Hollywood Shuffle

source: Hollywood Shuffle

source: Hollywood Shuffle

Robert Townsend has made a great movie about the stereotyping of blacks in Hollywood. The movie mocks both the people who created the stereotypes, and the stereotypes themselves. A lot of great little sketches are spliced in among the main plotline, and they all are....I can't think of a better word than wacky. They're all wacky. The movie also has Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Damon Wayans (if you look closely). A great movie, especially for the miniscule $100,000.00 budget.

Much has been made of Hollywood Shuffle, Robert Townsend's debut film made at a very minimal cost. Unfortunately, the material just isn't very funny. Townsend and his cast try hard, but this comedy is strictly hit or miss, and most of it misses. Vote: 4

One of the best movies I've ever seen. This a movie that makes you think. First you laugh, then you think about why you're laughing and if you should be laughing or crying. There isn't a wasted scene in this movie, each one is relevant and true. I have known about the virtues of this movie since its release, my siblings and I call each other 'hocake' and no one knows what we're talking about. I was amazed that there aren't even photos of the stars and director (Robert Townsend and others) on the cast page of this movie. This is such an under-rated flick, the only movie I can think of offhand that is this poignant and clever is 'A day without a Mexican', another great movie. If you are a simpleton who likes movies to watch things blow up this isn't for you. If you are the cerebral type who actually uses their brain this movie is right up your alley. You'll think about this movie for a while.

This is a great film. It just has an energy and a voice that is real and unqiue and powerful. You follow Bobby's ups and downs and root for him, and the comedic vignettes give it the relief from the very funny story. Townsend is great, along with Keenen Wayans, and many great little performances, by the likes of Lisa Mende, Craigus JOhnson, Dom Irerra, and others. It doesn't have all the classic comedy elements, but it has a strong voice, and that's what counts.

Bobby Taylor wants to be a respected actor, but he has to settle for stereotypical roles in the white-dominated world of cinema. It is clear, as he rehearses in the movie's opening scenes, that the role he is auditioning for is not exactly what he has in mind. When the movie is actually filmed, it gives the term 'Blaxploitation' a whole new meaning. Bobby lives with his brother Stevie and his grandmother, and he is often told he could work at the post office. He does have a job at Winky Dinky Dog, a hot dog place where Donald and Tiny are his co-workers, though his auditions interfere with his ability to be on the job when needed. The most popular sitcom on TV stars a comical bat/man who isn't exactly Cliff Huxtable. As Bobby agonizes over this role, he has fantasies about what could happen. The fantasies are the best part of the movie. In one scene, slaves are escaping, and the one guy who worked in the house makes Stepin Fetchit look like Sidney Poitier. The same actor later turns quite sophisticated in a commercial for Black Acting School, which is taught by white instructors, where aspiring actors only learn stereotypes. Light-skinned blacks need not apply. In another fantasy, Bobby imagines that, since Siskel and Ebert are white guys who don't know what they are talking about, his people are represented by a couple of brothers in 'Sneakin' In The Movies'. Among the characters lampooned in this fantasy are Amadeus, Indiana Jones and Dirty Harry. And there is a movie about pimps and hookers that is ten times worse than anything real. Probably the best fantasy of all happens while Bobby and his grandmother are watching 'Sam Ace', a Humphrey Bogart type movie. The film 'Death of a Breakdancer', done in black and white with the film noir style (including jazz music) stars Bobby as a black Sam Ace. While the film shows positive images, stereotypes can still be found--Jerry Curl is one of the suspects and very funny. Rambo becomes Rambro in another scene. Should we be enjoying all these offensive portrayals of African-Americans? Of course. Robert Townsend is black, and he produced, directed and co-wrote this movie and did a fine job of acting as well. His purpose was obviously to make fun of stereotypes. And Bobby shows that he has pride, and doesn't have to accept disrespect. As a white person, I was not bothered by the fact that the majority of white people in this movie are portrayed in an over-the-top manner, especially the people responsible for the movie for which Bobby is auditioning. We're not like that, and I know it. This movie was made on a budget, but one reason was the use of the same actors in many different roles. For the most part, it doesn't seem low-budget. One of the better moments in the 'real' world takes place in the barbershop run by Bobby's Uncle Ray. David McKnight does an admirable job in a dramatic scene. I highly recommend this movie.

This is a great movie. It is absolutely hilarious, and it easily represents R. Townshend's best work. In fact, it's far, far better than anything else he's ever done, which is remarkable considering the film's tiny budget. The humor is biting and relevant. The movie is highly recommended.

source: Hollywood Shuffle

There seems to be a real mix of reviews for this movie. It seems either people really like it or really hate it. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground on this one. For me, it has been one of my all-time favourites. I am amazed that Robert Townsend made this '80s classic on a shoestring budget & with credit cards to boot! In all the comedy, there is a serious message of how blacks are perceived in Hollywood & the roles that they would receive during the '80s. Even though things have changed a little bit, this movie is still a fun parody & demonstrates to me the skills Robert Townsend has to pull off a movie with what he had at the time, and make it look like it has a decent budget. This is another movie that I am glad to see available on DVD, for it's a movie you can watch over & over again.