BlacKkKlansman

8

Rebecca31Sep 2, 2018

"Based on some fo' real, fo' real **** although the story of Ron Stallworth has taken some creative liberties it's a powerful and very topical film that will certainly get a reaction from you.

Directed by Spike Lee and set in the early 70s."Based on some fo' real, fo' real **** although the story of Ron Stallworth has taken some creative liberties it's a powerful and very topical film that will certainly get a reaction from you.

Directed by Spike Lee and set in the early 70s. Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Stallworth wastes no time and sets out to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. With the help of Philip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) together they team up to take down the KKK. You can really feel the anger coming through this film. It shifts from comedic moments to intense drama so quickly you're laughing one minute and left in a state of stunned silence the next. The sudden tone shifts in the hands of another director may have been a disaster but Spike Lee has found the balance. Not an easy watch and the story is a little dragged out in places but it's well worth the ticket price. BlacKkKlansman shows you the racial tensions in 1970s America and asks you to compare it to present day. By the time the credits rolled you could hear a pin drop and in a nearly sold out screen in my local cinema which can normally sound a bit like a zoo when it's that busy there wasn't a sound to be heard. Some of you may not realise how rare that really is but it happens once in a blue moon so if by some chance this review hasn't convinced you to see BlacKkKlansman just go see it anyway and make up your own mind. Highly recommended.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

Weekend_KnightsSep 2, 2018

The struggles embodied by this tale from the 1970s are as relevant today as they have ever been – having been brought into sharp focus by the Black Lives Matter movement. These are themes which undoubtedly have the potential to be divisive;The struggles embodied by this tale from the 1970s are as relevant today as they have ever been – having been brought into sharp focus by the Black Lives Matter movement. These are themes which undoubtedly have the potential to be divisive; however, BlacKkKlansman’s comic approach to the issues make it an enjoyable experience, rather than a harrowing one. Excellent performances, a killer soundtrack, and a solid – if incredible – script make this a must watch!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

BrianMcCriticSep 1, 2018

While the hype over this film doesn't quite live up to the results, it still is a well made piece that takes a tough subject matter and adds a good amount of humor. Overall a mid to low 7 a B.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

AghoraMovieAug 30, 2018

his review contains spoilers. John David Washington is excellent action in this movie. I never seen this this type of detective Movie in my life. Upcoming hollywood movies in Austin, Texas(TX) Collapse

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

AxeTAug 30, 2018

Spike Lee is at his best as a talented moviemaker delivering for the audience and at his worst as a preachy activist pandering with his tired obsessive skewed overkill agenda, and this no surprise veers heavily toward the latter.Spike Lee is at his best as a talented moviemaker delivering for the audience and at his worst as a preachy activist pandering with his tired obsessive skewed overkill agenda, and this no surprise veers heavily toward the latter. Stylistically he lazily goes with his tendency toward self conscious post modern filmmaking here (random insert cuts from other media, actors staring straight into lens, etc.) even though he's quite capable of making the point by more difficult to do narrative craft, or at least he used to be capable of that. Based on a true story that is pretty funny, damn crazy and yes timely again now; but instead of being ripe with its inherent suspense this shoddy effort is full of logic flaws, sloppy period colloquial errors, and cartoony didactic dialogue in a silly heavily re-manipulated plot to tie into perceptions of today's America that all rings anything but true and worse is boring.

His best joints: "Do the Right Thing", "Summer of Sam", "Inside Man"… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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3

bjdesantisAug 30, 2018

Unfortunately the official files were all destroyed, so suspension of disbelief drives this embellished "true" story. It's too bad since since otherwise recently CIA declassified files are making such great true stories on TV and in theUnfortunately the official files were all destroyed, so suspension of disbelief drives this embellished "true" story. It's too bad since since otherwise recently CIA declassified files are making such great true stories on TV and in the movies these days. Please be warned that unwarranted anti-Trump and anti-police propaganda videos are tacked onto the end of this movie. I prefer when Hollywood leaves its secret political agendas checked at the curb before making/releasing movies for the public, but alas here it is.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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2

beels1Aug 29, 2018

Clumsily written, uneven in tone, repetitive, obvious and didactic, this film felt like a very rough draft without editing. The klan and police characters were cartoonish and the attempt to state the obvious parallels with the Trump era feltClumsily written, uneven in tone, repetitive, obvious and didactic, this film felt like a very rough draft without editing. The klan and police characters were cartoonish and the attempt to state the obvious parallels with the Trump era felt superfluous and condescending to this viewer. The musical score was intrusive and further trivialized the story. A waste of time and effort.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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6

FrogacudaAug 26, 2018

An entertaining and likeable film, but much of it beggars belief. Its portrayal of the police as a force to fight racism is an all-too-generous distortion that borders on fabrication, and many of the characters come off like one-dimensionalAn entertaining and likeable film, but much of it beggars belief. Its portrayal of the police as a force to fight racism is an all-too-generous distortion that borders on fabrication, and many of the characters come off like one-dimensional cartoons. This would be less troubling if it wasn't billing itself as a true story, but the fact that it is makes it feel misleading rather than just broad.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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5

foxgroveAug 25, 2018

Watchable, but vastly over rated not to mention overlong. This dissection of racism could only be made by a black man and comes over smelling of propaganda. The white man is painted less than his skin colour whilst the black man is cast asWatchable, but vastly over rated not to mention overlong. This dissection of racism could only be made by a black man and comes over smelling of propaganda. The white man is painted less than his skin colour whilst the black man is cast as the hero. Hate is certainly the order of the day here, I would just question at whom that hate is aimed. A dangerous and provocative film that isn't actually that good!… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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1

Humboldt1337Aug 25, 2018

SJW movie by racist Spike Lee. Absolute garbage. Spike Lee just makes movies where he blames "white people" as an entire group for the self-inflicted problems of the thug community. Do yourself a favor and never see this.

12 of 32 users found this helpful1220

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10

katezoeAug 25, 2018

One of the best movies of 2018 and it takes on American racism head on. Finally the movie Hollywood has not dared to make. Brilliant commentary on the current state of America and Trumpism.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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8

KevinFloydAug 24, 2018

Spike Lee's best work in years! Excellent cast and I believe a very important film given the current state of divided America. Very well made film with superb acting. Absolutely worth you time and money.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

vidcylclopsAug 24, 2018

Everybody references "Do the Right Thing," which I liked, as the Spike Lee movie Blackkklansman should have aspired to. But Lee should have given Blackkklansman the nuanced touch he gave in his 2006 documentary "When the Levees Broke: AEverybody references "Do the Right Thing," which I liked, as the Spike Lee movie Blackkklansman should have aspired to. But Lee should have given Blackkklansman the nuanced touch he gave in his 2006 documentary "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts" which made similar points as Blackkklansman but without the polemics, without the now-clichéd "Spike Lee Joint" film-making angles and effects and the awful "let's-hit-the-audience-over-the-head" endings that Lee has become infamous for. Adam Driver was outstanding, and like User reviewer @LamontRaymond I also enjoyed the cameo of Isiah Whitlock (Senator Clay Davis from "The Wire) in Blackkklasman. But overall, this movie is not the 80+ percent approval film that Metacritic rankings make it out to be.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Slovenly_MuseAug 23, 2018

While taking some MAJOR liberties with the source material, this film is relentless in highlighting the ways in which domestic terrorism from white supremacist movements (and even systemic racist mentalities in society) is ignored, shruggedWhile taking some MAJOR liberties with the source material, this film is relentless in highlighting the ways in which domestic terrorism from white supremacist movements (and even systemic racist mentalities in society) is ignored, shrugged off, or hushed up by people in power... and how far up the political ladder the "organization" has come since its inception.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

GerardistheWayAug 21, 2018

Ladies and gentlemen, the reviews do not lie - director Spike Lee has crafted what is perhaps his most compelling film in well over a decade with "BlackKklansman", a movie that is as smart and funny as it is politically aware and relevant inLadies and gentlemen, the reviews do not lie - director Spike Lee has crafted what is perhaps his most compelling film in well over a decade with "BlackKklansman", a movie that is as smart and funny as it is politically aware and relevant in the current heated climate.

The film does get off to a slow start, but when it does take off it does so like a rocket. The main plot - a black police officer joins the KKK and has a white coworker pretend to be him at their meetings in order to investigate and disrupt their operations - is one so ridiculous that it would require every person working on the movie to be firing on all cylinders, and Lee, the screenwriters and the talented cast pull it off without a hitch. Part of why this works as well as it does is because the lunacy of the premise is like an in-joke that the characters are in on, and watching them go back-and-forth between stone-faced seriousness when face-to-face with the Klan and outright mocking behind their backs for having fooled them so completely is thoroughly entertaining to watch. The two leads give fine performances - Adam Driver's was my personal favorite between him and John David Washington, because he does a lot to explore the moral grey zone of a Jewish cop going undercover and spouting hatred left and right and is thus ten times more compelling here than in either of the more recent "Star Wars" movies - and the movie proves it has more on its mind than a zany premise and some comic hijinks, with juxtaposed images of young black college students and ordinary-looking white people chanting "Black/White Power", respectively, bringing up some interesting comparisons and contrasts while the side plot of Washington's character dating the president of the Black Student Union at the local college allows for thought-provoking conversations between the two on whether black people can try to fix the system from within by gaining access to it or it should be torn down for being too far gone to save.

The movie does get a bit heavy-handed in some places, the insane amounts of racist rhetoric are to be taken with caution if you react strongly to that sort of thing, and as mentioned before the first 20-30 minutes are a bit of a drag, but on the whole this is a compelling and insightful film from one of our most overtly political filmmakers working today. Regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum, you owe it to yourself to get out and see this movie - it may not change anyone's opinion, but it'll certainly provoke some thought at the very least.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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3

defdog99Aug 11, 2018

Wow. Was this movie bad. So yeah the story was fine and Washington has a ton of charisma... but Spike was obviously trying to make a Quentin Tarantino movie. He was aiming for a 70s cop show vibe with blaxpoitation movie references (evenWow. Was this movie bad. So yeah the story was fine and Washington has a ton of charisma... but Spike was obviously trying to make a Quentin Tarantino movie. He was aiming for a 70s cop show vibe with blaxpoitation movie references (even going as far as showing 70s movie artwork inside the movie!). A hitler salute watching a movie (ala Inglorious Basterds)?? Check. Spike should have went with a different style. Quentin is a master of the fine-line of a talky with hyper violence with cultural allusions with comedy. Spike tried but instead his comes off as agenda instead of entertainment. Mediocre music and sound effects especially the 2nd half. Come on man, its the 70s. He must have rushed it to get it released on the Charlottesville anniversary.… Expand

10 of 30 users found this helpful1020

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9

PeterAlexanderAug 20, 2018

Funny. Powerful. Haunting. Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman is truly unique and perfect for it. It tells an unlikely story which is as thrilling and tense as it is amusing.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

MondayQBAug 20, 2018

Important movie, and generally well directed and acted. The only sad thing is that this movie from the left, and Death of a Nation from the right, do nothing more than push groups even further into their safe place corners. I have lived aImportant movie, and generally well directed and acted. The only sad thing is that this movie from the left, and Death of a Nation from the right, do nothing more than push groups even further into their safe place corners. I have lived a long time in the US and not since the 1960’s have I seen such division in our society. I can only pray that we get a new ML King and JFK to emerge, but I suspect any such effort would be immediately torn down by social media attackers.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

FelicityFenwickAug 16, 2018

Solid film,but I wanted it to be fantastic - it's not. And it gets a little didactic toward the end. Washington is fabulous, however.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

TrevorsViewAug 16, 2018

Kidding? I’m not right now. Racial tensions are still as horrific as ever, it now seems every month there is a new film made to empower Black people while exploring those unjustified relations between them and White people. So appropriatelyKidding? I’m not right now. Racial tensions are still as horrific as ever, it now seems every month there is a new film made to empower Black people while exploring those unjustified relations between them and White people. So appropriately enough, filmmaking legend Spike Lee gives us BlacKkKlansman to explore those very relations in a time when White cops kill innocent Blacks like dogs. Even when history books have records of the “Black Panther Party” threatening the United States back in the 1970s, the message is clear: We need to stop and learn from our historical darkness.

Kicking the can more, this film has a humorous plot scenario pulled straight out of real life: a Black guy applies to be a cop, leading him to work undercover. Essentially, he pretends to be White on the phone as he speaks to the leaders of a secret Ku Klux Klan organization, leading to that undercover investigation where his White partner pretends to be him. Beyond the mere ironic comedy, this Klan’s planned massacre of Blacks becomes quite disturbing as they are seen praying to God, complete with an oil anointment before they do their cross burning. This new Boston Tea Party as they call it is all a part of their plan to make America achieve its greatness again… because apparently they made America and must keep it for themselves. That mindset is visualized by a stain glass window with the words “Thine O Lord is the Victory” behind those who think they understand God’s will, but truly have the knowledge of a snowflake.

Key here may be Spike Lee’s history of exploring Blackness in America, but he’s trying way too hard to connect the early 1970s to today. That especially goes this movie’s historical inaccuracy, “Stallworth's real colleague wasn't called Flip Zimmerman - his true identity remains a mystery, in accounts known only as Chuck - and there's no indication that he was Jewish.” (ScreenRant) At least the expert acting is easy to like, as nobody ever tarries in their performances, always racing on their palms to let the true soul of Blackness come out. Yet I most want to commend how Paul Walter Hauser particularly confronts his role well as a Klansman damaged beyond repair, like he’s half-a-man dragged down onto the cement pavement.

Klans such as this one will certainly give anyone watching strong opinions, just don’t expect that to mean the character arcs will be the thing to suck you in to this film’s humanity. While effective, the main romantic subplot was unnecessary in influencing the protagonist or reconnecting him much with Black culture. His partners in crime also don’t seem influenced much by being involved with the Klan during their undercover case. Those Klansmen they bamboozle likewise are not multidimensional enough with clear fears written down on paper.

Kennedy would not have wanted to see this type of future after being assassinated in his Ford, but it happened, as the sincere nature of this film is kept through an inspirational speech at the Black Student Union of Colorado College. This whole scene helps you to listen, then the script hops right back onto its tongue-in-cheek humor, including how Blacks pronouncing “are” as “are-uh” puts a halt in our understanding. Then topping all the memorable lines off in the cleverly detailed dialogue is an awesome phone call that speaks fluent Jive, a very lively form of English! But the artistic language rich with racial segregation sadly is not helped by the handheld camera that could very well been supported by a gorilla.

King Kong may have had a bit of word to say in the editing and cinematography, but that’s not what will affect you the most while watching… it will be the realism. You’ll feel disturbed to see this KKK’s gunfire practice use targets of running black silhouettes in the autumn forest, but not nearly as much so as when these events connect straight to The Birth of a Nation, which the Klan reacts to with thunderous applause. Overall, the right perspectives are told from Ron Stallworth’s autobiography that will live on once he’s nothing more than a casket and bones.

Really though, while it means well, BlacKkKlansman paints an unintentionally immoral portrait of Spike Lee’s ideal America where any motivation by God is just a fuel for racism. Apparently, it’s all about humanism, but the Klan proves that we should not rely on ourselves, as its unnecessarily preachy final sequence proves: a series of modern day news footage showing the destruction caused by Black Lives Matter, not secretive about hatred towards our president. On top of that, this movie claims to be “based on some fo' real, fo' real sh*t" except it’s not, plenty of it is made up. So, with that put, this film’s message of relying on ourselves contradicts itself in a way. Likewise, you’d be better off living today for love, not rebellion, with the capacity to work of a donkey and the wise strength of an elephant.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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8

grantpolifkaAug 16, 2018

BlackkKlansman contains a bright, vibrant energy only akin to Spike Lee, yet contains a timeless look on racial struggles and violence.

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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8

TVJerryAug 16, 2018

The latest from Spike Lee is set in 70's Colorado Springs, when the first black officer (John David Washington) joined the police department. He inadvertently establishes a phone relationship as a fellow racists with the head of the local KKKThe latest from Spike Lee is set in 70's Colorado Springs, when the first black officer (John David Washington) joined the police department. He inadvertently establishes a phone relationship as a fellow racists with the head of the local KKK chapter. When they decide to infiltrate the organization, a fellow officer and a Jew (Adam Driver) is enlisted to take assume his role in person. This narrative is told with tension and humor, but the movie also takes several extended preachy moments to hammer home the history of racism in America. Despite Lee's angry messages, there's plenty of comedy that would border on absurdity if it weren't based on truth. Even though the film skews polemic at times (dealing with a subject that's sadly still timely), Lee's skill as a storyteller creates a compelling narrative.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

TuneisonAug 15, 2018

My review was longer than 5000 words so, here it is:
https://letterboxd.com/jerkbutt/film/blackkklansman/1/

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

Compi24Aug 14, 2018

Though the specific call to action and certain stylistic choices could have used another once over in my opinion, I think it's fair to say that Spike Lee's latest effort "BlacKkKlansman" is worth the watch overall. Featuring terrific turnsThough the specific call to action and certain stylistic choices could have used another once over in my opinion, I think it's fair to say that Spike Lee's latest effort "BlacKkKlansman" is worth the watch overall. Featuring terrific turns from both John David Washington and Adam Driver, this too-wild-to-be-true story really does a fantastic job of keeping your attention and keeping you thinking about the ramifications of everything that's unfolding on screen. And with a truly enthralling finish, you can safely bet that this is one of the better Spike Lee films I've seen in quite a long time.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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9

GreatMartinAug 14, 2018

With the exception of two of his movies I am not a fan of Spike Lee or his persona but there is not getting away from it that BLACKkKLANSMAN is a superior movie and should be seen.

The first half of the movie is sort of a roller coaster rideWith the exception of two of his movies I am not a fan of Spike Lee or his persona but there is not getting away from it that BLACKkKLANSMAN is a superior movie and should be seen.

The first half of the movie is sort of a roller coaster ride hitting on many subjects with humor and insight but it isn't til the latter part of the move that it becomes epic and shows wit, passion, satire, tension and relevance to the past and present. Written by Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, David Wilmont and Spike Lee the film opens with a film being made by Alec Baldwin playing a man who is giving a KKK speech and is followed with the panoramic crane shot from "Gone With The Wind" where Scarlett O'Hara is walking through a filed of hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. There are other references to the film regarding Hattie McDonald and Butterfly McQueen but the movie references are mainly D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation" made in 1915 that was mainly pro KKK and anti Black.

The film is based on the book by Ron Stallworth, the true story of his becoming the "Jackie Robinson" of the Colorado Springs police department, the first African-American to join the department. He will eventually goes undercover, passing as white via telephone, in the local KKK and soon talking to David Duke, their Grand Wizard. The next step is to have white, Jewish detective Flip Zimmerman be Ron at meetings he is invited to attend.

From that point on practically every group of people from Blacks to White Christian Americas to Gays to Jews, Policemen, 'Pigs", among others, with all the negative and positive words, sayings associated with each. It is here where the script, and Lee, go helter-skelter with words, music, fashions, ideas and portraying various people who were involved for and against the KKK. Though the mid-section is scattered all over it is easy enough to follow and gives you the time to hear the ideas and arguments.

It is at this point that Harry Belafonte appears on screen and starts talking to a group of Black Student Union members and about the 1916 lynching of Jesse Washington in Texas with inter-cutting scenes of David Duke giving a speech about 'white men' that you forget to breath until the final shot before the credits appear.

This past weekend was the anniversary of the white supremacists march and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Spike Lee drives home what has happened since then.

The cast from John David Washington as Ron, Adam Driver as his partner, Laura Harrier as a local collage activist leader, Topher Grace as David Duke, Corey Hawkins as Carmichael aka Kwame Ture then, Robert John Burke as the police chief, along with strong actors as part of the squad or the KKK. Last but not least there is the face of Harry Belafonte who was a symbol to many of the Black people fighting for equality and dignity.

"BLACKkKLANSMAN" is a film with laughs, horror, truth, being clear and confused within the same frame, heroics, pain, moving and a major accomplishment in the career of Spike Lee.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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9

LatinCritic13Aug 12, 2018

Spike Lee's back! And guess what? His brand new joint that he presented us called the BlacKkKlansman is dark, funny, and sad all around. I gotta say that this is one of the best films he has ever done after a long hiatus waiting for a properSpike Lee's back! And guess what? His brand new joint that he presented us called the BlacKkKlansman is dark, funny, and sad all around. I gotta say that this is one of the best films he has ever done after a long hiatus waiting for a proper good movie from him. Sometimes, it feels like you're watching a Quentin Tarantino movie, but the stuff that he used to incorporate in this film is just incredibly smart all around. If you want a good time seeing a film like this, you better go see it.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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7

GinaKAug 13, 2018

A film that was much more political than I expected, judging by the Coming Attractions I had seen, which led me to believe that the film would be lighter than it was – and funny. But this film is deadly serious and a commentary on the stateA film that was much more political than I expected, judging by the Coming Attractions I had seen, which led me to believe that the film would be lighter than it was – and funny. But this film is deadly serious and a commentary on the state of civil rights and the state of the country today, which is depressing. This was not so much because of the film itself, which was well-made and well-acted, but because of the end of the film, which, in effect, argued that nothing has really changed. Spike Lee is a great filmmaker, and I was surprised that he could not make the film more insightful. The actors were excellent.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

GrantD243Aug 13, 2018

Some sites have labeled this as a comedy. Please don't go into this expecting it to be a comedy. There are some very funny moments, yes, but this is very much a serious film. There is a lot of cussing, and a lot of derogatory remarks. But theSome sites have labeled this as a comedy. Please don't go into this expecting it to be a comedy. There are some very funny moments, yes, but this is very much a serious film. There is a lot of cussing, and a lot of derogatory remarks. But the story here is very good and very timely considering what is going on the world today. This is also pretty much the definition of a "politically charged" film, so be prepared for that. Overall, Spike Lee gets a very clear message across while providing the audience with a very entertaining film at the same time. I'd definitely recommend it if you know what to expect.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

steveaustin315Aug 13, 2018

For those who are looking more for the Black"exploitation" vibe you should breakout your VHS, it won't be found here and that's a good thing. As far as film making goes Spike does a great job of putting the viewer in the observer seat yetFor those who are looking more for the Black"exploitation" vibe you should breakout your VHS, it won't be found here and that's a good thing. As far as film making goes Spike does a great job of putting the viewer in the observer seat yet makes you feel so connected to the events that transpire in Colorado Springs.

In the polarizing world some of us uncomfortably navigate in this is a necessarily tough film to watch, it will be even more uncomfortable for those who look at the top of the head of oppression and never directly in the eyes. For the oppressors and those marginalize/allow others to oppress by proxy this movie will be absolute garbage.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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9

jaredwallace91Aug 12, 2018

Timely. Powerfull. Well directed and acted. If this movie made you uncomfortable, it did its job.

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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10

shpostalAug 12, 2018

"Blackkklansman" is possibly the year's best, but it does have some serious competition with "Hereditary", one of the creepiest and mind melting movies to come down the horror pike in years. John David Washington turns in a spectacular"Blackkklansman" is possibly the year's best, but it does have some serious competition with "Hereditary", one of the creepiest and mind melting movies to come down the horror pike in years. John David Washington turns in a spectacular performance as undercover cop Ron Stallworth, a true story of a very smart and brave African-American who is the first to join the Colorado Springs police department. After hearing a moving speech by the former Stokely Carmichael as an undercover cop assigned to listen for possible threats against the citizens of the city, he becomes sufficiently moved enough to cook up an under cover operation against the local KKK chapter. To do so he has to use his detective white friend Flip Zimmerman, played brilliantly by Adam Driver to be his in the flesh double at various meetings and infiltrate and eventually become a full member of the KKK, with the Grand Wizard David Duke coming to Colorado Springs to personally swear him in. It's much more than that, however, as both versions of Stallworth have to be oh so careful in their roles. The big takeaway from this movie is of course the demonstration of the ultra hate filled and impenetrable stupidity and mental psychosis that defines all those involved with this hideous organization. That it goes for all hate groups, including skin heads and other "organizations" that exist today as well is an obvious point. Lee, however, has done a great job of pointing out several factors that can be overlooked in this day and age of focus on extremist positions. First, while the KKK members and equally hate filled idiotic spouses are pictured for the tyrants they are, we are reminded that there are plenty - millions - of white people out there who deplore these racist hate mongers as much as any African American does. It's very important to mention this because if we are ever to wipe out or minimalize for good the actions of hate groups and do something about those elected to office who are racists themselves it will take a concerted effort of cooperation between all races, creeds, religions, etc. to achieve the goals of at least reducing the insipid behavior of those who support white supremacy and other horrible agendas. The film closes with actual footage of the demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia by racist morons, including that of the murderer who deliberately ran over a woman with his car for being "liberal" and supporting the black counter demonstrators. Add that incredibly stupid statement by Trump accusing both "sides" of terrible behavior, when it was a demonstration by white power numbskulls that took place. Why would it be terrible for those who were being attacked to defend themselves? All it did was strengthen the bonds of the racist morons to Trump, who is a profound racist as we all know. I truly believe that the movie is great, and as a white male, I feel it important to let those minorities who are oppressed, including the LGBT community and all who suffer at the hands of hate filled bigots that there are millions of us out there who are in total support of you and are just as disgusted and fed up with these mental midgets as you are. I hope the movie gives us a feeling of cooperation and a desire to close the horrendous social/political divide that is killing this country. It can be done, especially at the voting booth. We must show the haters who love Trump and his own hatred that their kind cannot prevail for long. They belong in the sewers where they crawled out of when Trump announced his candidacy.… Expand

6 of 14 users found this helpful68

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10

batiyannaAug 12, 2018

Spike Lee has done a brilliant job of directing...this film should be required watching in our public schools...it is for everyone...

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

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10

DavidCall360Aug 11, 2018

Fantastic movie with a fantastic cast. The story of the Stallworth Brothers is insane and the message that this movie is trying to make is a very important one right now. We all need to stop the hatred or stop feeding it. I hope everyone willFantastic movie with a fantastic cast. The story of the Stallworth Brothers is insane and the message that this movie is trying to make is a very important one right now. We all need to stop the hatred or stop feeding it. I hope everyone will give this movie a chance and listen to the message its trying to tell us.… Expand

18 of 34 users found this helpful1816

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8

Brent_MarchantAug 11, 2018

One of the best films director Spike Lee has produced in years. Despite some issues with choppy storytelling, occasionally awkward cinematography and message overkill (issues that somehow always seem to intrude on the filmmaker's work), thisOne of the best films director Spike Lee has produced in years. Despite some issues with choppy storytelling, occasionally awkward cinematography and message overkill (issues that somehow always seem to intrude on the filmmaker's work), this latest offering serves up a good mix of suspense, humor and social commentary in a generally well-crafted period piece. Nice to see the director getting back into good form once again.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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10

eberman123Aug 11, 2018

This is a terrific film, one of the best I have seen in years. The script, acting, plot and direction are near perfect. My only complaint is one scene near the end of the movie is not believable and irrelevant. Besides that, this the filmThis is a terrific film, one of the best I have seen in years. The script, acting, plot and direction are near perfect. My only complaint is one scene near the end of the movie is not believable and irrelevant. Besides that, this the film is near perfection. I do see people's complaints about the film's connection between the current President and white supremacists. Unfortunately, the President's slogan "America First" was a KKK slogan and the President's response to Charlottesville, to say the least, was embarrassing and weak.… Expand

8 of 18 users found this helpful810

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2

namelessAug 11, 2018

It is part Spike Lee, a solid filmmaker, and it is part Michael Moore. Spike Lee channeling Michael Moore kills everything that goes before it. It is so weird because he uses the audience's intelligence in the beginning to make connectionsIt is part Spike Lee, a solid filmmaker, and it is part Michael Moore. Spike Lee channeling Michael Moore kills everything that goes before it. It is so weird because he uses the audience's intelligence in the beginning to make connections and then by the end he treats the audience as if they must told everything. Go see "Inside Man" again to see the director at his best, this is not it.… Expand

16 of 37 users found this helpful1621

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6

marco34laAug 11, 2018

This is a decent movie. It has some moments and it could have been better. It falls apart at the end, sort of anti-climatic in terms of the script, then it goes into propaganda over-drive by editorializing about trump and protest rallies inThis is a decent movie. It has some moments and it could have been better. It falls apart at the end, sort of anti-climatic in terms of the script, then it goes into propaganda over-drive by editorializing about trump and protest rallies in 2017. Spike Lee... sometimes LESS is more, buddy.… Expand

21 of 37 users found this helpful2116

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8

LamontRaymondAug 10, 2018

It's a really well-made film, and Washington is a true find. Yes, he had his rise on Ballers, but he's exceptional here. Adam Driver is also excellent - great to see him play another role in his Logan Lucky persona. Kicking things withIt's a really well-made film, and Washington is a true find. Yes, he had his rise on Ballers, but he's exceptional here. Adam Driver is also excellent - great to see him play another role in his Logan Lucky persona. Kicking things with Isiah Whitlock (Senator Clay Davis from "The Wire) was a genius casting choice. And Laura Harrier as Patrice is a revelation. However, casting Alec Baldwin was a terrible mistake - anybody could have done that role better, and the end cap was a choice I wouldn't have made, but I don't blame Spike for doing it. You never would have seen that in a movie like Do The Right Thing, which is his magnum opus.… Expand

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

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7

tropicAcesAug 10, 2018

There is greatness buried somewhere in this movie, between a quietly great Adam Driver and mini-Denzel John David Washington. What holds it back is often the editing and music choices, both of which undercut the film’s two best sequences: aThere is greatness buried somewhere in this movie, between a quietly great Adam Driver and mini-Denzel John David Washington. What holds it back is often the editing and music choices, both of which undercut the film’s two best sequences: a fantastic speech from a fantastic Corey Hawkins and the climax. Also the social commentary is laid on quite thick. Still, a nice return to Tom for Lee.… Expand

11 of 17 users found this helpful116

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8

moviemitch96Aug 10, 2018

Admittedly, I've never been too crazy about Spike Lee (with the exception of 'Do the Right Thing', which is probably his most classic and well-known film.) However, although predictable and seemingly formulaic at times, this latest effort ofAdmittedly, I've never been too crazy about Spike Lee (with the exception of 'Do the Right Thing', which is probably his most classic and well-known film.) However, although predictable and seemingly formulaic at times, this latest effort of his did manage to go in some unexpected directions, and I mean this in a pleasantly surprised and good way. Lee cleverly and skillfully balances dark comedy with biting political, social, and of course racial commentary to make for one powerhouse of a film. In addition, John David Washington and Adam Driver both give bold lead performances. Overall, Lee really is in top form with this latest effort of his. Any film that enrages its audience or at least makes them ponder with its all too true and relevant themes and events is a pretty effective film in my book, and this film fits that bill perfectly needless to say.… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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