for having them with stupid attitudes. Yet, there were some funny scenes (Anthony Anderson). I give it a 4 star because of Morris Chestnut and his fine, chocolate self.

Two Can Play That Game
This is perhaps the best romantic comedy I've ever seen. Vivica's character catches her man out on the dance floor when he said he'd be working late. He explains but she's determined to keep him in line by punishing him. It's hilariously funny and very romantic. A must see!

hmmmmmm!
i guess ill give it 3 stars. the preview for this movie looked really good! but the movie did not match i dont think it was horrible, but it was not the hilarious wonderful movie i was expecting. i think those kind of misleading previews can really kill a movie. it was ok, but ill probably never watch it again even though morris chestnut is in it. some of it was funny but not really funny and alot of it just wasnt funny. maybe if i didnt expect so much from it i would have liked it more. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the very best films about the Civil War, this instant classic from 1989 is also one of the few films to depict the participation of African American soldiers in Civil War combat. Based in part on the books Lay This Laurel by Lincoln Kirstein and One Gallant Rush by Peter Burchard, the film also draws from the letters of Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick), the 25-year-old son of Boston abolitionists who volunteered to command the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Their training and battle experience leads them to their final assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, where their heroic bravery turned bitter defeat into a symbolic victory that brought recognition to black soldiers and turned the tide of the war. With painstaking attention to historical detail and richness of character, the film boasts superior performances by Denzel Washington (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Andre Braugher. Directed by Edward Zwick (co-creator of the TV series thirtysomething), this unforgettable drama is as important as Schindler's List in its treatment of a noble yet little-known episode of history. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (279)

Honor and Horror
The story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry is told in a solid and entertaining movie. The casting is brilliant, including the surprisingly good choice of Matthew Broderick, an actor I'm normally indifferent to, who is utterly believable as the scion of a wealthy Boston family who accepts a commission as Colonel in command of the first black regiment in the Civil War. Rounding out the cast are Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, the two finest actors of ANY color working in Hollywood these days, and Cary Elwes in easily his best performance since The Princess Bride. If there is anything negative to say about this film, it is in the archetypical nature of several of the characters (I do not know how "fictionalized" the indivdual soldiers are) and a bit of, yes, "glorification" of what ultimately was one of the most horrific and wasteful events in history. But ultimately that is what makes honor and glory: sacrifice for the future. The tragedy should not be forgotten in the glory. So when you see this movie, let your heart swell for the glory and honor, and let your eye weep at the waste of human life.

A Movie for Warmongers and Pacifists alike
The Academy Award winner from 1989 stands out as a monumental film with stunning acting, crisp cinematography and one of the most realistic depictions of the horrors of war ever filmed.

Matthew Broderick is compelling as Robert Gould Shaw, the young and inexperienced commander of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, an all-black unit initially deprived of the right to fight but eventually allowed to prove its mettle in a pivotal battle of the Civil War. Morgan Freeman exudes paternal strength and wisdom as the eldest member of the platoon. Andre Braugher, Cary Elwes, Jihmi Kennedy, and a brilliant Denzel Washington (winner of "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar) make this film a genuine classic.

Making small but significant contributions to the film are Jane Alexander as Shaw's mother and veteran Raymond St. Jacques (his last role) as Frederick Douglas.

A further nod of praise goes to James Horner's masterful score. His music, along with the harmonies of the Boys Choir Of Harlem provides as glorious a background as is the inspirational story itself.

A Great American Movie!
This is one of the most historically acurate films about the Civil War. Not only that, it's one of the best acted and best shot movie in many years. Denzel Washington's performance is worth the Oscar he recieved. Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman are also exceptional. It's an unforgetable film about an event that changed the course of history.

HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Matthew Broderick is AMAZING buy it and you won't be disapointed.

American tragedy
For so long, the image of the Civil War has existed in the collective American mind as a series of sepia-tone Matthew Brady photographs: ghoulish and nightmarish landscapes littered with bodies and body parts. However, with the notable exceptions of his portraits of the field generals, there is a sort of anonymity to the corpses in Brady's works. In one of GONE WITH THE WIND's most powerful scenes, scores upon scores of wounded soldiers lie in the streets, until they appear to be one large, unidentifiable mass of pain--which was the filmmaker's point. Edward Zwick's GLORY was one of the first films to put a human face and individuality to those who fought and died in America's most brutal years. Based upon the true story of Boston's young colonel, Robert Shaw, and his efforts to allow his all African-American outfit (the "54th") to fight on the side of the Union, GLORY is one of those rare films that successfully combines history with movie-making.

Wonderful performances abound in this powerful film: Washington, Broderick, Freeman and Elwes all give their best efforts. But the real star of the show is the camera. The battle sequences, as other reviewers have mentioned, are horrific, as is the scene in the triage tent. (THIS MOVIE IS NOT FOR PEOPLE WITH WEAK STOMACHS.) But the scenes in between, the relatively quiet ones, have as great an impact. I especially have in mind the training sequences. In another director's hands, the scenes in which the troops begin understanding each other, and as the officers begin understanding their troops could have wound up a syrupy mess. Instead, their horrible predicament unites them in an unsentimental, yet sensitive manner. Zwick's camera-work throughout is exemplary, making GLORY one of the best films about America's most tragic episodes. ...