Reviews (39)

Decent (not great) presentation of drive-in classic
Of course, if you're reading this, you probably already know that "Shaft" is an above-average blaxploitation flick with Richard Roundree as a private detective hired to track down a Harlem gang boss' missing daughter. With dialogue like "You got problems, Shaft?" "Yeah, two of 'em. I was born black and I was born poor." you really can't lose.

So on with the DVD. The film itself is nicely letterboxed (I think for the first time), and while it's not made from the greatest print (there are a couple scratches), it's a perfectly acceptable presentation.

Extras include trailers for all three Shaft flicks . This is great--I wish Warner had done the same with their "Dirty Harry" DVD. (They did with the VHS version.) There's also a 1971-produced short "Making of" film and the option to view the movie in French (a surreal experience, to be sure.)

The cast and crew bios, however, are pretty meager, offering only a relatively complete portrait of Richard Roundtree. Where's Moses Gunn? Or Gordon Parks? The "Awards" option is pretty worthless as well, showing that the movie won the Oscar for "Best Original Song."

Oh, yes, and there's no commentary track with Director Parks as is described on the Amazon site. Forgivably, it's not mentioned on the DVD box, so this is probably just something that didn't pan out at the last minute.

It's still lots of fun, but not what it could have been.

A Winner!
This is the genuine original "Shaft" from 1971, with Richard Roundtree, that scored so well with inner-city (read: African-American) audiences that it spawned two sequels and created a new mini-genre, the grudgingly titled "Blaxploitation" films. As a kid living in a rural white area at the time, I missed this important and popular movie until I saw it last week in my VCR. And you know what? It's good.

Shaft is a private investigator who is hired by a local crime boss to find his beautiful, vulnerable daughter, who has been kidnapped by a rival ring from New Jersey. This is no small potatoes: a major drug war could break out between Jersey and Harlem if the problem isn't resolved soon. By the way, someone goes crashing through Shaft's very high office window in his presence, so Shaft has to bargain and barter with his only sympathetic contact in the NYPD to keep from being arrested on a murder charge. Shaft has to work on his own, under cover, without most of the advantages the police enjoy.

The performances in this film are wonderful. It shows how shamefully Hollywood has ignored black talent that actors the caliber of Moses Gunn didn't get steady work, and the situation is only marginally better today. The talent brings conviction to a gangster plot line that is really just an update of 1930s material, minimizing its formulaic quality and keeping it fresh. There are also sharp points made about the realities of urban black life. Example: A taxicab pauses, then zooms by well-dressed Shaft, only to stop 50 feet up the street to pick up a similarly dressed white guy. It's stuff like this that raises "Shaft" well above the movie-of-the-week level that infects so many routine and direct-to-video films.

I think that time may have actually improved "Shaft." The violence is just violence. Shooting a gun is just that, not an invitation to buckets of blood. A car crash is a car crash, not a fireball. One thing the writers or producers seem a little conflicted about is the level of swearing: a character will say "[bad]" in one sentence, use the s-word in the next, then revert to "[bad]" Ditto those well-worn terms about fornication. Well, 1971 was a confusing time.

For a generation raised on Joe Fridays, Shaft is quite an interesting character, a handsome leather-clad James Bond without all the high-tech gadgetry. He has a nice apartment and a loving wife, but he also keeps a sleek, tasteful bachelor pad that Hugh Hefner might envy. He must be quite the successful P.I.! I suppose this bit of fantasy was meant to serve as relief to the gritty urban drama played out on the streets. At any rate, I didn't mind it. If you're sitting on the fence about this movie, buy the tape; it's quite cheap.

The original
Gordon Parks created a sensation in Shaft with an ultracool performance by Richard Roundtree who went onto to do several films in this series. However none holds up as well as does the first film, which plays just as well today as it did in the 70's. Shaft was the quintessential rogue cop, taking orders from no one and tracking down the crooks no matter where they hid in the city. But what really makes this movie work is the feel Parks has for New York, capturing the quality of the inner city like few others have been able to do. One is carried along on the hip soundtrack by Isaac Hayes, taking in the mean streets of Harlem as Shaft fights both the corrupt police force and the underworld. Always one to do it his own way.

The mob wanted Harlem back. They got shaft...up to here.
That title is the films original tagline...and they got the shaft allright!

Shaft is a great 70's urban classic. The film is beautifully photographed and staged. The atmospheric camera work captures the streets of New York, always keeping the look of the film harsh and cold. The color scheme is typical 70's muted with acidic contrasts, but at the same time uses a number of blue tinges, especially in the outdoors, to suggest the cold environment the people are facing.

The DVD is presented in the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio as well as an open matte (fullscreen) transfer that adds some picture information at the top and the bottom of the screen. The transfers look pretty darned good for a 1971 flick. Audio is presented in the film's original monaural track and is fairly weak, though acceptable.

The DVD features includes a bonus documentary "Filming Shaft on Location", three trailers and cast biographies.

You gotta love Shaft & Richard Rountree. A great flick and a great DVD.

THE BEST OF THE BLAXPLOITATION FILMS
PERHAPS THE BEST BLAXPLOITATION FILM OF THEM ALL. JOHN SHAFT [RICHARD ROUNDTREE] IS HIRED TO INVESTIGATE THE KIDNAPPING OF A GANG LORD'S DAUGHTER. VERY INTERESTING MOVIE WIH LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC. THE FILM ALSO HAS A SHARP SENSE OF HUMOR. FOR A FUN TIME, CHECK OUT THIS CLASSIC 1971 ACTIONER. ISSAC HAYES WON AN OSCAR FOR THE SHAFT THEME SONG. FOLLOWED BY TWO SEQUELS, A TV SERIES, AND WAS REMADE [SORT OF] IN 2000. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

easily, one of the best performances,best films,don't resist
it's been a long time, since i've bothered to write a review, seems these days, movies are all so, normal, nothing unique about them, it's sad really, this film, is unique, I relate this film to scarface, as well as blowing me away, ving rhames, makes you believe he is the great don himself, he took on the mob, and he lived, and he killed a man, and beat it, then he killed another, and he got misdeamanor, the man is a icon, one of the greatest showboats, to have ever lived, he's also very intelligent, and it's true, he shouldn't have got such a bad rep, but baby, that sells, violence, sex, crime, it all sells,the media, you know, this film is a 100 stars, if you don't see this, then I pity you, if you say this movie is ..., like reviewer number one, then your an ..., this film is brilliant, a masterpiece, this film is also almost out of print, obviously, like divinci, a true artist, isn't respected till he is gone, wan't a real world example? look at tupac shakur, when don is gone, no one will ever be like him again, so relish, his kinglyness, and buy this video, before it is, to late.

A Very Crap Film
Oh my God!!! Do not waste your time watching this awful movie with which has an even more awful cast...I think that one star is really pushing it as the film was so bad that I switched it off less than half way through. I am a great boxing fan and would normally love to watch any movie, BUT, I draw the line when the movie is so bad that you actually wish that you hadn't wasted your time watching it and would rather go to the denstist and have all your teeth removed with the use of acid (and that is without painkillers)... An awful movie that is not even worth a star - I just wish that it could be given a minus number it is honestly that bad!!!

I wish I could give this movie 10 stars.
I have never seen a movie where the main character was portrayed with this kind of realism. I thought it actually WAS Don King the first time I saw this movie. Ving Rhames should have won Oscars, Emmys, and every kind of conceivable award for his portrayal of Don King. I mean he even has the voice inflections and mannerisms of Don King down to such a science it is unreal. I have never seen an actor portray anyone that well. I wish I could give this movie 10 stars. Ving Rhames IS Don King, from beginning to end. The man should have won an Oscar and an Emmy. I can't emphasize ENOUGH how well Ving Rhames plays Don King. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this movie.

Ving Rhames IS Don King
Only in America could a small time numbers runner-con man from Cleaveland make it from a prison cell to being the most powerful man in the richest of sports...Don King is simply put the greatest promoter of all time and even in his seventies the man just flat out controls most of the strings of the sport. Ving Rhames becomes the character as we follow his trials and tribulations, and in a cool piece of screenplay, Don talks to the audience and himself explains what is going on in his life as he makes his way to the top, mowing away all opposition especially Bob Arum. Things still havent changed as he promotes most of the top players in boxing today, and will do so until he dies, if the man is not immortal.

A GREAT FILM
Ving Rhames should have gotten every award in 97 for this Gem.He was DON KING&that isn't easy.DOn King is One OF Sports Most Interesting People Ever.He was Marketing Product Long Before People had a Term for it.He Understood what worked for whomever was His Fighter at the Moment was.He said it best if their wasn't a Him they Hollywood would have too Create One.Love Him or Loath Him You Have Too Acknowledge His Impact on Society.Just the Electric Chair Hair Alone.The FIlm had a Solid Cast Very Well Done. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wanting More
This is a great DVD mainly featuring interviews with Monk's friends and family, providing fascinating info about the man. However on my wish-list is a comprehensive DVD of Monk's performances (there seems to be plenty of footage) WITHOUT any talking over his playing!. I am much more interested in Monk's music than in the art of the video-editor.

Classical musicians can expect all of their performances to be seen and heard, jazz on video should be treated the same. Particularily as watching Monk play live adds a great deal to appreciating his music, his timing, improvisational skills and generally pushing it to the edge !

I love Monk and this video
I've watched this three times and look forward to my next viewing again. Features interviews with many of his contemporaries including Billy Taylor, Marion White, Barry Harris and his son Thelonious Mon Jr., as well as lots of footage of the master himself playing. I'm a huge Monk fan, and I found this fascinating and very informative on what made this genius tick. Highly recommended.

amazingly inspiring
To SEE Monk playing the piano adds a whole new dimension to his music. This man was truly channelling. Thank God for Thelonious Monk.

fantastic
This is a great video...I've watched it many times for inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

ABAR is the baddest brotha' in cinematic history!
Despite the rediculously inaccurate box-art, this is an excellent, excellent party film. The title "In Your Face" exists only on the box and video itself, for when you pop it into the VCR you are immediately greeted with the true title, "ABAR". Grin with glee as our hero, ABAR, sticks it to the suckas who are trying to run a black doctor out of a white neighborhood. There's an excellent "ABAR jump-kicks a dude" scene that you'll have to watch for. The story heats up to a fever pitch, when, after all other ideas are exhausted, the doctor decides to use his rabbit-juice to convert ABAR into an INDESTRUCTIBLE EBONY SUPERMAN! It has to be seen to be believed! Get your buddies in a room with a TV, and have an ABAR party tonight! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Please Pay Me
Yes, I think anyone who watches this awful movie should be paid to see it.
However, as an actor in the film I believe that I should have been paid for my work. I was never paid for video or cable play, and I filed an action with SAG. The producer appears to have spent a lot of time away from the country, and many of us were never paid. Shame on them. This is not only an artistic failure, it is an ethical failure as well.
Paul Tellstrom

One down two braincells to go for this director.
One of the worst movies I have ever seen. If they wanted to make more money they would be better served selling the DVD as a coaster.

Good to See the gang together again
This was a great action movie.

To see Richard Roundtree, Fred Williamson, Jim Brown..and a big blast from the past..Jim Kelly. I though Jim Kelly was dead.

Anyway, they looked very good together. I enjoyed seeing my heart throbs of 70's in a film together.

All of them..still sexy as ever.

MST3K HERE I COME!!!
This movie had to be the worst thing I ever saw ( Next to Pearl Harbor). How this did not end up on Mystery Science Theatre 3000 I will never know! It is the stupids thing ever. The script was writen by a five year old. The acting is horrible. The editing of the film is discusting. They keep looping footage over and again. The cinematography was pale and down right bad. If u want a good laugh rent One Down Two to Go tonight!! (LOL, this movie ...!) HAHAHAHAHA I can't stop laughing..

Two Words: Blown Away
I can't even begin to describe the quality of the movie. If you could have only one Jim Kelly movie in your movie collection, this movie is definitely one to have. The catch phrases alone are worth the price of this movie. If you're a master of action-fu then this movie is an expert at movie-fu. The lighting, action sequences, and special effects blows "Titanic" out of the water! Can't wait for the DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Total cheese!!!
Who wrote this script? What a terrible way to end the Shaft dynasty.

In one of the scenes Ninjas are on on top of huge boulders shooting arrows at Shaft. Shaft manages to catch one of the arrows and throws it back at the Ninja, fatally killing him. Can you believe that? The Batman television series has better actions scenes. I've seen better acting in Fast Actin' Tinactin!

Do yourself a favor and buy a Dirty Harry movie in lieu of Diamond Shaft.

Diamond Shaft
Save your money unless this is the last movie in the set for your collection.

Good heist film with an unexpected twist.
No, this isn't a Shaft movie. The name was changed. It is a great bit of 70's cinema shot in the middle east with low quality production. Beyond that the story is average, but it's the twist in the end that gives it two extra stars.

This is a terrible storyline
Richard Roundtree's character isn't even named Shaft.He is actaully named Archie.This is a story about a jewel-thief released from prison / trying to do the right thing. A person would think by the title 'Shaft' that it would be as good as the trilogy;this isn't the case. Put your blaxploitation spending cash back in your wallet and walk away. This is garbage and chances are your vcr will break in the process. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not to be considered as serious filmaking
I saw this mess when it first came out in 1978 under the title "The $6,000." Yeah, it's junk, but it has a kind of "so bad it's kinda good" quality. "Wild Man Steve" Gallon who was a low-grade ghetto juke joint comic who never hit the big time (for good reason) appears as a drunk bum who is given super powers by soem mad scientist crooks who plans to use his powers to commit robberies. That's the plot folx. But hey, any film where somebody with as little going for him as WMS gets the FINE girl in the end can't be all bad! Oh yeah, the guy who was accurately described as "looking like Chuck Berry after a night of drinking" was "The Boss" Lee Cross, who was a Dj at WPAL-AM in Charleston, SC in the early 70s.

This isn't a movie to watch seriously.
This is one of the silliest movies I've ever seen in my entire life. Wildman Steve isn't funny or even talented, but hilarious in his attempts to be so. The VHS tape I saw this on didn't have an FBI warning or anything. It's one of the lowest budget films you'll see, which makes it funnier. I'm thinking of actually purchasing it for a laugh! ...Anyway this movie is one to sit down and laugh at. Not at any jokes told, but at the overall production.

Unwatchable garbage!
I rented Super Soul Brother after reading about Wildman Steve in blaxploitation books and articles, and after enjoying Rudy Ray Moore's films like Dolemite and the Human Tornado.

Unlike Rudy, Wildman Steve isn't even funny. He's the black version of Joe DeRita, the least Stooge ever. Steve whines and blubbers through this film. No one else seems to do much of anything. The acting is awful and most of the characters are totally repulsive, especially Dr. Dippy and the crook who looks like Chuck Berry after a night of hard drinking.

This is truly one of the worst films ever made, and its not even enjoyable in an Ed Wood way.

Don't insult Mr. Dolemite by Associating him with this!
WildMan Steve made a few appearances on Sanford and Son in the 1970's and he probably is more known than he should be. This film so thoroughly disappointed me! I was expecting 'Human Tornado' yet instead I got something equivalent to a flagulent mouse. Steve should have used a script #1 and maybe a cameo by some of the Dolemite crew...even Mr and Mrs. White would have been good...somebody! Low Budget is no excuse for making a film with no purpose...'Sweet SweetBack's Badass Song' was low low low budget and groundbreaking. This aimless effort was just grounded! Terence Knox Vuelveme@aol.com

Super Soul Brother is SUPER BAD!
If you enjoy the cult hit "Dolemite", then this mid-seventies low, low, budget(looks like they spent about $2,ooo.oo for the whole production)is right up your alley! L.A. based comedian Wildman Steve does a decent job at the lead role(look for him in a bit role in "The Devil's Son-in-law")Bottom line...this flick is super soul brother cool to spend some time with on a lazy afternoon! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Widening the Spectrum: Multiple Issues, Multiple Minorities
As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.

Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...
This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker. She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process. Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.

This film can be viewed on several levels... as a (lesbian) love story... a romantic comedy, if you will. It can be viewed as a story about African American women finding their place in an urban society. Or it can be viewed as a study of the creative process.

The love story bored me (luckily both Cheryl Dunye and Guineviere Turner are both really hot!)... but the exploration and struggle of the artistic journeys of Cheryl was very interesting. Any film-maker, artist, photographer, etc. would enjoy this movie... and it should not be dismissed as another silly, unrealistic lesbian love story.

you just don't want to part with this film..
Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.)

The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. It was funny, honest, and cool. I collect DVDs and this one surely made the top on my list for future purchase. I'm almost grateful to the school I attend that its library has it in its collection. I had an absolutely good time watching it.

Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing.

Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out.

On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.

A Trip Out Film!
This Film is very Creative&Eye-Opening.it Shows The World&Lives of Lesbian Women.it deals with Race,Sex&Class Issues.i happen to catch it on B.E.T Starz's&it kept my attention.it showed the flaws of The Women&everyday struggles&Battles they went thru.I wish HBO,Showtime,etc...would also show this film for a wider audience.because this Film Balance's out alot of things.it's a trip out film! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

hmmm.....
this movie was alright. too much of a blaxploitataion film, but otherwise ok. why didnt anyone catch him tho?

What?
That word was how i felt after i watched this. A lot was left out as far as the plot was concerned. It was somewhat interesting but i expected more. Overall it just didn't do it for me. But once again, if you are a collector i suggest you purchase it, Otherwise sit back and read a book.

Mediocre action movie!
Leroy Jackson is one bad moutha!!! He's wanted by the Mafia, the FBI, drug dealers, and many others!!!

Leroy Jackson was one of the first black toughguy characters. Leroy does things his own way. It's his way or the highway.

He's also loved by the ladies. He has a way with street hookers. They don't even make him pay!!!

Anyway, the script is great and the acting is top-notch. Everyone's trying to keep Leroy down, but he refuses to stay down. My favorite scene is where Leroy is jaywalking and a driver honks at him to get out of the way. An incensed Leroy yells "Kiss my black ***!" Where did the writers come up with such dialogue?!!

Buy the Black Godfather. It's a classic! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

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

Amazon.com essential video

Actress Kasi Lemmons made an auspicious debut as a writer and director with this delicately handled, wrenchingly emotional drama, hailed by critic Roger Ebert as one of the best films of 1997. Eve's Bayou begins with ominous narration: "The summer I killed my father, I was 10 years old." From that point the story moves backward in time and memory to Louisiana in 1962, when a young girl named Eve (Jurnee Smollett) witnesses a shocking act on the part of her womanizing father (Samuel L. Jackson). But what really happened? And can Eve be certain about what she saw when there is more than one interpretation of the facts? Less a mystery than a study of deeply rooted emotions rising to the surface to affect an entire family, the film has the quality of classic Southern literature, with layers of memory unfolding to reveal a carefully guarded truth. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Feel The Heat
Eve's Bayou is a spectacular movie. The color and scenery is wonderful and the people are elegant and troubled. Even the character's names stir up visions of dark swamp water and sultry heat. The story is told and seen through the eyes of little Eve Batiste played by a wonderful young actress named Jurnee Smollett. Eve takes us deep into her world which is filled with colorful characters and complex personalities.Diahann Carroll is fabulous as the old fortune teller Elzora with her insane laughter. Debbi Morgan as Aunt Mozelle Batiste Delacroix is something to behold. Aunt Mozelle has promised her family that she will not use her "second sight" to tell fortunes, but neighbors won't let her keep her promise. They seek her out to find missing husbands anyway. Lynn Whitfied as the manor born wife is beautiful and poised as she tries to keep her family together in spite of her wandering husband (Samuel L. Jackson). Jackson is very sexy in this movie and his character has roving eyes as well as roving hands that don't stop even when he is caught in a compromising position by his youngest daughter, Eve. This starts a set of events that lead to the total destruction of an already deeply troubled family.Although this movie did not make history at the box office my guess is that it will become a cult classic. Years from now this movie will be viewed for what it is, a brilliantly produced film. You can literally feel the Louisiana heat from Eve's Bayou. Vannie

A Poetic Accomplishment
This movie is moving and poetic in every sense of the word. From the acting right down to the musical score. I was astounded to learn this is a directorial debut.
Debbi Morgan is absolutely amazing in her role as the sister with the "gift of sight". She provides us with the most amazing scene in the film. In the scene, she is recalling a confrontation between her secret lover and husband. She recalls the events while looking through a mirror, and the scene is acted out as "reflections" in the mirror. This is one of the most powerful scenes I have witnessed. Now that I own the DVD, I can watch it over and over, it is that powerful.
My 2nd favorite performance is by Dianne Caroll, who plays the town voodoo witch.
The DVD has great commentary and an equally well produced short featurette.
The film is complimented by the musical score, which helps the story flow like velvet. I even bought the soundtrack for its amazing hypnotic quality.

Top 10
Eve's Bayou is one of my favorite movies starring one of my favorite young actresses, Jurnee Smollett. You may remember her from On Our Own, a sitcom with her siblings all apart of the cast. The acting is great and the whole movie is a lot different(including the setting) than the usual stuff that comes out. Samuel Jackson is the loving, but adulterous husband and Jurnee doesn't like it. When she decides he goes too far she does the unthinkable to protect her family.

Loved this movie!
Mystery, Magic, and Family what a wonderful base for a movie. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. It left enough to the imagination to keep it believable. This movie is worth owning!

Eve's Bayou
This is one of the most beautifully written, directed, filmed & acted films of all time! Kasi Lemmons outdid herself with this smoldering family drama set in 1950's Creole Louisianna.

With a stellar cast including Sam Jackson, the incomparable Debbie Morgan, Lynn Whitfield, Diahann Carol, Megan Goode & Jurnee Smollet, this drama seethes with intensity broken by moments of levity. ... Read more

Description

A celebration of the life of this great tennis player - the first black player to capture a Grand Slam title when he won the U.S. Open - advocate of human rights, civil rights and more. ' 'Family viewing in the best sense.' ' (Detroit Free Press) ' 'A fine tribute to an exemplary sports legend.' ' (New York Times) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

ABOVE HIS CLASS
Arthur Ashe is known to most of us as a great African American tennis player who broke down racial barriers in a game considered for the wealthy.Ashe was far more than an athlete or a symbol of racial equality. In tribute to Arthur Ashe, HBO presents this thrilling documentary of a man who went beyond the game and symbolism to become a world wide force of change.

Who was this soft-spoken young man? A native of Virginia, Ashe intimately knew the world of segregation. His parents knew of a better world for him and thus insured that his talent as a tennis player was developed. Our film takes us to the places and people who impacted upon the young Ashe's life. They instilled in him the sense of hard work, being a good sportsman but most of all being the ambassador for Blacks whose presence in the sport of tennis was negligible.

Follow Ashe in his early years as he makes it through the ranks of Junior tennis ever aware of the burden of responsibility for his people. Arthur developed a deep maturity and sense of style far beyond his years. During the turbulent sixties he was criticised for not being outspoken against racism. Ashe refused to allow anyone to dictate the terms of his actions and went along his own tract. His controversial tournament in South Africa, his boycott of Wimbledon, his untiring efforts to help young people and his crusade against aids shows a revolutionary young man.

I was surprised by the imapct of this film on my perception of Ashe. He comes across as a caring spirit who moves beyond the game of tennis. He believes that there is more to his life than just a game and believes in giving back to the community. You can't help but be moved over his courageous spirit in going through two heart attacks and then being diagnosed with aids. For some athletes such news would be a sad ending. For Ashe it was a catalyst for him to do more and the world has appreciated his efforts.

Watching this film will make you appreciate the quiet strength, love and determination of a man who was above his class in the sports arena. The world was blessed with a man who was a scholar, athlete, coach and activist who fully gave of himself. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

It captured a moment in time
Everything in this movie is a metaphor to encase its statement in an entertaining venue. People are singing in the full sanctuary of St. Peter's Episcopal Church while Park's barber shop is selling baths, shaves and hair cuts two blocks away. And a crowd seen only on Saturday afternoon populates the town square of Jefferson. The Oxford town square was dead on Sunday's and the church was empty on Saturday's.

But this is not Oxford. While "Intruder" may not have been part of the trilogy about Yoknapatawpah, there is a "Jefferson" banner on the wall of Claude Jarman, Jr.'s character's room along with those of "Tennessee" and "Vanderbilt". No "Ole Miss" banner, because Ole Miss did not exist in Yoknapatawpah County.

One must realize that Faulkner lived in the deep south and spoke out against the social system in the 1920's. Clarence Brown came to Faulkner's home town and made a movie with a powerful social statement in 1949. In both cases the statement had to be on two levels -- one a story that keeps the reader or viewer's attention, and the other a deep insight into how the human mind works.

The extras in the movie didn't worry about the social statement: they were just having fun. But today I cannot believe that the movie was even released, much less premiered in Oxford, given that the Civil War was only 85 years gone and reconstruction was still deeply engraved in the memory of many people.

Having said all that, I hope the reader of this review understands that I am recommending this movie for more than its entertainment value. I must recuse myself from judging the art and entertainment content because my father was the location consultant and one of the extras with a speaking part. Some of my 9-year-old friends were in it, I saw them film much of it, and I know where just about every scene was made.

I am probably better qualified to provide trivia than a review. You probably wouldn't have known that the ice is really parrafin or that the quicksand is really oatmeal. I wouldn't have noticed either, until my father told me. Yoknapatawpah may have had ice and quicksand, but I never saw either in the county where I lived. The flat tire on the Sheriff's car kept coming off the rim so they had to reshoot many times. Today they would have just added sparks where the rim hit the pavement.

If the country store used for the interior shots is not a famous restaurant today, it certainly looks like the one people come from all over the country to visit, completely unremodeled to this day.

But whereas in 1949 I just saw a bunch of people milling around, today I see at one level my home town caught and preserved before all the buidings were rennovated. At another level I see the camera work -- the framing, the zooming, the closeups, the perspective, the black and white imagery. And I understand the story better, too.

Find this movie, see it with someone intelligent, and discuss it.

Intruder in the Dust
The movie "Intruder in the Dust" takes some liberties in changing the details, but the storyline remains consistent with the book. Faulkner (and the movie) included some over-the-top social-statement lines -- an unheard of thing for the times, but effective. Movie is very good on several levels.

Can justice be served or will there be a lynching?
Based on a novel by William Faulkner, and filmed in 1949 in black and white, this is the story of an African American man wrongly accused of murder in a small Southern town. Actually filmed in Oxford, Mississippi, Faulkner's hometown, and using local residents as extras, there's a ring of authenticity about it.

There's tension throughout, from the very beginning when the dignified Lucas Beauchamp, played by Juano Hernandez is arrested for supposedly shooting a white man in the back. There's a huge crowd of white people lining the streets but there is absolute silence as the thud of Beauchamp's footsteps echo as he is led to the jail. A young white teenage boy, played by Claude Jamen, Jr., who had been befriended by the dignified Beauchamp several years before, convinces his uncle, played by David Brian, to help save Beauchamp from the inevitable lynching.

I thought the story was a good one as it kept me glued to the screen, not even walking away when my computer signaled that fresh e-mail had arrived. But yet, with the exception of Porter Hall who played the one-armed father of the murdered man and Elizabeth Patterson, cast as the feisty elderly lady who instigated the investigation and single handedly delayed the potential lynching, the performances of the leading characters seemed wooden. This is a basically a good film though and it deals with some important themes. Yes, it could have been done better, but I still think it's worthwhile seeing. And so I give it a warm recommendation. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The original "Boyz N the Hood" flick
All of the Black "coming-of-age" films of the 90s -- such as "Boyz N the Hood", "Juice", and even the more romantic "Jason's Lyric" -- owe a debt to "Cooley High". It's as much a classic as "American Graffiti". See familiar faces when they were much younger, like Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Garrett Morris. See Robert Townsend's QUICK cameo (on the basketball court in the gym). See the seeds of what would later become the "What's Happening" TV show (Preach, the skinny writer with glasses became Roger, the skinny writer with glasses). See a death scene that had viewers in tears years before the death scene in "Boyz N the Hood". Hear the original version of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (Had Boys II Men even been born in 1975?) No doubt about it, there will never be another "Cooley High". [I can't listen to the song "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" by the Four Tops without thinking of this film. Once you see it, you'll understand why.]

A Trip Down Memory Lane
I recall watching this movie at my 7th. grade English teacher's home when it debuted because she was one of the very few people who had cable TV at this time. This movie along with Cornbread Earl and Me hold a deep connection with me as I can still recall the music and general style of the late 60's and early 70's. The main characters were/are so easy for me to relate to that I always have the same touching reaction whenever I think about their story. I almost feel like I knew Preach and Cochise because their characters are so authentic. I played this DVD for a group of my contemporary friends and I saw tears in the eyes of the men as well as the women. Although the audio on the DVD is very poor, Cooley High is at the top of my DVD collection. The ending alone makes this movie a pure classic.

Excellent!
A sad ending for a great film. This was not some cheap, run of the mill Black 70's movie. It was well acted with a solid plot with very good direction, a definite classic.

The Real BOYZ IN THE HOOD
People tend to have short memories. Cooley High, while an interesting film about the urban black experience seems to be dwarfed by newer black films. Not only this, but the film Boyz in the Hood is a direct rip off of this film. The plotlines are very similar, with the protagonist who is about to make it out of the ghetto eventually struck down in their prime. Anyone who sees this and Boyz in the Hood will realize that John Singleton is a sham and that his "breakthrough" work, Boyz in the Hood, was actually a remake of Cooley High.

Love it
Cooley High is a wonderful movie. It is funny and sad at the same time. I am happy that it is on DVD, because I have a VHS copy and I can forward to my favorite scenes. You must own this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

They didn't call him "Mr. Entertainment" for nothing. Everyone of Gen-X age--or younger--should pop this baby in the VCR to see what made a star astar before postproduction technology could bail out the "talent." Filledwith clips that date to the 1930s, the producers were smart enough to let themspeak for themselves. There's Davis tap dancing away as a little boy,showcased in footage from a 1964 television special, and appearing on TV talkshows in another era, with his cigarette smoke swirling about him. There's no shortage of intriguing details--he helped break the color barrier in Las Vegas, had "Frank Sinatra envy" despite considering the fellow Rat Packer a close friend,postponed his wedding to his second wife until after JFK's inaugural (because she was white), and once tried to commit suicide bydriving off a cliff. Punctuating the human drama is a lot of sensationalfootage, including his last public performance, when, although weakened bychemotherapy, he still went toe-to-toe with Gregory Hines, another tap-dance great, and won. --Valerie J. Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a true ground breaker
Sammy Davis Jr. opened the door for countless other African-american Entertainers. this video highlights his impact and his will to being one of the greatest entertainers ever.he is a true ground-breaker.

Truely an Un-touchable in the entertainment industry
Very well documented and informative. A great tribute to a one of a kind entertainer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A LITTLE GEM!
I KNOW THIS ISN'T THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE, BUT I'M SURE THE FILMAKERS KNEW THAT TO. IT IS ENTERTAINING AND VERY FUNNY, ESPECIALLY THAT LION! AND CAROL SPEED IS GREAT TO LOOK AT ANY TIME! THE MAIN REASON TO SEE THIS FLICK THOUGH IS THE ORIGINAL BAD [BUTT] OF ALL TIME, AND MY ALL TIME FAVE ACTOR, COOL WILLIAM SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NEED I SAY ANY MORE? GO RENT IT...NO BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best comedies that has ever come out of Hollywood
There will be some people who will say that 'Black Samson' is the worst piece of trash that has ever been found in the garbage can of Hollywood. Some people might go as far as to say that this film is the result of the film Capitol of the world taking an overdose of prune juice, but I know this Masterpiece for what it is--the funniest,jive talking, dashiki wearing, big stick carrying, huge 'fro laugh riot of the seventies. You'll cheer as Samson beats up on members of the cheap Mafia-too poor even to afford guns. You'll shout as Samson goes up side their heads with his BIG Kendo stick . You'll howl as Samson shape shifts from his six foot plus body to a five foot plus dwarf. You'll be amazed at an explosion that kills a man but only gives his pet Lion a haircut! If you are looking for a real escape from reality, please buy this video. I gave it Four stars only because there are some 'mushy love scenes' that tend to detract from the comedy. This film is a MUST for anyone who is an aficionado of REALLY BAD 'blaxploitation' films. I LOVE IT !!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When golf phenom Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters with a tournament scoring record, he burst onto the national scene with what seemed like a storybook beginning to a great career. But what looked like an overnight success had actually begun years and years before, when as a toddler he was coached by his father. This video, appropriately subtitled Son, Hero, and Champion, prominently features Tiger's father, Earl Woods, a former Green Beret who essentially put his son through a psychological boot camp designed to make him a mentally tough player. One of the highpoints of this documentary is a detailed look at how Tiger Woods and his father developed strategies to win tournaments, focusing on a specific amateur championship where the Woods family brain trust had to quickly devise a way to come from behind to win the tournament in a playoff round. The role of race is also dealt with here, as well as Tiger's position as a role model for youngsters who may wish to play golf, perhaps as a career. Only time will tell whether Tiger Woods will take a place in golf history as one of the all-time greats, but this video does a very professional job of showing how he came to be considered one of the best players of the game today. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great insight
This video is an outstanding overview of the life and times of Tiger Woods. It is a must have for any Tiger/golf fan at any level. It starts out with Tiger as a little boy on the Mike Douglas show to when he wins the Masters in Grand style. You hear todays top pros opinions of the young phenom. Excellent!!! While I'm here, I might as well say that John Stege's biography on Tiger is a must read as well. Superbly done!!

Tiger is The Man
This Video does a Great Job Showing The Many Faces Of TIger.different things he has gone through Race,Respect&Handling Pressure.as a Golf Player The World Hasn't seen Nothing Yet.He has Worked Very Hard To reach his Goals.He is The Modern Day Jackie RObinson of Golf.Their Has Been Other Black Golfers, but Tiger is Taking The Game unto a Whole Different Level.He Will only get better with time&that Golf isn't an Exclusive area anymore.He is Breaking alot of Ground.

great bio
fascinating look at the personality, the athlete, the son. lots of exclusive interviews and beautiful production. it was very moving. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sort of comedy, sort of not, this film--cowritten, coproduced, and co-starring Damon Wayans--concerns a loser who takes an entry-level job at a credit company to impress a girl and soon gets caught up in fraud and blackmail. Marlon Wayans, Damon's brother, costars as a confederate in the chicanery. The film is meant to be both a jokefest and an edgy drama--the criminal activity is treated as a dark and serious matter--and the result is that Mo' Money succeeds on neither level. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

HILARIOUS!!!
What can one say about Mo' Money?
Only one thing:
It's awesome!! This movie again prooves that Damon is nothing like the other Wayans brothers, .... Just check out Damon's TV series, which is also hilarious, called My Wife & Kids.
Anyways, on with the movie.
I love this movie-that's all there is to it. This is an action-comedy that actually has both. Many times movies are categorized as this, but they lack in one, or both areas.
Mo' Money has everything.
Go rent it today.
No, go BUY it from amazon.com!!
Thanks for reading!!

MO' DAMON
To begin, the movie could be better than this,
but i must say Damon wayans looks good. ... he reminds me
of my old boyfriend, there are allot of funny stuff
in the movie. When damon fallows amber who's played by
stacey dash tries to get her attention she likes it but let
him suffer some more, than the part that he's waithing with his brother also his real brother by a payphone hoping he will
get the job. He did get it, and then he kissed his brother.
I loved that scene , so funny than his brother replies
he's dirty. Also i diddnt like the end its too short.
The only reason i watched the end was becouse that ...
hot,... boy played in this movie.

I wasnt surprised
I wasnt surprised that I didnt really care for this movie. The Wayan Brothers tend to be more stupid than actually funny and this movie was just as expected.

Watch this NOW!
Excellent comedy/Action movie.

POW POW! Two for One!

Very funny
Very funny movie. Damon and Marlon Wayons kick @$ ... Read more