Jim Brown All American

Starring:Art Modell, Walter Beach, Ed Walsh, Sam Oakley, Ed Corley, David Skinner (VIII), Karen Brown Ward, Roy Simmons Jr., Chief Oren Lyons, Ralph Wiley, John Wooten (II), Oliver Stone, Stuart Scott, Bernie Casey, Willie Davis (III), Dick Schafrath, Erich Barnes, Mike Francesa, Paul Warfield, William C. Rhoden
Director: Spike Lee
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Spike Lee directs a flawed but fascinating portrait of the sports legend, actor, and activist in Jim Brown: All American. Interviewing former coaches, teammates, and celebrity observers (including Oliver Stone), and with Brown's cooperation, this HBO documentary is best at detailing Brown's early life. Briefly raised by a great-grandmother in Georgia, Brown moved to Long Island, where he found a supportive, predominantly white, community that encouraged his high school victories in basketball, lacrosse, tennis, and, of course, football. He encounters racism at Syracuse University, but Brown's performance and pride overwhelmed all resistance. The Cleveland Browns chapter explains how Brown dominated the game, and then Lee ventures into his subject's experiences in Hollywood and as an African American community leader. The film is engaging and disciplined until controversial issues arise--Brown's alleged abuse toward women, for example--and Lee refuses to press. But in general, this is a good piece about a charismatic, dynamic figure. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Complex Subject; Complex Life.......2006-12-01

This documentary is probably more balanced thatn ESPN's and FOX's versions combined. Subjects like Jim Brown are difficult to be encapsuled in such a short time, but Spike probably did as good a job as any filmmaker could.

I also agree agout the balance concerning his legal issues. Allowing multiple parties to express their perspectives gives the viewer the responsibility to make up his/her own mind.

The most impressive thing was Jim expressing lament and remorse for not being the father he wanted to be for his children (prior to his present marriage to Monique and their two children). He took responsibility for their development and stated that by dealing with his personal survival and conflict with their respective mothers, the children suffer.

Overall, I highly recommend this documetary to anyone who says that athletes are one-dimensional and superficial.

Very Good Documentary.......2004-08-08

Jim Brown is One of the Greatest athletes ever&a very down to earth&given cat. this special showcases His Career&also His Many Endevours at given back to the Community through the years. he has touched so many lives for so long.He truly reached back&has a made a world of difference.very moving&a History making Brother.

Jim Brown All American.......2004-02-27

I have seen only one Spike Lee movie so what I'm about to say is said (by my own admission) with ignorance, but Jim Brown All American must be his masterpiece... his tour de force. This hour long documentary deeply explores not only the incredible athletic career of this exceptional athlete but also the obstacles-- notably prejudice-- over which Jim Brown had to prevail on his way to greatness. It also reveals what makes Jim Brown an exceptional (and admirable) human being off the playing field as well. His capacity for love and forgiveness, portrayed in the opening scene of the documentary, impressed me at least as much as did his absolutely unbelievable performances on the football AND lacrosse fields.

At the same time, I was very impressed with Mr. Lee's evenhanded and thoughtful treatment of Jim Brown's legal troubles. He didn't whitewash or paper over this turbulent aspect of Jim Brown's life. He also documented the critical intervention of many good people in his formative years without whom Jim Brown's life might have taken a different course.

I know what you're thinking..."This guy's just another rabid Cleveland Browns fan in his 50's who grew up rooting for Jim Brown." Not so. I'm a rabid Chicago Bears fan in his 50's who sees Jim Brown and Gale Sayers starting in the same backfield on God's All-Universe Team.

The documentary was informative, entertaining, and-- above all-- inspiring. I can't wait until it is issued so I can buy it for myself and show it to all the aging Cleveland Browns fans who surround me in my cul-de-sac.

Description

Charlie conducts an interview with actor/film director Peter Bogdanovich on his personal life, work as a film critic, and recurring role in the television series The Sopranos. Also, filmmaker Spike Lee discusses his documentary on the life of former football player and activist Jim Brown, Jim Brown: All-American.

HOOKED ON COMIX - Volume 1 - Life On The Cutting Edge Of An All-American Artform

Average customer rating:

HOOKED ON COMIX - Volume 1 - Life On The Cutting Edge Of An All-American Artform

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

HOOKED ON COMIX - Volume 2

ASIN: B000FJRWF2
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Product Description

HOOKED ON COMIX - Life on the Cutting Edge of an All-American Art Form showcases some of the greatest second-generation-underground or alternative/contemporary cartoonists working today. HOOKED ON COMIX is a lively and entertaining documentary that delves into the dedicated and creative minds behind some of the most brilliant work in contemporary comics. Featured Cartoonists: Peter Bagge (Hate), Donna Barr, Daniel Clowes (Eightball), R.L. Crabb, Chester Brown (Yummy Fur), Julie Doucet (Dirty Plotte), Dennis Eichhorn (Real Stuff), Mary Fleener, Roberta Gregory (Bitchy Bitch), Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez (Love & Rockets), Carel Moiseiwitsch, Pat Moriarity (Big Mouth), Joe Sacco (Yahoo, Palestine), Stan Shaw, Triangle Slash, James Sturm, J.R. Williams, Jim Woodring (Jim) Music by: Beat Happening, Bikini Kill, Sick & Wrong, Sin Alley Kats, and Laughin' Spittin' Man

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