Very uneven in tone, but the style is very unique and it's incredibly funny and powerful.
What is this shit? It was so difficoult for me to finished this movie
I'm guessing this is low rated because of the social commentary because the movie is very fresh and entertaining.
What did I just watch I shouldn't know a Spike Lee joint I never really care for his movies Too busy trying to make a point.
You cannot question Spike Lee’s style or passion. While this has its clunky moments, there’s a lot that shines too. The dialogue and over the top stylization and reimagination of a classic while beholding to its spirit makes me pretty sure I was just too young to really get Romeo + Juliet, cause I really enjoyed it here. Although there’s a few too many references to social events that ruin the flow of the dialogue. The cast shines in for the most part, the exception being Cannon. He’s trying his best, but. No. And Spike Lee starts losing the plot a bit as the plot picks up steam. Still, the moments that do hit hit hard, the pinnacle being the insurance scene. This movie is quintessential Lee: flawed but enthralling.
A bold, rhyming piece of poetry
Based on an ancient Greek comedy
This never quite took its hold on me
Though I admire the message of Mr Spike Lee
An effort to remind us of those we have lost
On American streets at terrible cost
The message preached here is universal
We need peace on our streets and gang reversal.
the enterance music was great and it was twice better than the movie!
Terrible movie in all aspects. Not sure how he (Spike) was able to get it made.
this movie carrying strong facts about tragedies we face
I think movies like this are so important. The message reflects the tragic reality that so many Americans face today. John Cusack's monologue during the funeral was particularly powerful, and very well done. Major props to Spike Lee.
Review by TiagoRtiBlockedParent2016-01-06T22:52:26Z
"No Peace. No Pussy."
2015 saw Spike Lee release two pictures; one of them a Kickstarter project that ended up being murdered by critics and ignored by audiences who wanted nothing to do with that feature, and then this one - Chi-Raq - a late year surprise that came out of nowhere. Most people didn’t even know of this film’s existence and all over the sudden a bang was heard, Lee’s new feature would be released during Oscar season and the buzz around it was rock-solid, in fact the best of any Lee’s recent joints.
Chi-Raq is a minor comeback to Spike Lee who here produces an immensely flawed, but equally important feature. It’s good to see Lee back being this playful and charming, but above all this critical and urgent. This film might have seen its release in a premature fashion due to some awards hopefulness or maybe because the producers thought this was the best time to release this feature, but in my eyes, I like to think that Chi-Raq was released this way because its message was urgent and vital. Its observation and criticism on gang, racial, police and street violence make this movie a work that’s important to see, even in all its flaws. This urgency and critical eye is in fact the film’s biggest asset.
Even if uneven, one can’t deny Spike Lee’s good intentions. Yes this may have an agenda and yes this may be bluntly indiscreet, but I can’t be truly mad ‘cos its message is so important. Have you ever heard of Marvin Gaye’s album What’s Going On? Well Lee’s film is a bit like that. It’s message is timeless and it is sang wholeheartedly, but the truth is that it isn’t exactly subtle either. Lee here speaks wholeheartedly as he passes the message, that in my view is more important than whether or not the message is conveyed with delicacy.
Asides from the not-so-subtle sensibilities, the film does have other issues and one of them is its pace. Chi-Raq might be a satire fueled with comedy, tits-and-ass, plus some violence, but nevertheless it somehow still drags. Truth is that it is overlong – as it runs for over two hours – and in its late second act and the whole third act lag. Then we have the script; the movie may embrace a different kind of storytelling that has its own texture and sensibilities, Lee’s feature is also witty, charming and playful and there’s no doubt that no movie alike this one was released in 2015, yet Chi-Raq still features convenient and sloppy writing. The prime example is its ending where we see a bunch of guys signing treaties and giving jobs as though it's candy and thus proving world peace. Wait what?!
Yet another problem that this joint features is its unevenness when it comes to tone. Chi-Raq goes from witty satire, to gangs flick, to drama where there is tears and shouts. These moments are transitioned in a not-so-accomplished way since the film soon becomes disengaging and at times even awkward.
On the other hand the film’s positives are its wittiness and playfulness with the subject matter; the picture welcomes its off-kilter qualities. Straight out of Dear White People is Teyonah Parris who’s fire in this picture; she’s sexual and teasing as one can definitely see why Long-D would miss dat ass. Plus we have Wesley Snipes back on the big screen and he’s solid, surprisingly funny actually; L. Jackson also has a small little witty role as our narrator; John Cusack takes a break from appearing in shitty B-Movies and appears here solid, even if over the top; another highlight is Dave Chappelle’s short cameo which is hilarious!
Chi-Raq may be uneven and unbalanced, it may be too long, but it’s worthwhile, since one can’t help but to sympathize with it even if it isn’t just because of its important message.