Total Recall: We Rank Spike Lee's Joints
Summary
This week, Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna hits theaters, telling the story of the struggle of African American soldiers in World War II. So RT thought it would be a good time to take a closer look at the work of Lee, one of cinema's most provocative, probing, and stylistically audacious filmmakers. Here, from worst to best reviewed, is every single Spike Lee joint. Back to Article
This week, Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna hits theaters, telling the story of the struggle of African American soldiers in World War II. So RT thought it would be a good time to take a closer look at the work of Lee, one of cinema's most provocative, probing, and stylistically audacious filmmakers. Here, from worst to best reviewed, is every single Spike Lee joint. Back to Article
(1-45 of 45 posts) | Reply
on Sep 24 2008 05:42 PM Lee is great, even though She Hate Me was terrible. I would definitely say Do The RIght Thing is his best, then 25th Hour, then MALCOM X, then Crooklyn, then Summer of Sam (underrated), then He Got Game, then Clockers, then Mo Better Blues, and then Jungle Fever. Even though sometimes I dont think he knows how to end a movie, but he has made some great stuff, and he is kind of a racist. I hope Miracle at Saint Anna is good but I wouldn't be suprised if it wasn't because Spike has never done a big movie like it. Oh and Inside Man was really good, and that is a movie how he didn't know how to end too! (Reply to this) |
on Sep 24 2008 05:50 PM Spike Lee is fantastic. Clockers is very under-rated. Great Job in including 4 little girls. I was woried that it may not have made the list. When "Do the right thing" opened up in my area, there were actually police at the theaters for the opening night! This was similar as to when Dennis Hopper's "Colors" came out and there was some rioting. . . (Reply to this) |
on Sep 24 2008 06:17 PM There is no doubt that Spike Lee is a good director and Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X are films that will be revered forever as classics. However, for me Lee is very hit or miss, when hes on hes on and its great but when he misses he misses hard. And it looks like Miracle at St. Anna is going to be his worst miss yet unfortunately, I was really looking forward to it, but now not so sure. (Reply to this) |
on Sep 24 2008 06:37 PM In reply to this comment (#2044821) What was wrong with the ending to Inside Man? And She Hate Me was... terrible? I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one. Girl 6 is probably the only one of his films that I really didn't like, but, admittedly, I only saw it once on a really bad night. I'm really looking forward to Miracle at St. Anna. All I can say every time I think of it is "It's about damn time!" I keep telling my friends to see it at least two or three times, just in the interest of throwing money at it. I won't even dignify the 'he's a little racist' comment. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 06:57 PM I love Spike Lee's films. I could honestly say that Girl 6 and Crooklyn were the only ones that I didn't care for though. And to him being racist, I don't see that at all. He has a bluntness to some of the statments that he makes in his films, but all of the racial situations that occur in his films are all based off of events that black people experience or did experience at one time, on a daily basis. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 07:17 PM In reply to this comment (#2044867) The last 10 minutes really dragged and I kept thinking, Why dont they cut it here?!? I did think She Hate Me Sucked, the only thing I liked about it was John Turturro and Monica Belluci. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 07:37 PM I marvel at how little credit Lee gets for the volume of truly good movies that he's put out. He's one of the greatest directers of our time. I just seems that he's underappreciated because he is normally trying to convey some message in his movies. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 07:50 PM In reply to this comment (#2044913) A film with both Dania Ramirez AND Kerry Washington, and here you say John Turturro was one of the only things you liked? That actually inspires sadness in me. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 07:51 PM In reply to this comment (#2044927) You hit the nail on the head, Outlaw. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 09:06 PM Sure, he's had terrible movies, but Spielberg and Kurosawa made some bad films too (I can't stand "Dreams"). Doesn't make them any less great. Spike Lee is absolutely talented. From what I'm hearing, though, St. Anna seems to be a miss.. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 24 2008 09:20 PM In reply to this comment (#2044943) Ok it wasn't terrible terrible like an F, but I did find it kinda bad and not believable. I felt it was messy, was it suppose to be about how bad black people can be treated or was it suppose be a pro-lesbian movie. I thought it was messy, also Kerry Washington?!? Sure she is smoking hot, but name some GREAT movies she has been in, and I thought Tuturro was the best in it because I thought he had this coolness to him in it. (Reply to this) |
on Sep 24 2008 10:03 PM Well, Miracle at St. Anna is a definite misfire, but I don't think it deserves a 19 percent Tomatometer. I was really looking forward to it based on the trailer - one of the best trailers of 2008, I'd argue -- but after watching it I'm baffled that Lee went so wrong. The negative reviews so far are pretty dead on (tonally schizo, too heavy handed, too much going on, some things that don't make sense, without giving anything away). (Reply to this) |
on Sep 24 2008 10:40 PM Spike Lee has a tendency to take a nuke to a hammer fight with his films. Sometimes, going overboard serves his story very well and energizes the proceedings; in other instances the audience can't get footing on the characters. Regardless, he always pursues new, different and interesting material and remains one of our generation's most important filmmakers. (Reply to this) |
on Sep 25 2008 06:06 AM The only Spike Movie I can't sit thru is Bamboozled. Summer of Sam and Clockers are criminally slept on flicks and I actually liked She Hate Me alot. Do The Right Thing and Inside Man are probably my favorites but Clockers and He Got Game are the ones I go back and watch the most. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 06:44 AM In reply to this comment (#2045068) I'm gonna have to reserve judgment on 'Miracle' until after I see it. Like John mentioned below you, 'Bamboozled' was another of his films that was poorly received. But I absolutely loved it! Other poorly received films that I absolutely loved, not by Spike, were 'Lady in the Water' and 'The Fountain'. So something tells me 'Miracle' will go down smoothly for yours truly. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 06:47 AM In reply to this comment (#2045011) I'll name two, Joker. 'The Last King of Scotland' and 'Ray'. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 09:57 AM I know this is an immature statement, but She Hate Me has like, the BEST sex scenes EVER!!! (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:13 AM In reply to this comment (#2045790) lol. Just means you got a pulse, Zed. Long live the living! (Reply to this) |
on Sep 25 2008 10:32 AM Matanuki I never thought I would meet a person who actually liked "Bamboozled", I didnt like it all and everyone who I have commented with about it has had bad things to say. Just couldn't get into it, Damon Waynes was really annoying in that movie. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:45 AM In reply to this comment (#2045815) Indeed he was annoying, but he was supposed to be. I guess what I liked most about 'Bamboozled' so much was the very real point it made about the modern day mistrel show. Once upon a time, art that came out of the black community was progressive and geared towards advancement and spiritual uplift, was more than anything about disproving the negative assumptions being trumpeted by those who hated and subjugated us. Proof, in fact, for non-racist whites just as intellectually damaged as we were and are a community by all the false cultural representation and demagogical propaganda that had flooded the marketplace for so long and so prolifically. Nowadays, all the negativity of the least common denominator stands in stark contrast of that progressive spirit, suffocating it, and dampening it all beneath the gratuitous noise of "bling this, ho that, bi.tch what what, n1gga n1gga." It's disgusting, and I'm ashamed of. So are many others. So is Walter Mosley, so is Aaron McGruder, so, I'm sure, would James Baldwin be if he were still with us. This is the cultural outrage that Spike Lee's film represents. And I can't help but love that unflinchingly. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 12:48 PM He's hit and miss, but then I'd say that about all of my favorite directors. Malcom X was probably my favorite, mostly because he took the time to show his life as an example of redemption, which is a universal need we all have. Sadly even after the movie I don't think many people "get" what's so important about Malcom X's life. As for him being racist, come on, the guy has said publicly that it's impossible for blacks to be racist, that's a ridiculous stance to take. His criticism of Clint Eastwood recently was also just nuts. I like the fact he speaks his mind, but that chip on his shoulders cuts both ways. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 01:02 PM In reply to this comment (#2045907) History itself has earned him validation for that chip which, admittedly, and as we've seen, does cut both ways. But his anger is ours, and his expression of it bears the necessity of medicinal quality. That right there is one of the ultimate responsibility of art; to exist as entertainment while at the same time offering a platform for healing, and opening up through provocation a forum for discussion. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 01:57 PM So matanuki using that logic Jews should have the biggest chips of all and they should be able to be racists. Spike lee is a racist pile of crap that sucks at life. He should be beaten to death for the **** he has said. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 02:11 PM In reply to this comment (#2045953) *sigh* Captain, Captain, Captain... Time and again you have attempted miserably to cross swords with me, only to be betrayed each time by the irreparable vacuity of your own comments. You should know better by now not to engage in battles you have no chance of winning. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 03:17 PM Always do the right thing! I enjoy most Spike Lee films, that guy sure has talent. I just wish he wouldnt come off as a clown when talking about Eastwood and such. Cant wait for the MJ documentary! (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 03:49 PM Matanuki, truer words never spoken to EVERYTHING that you have said. In regards to that Clint Eastwood comment, what did he say that was factually incorrect? It's been historically documented that there were between 700 to 900 black marines and soldiers on the island of Iwo Jima...for Eastwood to fail to include ANY black people in BOTH of those films is just poor filmmaking. And when questioned on it, his response is, "shut your mouth"? He's on record saying that Clint Eastwood is a great director, but when you make films based on historic events, you have a responsibility to portray those events, ACCURATELY. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 04:16 PM No Zed you dumb****, Spike lee wanted a black man to be posting the flag and that is something that did not happen. THis whole movie was made in spite because of what Clint did and unlike Spike, Clint eastwood is an actual director. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 04:46 PM In reply to this comment (#2046080) No doubt, Zed. We know what's what, despite the pathological ravings of the intelligence-challenged constantly foaming at the mouth with inanity. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 05:49 PM overzealous, racist, pathetic comments does a captain of team loyalty make. by the way, my favorite lee joints are Inside Man, of course Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, and 25'th Hour. yes he does come off as a bit bias, but his films are otherwise engrossing and entertaining in their own facinating ways. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 06:27 PM How was my post racist? No spike lee is racist you dumb****. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 07:22 PM In reply to this comment (#2045953) Holy crap... That's seriously some of the dumbest crap I've ever seen. You have no idea what you are talking about sir. Please learn to read before coming to the internet to spew stupid crap. Tell me how Spike Lee is being racist? Give me a solid REASON as opposed to your narrow-minded opinion, and it might actually be worth a discussion. You are what makes the internet difficult to deal with. Every ******* on the planet has to come to a forum somewhere and make inflammatory remarks simply in order to be an *******. Get a ****ing hobby. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 07:32 PM In reply to this comment (#2045826) I honestly don't think I've ever read something on the internet that I can so totally agree with... But at the same time, don't fret. There is still so much progressive art coming from the black community. I'm assuming you're a black guy, and know this, so color me racist if you want. As a white guy, the race thing bothers me more than anything else aside from the general xenophobia found in America. The casual (and oftentimes, assumed to be shared) racism is despicable, and hearing it drives me up the wall. Maybe that's because most of the time those sentiments are coming from the most ignorant, under-educated idiot in the room. I love to hear WHITE people talking about how they don't think racism is a problem in this country...to that I say, if you don't have a problem, that probably means you're pretty ****ing racist. AND, I don't think I've ever found Spike Lee to be racist per se. Controversial? Yes. Smart as hell? Definitely. While he certainly makes generalizations, the means justify the end on his travels to make his point. He's not wantonly flashing stereotypes for cheap laughs. Aside from THAT, I think 25th Hour is probably my favorite, definitely WAY higher than some of the movies at the top of the list. And of course, Do The Right Thing is a classic. I've probably seen it at least 3 dozen times. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 09:32 PM In reply to this comment (#2046387) You don't gotta worry about this correspondent coloring you racist, Madlib. Your comments are appreciated, and noted for their sobriety. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:00 PM Well critics seem to pan a lot of things Spike Lee does. I think that is because they"don't get it" I rented She Hate Me and after hearing so much negativity about this film I was expecting the worse, instead I was plesantly surprised and thusly well entertained. Sometimes it does not pay to listen to the critics. No offence Rotten Tomatoes... (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:07 PM In reply to this comment (#2046527) Sometimes?... (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:10 PM In reply to this comment (#2046108) Your facts seem somewhat confused. Spike was critical of Clint's movie because of the complete abscence of black Americans despite the fact that black Americans played a very important part in the war. It is so easy to make a movie that is completely white and devoid of any minorities, despite this great country of ours being a vast melting pot. When film makers are taken to task for not representing any minorities in thier films, whites seem to be offended and pretend not to understand why they are being criticized. Just like you by the comment you made. Thanks for letting me share. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:13 PM In reply to this comment (#2045790) Zed I am inclined to agree with you on that point. They were HOTT! (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:15 PM In reply to this comment (#2046080) SO TRUE!! TELL IT LIKE IT IS ZED! (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 25 2008 10:24 PM Oh by the way some of my favorite Spike Lee films are Malcom X an under appreciated masterpiece, School Days, so many points made about race and color, Clockers, for its gritty intensity, and He Got Game, for excellent cinematgraphy and the statement it made about college recruitment. Just to name a few. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 26 2008 05:46 PM Clint did nothing wrong, Blacks did NOT play an important role in Iwo Jima, that is a fact, SPIKE LEE is such a racist that he wanted a black man planting the flag and because there was none he got pissed. And while there is a racism problem in america is actually a reverse racism, that is blacks being racist towards whites, if you do not believe that then you are full of **** and living in denial. You want racist, just watch the scene with the Italian Store owners. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 26 2008 06:20 PM In reply to this comment (#2047933) YEEEEIIIKES!!! LOL. *shaking my head* Man, oh man, just when I thought I'd seen and heard it all... This guy (!), Captain of the Outrageously Misinformed. Proof, ladies and gentlemen, that some people should be allowed inside libraries by prescription only. (Reply to this) |
on Sep 26 2008 07:40 PM By the way, Flags of Our Fathers was about the troops that raised the flag at Iwo Jima. There were no black troops that raised the American flag. That would mean Eastwood would put a black person just to put a black person in the movie. Isn't that what Spike Lee has been complaining about for the past 15 years??? Also, Clint Eastwood made a movie where 90% of the cast was black. Spike Lee is such a dumbass. Spike Lee is just mad because Clint Eastwood doesn't throw an ethnicity or race just to be PC. Clint Eastwood is the man. Spike Lee is a good director but he need to just shutup. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 26 2008 07:47 PM The Flags of Our Father movie was about the troops that raised the American Flag on Iwo Jima. None of the black troops raised the flag so Clint Eastwood did not put one in the movie. This was based on a true story and he wanted to be HISTORICALLY ACCURATE. There are actual records with names of the soldiers. Troops were segregated at that time and they were on the other side of the island. This would be that Clint Eastwood would have to put a black person in the movie just to put one in. Isn't that what Spike Lee has been complaining about for the past 15 years??? Hasn't he said that directors shouldn't put black people in for PC reasons??? Clint Eastwood doesn't believe in doing that and Spike Lee is mad. He is just a dumbass. Also, Clint Eastwood directed a movie where 90% of the cast was black. Spike Lee should just shutup. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 26 2008 07:50 PM sorry i posted twice because i thought it did not load. (Reply to this) |
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on Sep 26 2008 09:06 PM See Spike Lee is a man pissed off because everysingle movie does not revolve around black people, he is a joke. (Reply to this) |
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