Chi-Raq [Blu-ray + Digital HD]

If you follow the current state of America and our egregious amount of gun violence, get ready to cry throughout this film. Don't let the "somewhat okay" reviews influence whether you give this movie a try or not. Just go for it.One disclaimer: If you do not like spoken word poetry, you're going to have trouble following this movie, because it is entirely spoken in verse. If it can be compared to any other movie I would choose Coriolanus (2011) and Romeo and Juliet (1996); For its mixture of a modern day take on Shakespearean language, and the duality of violence and love.With saying that this movie hits straight from the beginning with unforgettable quotes like:"...with a face even George Zimmerman and Darren Wilson would want to kiss."and"Mass incarceration is the new Jim Crow."Scattered throughout the film there are moments when you break down and cry. When they bring up police targeting minorities, Freddy Gray, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and the senseless murder of nine members of a congregation in Charleston, South Carolina. If you didn't realize before, after watching the film you understand that these aren't sporadic events; but a real problem America, and the black minority faces. Whether it is from the police force, gang violence, or domestic terrorism.The story revolves around two rival gangs. The Spartans and The Trojans. The leaders of these gangs, Cyclops (Wesley Snipes), and Chi-raq (Nick Cannon) are at each others throats trying to eliminate each other. Through a series of events, a stray bullet hits and kills a little girl named Patti, daughter of Irene (Jennifer Hudson).I can't imagine what taking on this role was like for Jennifer Hudson. With her real life mother, brother, and nephew murdered in 2008, you can see she draws real pain and inspiration into her character. The tears are real, and it's painful to watch because you know without a doubt that she is hurting. There is no acting here. I actually feel really bad saying her true, raw emotions is phenomenal to the film, but it is. If there was anyone who knew what this movie is about, it was her.Lysistrata (Girlfriend of Chi-raq played by Teyonah Parris) after seeing little Patti lying in the street, decided to take matters in her own hands and started a movement that took the world by storm. No Peace, No....well, you know.The men are going crazy and try their best to break these women to give in, but they stand their ground.And along their entire protest, we have the one and only Samual L Jackson (Dolmedes) narrating every event.But there is one character who plays a very pivotal, albeit small, role. One that I think is extremely important. Father Mike Corridan (John Cusack), a white priest. His presence reminds us that you do not have to be black to be outraged, to care about senseless violence, and police corruption.I am not a fan of John Cusack's work, but I really admire his portrayal as a man who cares, who is fed up at seeing young men and women dying at the hands of guns, who is passionate about his community.I cant end this review without mentioning Angela Bassett (Miss Helen). She is amazing in everything she is in. Her style, her attitude, her inspiration...it's all beautiful. She represents a simpler time. She knew what it was like to watch children play in the streets without fear, she knew of a time when gun violence wasn't as it is today, when it wasn't acceptable even among gangs to kill children and live without repercussions.Watch this movie. This is not some hyped up story for Hollywood. This is real, this is what is going on today in our cities. Let it enrage you, and let it inspire you.

This film had great potential. I am a huge Spike fan. But I felt let down with this one, unfortunately.It was an important story. It still is, and what is happening in Chicago needs to be told. The city is a war zone. While we are focused on police violence issues we are overlooking an even greater threat to African American people, especially young males in and around Chicago. It's actually happening in many of the large cities in the nation, but Chicago is where it is at its worst.But this film didn't do it's job. If this cast could be redone, it would be a step in the right direction.I will focus mainly on what I felt hurt this and kept it from being a presentable film. The Performances:Nick Cannon was surprisingly good in his role. Good for him. A great start in getting out from under the shadow of Mariah.Samuel L. Jackson was horrible. Haven't felt a connection to his performances in years. Wish he could go back to more subtle performances like the one he had in "Eve's Bayou." He needs more smaller films. You could see him often in this film divert his eyes off screen to the cue-cards. Very distracting and created a disconnect with the audience. It completely takes one out of the film. I often get the impression that Sam has lost the love of film. He seems more inspired to make as many films a year as possible, more concerned with quantity over quality. Takes many roles, but doesn't throw himself into those roles like he used to. Sam seems more interested in signing onto as many supporting roles just to keep his numbers up. Which doesn't make any sense since he is never really the star of those films, he usually is just along for the ride, so to speak. I wish he really cared about "acting," like he once did a decade or so ago. I miss that actor. Please come back.The lead actress, Teyonah Parris, was annoying. Too green to play opposite some of the acting giants in this film. She needs to learn composure and how to be tactful with her presence. Felt too erratic and often off her mark. Very distracting.Perhaps more training is needed?Angela Bassett was graceful and classy as always. Has she ever been bad?John Cusack was horribly miscast. Often he's a great performer, but felt a disconnect with his performance. Someone like Tim Roth or Steve Buscemi would have been a better fit for the role based on the great Father Pfleger.Wesley Snipes was a surprise here. I think audiences forget how much of a worthy performer he can be. Want to continue seeing more of him in the future.Sadly, I cannot recommend this film. Please, Hollywood, give us a better film that will highlight and bring exposure to the great genocide happening in our larger cities, especially Chicago.

Spike Lee un director de altas (Do the Right Thing) y bajas (Oldboy Remake), realizó esta película del género musical con un concepto muy interesante, divertido, y original, en donde las mujeres pueden controlar el destino de la humanidad, por que mientras haya guerra no habrá sexo, lo que obligará a terminar de una vez por todas con los conflictos armados... o quizás no.

If you like Spike Lee movies then 5 stars!

love it

Awfull! Started watching it and stopped within 3 minutes of it..Can I return this piece of garbage

As an avid fan of Spike Lee's work for 3 decades this was first time was disappointed with one of his films. Most of the film's script is written in spoken word (rhyme) and it just got tedious. Lots of great actors but just not feeling Spike on this joint.