5.12.2004

As a homage to such Hollywood movie classics as "A Face In The Crowd", the original version of "The Producers" and "Network", I understand completely what message Spike Lee conveyed in this film, and for the most part, I agree with it. He brings up the uncomfortable subject of negative images of blacks in television, past and present, and just how the media seeks to capitalize on it. The film centers on the uptight, upwardly-mobile Damon Wayans character, Pierre Delacroix (aka Peerless Dothan), who is a successful black television executive that has completely lost touch with his roots. After being berated by his boss and being threatened being fired if he fails to come up with a hit TV show,on purpose, he creates an outrageously offensive and stereotypical TV minstrel show with actors, dancers and musicians all in blackface as a joke, in order to break his contract with the network he works for - all of this so he won't have to worry about being sued if he quits. The show is supposed to initially mock the negative images of blacks, and to make people angry enough to have it pulled from the air, and get Pierre fired - but to his surprize, it turns out to be a massive hit.Pierre is at first perplexed at this but then revels in the fact that this was something that was his creation - and having a moralistic viewpoint doesn't seem to matter much any more. After receiving all types of accolades, success eventually goes to his head. From then on, Pierre totally sells out and doesn't seem to have any remorse about exploiting the sad history of blacks in America. In fact, he thinks it's rather amusing...he basically puts out the message that we need to "get over" these things, these images, and take a humorous look at them, and move on. (Imagine telling the Jews to "get over" the Holocaust, take a humorous look at it and move on. I guess someone tried to do that years ago - remember the TV show "Hogan's Heroes"? Still didn't make the Holocaust or concentration camps very funny to Jews.) Pierre's getting paid and all is good in his world...until he gets a wake up call later in the film.Back in the day, "Amos and Andy", Stepin Fetchit, Buckwheat, and racist films like D.W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation" perpetuated American blacks in the worst possible way. In fact, the last few minutes of the film shows clips from these films and these characters, and this is powerful in itself. Those images have been permanently burned into the minds of people all over the world, and we are still feeling the effects today. There are folks in the world whose only view of the behaviors and images of black people come through what they see in the media, and what they see does NOT represent black folk as a whole!One of many points that Spike is making in "Bamboozled" is that the negative imagery of those characters are not just limited to those performers of yesteryear, but it has carried over to this generation as well -- specifically, some of those entertainers in today's hip-hop community, who are nothing more than modern-day minstrel performers because they are perpetuating blacks in their most negative light, and unfortunately this is what sells -- this is what is marketable. Look at almost any hip-hop video on BET and you will see a modern-day minstrel show...all that's missing are the performers in blackface. The psuedo-revolutionary, wannabe Public Enemy-like "Maus-Maus" in the film represent that demographic. In addition to saying we all love watermelon and fried chicken and we are an oversexed race who loves to sing and dance, and we are all slow-witted and lazy - now to add to these stereotypes are that we are all obsessed with crime, substance abuse and material things. Worse of all is that a lot of these performers don't even realize how detrimental the images are. Those who do are a lot like the Pierre character: they simply don't care. It's all about making a buck to them. The actors from back in the day didn't have a choice about the roles they were regulated to in the movies - but today, actors, singers, rappers AND yes, producers and directors, DO have a choice as to the kind of images they put out there for the world to see, and unfortunately, a lot of them make the wrong decision.I enjoyed all the actors' performances. Damon as Pierre was okay, but I could have done without him trying TOO hard to sound like a man who is obviously educated -- or someone who "talks white", as some would say. Jada Pinkett Smith is more down to earth and is a welcome counterbalance to Damon's role - however, I had a hard time trying to figure out whether or not she was on Pierre's side until about three-quarters of the way through the film. Savion Glover and Tommy Davidson (in a surprisingly good dramatic role) are equally convincing in their roles as the blackface-wearing stars of Pierre's show. In the beginning, the two formally homeless street entertainers are thrilled to finally have someone take notice of their talents. Towards the end of the film, however, they wake up and smell the coffee and begin to realize the negativity of what they are doing. Michael Rapaport's character as Thomas Dunwitty, the head honcho at the network that Pierre works for is REALLY annoying, but it's a role that is amazingly effective. He's the so-called cool white guy who is thinks he is "down" with the black community because he has a black wife, and feels he can say anything about blacks and get a "ghetto pass", but he reveals himself to be just as racist as any member of the KKK. Paul Mooney was excellent in his all-too-short role as Pierre's father. Cameo appearances include Matthew Modine, Mira Sorvino, Johnny Cochran, Rev. Al Sharpton and the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, from the successful '90s trio, TLC."Bamboozled" was an excellent title, because just about EVERYONE in this movie is fooled into thinking this show is one thing, when in reality, it's something else. I feel that Spike Lee can still make relevant films about race, and this film certainly is one of them. But it seemed to me that he really did not know how to wrap up the movie, and it starts to unravel during the last half hour or so, so that's why I docked it one star. For me, "Bamboozled" could be called one of Spike's greatest films if it weren't for how it ended. But overall, I respect him for taking on a subject like this. Yes, it's harsh, over the top, and right in your face. But it's not racist. It's reality, and I guess that what makes so many people uncomfortable. Well done, Spike!!Sidenote: Another film on this very same topic is "Dancing In September" - definitely a must-see if you like "Bamboozled".

12.6.2010

I must confess that I came very late to 30 Rock. Call me stereotypical, patronising or judgemental if you may, but I have an in-built suspicion of 'female-penned or female orientated' television. I hate the very idea that all women must love a TV series because it is aimed squarely at them (I'm thinking of the horrid hyperbole that surrounds Sex And The City or the early days of Desperate Housewifes), I have no particular problem with either program (I just choose to ignore them) but I find the marketing ploy to treat all women as braindead sheep who will always follow the trend to be exasperating and yes, patronising. It also does'nt help my mood when I see superb drama such as The Wire or Deadwood pushed to the sidelines (in certain areas of the media)in favour of more women-friendly programs such as Ugly Betty. Once again, I have no problem with these programs exsisting, just that I find the media overdrive that follows their creaion depressing.So you can imagine how sceptical I was of the Tina Fey created 30 Rock. Here was a program which featured a female protaganist, was originally penned by a female and has an over-riding feeling of female relationship troubles running throughout (also note that my other favourite comedies include Curb, Peep Show and The Office). No wonder I took so long to discover it, but discover it I certainly did. And coming from my previous point-of-view, I now consider this to be the finest American network sitcom since the all conquering Seinfeld.Tina Fey plays the extremely likeable (& fallable) Liz Lemon, the head writer on NBC show TGS (originally The Girlie Show). Lemon is a superb creation, much like any great comedy creation we always see her faults (of which there are many) as endearing & loveable. She spends most her screen time desperatly trying to keep her show running smoothly by in turns stroking the inflated ego of her two main stars and keeping a hard stance with her writing team (most noteably the wonderful Frank). All the while she is looking for a man to share her (at times) heart-breakingly lonely life with. The episode where she befriends a lesbian is both warm & devastating heartbreaking, her fear of choking alone in her apartment and going days without discovery & her determined stance that lonliness is her 'lifestyle choice' give the show a depth missing from most television programming. The friendships she does strike up are all incredibly varied, the flirty stance she shares with Jack Donaghy (the monumental Alec Baldwin), the reliable work relationship with TGS's producer Pete, the long-time-always-depend-upon-me best friend Jenna and her bossy relationship with her writing team. Any moment that Fey is on screen is TV gold and her likeability is only equalled by her immense talent.But this isn't only about Fey, this show has so much depth it is impossible to do it justice on here (but I'll give it a shot). First of all is Alec Baldwin who has a long & varied film career with encompasses everything from Tim Burton's cult classic Beetlejuice to the Michael Bay special effect laden Pearl Harbor (and every genre in between). He is truly monumental in his portrayal of Jack Donagy being extremely elegant & suave throughout whilst always holding a commanding air. He is a marvel. The supporting cast also shines right through with the 2 stars of TGS Jenna Marony (the beautiful Jane Krakowski) and Tracy Jordan (the Eddie Murphy-esque Tracy Morgan) always bringing warmth and humour to any scene. I espeically like the story thread in season 4 where Tracy decides to go for the EGOT (by which he aims to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award while actually not possessing any talent of particular note). The writing team (most notably the aforementioned Frank, the black Harvard graduate Twofer and the very secretive Lutz) offer many moments of much needed lad humour with their idiotic schemes & childish ramblings. And last but certainly not least, the incredeible page Kenneth (played by Jack McBayer). Kenneth is possibly the true star of the show, coming across as Woody's (from Cheers) simple brother (yes, he truly is that simple). He is completely naive about his role at NBC beleiving that he is living the high life even whilst he cleans pizza from the ceiling!!.The entire cast bring a real warmth to the show and the writing is always sharp, witty and well informed. In an age where old fashioned comedy seems to be at death's door and when it is now considered comedy to mislead the public with varios inane antics, it is nice to see a show which offers the basic art of humour within the context of great writing and superb comedic performance. If you find yourself enjoying comedies such as Seinfeld, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm or Eastbound & Down then you should give this superb creation your full attention.

14.9.2005

You know those movies where you see the trailer in the theater and then when you see the actual movie you discover all the good parts were in the trailer? Well, "50 First Dates" is not one of those movies. In fact, I can make the argument that while the trailer may indeed have most of the funniest moments in this film, it most decidedly does not have any of the best moments of the film. When you see the trailer about this movie in which Adam Sandler has to make a first impression on Drew Barrymore every day because she has no short term memory and wakes up every morning forgetting what happened the previous day, you would think that he discovers this the next morning when she wakes up in bed with a stranger and starts screaming.However, I am happy to report, "50 First Dates" is not that movie either.I have been trying to think of last time a movie prompted tears in my eyes as often as "50 First Dates." We know that Lucy Whitmore (Barrymore) no longer has any short term memory because of a car accident, but what we learn before we meet Lucy is that Henry Roth (Sandler) is apparently the king of the love 'em and leave 'em of the Hawaiian islands. Thus the great irony is that he falls for the one woman who can forget him faster and more completely than any tourist he has ever dumped. What we also learn about are the extraordinary lengths to which Lucy's family and friends go make each day the same happy day for her. Lucy's brother Doug (Sean Astin) needs to lay off the steroids but her father (Blake Clark) is fiercely and lovingly protective of his daughter. Watching everything that he and his son do each night to reset the stage for Lucy's happy day got me big time.Unlike "Groundhog Day," which only had a few minor flaws in logic (e.g., why does the music teacher claim Bill Murray as a student at the end?) there are giant holes in "50 First Dates" (e.g., how do the three guys manage to every day free to take care of Lucy?), but I do not care. The gaps are covered in just too many sweet and touching moments for me to object to George Wing's screenplay. The reason why I did not give "50 First Dates" is mainly because of the character of Ula (Rob Schneider), who represents the traditional "Adam Sandler" type of comedy in this film. There are a few moments where Sandler goes over the top (basically anytime his voice gets to the yelling level), but I could forgive most of those (the last song he sings redeems much), but every time Ula showed up it was like clips from another movie. The last time he shows up in the film I was really not happy to see him there because he was ruining a moment I had been eagerly awaiting.One of the impressive things about this movie is that it does not cop out. Dr. Keats (Dan Aykroyd), Lucy's doctor, tells us repeatedly that Lucy is never going to get better and a lot of the power of this movie comes from the different ways in which Lucy and Howard deal with this hard reality. We also learn that for Lucy and his family there are what her dad calls "bad" days, and it because of them that Henry is inspired to try something different and provide another series of sweet moments in the film. As long as he refrains from going into overdrive, Sandler makes it totally believable that Henry would spend every day trying to get Lucy to fall in love with him. But it is Barrymore who is pitch perfect on both the comedy and the pathos of her role as Lucy. If Sandler did not know that he had found his perfect leading lady after "The Wedding Singer," then this film should do the trick.The tagline for this film is "Imagine having to win over the girl of your dreams... every friggin' day" is a funny line, but it is as much misdirection as the trailer. Henry may treat his strange assistant Alexa (Lusia Strus) badly, but he could not possibly be more patient with Lucy. Even her skeptical father has to admit that he and Henry are kindred spirits. Because this is Adam Sandler we keep waiting for him to try and take advantage of the situation, but, to repeat myself, this is not that film. Yes, "Groundhog Day" is the better movie, but "50 First Dates" is also full of grace and more importantly the film finds of way of delivering on its promise. First kisses might be the sweetest of all, but in this film it is the last date that makes you surrender on the off chance you manage to hold off that long.

21.2.2005

After the disappointing experience of watching "Punch-Drunk Love" I was a little hesitant about whether it was wise to pick up this new Adam Sandler movie. But the bunch of hilarious films I have seen with this actor, of which "Happy Gilmore" and "Mr. Deeds" are among the best, convinced me that I had to give "50 First Dates" a chance. I am glad I did, because I found an extremely funny comedy with an interesting plot and scenes that stir the viewer's emotions without becoming touchy-feely. The movie uses a similar idea to "Groundhog Day", but one that is based on different reasons as catalysts of the situation. In the Bill Murray movie, the main character wakes up to the same day over and over.

15.8.2016

50 First DatesI have gifted this film the subtitle 'Heart-wrenching. Some people might declare me stupid for having done so. I'd have been of the same opinion, I didn't realise any Adam Sandler film could move me to tears- but then, I watched 50 First Dates. I put off watching this film for so long, I thought it would probably be just another 'silly comedy'. Oh how wrong I was- while there were pieces of dialogue that had me laughing beneath my covers, and annoyed my younger sister to no end, this film made me teary. There's something about laughing whilst crying that makes you cry all the more.The story was incredible: it follows a young woman, Lucy, who possesses a severely impaired memory.

21.7.2005

I am not a big fan of romantic comedies, in fact some positively make me cringe, however '50 First Dates' doesn't - its sweet, heart warming and funny in all the right places. I love Adam Sandler movies and i think that this has to be up there with some of his best and i for one would definately watch this movie again in the future.Henry Roth is like most guys of his age - he hates commitment. He lives in Hawaii as a marine biologist and picks up toursits, gives them the holiday of their lives, and then comes up with some excuse when they ask for his number. That is until he meets Lucy at the local diner and they arrange to meet back there for breakfast the next day. However,

19.4.2001

Let me say at the outset that in many instances this can be VERY disturbing to watch, especially for Americans given the history of the races here. And Spike, (GOD I love him)still continues to work you. You tend to watch this as you would a horrible accident....you simply cannot turn away but it is entirely too painful to watch. I understand exactly what he was trying to say and agree wholeheartedly. Yet I cannot deny I was squirming in the beginning because it takes a bit of getting used to.First and foremost, forget critics. Your opinion is just as valid. This is another very important film with wonderful performances. While Damon's interpretation is a bit over the top,

15.7.2005

Imagine waking every day believing you were at exactly the same point in time, not being able to remember what you did yesterday, the people you met, the places you went to. Imagine being told every day that you suffered a terrible car accident that has left you without any short term memory. Well that's the life sentence that has been dished out to pretty Hawaiian school teacher Lucy Whitmore and no matter what the efforts of her loving father and brother; every day starts the same for poor Lucy.Henry Roth is the local veterinarian at the sea-life centre, a of dubious intentions to visiting tourist, but who falls head over heels in love with Lucy and even after realising her condition,

28.3.2008

This is not your typical Spike Lee film, but perhaps his most important -- so important that the film is void of the director's ego for the most part. This film speaks about race issues in America, the unique issue of descendants of slavery fitting in to the culture that enslaved them, loving the hope that the country holds, yet not being given permission to hold residual pain and residual anger. It's a film about how the cultural norm creates and defines human beings who are other than the defining majority through objectification. It's a film about the stunning power of image and the media, especially when its creations are forwarded as politically neutral.

17.6.2004

This is the movie that got me turned on to Mr Lee. When I rented this movie just a few years ago I watched it 3 times and then watched it with the audio commentary. I found the movie *that* interesting. Also, the movie has a few layers to its plot so each time one watches it, they're sure to pick up on something new.The characters are also great - I especially love Damon Wayan's boss who is a caucasian married to a black woman and tells Damon "I'm more black than you are" From that point on, you know this movie is going to put a lot of stuff in your face.The basic premise - Damon's character is tired of the types of shows with black people that show on tv nowadays.

15.6.2010

This is a fantastic Christmas story and, since a lot of it concentrates on helping others, it can be enjoyed year round. Kari Hawker stars as Ashley Matthews, a single woman who is struggling to survive. The film opens with her large dog, Dash, attempting to rouse her from sleep. She tells Dash she isn't getting up until the alarm goes off. Three seconds later the alarm goes off! So there are dashes of humor thrown in which work well in this film. Her day doesn't improve when the water stops running while she's taking a shower, and her dog eyes her a bit later and his empty water dish. On top of this, her car won't start and she has to take a bus in a hurry to get to a job interview.

11.7.2005

TO THE COWARDLY BLACKS OUT THERE:You all write books and justify use of the N word. Some of you all even think that you are not supposed to get mad about anyone being called the word.However, you will not challenge ASIAN, LATINO,ITALIAN or JEW rage when it hits the news that THEY are outraged about someones flippant use of ethnic slurs pertaining to their race or ethnic group. If it won't give you too big of a headache, THINK about what I just said here. Mentally, your self-esteem is so low, that you think that being Black means being treated like a doormat instead of having the righteous anger to see to it that the back of someones dome greets the sidewalk when you as a Black person or your ethnic group is disrespected.

15.12.2010

For sheer emotional impact, `50 First Dates' is one of the best films I have ever seen. Despite the film starting out with the appearance of a cheap, sickly comedy about holiday-romance (see `Forgetting Sarah Marshall'), the story develops brilliantly and the unique experience of a girlfriend with severe amnesia produces an original, lovable and heart-warming romantic comedy. But don't let my classification fool you, I too have spent many films wondering "where's the comedy in this romantic comedy?" but `50 First Dates' produces genuine laughs and with lead Adam Sandler, this comes ever so naturally. In fact the character Henry Roth (Sandler) is one that does not fit the usual angry,

10.5.2007

The basic storyline of 50 First Dates: Henry Roth lives in Hawaii and spend his time wooing women who are visiting the island, simply because there is little chance of commitment. Then he meets Lucy Whitmore. One day they hit it off, and the next she doesn't even recognize him. It turns out that she suffers from short-term memory loss, and every day he tries to win her over once more. Firstly, I have to say that 50 First Dates is a really funny film. It isn't overly stupid, but it's not subtle either. But underneath the humour is where I believe this film's true beauty lies. It shows love in a way that I have never seen in another film before. From the way that her family sacrifices everything to keep her happy,

17.4.2010

Spike Lee may be arrogant. And he might be wrong about some of the things he wants to say--such as interracial relationships are necessarily about having a "jungle fever." But in this film, he is brilliant.This movie is, I would say, made to accompany Frantz Fanon's book _Black Skin White Masks_. In both, the issue of how an oppressed people is made to perceive their own bodies according to the logic of oppression is the central issue. Furthermore, in the movie, some of the characters are reading Fanon's other major work, _The Wretched of the Earth._Perhaps the reviewers who panned this movie have not read much on the philosophy or sociology of race.

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