School Daze
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Movie Reviews of School Daze
Movie Review: If you don't get it...
Summary: 5 Stars
To the person who gave this movie five stars yet panned this film, this is a film parodying life at a fictional HBCU during its homecoming, with a focus on three groups on campus: "Da Fellas" and their women (the women are known in the "Straight and Nappy" musical bit as the Jiggaboos, a racist term for African-Americans, because the women refuse to relax their hair), the people who would rather urge Mission College to divest from South Africa because of discrimination at that time; Gamma Phi Gamma and the Gammites, men who claim to have true brotherhood but dish out abusive punishments and orders to "obtain" that brotherhood; and the Gamma Rays (also known as the Wannabes because most--note I did not say all--of these women are light-skinned African Americans that relax their hair and are apparently rich), women that are just mere sex objects and trophies to the Gammas. And no, Spike Lee does not play Urkel--otherwise, he'd be wearing suspenders and speaking in an annoying nasal voice. He plays one of the Gammites who just happens to be connected to Dap (Lawrence Fishburne), one of Da Fellas. Of course, during its time, several people didn't understand this film. For example, while "School Daze" was shooting, the then-president of Morehouse kicked Lee and his cast and crew off of the college (Lee's alma mater) for the portrayal of the Mission College school president in the movie, who is dark-skinned. "School Daze" is a parody focusing mainly on colorism (discrimination among African-Americans based on skin tone), such as the view that the lighter your skin is if you're black, the more doors open for you (which was true prior to intergration laws). I really do like this movie, especially the song sequences done by cast members ("Straight and Nappy," "Be Alone Tonight"). I really encourage people to see this film. Although I realize this movie is not considered to be as good as "Do the Right Thing" or "She's Gotta Have It," this movie does have a point, and most people, despite their race, can relate to the themes presented in this movie.Movie Review: A Tough Pill to Swallow
Summary: 5 Stars
As an African American, fraternity member I found this movie not only entertaining, but also convicting. Being a man of Omega (those familiar with the Black Greek system know what I mean) I was a little offended by Gamma Phi Gamma's dipiction of the "dogs." More often than once I felt he was referring to the "dogs of Purple and Gold." Yet, once I got beyond my petty sensitivities, Lee's underlying critique of the social ills plaguing the African American community revolving around issues of social consciousness, skin color, hair texture, education, etc., made this movie provocative and challenging. Also, it's depiction of homecoming, pledging, parties and general "college life" made for an entertaining walk down memory lane. I found his attempt at making this a musical production to be somewhat forced, although the lyrics of the songs were pointedly appropriate.I may not completely agree with Lee's conclusion concerning the advantages (or disadvantages) of participating in the Black Greek System. However, I appreciate his candid attempt to "tell it like it is." My mother used to say, "Don't air the dirty laundry in public." This is exactly what Lee has done, and unfortunately it is about time.
Movie Review: New DVD Edition Sparkles
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first saw this movie, like most people, I couldn't really appreciate it. Years later, after my college days had swiftly passed, I recognize the movie's true genius. The new DVD edition is a must (make sure you're buying the right edition on Amazon), because it includes Spike Lee's commentary throughout the movie. Watching the movie with the commentary makes for a fascinating journey into filmmaking. Without spoiling it too much, Mr. Lee discusses everything from his contentious relations with the Morehouse administration to the relationships between cast and crew members. One insight he offered stuck with me. He said that he housed the crew members of the competing factions in separate hotels (the jigaboos got the worst hotel), so that they could stay true to their roles and to foster role competition. Apparently, it worked a little too well. I'll let you buy the DVD to find out why.
In short, School Daze is a picture into a life that the large majority of us, of all backgrounds, will never get to experience directly. Its value is to take unfamiliar observers into one facet of the African-American experience and to do so with remarkable realism and insight.
Movie Review: Getting to the Root of Yesterday's and Today's Problems
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to totally disagree with the editorial review stating the movie doens't come together. The movie does come together speaking of divisions on different planes. Whether it's on the campus of an HBCU or urban city, people of color have come across that division of "wannabees" & "jigaboos". In so many movies, we point our fingers at "them" for not treating us as equals but this movie made us to forcible point at ourselves. It made us look at how we discriminate among ourselves that white is right and black in bad. What is the real purpose of sororities & fraternities. We need to be reminded why HBCUs were built - because we couldn't attend elsewhere because of discrimination - yet we discriminate ourselves. Spike is reminding us to not become lulled into a deep sleep with material trappings (cars, jewelry, etc.) and wake up to reality. We can't stand together if divided among ourselves. I highly recommend this movie. It also allows you to see stars in their early years. I also cherish scenes of the late Phyllis Hyman.Movie Review: ALL because of this movie, I couldn't wait to go to college!
Summary: 5 Stars
If anyone wants to know what the "Black College Experience" was like, all they have to do is watch this movie. I was 10 when this movie came out and couldn't wait to turn 18 to go to college and experience what I saw from the movie. From the frats, to the many parties, to the "psuedo-Black Nationalists" protesting various causes on campus, to the step shows, etc. I was excited to go see the movie with my older cousins who attended HBCUs. I ended up going to a PWI, but was still able to gain the full "Black College Experience" b/c an HBCU was within walking distance of my school. I have some wonderful memories (that I will probably only share with my grandchildren, lol), This is a must have movie to put in your collection to enjoy on a Saturday with your old college buddies while walking down memory lane about your old "innocent" college days!