Bamboozled

Starring:Damon Wayans, Savion Glover, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tommy Davidson, Michael Rapaport, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Paul Mooney, Sarah Jones, Gillian Iliana Waters, Susan Batson, Mos Def, M.C. Serch, Gano Grills, Canibus, DJ Scratch, Charli Baltimore, muMs da Schemer, Dormeshia Sumbry, Tyheesha Collins, Cartier Williams
Director: Spike Lee
Studio: New Line Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Director Spike Lee has never shied away from controversy, and with Bamboozled he tackles a thorny mix of racism and how images are bought and sold. A frustrated TV writer named Delacroix (Damon Wayans), unable to break his contract, tries to get fired by proposing a new minstrel show, complete with dancers in blackface. But the network loves the idea, and Delacroix hires two street performers (Savion Glover, who is truly the finest tap dancer since Fred Astaire, and Tommy Davidson) whose hunger for success and ignorance of history combine to make them accept the blackface. Despite protests, the show is a huge success--but gradually, the mental balance of everyone involved starts to crumble. As an argument, Bamboozled is incoherent--but how can racism be discussed rationally in the first place? Lee takes a much braver approach: Every time something seems to make sense or make a point, he complicates the situation. At one point, Delacroix goes to see his father, a standup comedian working at a small black club. Delacroix perceives his father as a broken failure. But his father's routine is full of articulate critiques of white hypocrisy, and the older man describes refusing to play the narrow movie roles that Hollywood had offered him, while Delacroix has convinced himself that his minstrel show is actually doing some social good. And what is the effect of the show itself? Lee obviously finds blackface abhorrent, but the minstrel routines are perversely fascinating and Glover's dancing, even when he mimics Amos and Andy-era routines, is outstanding. Most cuttingly, Lee points out parallels between minstrel and contemporary hip-hop personas. By the time it's over, Bamboozled won't have told you what to think, but you will have to think about these issues--and that alone is a remarkable accomplishment. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Spike doesn't feed the idiot box.......2007-06-11

This movie uses satire to tapdance on the abstract line between cultural parody and racial undertones. Only Spike Lee could pull it off in such an entertaining and thought provoking way.
He hits on some vital nerves that pertain to networking and incorporating racial themes into television programs. In this movie, the studio doesn't care about being politically correct, it's all about ratings. Totally sell out to get paid. The programs don't need to be intelligent, as long as America keeps on watching.
Damon Wayans is the creator of the new controversial show, which initially started off as his attempt to get fired. But the show was an immediate success, and he is forced to live with its repurcussions.
Bamboozled is a funny movie, but it also grasps some serious topics. It's very brash and irreverent as it juggles with stereotypes and layers of human compassion.

Spike Lee is probably one of the best director we have, his.......2007-05-26

movies are always original, I don't always "get" them, but they are well done, thought provoking, and full of fresh ideas, not stale re-hashes of other bad movies. This one is no exception, although I didn't quite understand why a smart, good looking, tv executive, living in a beautiful Manhattan condo, making a six figure+ salary, would want to sabotage his own career? And why the two actor/dancers, after being "discovered" and become big tv stars would want to do the same? And why did Jada's brother kidnap one of the dancers and kill him? What was the point? What did it prove? I don't know, but, like I said, Spike does get you thinking. Enjoy!

Spike lee never fails to get me thinking.......2007-05-12

just wanted to know does anyone else see any comparison between the delima of the main character in the movie wanting to quit the show which had become #1 , with its contraversial content conflicting with his morals with that of the real life dilema that caused Dave Chappell to quit his #1 show and run off to South Africa? is it just me or is there something spooky similar about it?

Anyways back to the review ............. great movie, intellectual, provoking, spike lee: genius ....... as always xxxxxxxxxxx

MY FAVOURITE SPIKE LEE JOINT!!.......2007-04-01

This will entertain and half way through massively educate you!!

This is one of those films you will either absolutely LOVE or HATE!!

I personally LOVED IT, the DVD is one of my prized possessions!

Basically if you are interested in the representation of African Americans in the media then this film will interest you. If you couldn't care less it probably wont!

Definitely food for thought....

Just as School Daze opened eyes, this film made me thing seriously about the sacrifices black entertainers make in order to be successful!!

A Typical Spike Lee Film.......2007-03-23

I had to watch this movie for my english class it was a typical Spike Lee Film- meant to be funny, but leading astray until his point was to make a political statement. The film went from racial satire to blatant racism. Yet another great Spike Lee film.

Average customer rating:

Spike doesn't feed the idiot box
Spike Lee is probably one of the best director we have, his
Spike lee never fails to get me thinking
MY FAVOURITE SPIKE LEE JOINT!!
A Typical Spike Lee Film

Bamboozled
Starring: Damon Wayans , Savion Glover , Jada Pinkett Smith , Tommy Davidson , and Michael Rapaport
Director: Spike Lee
Manufacturer: New Line Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Spike Lee Joint Collection (Clockers/ Jungle Fever/ Do the Right Thing/ Mo` Better Blues/ Crooklyn)
Get on the Bus
School Daze
She Hate Me
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ASIN: B00005LO5Z
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Spike doesn't feed the idiot box.......2007-06-11

Spike Lee is probably one of the best director we have, his.......2007-05-26

Spike lee never fails to get me thinking.......2007-05-12

MY FAVOURITE SPIKE LEE JOINT!!.......2007-04-01

A Typical Spike Lee Film.......2007-03-23

Average customer rating:

Bamboozled: Live in Germany
Starring: Omar & The Howlers
Manufacturer: Ruf Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

My Hearts in Texas
Antone's Home of the Blues
Bamboozled: Live in Germany
Live at Montreux/The Definitive Collection
The Derek Trucks Band - Songlines Live!

ASIN: B000F7MB5A
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Product Description

BAMBOOZLED (OMAR & THE HOWLERS)

Charlie Rose with Richard Gere & Robert Altman; Spike Lee (October 19, 2000)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Richard Gere & Robert Altman; Spike Lee (October 19, 2000)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

Actor Richard Gere and director Robert Altman discuss their latest film, Dr. T and the Women, which follows the story of a successful gynecologist, played by Gere, whose personal life is spinning out of control. Then, director Spike Lee talks about his new film, Bamboozled, about a Harvard-educated executive who creates a modern-day minstrel show that turns out to be a hit, the public's perception of him and his beloved Knicks.

Average customer rating:

Spike doesn't feed the idiot box
Spike Lee is probably one of the best director we have, his
Spike lee never fails to get me thinking
MY FAVOURITE SPIKE LEE JOINT!!
A Typical Spike Lee Film

Bamboozled [Region 2]
Starring: Damon Wayans , Savion Glover , Jada Pinkett Smith , Tommy Davidson , and Michael Rapaport
Director: Spike Lee
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video