TrueJoshNight
Truly Dreadful Film
Stoutor
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Aedonerre
I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.
M-a-z-z-a
Jackie's Back....first of all I had no idea what kind of movie this might be...and to be honest...I only bought it because of Whoopi Goldberg ;) But what I get so see was a great experience and my first mockumentary at all...it's amazing....and really gripping to watch...10 stars for this movie Jenifer Lewis did a great job and it's amazing how many stars take part...you really have to see it...For those of you in Germany or any other European country who want to watch this movie...it's not that easy to get this movie...because it has only been published in the USA...I got it via internet and a famous internet action ;) It's worth its money !!!!!
Poseidon-3
Awareness of this made-for-cable mockumentary seems to be almost a little well-kept secret with only a select group of people knowing about it and enjoying its rewards. Lewis is front and center here as Jackie Washington, a fictional songstress who hit it big as a youth and then struggled to carve out a lasting career afterwards. Her big return to the concert stage prompts a British documentary host (Curry) to film an essay on her life and career, past and present, sprinkled with vignettes of her preparation for the comeback event as well as celebrity testimonials and interviews with her various friends and relatives (most notably Goldberg as her embittered sister.) Lewis has this character down pat and revels in displaying all the phoniness, contempt, desperation, haughtiness and glitz-laden flair that it calls for. Just the way she pronounces and intones her daughter's name Antandra is hilarious, but she's excellent throughout. The character includes various bits from all the big divas including Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Shirley Bassey and Patti LaBelle. Curry pretty much exists as a foil for her and doesn't get a great deal of his own amusing material. He rather overdoes his veddy British stuffiness at times and doesn't keep it consistent in any case. A more non-descript interviewer would likely have worked better. Other prominent performers are Pierce (in a parody of the Joan Crawford film "Torch Song") as a deaf piano accompanist, Devine as a child-burdened hometown pal of Lewis's and the aforementioned Goldberg as Lewis's sour, jealous and resentful sister. Additionally, the film is peppered with many cameo bits from a potpourri of major names in music and entertainment, some of them quite notable such as Parton, Minnelli and Midler. Others are quite surprising such as Saint, Pescow and Williams. In the tradition of the best films of the genre, there are plenty of faux record covers, recreated stage and film moments and a wide variety of settings, instances and populace to make the film move along and hold interest. There is an occasional dry spot along the way, but mostly it stays pretty amusing. The songs in the film are very lively, catchy and fun and the costumes and hairstyles are interesting. The feel-good ending may not ring 100% true, but at least ends the movie on an up-note.
rbritton
I just happened to rent this movie by mistake--but what a good mistake! My daughter was supposed to pick up "Hairshow" instead of "Jackie's Back" but they must have been right next to each other. I am a fan of mockumentary films because of the "spoof factor" and what could be more funny than the deadpan look on someone's face when they're being interviewed in "mock fashion". I was amazed to see the "cavalcade of stars" that were on the roster for this movie! Jennifer Lewis did a great job portraying Jackie Washington and Tim Curry was wonderful at the interviewer. I think the person who totally stole the show (besides Jennifer Lewis) was Whoopi Goldberg as her sister. She definitely played the part of being the scorned, upstaged, and overshadowed sister. I just cracked up when I saw the "afro pick" marks on Richard Lawson's ("The Milkman") head alluding to the fact that Jackie had stabbed him. The one hit song that she has "Yield Me With Your Love" was totally Motownish in nature and when David Hyde Pierce (Perry-the deaf piano player) got a hold of the music to play for her revival comeback it sounded like a "graduation march" which was hilarious! Anyone who is a fan of mockumentary films don't "Yield"-"Go" to your local video store and rent this! Kudos Robert Townsend, you've done it again!
sandy46
Frankly, I started to watch this solely for the splendidly delightful Tim Curry. I was rather puzzled and not sure what to expect by the title and "mocumentary" description. What I found was a lighthearted movie just full of laughs and a pleasure to watch! Of course Tim Curry turned in another marvelous performance, this time quite understated. Jenifer Lewis I was unfamiliar with, but now I will watch for her. Curry and Lewis complemented each other well. The young actress who played Ontondre I thought was especially good, and I hope to see more of her in the future. My only complaint is that it wrapped up a little too quickly and kinda sappy -- just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the movie -- but altogether a relatively minor point that really didn't detract much. Its just delightful! Top rated!
