Nonureva
Really Surprised!
MoPoshy
Absolutely brilliant
Organnall
Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,
Adeel Hail
Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.
jcappy
"Not Radio City" The grade. the grade! Normally it's 4 parts objective to one part subjective, but in this case maybe the reverse is in order. Because... this is not exactly a movie... and yet.. I guess it is more movie than anything else.Part one carries more punch for me. And punch is the word. It's in the potent story line and in the nightclub entertainment that shares at least equal billing with it. But the two are not separate--at all. Both are dominated by women, sisterly women both on stage and in life.The performing women have a kind wide-figured prowess which speaks a physicality that is more than sexual. They are up close, in charge... collectively insistent about the nature of their energy. Whether dancing or singing they demonstrate a particularity that drives them past normal showmanship. What we see in their nightclub is not "creativity" or "talent" or "the arts" but rather entertainment in its fullest sense, under rehearsed, stomping, athletic, energetic, steamy, and unrecorded.The women actors carry a similar prowess that is outside the bounds of femininity. Their lines might seem over-rehearsed, but it is not so much how they speak, but what they say that is important. And the language they speak is one of resistance--a solidarity in the face of men's lawlessness and exploitation of women. Or a language of gamemanship that can one-up the men's. Thus the ultimate revenge act is more communal than private.******* As for part two, it's real hard to say what's going down. Very confusing and downright messy. (I guess one can sit back and take in the noir-ish street and train scenes, if so inclined)
Hitchcoc
This merely gives us a glimpse into Harlem Club scene of the 20's and 30's. We get a chance to see some dancing, some comedy, and other acts that would have otherwise been lost. As far as any plot or any continuity in a film, it is missing in this effort. There is very little here. The movie is mostly people sitting in the club, talking. Movie producers putting the moves on the young dancers and lying to them about their futures. There is an ongoing threat, some storytelling, but mostly, it's a dull connection among a group of numbers being performed at the club. Merely a period piece and a piece of black history.
secragt
First, this all-black 1930's production is admittedly unique. Extended dance sequences, vintage music, vaudeville and some unusual location camera work provide an invaluable look at a time in black history that you probably haven't seen much coverage of before. On the downside, the acting is junior high caliber and the plot is equally half-baked and thin. Certainly forward thinking in treating some blacks in the movie as thoughtful and sensitive beings at a time when some in America weren't on board with the concept. Unfortunately, it's just not very entertaining and has the look and feel of a silent movie that they dubbed with sound and dialogue sequences later to take advantage of the "talkie craze." If you're a student of black history, probably of minor interest. If you were led to believe this is a noirish black drama (as I was), you're probably better off going with DEVIL WITH A BLUE DRESS, HUSTLE AND FLOW or a Spike Lee joint.
msladysoul
This movie is excellent, also gives a great glimpse into Harlem Nightclubs and their Entertainers and Black Life in the 1930s. I'm sure Oscar Micheaux wanted us to understand something. But with his films, you have to watch them 3 or 4 times before you actually get it. But its a watchable film. I thank God for these Black cast productions showcasing Black talent that would of never been seen if it wasn't for these films. They were too good for Hollywood and was too talented for Whites to understand. Sometimes I think what ever happen to these people. I want them to know I enjoyed their work. Its sad Hollywood didn't take into consideration these Black talents and want to make them stars. Some of these women and men were just as beautiful and talented as the White stars.Willor Lee Guilford is a brown beauty, voluptuous and sweet and a fine actress. She has a lot of appeal. She's a combination of sex appeal and girl next door type. You can't help but feel her emotions through the movie. She seems to be a real actress, not someone Micheaux picked off the street like most in his movies. Willor is a natural. You forget color and look at the talent and person and that's what Black Cinema is all about. Mabel Garrett is so cute, she has much spunk, and is quite wonderful and sexy. Carl Mahon, one of the best actors of Black Cinema isn't his best in this movie but his presence is always welcoming. This movie isn't bad at all. I think you will enjoy it. I like this movie because its not a racial story but a movie about people from all walks of life.