Mo' Better Blues

Starring: Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Joie Lee, Cynda Williams, John Turturro, Bill Nunn, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed by: Spike Lee
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
1990

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) rises to prominence as a talented trumpeter, but his fame and other influences threaten to tear his relationship with an old friend (Wesley Snipes) and his entire life apart.

Review:

Tim: I'm not really sure what Spike Lee was trying to accomplish with this film. It seems so ready to make a statement, but never actually does. Lee's direction is not right for the film, and while it provides a few inspired moments, mostly distracts from the story. In many ways, the film feels like a mess, and that is never good.

Denzel Washington is decent in the starring role, but never really wows us. He seems a bit constrained. Although I appreciate the time and effort he put into preparing for the role (which is very apparent on screen), he can't do much in this film.

I liked seeing Wesley Snipes interact with Washington. Snipes manages to be pretty effective and carves out a nice performance out of the overall mess of the movie. Watch for Samuel L. Jackson in an almost-cameo, which turns out to be quite good. I'm not fond of Lee acting in his own movies, but what can I do?

The story is pretty boring. Washington plays Bleek, a talented musician and womanizer, but there is not much else to him. He's just not that interesting of a character, and that is the sad truth of the movie.

The music is pretty good. There were one or two songs nea the end of the film (one by Washington, one by Snipes' band) that are just excellent. They are beautiful, moving songs.

Leee has made some extremely good films, but this one has to be seen as a misfire. Compare this to Do the Right Thing or Malcolm X, and there is a very large drop off in quality. If you watch movies for entertainment purposes (and most do), then don't see this movie. I'd recommend it only to see an earlier film of Washington and Lee, and compare it with later collaborations. If that doesn't interest you, then neither will this movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Do the Right Thing, Bird, Malcolm X, Inside Man