Mo' Better Blues R

Mo' Better Blues
23K ratings
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Format:  DVD
item number:  XY2E
on most orders of $75+
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DVD Details

  • Rated: R
  • Closed captioning available
  • Run Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes
  • Video: Color
  • Encoding: Region 1 (USA & Canada)
  • Released: January 30, 2001
  • Originally Released: 1990
  • Label: Universal Studios

Performers, Cast and Crew:

Starring &
Performer: , , , , , , , , , , , &
Directed by
Edited by
Screenwriting by
Composition by
Produced by
Director of Photography:

Entertainment Reviews:

Fresh73%

TOMATOMETER
Total Count: 33

Upright75%

AUDIENCE SCORE
User Ratings: 9,400
Rating: 2.5/5 -- From characters to camera angles, this story of a self-absorbed jazz trumpeter is one long cliche, the kind that might make his most loyal admirers wince and wonder, 'Spike, what happened?'
New York Times
May 20, 2003
Denzel, Wesley and Co are fine, but Mo' Better Blues hits too many bum notes. Full Review
Film4
Sep 22, 2008
Rating: 3.5/4 -- Full of wonderful music, grand visuals, and melodramatic plot twists, the movie is laced with very funny moments, as well as interesting insights into the world of jazz and the plight of the dedicated musician. Full Review
TV Guide
Sep 22, 2008
...Seductive, engaging....[Lee is] terrific at ambience, at a real feeling for backstage talk...
Los Angeles Times
Aug 3, 1990
Personal rather than social issues come to the fore in Mo' Better Blues, a Spike Lee personality piece dressed in jazz trappings that puffs itself up like Bird but doesn't really fly. Full Review
Variety
Sep 22, 2008
Rating: 3/4 -- Mo' Better Blues is not a great film, but it's an interesting one, which is almost as rare. Full Review
Chicago Sun-Times
Oct 24, 2004
Though it's full of striking visual ideas and actorly turns, it never fully convinces. Full Review
Chicago Reader
Sep 22, 2008

Product Description:

Spike Lee ventures into the world of jazz music with this stylish romantic drama. Forced by his mother to study the trumpet, Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) has grown up to become the leader of a successful jazz quintet. Managed by his inept friend, Giant (Lee), Bleek clashes with fellow band member Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes). Making matters worse is Bleek's romantic situation: trying to balance two different women at the same time--schoolteacher Indigo Downes (Joie Lee) and aspiring singer Clarke Bentancourt (Cynda Williams). In a hysterical moment, the line is blurred when, while making love, Bleek calls each woman by the other's name. As he struggles to keep the quintet alive and flourishing, he must decide once and for all what it is he really wants: Indigo, Clarke, or his trumpet. The son of jazz musician Bill Lee, who contributes music to the film, Lee has written a script that crackles with witty behind-the-scenes banter that feels natural and fresh. Ernest R. Dickerson's camera moves at an even brisker pace than in other Lee films, which compliments the bouncy soundtrack, making MO' BETTER BLUES an entertaining ride.

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Product Info

  • Sales Rank: 129,786
  • UPC: 025192053627
  • Shipping Weight: 0.25/lbs (approx)
  • International Shipping: 1 item

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