Customer Reviews

Hollywood Shuffle (Widescreen)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most of the reviews have touched most facets of the movie and even mentioned allusions. But I enjoyed the film and will say a few things as well. I think this movie could be used to describe the current situation in Hip-Hop. The "sell-outs", stereotypical roles, and perpetuation of amorality is rampant in most Hip-Hop acts. Townsend is talking about the lack of equality and degeneration of black probity in this film, which is currently at an all-time high in modern music. This movie not only commentates about prejudice in Hollywood, but the ignorance of the people who consume the stereotypical garbage. This movie is hilarious and disheartening. The absurdity strikes home when you realize that these formulated characters and shows appear on your television today. This film did remind me of Bamboozled as well, but Hollywood Shuffle is nowhere near as caustic toward [stereo]type-casting. There is intelligence in the black community and this film blasts the one-dimensional depiction of black people.

Robert Townsend's first film Hollywood Shuffle is a hilarious satire that cleverly condemns the way Blacks are treated in the entertainment industry. It's clear that Townsend knows his material and uses that insider knowledge to poke fun at the sterotypical way blacks are portrayed on TV and in film. Through satire Townsend makes fun of Hollywood while telling everyone the truth about how hard it is for black actors.

Desperate to get the lead role in "Jivetime Jimmy's revenge" struggling actor Bobby aspires to become a superstar while working at a dead end job at Winky Dinky Dog. During Bobby's journey, we learn that and the road to stardom for African-Americans is full of compromises that force intelligent hardworking black actors to degrade and humiliate themselves in order to get a break. As he gets the lead role in Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge, Bobby must wonder if his dignity and self-respect are worth sacrificing to achieve his dream.

Robert Townsend makes a groundbreaking film and his cast of then unknowns gives great performances. After this film was produced most of the cast of this film went on to successful careers John Witherspoon, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Rusty Cundieff are just a few of the people who became stars as a result of this film I think every African-American who wants to work in the entertainment industry or any African American who already is and actor needs to watch this film. I also think a certain Black actress who just compromised herself to win an Oscar really needs to watch this film. It will make you think about the way they portray people of color in media.

This movie is absolutely hilarious. Mixed with biting satire and an all-star cast of then-unknowns this was easily one of the funniest films of the 1980s. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is the dated feel and the obvious low-budget look. However, at times there is a charming independent look to the movie that helps to ignore the cheesiness. There are plenty of memorable scenes, quotable dialogue, and gallons of Jerry-Curl!!! This is a noteworthy comedy and should be seen by anyone with a passion for social satire. Great fun.

There are more memorable lines in this movie than Chevy Chase's Vacation. My favorite being, "Why do you be gotta pull a knife on me?"

In 1987 on a limited budget Robert Townsend released one of the most groundbreaking as well as most underrated films, which still receives little recognition. In Hollywood Shuffle Townsend confronts dignity, self pride, racism, stereotypes, and the loss of cultural consciousness all merged together in one film. Not only is this movie hysterically funny, but what Townsend relays in the film is sadly true and still exists today in Hollywood. Townsend intelligently displays how African-American actors were and still in some cases are subjected to playing certain roles such as thieves, butlers, gangsters, pimps, and drug dealers for example. Hollywood Shuffle also indicates that in some instances African American actors limit their own potential for success. This is an excellent film that was way well ahead of it's time. Hollywood Shuffle has a striking resemblance to Bamboozled, which should be sited as that film's predecessor. This movie not only causes you to laugh hysterically in tears. But in the same sense it promotes awareness and teaches a very important lesson to those unaware of African American struggle in Hollywood. This film also launched the careers of Damon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Rusty Cundieff, and Anne Marrie Johnson. Children should see this movie, despite the explicit language

This movie is a great, even to someone like me who isn't very high on comedies! Even though this movie was filmed on a shoe-string budget, it's a classic. Townsend blasts the stereotypes of blacks in Hollywood, sending a positive message about maintaining his dignity as an actor, and makes you laugh. Very Highly Recommended.

Robert Townsend is delightful and appealing; knowing what he went through to get this film made makes me admire him all the more. I am in awe. Not only is the film funny, smart and entertaining...it is a true original. With the help of the Wayans brothers, and other unknowns of the time (that are better known now than in '87), this is a film about integrity and conscience, as well as confidence and belief in yourself. A great lesson and a fine film. Robert Townsend shows brilliance and promise, as star & director. His later films couldn't quite match this first blast of originality. Though racial stereotypes are pretty much the center of attention, the broader theme of integrity and self-respect shine through like a beacon...a beacon that I wish more directors of racially-themed films would heed. (John Singleton comes to mind; never since matched the gut-power of "Boyz 'n the Hood".) The fact that Mr. Townsend is so self-effacing, while still refusing to give in, made me want to stand up and cheer. It's a fun film, well made, and perfectly entertaining. If it wasn't for some of the (stereotypical) language, I would recommend this as a lesson for kids. A most admirable effort.

Yo this movie is off the charts. I watch this all the time. I would get it if you don't have it.

Robert Townsend, on a very limited budget, crafted one of the best glimpses of the biases and stereotypical labeling encountered by many hoping to "make it big" in Tinsel-town. While 2002 is being heralded as a banner year with the Oscar nominations of Halle Berry, Will Smith, and Denzel Washington in major acting categories, Townsend's film still bites due to the fact that there are still areas wherein people of color are pigeon-holed.

The cast of somewhat familiar faces (Ann-Marie Johnson, Keenan Ivory Winans, and the late character actress Helen Martin, among others) seems to relish their roles and attack them with exuberance. The writing of the respective vignettes is excellent, matched equally by the direction of Townsend.

Every time I see a cop show featuring a black or Latino "criminal," I can't help but think of the send-ups of such casting in "Shuffle."

After viewing this flick, one may never look at police dramas in the same light.

Plain and simple this is a great movie that represents all that there is to "represent" about minorities in film. This has my friends and I in stitches from laughing so hard, in fact many of my friends are now known to us only by the characters that they most resemble. Two years ago I was best man at my friend Dr Cookie Head Jenkins's wedding. Yes it appeals to all levels of learned individuals. Highly reccomend this beauty.