Crooklyn

My favorite movie of all time! I loved it the day it debuted in theaters. Crooklyn makes me yearn for a time I never lived. I own this so every chance I get I watch it when I needs a good laugh or cry.

In what is probably writer/director Spike Lee’s most personal effort, Crooklyn tells the story of the Carmichael family in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn in the summer of 1973. Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo play the beleaguered parents, struggling financially to stay afloat, gingerly negotiating their own loving but fragile relationship, and fighting to keep their five children from the dangers of the neighborhood. While it’s not without its shortcomings (the constant arguments get tiring at times, the distorted lens used when they leave home is annoying, and the soundtrack, which has some solid tunes, doesn’t always match the mood of the scene), Crooklyn is saved by some great dialogue, compelling characters, and great performances by Lindo, Woodard, and Zelda Harris as the young daughter.

Classic!!! Definitely underrated

spike lee's best movie after malcolm x.

Spike's normal heartfelt powerful work. I would rather it focus on the adults but it is moving.

A solid coming of age tale following the formative years of a young girl growing up with her working class parents and four brothers in Brooklyn. Excellent score and feels more intimate compared with Spike Lee's other work. This film was probably even better than I am giving it credit for but I was having some trouble staying engaged that had more to do with me than the film.

Lee gives us a rare thing: an honest, down-to-earth example of childhood. It is not sugar-coated, not dripping with sentimentality, yet as kind-hearted and open-handed as any family drama. We're always aware of the immense love within this family, no matter how much they yell and bicker. It's a needed reminder of the necessity of family and culture, regardless of hardship and idiosyncrasy. Full of empathy and humor and incredible performances, it's my new favorite Spike Lee joint.

Touching portrait of family life. A great and perfect film. Always revisit it every few months. Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah Amen.

Story/Screenplay: (3.5/5) A completely unspectacular drama following the daily life of an early 1970's Brooklyn family. If you stay with it, it grows on you. Duration/Tempo: (3/5) At 1 hour and 55 minutes, it's an average length movie that felt about the same. Might have benefited from less content or a faster pace, but it was OK. Cast & Crew: (3.5/5) Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo perform well as loving parents. Summary: (3.5/5) The story was OK, the cast was pleasant to watch, but the pacing was slowish. A shaky thumbs up.

We met Spike Lee and he told us to watch this movie so we did the same night. Great family movie with a sad, but heart warming ending.