You are here: Home » Entertainment & Celebrities, Funny/Humor, Real Life, Real Talk » I Got Bamboozled By Spike Lee (This Ain't MovieFone)

I Got Bamboozled By Spike Lee (This Ain't MovieFone)

Posted by NWSO • June 25, 2009 • Printer-friendly

In case you didn't realize, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Spike Lee’s classic film, Do the Right Thing. In honor of this milestone, a couple of New York natives have come together to pay tribute to the noted director with a host of events throughout his hometown of Brooklyn over the course of the next few days (CLICK HERE for info). They’ve even set up a great site called WheresMars.com. The name refers to Spike’s iconic character, Mars Blackmon, who he made famous in his breakout film, She’s Gotta Have It, and popular Nike ad campaign in the ’90s. I happened to bump into the sister behind the tribute at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival on Saturday and she told me they were compiling people’s personal stories either having met Spike Lee or how he's impacted their life. Well, boy, do I got a story to tell...

Back when I was in the employ of The Source I used to handle the magazine’s film/TV section. With that came advance tickets to various movies for potential coverage consideration. One day I got an email from a PR rep about there being a special press screening on Spike Lee’s latest film, Bamboozled.

This was a good two-three months before the film was going to hit theatres, so there wasn’t much press on the project yet. Although I had no idea what the film was about, I knew that anything Spike-related was worth going to. I immediately hit the publicist back to let her know I’d love to check the film and she put my name on the press list.

On the day of the screening, I find out there’s a big album release party that everybody who was anybody (or at least trying to be somebody) was going be at. My wing man Jason was hyped to go, but I told him I had to check this screening first. The party didn’t start ’til 9 and I planned to be out of the 7pm screening by then so everything was lining up perfect. Since I couldn’t bring a guest, Jason grabbed some grub after work and I told him to hit me on my cell later.

Before I go any further let me reveal a little back story on this cell phone. It was actually a burnout phone (illegal hook up with no bill) that my old boss gave me to better our communication—it was an electronic leash.

This was my first cell phone ever. It was this bulky Nokia joint that made me look like I was carrying a gun in my pocket or was just happy to see everybody. In addition to being bulky, the battery life on this thing was like an hour tops. I think it just needed a new battery, but I was too cheap to cop one. I was also too lazy to learn how to put the darn thing on vibrate.

Anyway, I arrive at the screening and grab a seat in the far corner of one of the back rows. After a little while the lights dim and the film starts. Like I said earlier, I had no idea what Bamboozled was going to be about. The cast lineup sounded great—Damon Wayans, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Savion Glover, Tommy Davidson, Mos Def, etc—so I was real interested to see so many great actors on the same screen.

I can’t front, when the film started and I heard Damon Wayans’ character of Pierre Delacroix speak in this faux-White/Uncle Tom accent I thought it was a joke. I couldn’t believe that he was going to talk like he had a stick up his butt for the entire movie. I didn’t know if this was supposed to be a comedy or a drama, but as the movie progressed and I got accustomed to Delacroix’s tone I started to appreciate the film for what it was—a dope critique on race and the image of people of color in the media. Classic Spike, in a unique wrapper.

It’s about an hour into the movie and aside from what’s taking place on screen the theatre is silent. Well, it was.

RING! RING...! RING! RING!

Ah, shit! I fumbled through the front pocket of my jeans for my cell and answered.

“Hello,” I whispered, with my head tucked down between my legs to muffle the conversation.

It was Jason, trying to see when we were meeting up.

“I’m still in the movie,” I said.

“Huh? It’s called Bamboozled… Yeah, Bamboozled… With Damon Wayans… Nah, it’s not out yet… I dunno, maybe another 45 minutes… Aiight, let me call you back.”

Click!

Why is it when you can’t talk that people want to ask you a million questions? But I digress…

Normally, I wouldn’t dare answer my phone during a movie, but I was so shocked by the ringing that I answered rather than hitting ignore. Also, this was my first phone so I wasn’t hip to all of the cell phone etiquette. Besides, when I picked my seat there wasn’t anyone within earshot of me. Well, not until some guy came in shortly after the movie started and sat three seats over in the row in front of me. Either way it wasn’t like I was yelling on the phone.

Anyway, I thought nothing of the brief interruption and went back to watching Bamboozled, which by this time I was deeply engrossed in.

Another hour goes by and the movie, while great, shows no signs of ending any time soon. I guess Jason was getting antsy and decided to check in again.

RING! RING...! RING! RING!

Fuck! Once again I fumbled through the front pocket of my jeans for my cell and answered.

“Hello,” I whispered, tucking my head back down between my knees for the second time.

“No, it’s still going on,” I continued. “It should be over soon. Be easy, I’ll hit you back.”

Click!

Despite my efforts to keep the second call brief, the guy a few seats over in the row in front of me was apparently perturbed by my rudeness. He waved one of the publicists by the door over and whispered something to her. She then proceeded to make her way around and over to me.

“Sir,” she whispered. “Could you please make sure your phone is off. You’re disturbing the other guests.”

“My bad,” I said. “I just didn’t know how to put it on silent, I’ll turn it off now.”

“Thank you.”

I played it cool with the publicist because I was there on official work business, but I couldn’t believe that homie dry snitched on me. Who the fuck does this guy think he is? He could have just as easily spoken to me man to man about my phone. He ain’t have to sick the White girls on me. What part of the game was that?

Although I was in the wrong for having my phone ring twice at a press screening, I still felt like dude displayed some signs of bitchassness with that move. I was tight. The rest of the movie I was just eye-balling him, like, Don’t let me catch you outside, homie.

About 20 minutes later the film ended and I was pleasantly surprised. Spike and the cast did the damn thing. As the lights came on and I gathered my stuff, I wanted to get a glimpse of the guy that snitched on me so I could cut him a mean ice grill. When he stood up and turned around, though, my face melted as I realized it was none other than Spike Lee.

Oh, shit!

Totally, embarrassed I grab my things and bolted out of there with the quickness.

The next day I got an email from the publicist to see what I thought of the film. I told her I loved it and definitely wanted to cover it in the next issue.

“The only problem,” I wrote, “Was that my cell kept going off during the movie and Spike was sitting right in front of me.”

“Oh, that was you,” she replied.

“Yeah,” I wrote back. “I’m sorry about that. Next time I’ll cut off my phone and just do the right thing.”

Fin!

Are you guilty of talking on the phone or texting during a movie? If not, how annoyed are you by people that talk on the phone during the movies or forget to cut their ringer off? Do you ever say anything to them? How do you feel about people that bring crying babies to the movie? Do you think that if they can’t find a babysitter they shouldn’t be allowed in the theatre? Have you ever been on a movie date with someone who was just loud and would obnoxiously talk to the screen? Do you think Spike will ever forgive me for ruining his movie screening?

Speak your piece…

Tagged as: Bamboozled, embarrassed, movie screening, Spike Lee

cherishb

Lol. I think spike will forgive you. I personally hate when people bring their kids to the movies and I hate loud people in the theater that shit is seriously annoying.
Jazzy

You liked Bamboozled???
CNN

I saw bamboozled my freshman year of college. I remember the movie being over and everyone still sitting in their seats speechless. We then walked to the train station and discussed the movie the whole ride back to campus. One of the realest movies I ever saw. I wish more people hadnt slept on it. I think if you "got" it, it was a great movie. Pretty much all his movies have some overall mesage that most people dont get or understand. The older I have gotten the more understandable it became. This movie seemed less likely to "get" it than school daze which most people loved but still dont get lol
http://theaterofmine.wordpress.com MBarone

Haha, since you're a good dude and all, I won't be too hard on you (pause?), but I HATE people who forget to turn their phones off during movies. Probably because movie theaters are like sanctuaries to me. I'm guilty of firing ice-grills toward people that have done what you did, so I can't blame Spike......though, I've been at the receiving end of a Spike Lee ice-grill once, and it's not a pleasant thing to see, haha.
http://www.AnotherMovieGuide.com Rick Boyer

Hello.

I like your site and wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging blogroll links.

Thanks in advance
http://nwso.net NWSO

@ Jazzy

Yes, Bamboozled is a GREAT film. Maybe the voice for Damon was a bit over the top, but the joint made me think
http://myspace.com/nexus_da_underdawg da ThRONe

I hate when people run there damn mouths during the movie. If you dont watch the movie cool leave but dont fuck up my viewing pleasure!

One time I went to the movies with my bestfriend his girlfriend and her little sister. This dude had the nerves to have a full conversation while sitting next to my boy. I could kinda here him 4 or 5 seats down but my boy was sitting next to him. My boy finally had enough and had to tell the dude something. Now down here black folks really live up to the word "Nigga" so after my boy said something I began to prepare for a fight. But the dude didnt act an ass and got up and went outside to carry on with his convo.

For the life of me I dont understand how some people can be so rude. I understand forgetting to turn off your phone or the quick "I'll hit you back". But this dude was talking on his phone for a good 10-15mins. I rather have people scream at the screen at least its chatter based on the movie.
Latsyrc41

(1) Who are these people who can't be unavailable for 2 hours while they watch a movie? Why'd you come if you have "important" calls you can't miss? I didn't pay a grip to listen to your phone conversation.

(2) If it's not a kid's movie, I don't want to see (or hear) any kids in the theatre! I have to say, it bothers me when it's an R flick with serious adult content and you see little ones being forced to absorb all that shit.

(3) Never had a date talk loud during a movie, but laugh extra loud and extra long...yes. Embarrassing (and contagious).

(4) Pretty sure you're forgiven.
http://myspace.com/nexus_da_underdawg da ThRONe

As far as the baby thing if you bring them you need to be prepared to hit the aisles! And stay until your baby is tamed.
Latsyrc41

LMAO @da ThRONe

"tamed"
http://www.diradiocast.com DJ Ghost

I remember going to see The Sixth Sense. I noticed towards the end of the movie there was a guy standing near the exit. Just as the climax was hitting, the guy shouted out the twist of the movie "He Dead!" and walked out of the theatre... I was HEATED! I've been in a few movies where they had the cellphones, crying babies, etc - and noticed that when people commented - depending on what theatre you were in - it almost always turned into a shouting match or a fight. I will say something if my kids are not with me. I only go to midnight movies now unless it's wth my kids to a KIDS movie.

As for you NWSO - I think you were good until the phone rang a second time...whooopsie.
EmotionalFunk

I can't stand people who leave their cells on in the movies and I don't cut them any slack. Now everyone has a cellphone they didn't forget they're just rude and want everybody to think they're important. If someones keeps talking or has a kid crying I go get a usher or ask the manager to come get 'em because its clear that they have no sense. Yep I'm one of those people.
July

Ok I will admit it I am the type of person who wants to talk during the movie...in my defence I want to talk about what is going on in the movie, I even talk at the T.V (hope I haven't outted myself as a weirdo). Especially if its a good flick so much will be going on in my head and I just end up blurting ish out coz I am trying to figure out what's going on coz the suspence is killing me or I comment on every little detail that fascinates me.

After the last movie outing with my bff I have been 'banned' from the movie theatres with her and have to wait till it whatever I wanna see goes to DVD I think that's best for everybody.
Jazzy

NWSO, a better movie released around the same time dealing with similar subject matter was Dancing in September. Spoiled Bamboozled for me. Spike's films have become more incoherent over time..He's lucky all he heard from you was your cell phone. If it had been me sitting behind him, I would've told him his peak was Malcolm X. His work for white casts (e.g., Shark) is much better.

2 answer your other Q's: I do not talk on my cell phone in the movies. I think that's really rude and will mean-mug anyone who does it (usually young blacks). However, I text/tweet throughout a film (and have caught shade from friends/dates for it). I try to cover the light with my other hand to keep from disturbing others. I HATE when people bring crying babies to the movies AND WON'T LEAVE. The only thing more annoying is sitting near a crying baby on an airplane.

There's a theater near me that serves real food and alcohol and is brought to your seat, so kids are a no-no. I love it! A couple days a week are reserved for kids. I know to stay away then. Other theaters should follow suit for non-kiddie movies.
Jazzy

Oh yea...I warn everyone I go to the movies with that I do comment in the ear from time to time. Most of the time, I'm cracking jokes or something. But I don't do it with everyone (i.e., non-black friends).
July

@Jazzy

I couldn't agree more with you about Spike Lee's films having become more incoherent over time. The last one I saw was 'She Hate Me' and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what that movie was really about. It had so many topics and issues rolled into 90+ minutes of confusion for me. The only saving grace for that film was Kerry Washington I could stare at her forever and a day.
Ms Philadelphia

Im so sorry... but I never saw Bamboozled. I saw most of his other big screen films, but not that one.

I have heard about the tributes to him and wish I could make some of the festivities.

Sorry Spike... Im there in spirit...
M.L.

Their was one time i was with my folks and these white chicks in the back wouldn't shut up. So i said said shut up. They told me to shut up. So i laughed it off. Then it was a sista in their and she was not playing at all. She said shut the fuck up im trying to watch my movie. They quickley hushed and was quiet the rest of the movie. But after the movie i was eyeballing the shit out of them.
distinguishedgentlewoman

Bamboozled is one of Spike's best, that and Get on the Bus. I don't think either was promoted very well, and it was hard to tell what the former was actually about from looking at the previews and limited TV promos. But once I finally sat down to watch it, wow! Really thought-provoking.

As far as cell phone abuse: In NYC, there is very limited access to cell phone use in the subway tunnels. And to many subway riders it seems like getting from point A to point B without using a cell phone is killing them. So every time a train comes out of the tunnels and hits the bridge, 99% of the folks in my car whip out the cell phone like their lives depend on making that "oh-so important call" to let the person on the other end of the line know that, "I'm coming accross the bridge. I'm about to go back into the tunnels soon, so if I get cut off, I'll call you back." Wah De Rass [in Caribbean patois]. Did life for them only begin after cell phone access? Maybe so.

A few years ago, I was on the Métro in Paris, and there was a woman conversing on her mobile (European speak for cell) throughout the train ride in the tunnels. I can just imagine the added joys of riding the NYC subways if riders were allowed such privileges. Picture it: standing in an overcrowded subway car, the smell of urine and stale body odor emanate from every crevice, while you try to ignore the man masturbating accross the car and the person screaming in your ear as they carry on a useless conversation on their cell phone. Oh joy!

BTW: And what is with those folks who put their cells on speaker and play little snippets of their ring tones during the entire subway or bus ride?
Nellie

I hate when people bring their crying babies to the movies. If you know that Lil Bron-Bron is a crier, why would you bring him to the movies? As much as I hate hearing the sound of crying babies or loud kids, I absolutely hate when people kick the seats or put their nasty feet on the back of your chair. When I reach over to get my popcorn, I DO NOT want to see your feet on the back of my chair- you are not at home! Oh, I almost forgot about the people that spit their popcorn husks all over the place- ugh!!!
Optical_ Illusion

LMAO! Hilarious. How you gonna ice grill somebody cause YOU were talking on your monstrosity of a cell phone?? Just dead wrong. And it was a burner at that. LOL.

My uncle is the ULTIMATE narrator. This mofo gotta tell you what he think about the plot, what's gonna happen next, how he saw this movie once that reminds him of this one and how it ain't enough butter on his popcorn. Uncle I love you, but could you shut the hell up please!? LOL

I hate when people bring their babies to the movies, too. And it don't only happen in the hood. I go to the movies all over and a white couple had their newborn. But at least ole boy apologized when the baby started whining and stepped outside (it was only about 5 of us in the theater-American Gangster). He didn't just sit there and say "oh well!" like Lashay-shay do when I go to Bergen Street. LOL.
angel

I assume ppl who must use their phones to have dumb assed conversations in public spots just got out the pen, and figures everyone's impressed by their "celica foam" and portable cd player. My job requires I take children to movies and such regularly, but I never take or make calls inside. Texting, however...

Re: Spike, I worked on a commercial he did, and one of the producers was giggling on the side, and he stopped everything and barked on her. He made a big deal out of professionalism, and Black people not lowering our social or professional expectations of each other just because we're Black. Someone said they won't talk in theaters with white company - why? Because they deserve their money's worth?

Off topic: Land of the Lost should be rated R, and is a must-see for all you weedheads. Trippy and surreal and smart, but with nonstop adult humor. Stoner classic.
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@July We will not be bamboozled by another lame Spike Lee movie! lol (just b/c it's from Spike doesn't mean it's automatically "deep")

@distinguishedgentlewoman
"BTW: And what is with those folks who put their cells on speaker and play little snippets of their ring tones during the entire subway or bus ride?"

I was riding MARTA in ATL last year and this guy was in a zone blasting his cell phone music. Normally, I would say something to someone about this, BUT they JUST passed a new law allowing people to carry concealed weapons on the trains the day before and dude had a gun hanging out of the back of his pocket. So I gritted my teeth, held my tongue, and enjoyed the musical stylings of Weezy at top level. Funny how that very annoying music turned out not to be such a life-and-death matter after all...
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@angel
"Someone said they won't talk in theaters with white company - why? Because they deserve their money's worth?"

I wrote that I don't comment with my "non-black friends" (that includes more than just white people, ya know). Why not? B/c they don't like it. So I try to be considerate of their feelings. My black friends + relatives, however, either do it with me or they don't mind the comments. Different strokes 4 different folks. Love what these assumptions reflect about the writer's mindset...
Chanel

Jazzy, I live in Atlanta now and that cell phone thing is the single most annoying thing about riding MARTA. Cell phones are not radios, people! Furthermore, I have no desire to hear that ENTIRE Soulja Boy song at full volume during my morning commute! So damn annoying.

As for Bamboozled ... you liked it?! I am STUNNED. To me, it's easily Spike's worst movie that isn't named Girl 6. The third act was an epic trainwreck and Damon Wayans gave the single worst performance I've ever seen on film. Yeah, it's that bad. Provocative, yes, but ultimately bad.
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@Chanel
I singled out MARTA, but they play that loud music on trains in the Bay too. Are they auditioning to be a DJ? WTF is that? It's easily one of the top 5 rude things a person can do in public, IMO.

'As for Bamboozled … you liked it?! I am STUNNED. To me, it’s easily Spike’s worst movie that isn’t named Girl 6. The third act was an epic trainwreck and Damon Wayans gave the single worst performance I’ve ever seen on film. Yeah, it’s that bad. Provocative, yes, but ultimately bad."

100% Agree. Damon ought to be ashamed of his work in this one. Spike always writes one-dimensional characters but Bamboozled takes the cake. And after this and Woo, Jada and I had a falling out. I thought it couldn't get worse than Girl 6 (the first movie of Spike's that made me realize he must be on crack), but...it did. A few more times (e.g., She Hate Me). Check out Dancing with September. It's a Showtime exclusive, starring Isaiah Washington and Nicole Ari Parker. Same subject matter re: behind-the-scenes depiction of blacks in entertainment industry, but handled much better (e.g., the storyline makes sense, the acting is good).

@NWSO
Inside Man was cool (but, as always, Spike drops the ball at the end). I forgot to give props to that one in my Twitter rant. Should I also give Spike Lee credit for The Best Man b/c he produced it? Hmm...
Latsyrc41

@Nellie
My bad, sorry for my feet on the back of your chair.

The 25th Hour tops my worst Spike Lee Joint list. Ugh!
Chanel

I had a friend drag me to see Woo in college. We don't speak anymore.

I saw Dancing in September and thought it was pretty good, even if the ending was ridiculous. I do remember thinking that Bamboozled should have been a lot more like that film.

Inside Man is actually one of the few Spike joints that had a good ending, in my opinion. The Jodie Foster subplot went on a little too long, but Spike didn't drop the ball so much as bobble it a little. It's still one of my faves. As for the 25th Hour, I liked it, but it was sloooooow as all hell!
distinguishedgentlewoman

@Jazzy and Chanel:

You're right about the MARTA. I was in ATL this past October and dude was BLASTING his cell phone music at 6 a.m. all through the train ride. And no one said anything to him. A guy overheard me commenting about the situation to my friend, and his comment to me was, "You from New York, aren't you? Well you should be used to stuff like this."
http://nwso.net NWSO

@Jazzy

What are you talking about? Inside Man was DOPE! One of his bests, what exactly was sucky about the ending? I don't recall any shrug your shoulder moment. I liked it and am looking forward to the sequel set for 2010.

As for Girls 6, She Hate Me, etc. I can not speak of those films in a positive light
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

"I had a friend drag me to see Woo in college. We don’t speak anymore. "

Should I assume that it's b/c of the Woo-dragging or is that just a coincidence? lol

Yes, I agree the ending to DiS is lame (past the point of suspension of disbelief). Bamboozled just made it look like Shakespeare or Hansberry to me.
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

NWSO, calm down. Spike is not reading this blog (or maybe he is??). I liked Inside Man but if I don't remember the ending, then it wasn't that..memorable/meaningful for me. I do remember being disappointed about the actual last scene, not plotwise but the attempt to be "artsy".

Question: Which movie is best in your opinion: He Got Game, Crooklyn or Bamboozled? (btw, this will tell me all I need to know about your taste in Spike Lee movies lol)

@Latsyrc41 I passed on 25th hour. That bad huh?
July

For some reason I liked 25th Hour I thought it was pretty good like Chanel said it was really slow but decent nonetheless.

@ everyone: Has anyone seen Miracle at St. Anna? Was it good?
Chanel

Let's just say that movie was the beginning of the end of that friendship. Ha!

That's a very interesting list of movies there, Jazzy. I wouldn't call any of them a masterpiece, but I pick He Got Game. I'm a huge college b-ball fan and so I got a big kick out of it. I liked Crooklyn, but it always loses me about an hour or so in -- they go on a road trip or something and I basically check out of the movie. I have no idea why.
Latsyrc41

@Jazzy

25th Hour was long, slow and uninteresting IMO. I remember people walking out at various points and me being on the verge of leaving several times. The date wanted to stick it out and promised me treats if we stayed until the end.

I still love Spike tho and will always support his work.

i liked Girl 6 (but I'm an uber-Prince fan so that probably has something to do with it).
http://nwso.net NWSO

@SassyJazzy

The ending I remember was cool by me. From my recollection was a cool twist and I left theatre thinking that was his best one in a minute. PLus, I was glad to see him do a film he didn't write.

As for your question, I never really saw He Got Game all the way through just when it came on cable, Crooklyn was the one about the little girl, right? I don't recall seeing that in its entirety either. So the only one of those three I can say I saw to make a fair assessment/choice is Bamboozled.

I haven't seen Mo Better Blues or Jungle Fever in their entirety either, only caught bits on TV. If I miss something in theaters I'm not much of a DVD/netflicks kinda guy, but for some reason I will watch a movie if it's on TV
Latsyrc41

@July

Maybe I just didn't "get it".
Nellie

@ Latsyrc41

Lol. Keep your feet off of my chair!!!
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@July I haven't even heard of Miracle at St. Anna. What's it about?

@Chanel right, none of them are his best (imo), but they are very different from one another. (He Got Game, check) lol yea, Crooklyn is pretty long.

@Latsyrc41
So funny about your date bribing you to stick it out. Were the treats worth the torture? You aren't making me regret my decision to pass...

I walk out on bad movies (this could be relevant to NWSO's "Divorce" post lol). If really bad, I will get $ back for whomever paid.

"I still love Spike tho and will always support his work."
See, you are a ride-or-die chick.

"i liked Girl 6 (but I'm an uber-Prince fan so that probably has something to do with it). "

Oh trust, I own the Girl 6 soundtrack and will bump it any day of the week...right now. It's the only reason I stayed through until the end.

@NWSO You've seem Bamboozled all the way to the end and not Jungle Fever or Mo Betta Blues? You have my deepest sympathies. You like movies on TV...edited w/ commercials or on HBO-type stations?
jenda

Way back in days of yore, in the late 90's and early 2000's, it was less of an annoyance to hear the odd ring. Not everyone had a cell back then. I did and I think I was the only one of my friends that had her own phone. Now that nearly every adult you know has them, we've had to come up with etiquette. Now that we have at least three reminders on the screen before the movie starts, signs on the library door, on bookstore doors, we all should really know at this point to just shut the thing down sometimes. If one is so important they can't be unreachable while watching a movie or looking for a book, maybe they shouldn't be watching a movie or looking for a book for themselves.

I cannot stand crying babies in movies either. Theaters are loud, they stink, that screen is too big and flashy, their parents are staring at a screen and ignoring them. It's not a good place for a baby - I say this as a parent.

As for Spike Lee... Wow, has it really been that long since Do the Right Thing came out? I feel old remembering something so clearly from 20 years ago, and also can't believe I was so young when I saw that movie. My dad took me to see it, we both loved the film.

Spike Lee made me think.
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

Oops, meant to write "seen"
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@Jenda

Dang, it has been 20 years...now I feel old with you. I saw it in the theater as part of a summer camp field trip. And we had a discussion about it afterwards.

My mom took me to see She's Gotta Have It and my dad had a fit. It was black & white. I was 5. I was not paying attention. Then my stepmother took me to see Jungle Fever and my dad had a fit. I didn't see Mo Better Blues until I was a teen...in public school (yes, my teacher was ghetto). By then, my dad had given up trying to protect me from Spike Lee's bad influence. lol
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

@NakedWithSocks&ShoesOn yes I saw your nickname u threw in there.
Dc Man with a Plan

wow....some of y'all real funny 2day.....I don't like to talk or be spoken to in the movies, but the women I have taken to the movies seem to like to say a thing or two....AND as long as it's brief and in whispered tones, I'm cool with it...Took my baby-girl a few weeks back to see Obsessed.. she wanna talk EVERY time white chocolate was throwing herself at dude..Why y'all go for that? I'm like, look....I don't KNOW shyt about what U talkn...lol....I understand being a parent, and how it can be difficult to get out...but kids that aren't old enuff to know how to shut the f*ck up shouldn't be at the movies, especially an adult movie...I don't want a lot of talkn when I take my kids to a Disney flick either, but at least then it's more expected. Cryn babies need to be taken out in the hall...That is the risk you take when U bring a baby...but don't ruin it for everyone else......I TRY not to speak to tell other folks how to be courteous, but if you're not moved by the ice cold stare.....I'ma say a word or two and get the manager.........Phones are annoying and disrespectful to have on......texting, bcuz of how brite screens are 2day, is just as annoying....I will not go to the movies after 10 pm anymore bcuz there are wayyy to many teens out at that time...and they have the WORST movie etiquette no matter where the theater is....
Optical_ Illusion

@JULY

Miracle at Saint Anna is one of his best. It's a painful tearjerker and makes your heart ache for state of our world...

BTW, no one brought their crying baby to that one.
Kwana AKA OrangeStar AKA Phoenix7

hate talkers, and babies @ movies..distiurbs my suspended reality LOL

Anyway My fav Spike joints are:
SchoolDaze & Malcolm X
Dc Man with a Plan

I give props to spike lee bcuz he does deal with potent issues in a manner that leads you to question your position or extend your ability to understand others...HIS movies tend to be some LONG azz joints...lol....bcuz home-boy can't tell a story in like 90 minutes......Spike need 2-3 hours to tell a tale, but other than THAT...lol...he's cool beans with me..additionally, he has launched a lotta careers and made seeing black folks on the big screen .a regular thing....
Angie

One time at the movies, this woman answered her cell and proceeded to have a full blown conversation. Not even whispering! And when the woman in front of her asked her to keep it down, she threatened to beat her up...beyond rude.
rr

Im a mom and I know how difficult it is to get a baby sitter sometimes, but when I see small children in the movie theater making alll kinds of noise after a certain hour (8pm) I get completely annoyed.
rr

however an interesting story is that my boyfriend and I went to see Notorious after all kinds of drama @ the door, so as soon as the movie starts, his brother from jail calls.... my boyfriend is whispering and trying to complete the call without making the brother feel bad for him being out in the world having fun and @ a movie and ending the call, but then he doesnt want to leave and go outside, im nudging him, guy in front kinda glanced over his shoulder...call ends quick but til this day his brother has NEVER called him back and told his mom my boyfriend was out wit his girl somewhere and "fronted" on him when he called from jail
Deezay 247

Because of everything that was addressed in this article, I go to the "otherside" of town to see a movie. It's quiet, no phones, no babies, it's like the Baby Bear's porridge...just right!!

It's like EVERYTHING you spoke on happens in the 'hood movie theaters. Like, has anyone heard of someone SHOOTING at the screen?!?! WTF??!?!?!? How IG-NENT do you have to be?!?! C'Mon DUDE!

The Miracle at St. Anna's was a great film by Spike Lee, but how can we leave out "School Daze"? I wanted to go to a HBCU after that one!! And Malcolm X??? I wanted to convert!

BTW - shut your phone off!!
~Change the World, don't just live in it
http://myspace.com/nexus_da_underdawg da ThRONe

I will say this I do talk to the people Im with at a level that only they can hear. My brain works a different way then most people(no surprize there right lol) and I just see so much going on. I happen to be extremely funny so my humor only adds to the movie. Talking about the movie during the movie is an art. You gotta know how to keep it brief, funny, low volume, and not at important parts of the film.

@Jazzy

Im sorry Inside Man was one of Spike best movie!
http://nwso.net NWSO

@Jazzy

No, it's not that. It's that going to the movies is an adventure an escape from mundane day. Unfortunately, I work from home so purposely taking two hours to pop a movie in to watch doesn't happen often. BUT if it's on TV, with commercials where I can multi-task, then it works out easier for me. The only time I sit still at home is when I'm sleeping or on the toilet. LOL
Chanel

Wait, wait, wait a minute! Did I hear someone say there's going to be a sequel to Inside Man? How????

Kids at the movies are why I have Netflix. The worst? The kid crying in the middle of Kill Bill Vol. 2. That mom needed a smack upside the head.
distinguishedgentlewoman

R.I.P. Michael Jackson.
http://www.fishandspaghetti.com jay1

that's a really cool story.
Latsyrc41

It hasn't sunk in yet. A world without Michael Jackson in it.
http://nwso.net NWSO

@Latsyrc41

If you really think about it, most of us have been rockin' to his old music, which will still continue to, so in that sense he is still here. We just won't have the media circus that trailed him in the past few years. I think through art people can be immortal.
Latsyrc41

@NWSO

Very true. He left us an amazing and eternal body of work. I know this sounds weird, but I just feel like I took him for granted the last several years...because of the circus.

I was surprised at the waves of sadness I've been feeling.

But I just finished doing the Thriller routine to pay tribute and I feel a little better.
distinguishedgentlewoman

@Latsyrc41:

I know what u mean. I'm numb right now. I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't listening to a Michael Jackson song. I'm sure we all have personal stories of how he affected our lives. At 2:26 p.m. today pacific time, Michael Joseph Jackson was pronounced dead, but he'll forever be in our hearts.
distinguishedgentlewoman

MJJ was my first real celeb crush. During the Thriller heydays, you couldn't tell me nuthin'. That album and the pleasant distraction MJJ provided for me at the time saved my life during some tough days. I wish I'd gotten a chance to see him perform. I was actually on my way to see him this summer at the O2 Arena in London. But oh, not so.

MJJ: You are my "Lovely One."
http://www.randomrhymereason.blogspot.com Jazzy

I cried about 4 times already and...I'm still in shock. Of all the Jackson kids, MJ has to go first? WTF? Sorry, God, but you know you're wrong for snatching him away from us like that.

I'm gonna go snuggle with my Michael Jackson barbie now...and listen to all of my MJ albums/cassettes/CDs/mp3s.

If you're having a disagreement with a loved one about some silly ish, now's the time to squash it. They could be "gone too soon".

Peace.
litrisha

OMG.........*Sobbing* I can't believe he is gone......R.I.P. Michael! I'm in shock and it was all so sudden!!! I went out and bought a 3 CD of Michael and I am listening to it right now drinking on a Heineken.....
Well God has got him now and all we can do is mourn, but now he doesn't have to worry about people talking about him and judging him anymore, he's in a much better place right now.
R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON!
Neska

It really irks me to hear peeps phone goin off, they got about 5 different "please silence your phone" ads showin! My minor offense may be that i might giggle or make a comment but that's only to the person next to me. When i went to see Slumdog Millionarie me and dis dude had a grill fest cuz he was all up in me and my mothers low convo.
Im wit ya on the kids in the movie theaters, unless it rated G they aint supposed to be there, y some lady had her 2kids watchin Sex and the City is still beyond me.
Diffnames

"Bamboozled" was such a dope flick. I like it so much I went to go see it twice and each time I came out feeling different. A lot of people didn't get it cause they don't understand the idea of satire, either that or they are blind, but it was a real artistic piece of film.

If you haven't seen it go and do that.
http://twitter.com/deeny Deeny

I think ppl are too damn dependent on their cell phones today. I mean, it is a convenient luxury if you think about how it was ONLY 10 years ago when it was a rare thing for a regular, non-corporate, non-drug dealer to have one. Why do we act like we MUST be reachable 24/7 to EVERYONE?

The movie theatre is a place of entertainment and should be an EXPERIENCE far from watching t.v. in ur own house, hence the $12+ ticket you pay to get in. It wouldn't kill us to be MIA from the "peeps" for 2 hours while the movie is on.

Even if ur only "texting" someone, it's still kinda rude. An - "i'm at the movies right now, i'll hit u later" text is fine..... but the - "yo, what's good? i'm chillin at movies w/ shorty, nah not that one, the light skinned one, yeah she cool, i'm kinda feelin her, so what u up to? oh, word, yeah this shit is kinda funny, nah, i'm at the theatre on 23rd" texts are UN-CALLED FOR!!! lol Cell phone lights are bright and distracting and take away from the experience of being in a dark room w/ a monster sized screen entertaining you.

I'm jus sayin..........

And ANOTHER THING!!!! Please people, leave the kids at home!!! I am sick and tired of going out as an adult, to watch and partake in adult things, at an adult time of night, with CHILDREN all in the mix messin up the ambiance! News Flash: Having kids = no more fun (i'm jus jokin but u know what i mean lol). No babysitter than tough shit! make it a blockbuster night! Sorry....