 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MO' BETTER BLUES (1990) |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
MORGAN'S RATING |
|
|
|
COMING SOON |
|
|
|
|
| Spike Lee ventures into the world of jazz music with this stylish romantic drama. Forced by his mother to study the trumpet, Bleek Gilliam has grown up to become the leader of a successful jazz quintet. Managed by his inept friend, Giant, Bleek clashes with fellow band member Shadow Henderson. Making matters worse is Bleek's romantic situation: trying to balance two difference women at the same time -- school teacher Indigo and aspiring singer Clarke. |
|
|
|
|
| Denzel Washington (Bleek Gilliam), Spike Lee (Giant), Wesley Snipes (Shadow Henderson), Giancarlo Esposito (Left Hand Lacey), Robin Harris (Butterbean Jones), Joie Lee (Indigo Downes), Bill Nunn (Bottom Hammer), John Turturro (Moe Flatbush), Big Anthony Williams (Big Stop Williams), Cynda Williams (Clarke Bentancourt), Nicholas Turturro (Josh Flatbush), Jeff 'Tain' Watts (Rhythm Jones), Samuel L. Jackson (Madlock), Leonard L. Thomas (Rod), Charles Q. Murphy (Eggy), Steve White (Born Knowledge), Ruben Blades (Petey), Abbey Lincoln (Lillian Gilliam), Linda Hawkins (Jeanne), Raye Dowell (Rita), Angela Hall (Cora), Coati Mundi (Roberto), Zakee Howze (Young Bleek / Miles), Deon Richmond (Tyrone), Raymond Anthony Thomas (Joe), Sheldon Turnipseed (Benny), Christopher Skeffrey (Louis), Terrence Williams (Sam), Darryl M. Wonge Jr. (Miles at Birth), Doug E. Doug (Jimmy the Busboy), Anaysha Figueroa (Shanika, uncredited). |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
FACTS |
|
PRODUCTION INFORMATION |
|
|
|
RELEASE DATE: August 3rd, 1990 (USA)
BOX OFFICE OPENING: $4.3 million (USA)
BOX OFFICE RESULT: $16.1 million (USA)
BUDGET: $10 million (USA)
SHOOTING DATES: September 1989 -- December 1989
- Joie Lee is director Spike Lee's sister. At the wedding, her character is given away a character played by their real-life father Bill.
- The film was dedicated to actor / comedian Robin Harris who died after the film was completed.
- Behind the bill on the cover / poster, the poster for Do The Right Thing (1989) can be seen.
- Wesley Snipes character purchases a stack of CDs with an American Express card and says "American Express. Gold card, pow. Been a member since 1989". In 1989, Snipes starred in Major League, in which he acts in a commerical for American Express. |
|
DIRECTOR: Spike Lee (Jungle Fever).
WRITER: Spike Lee.
PRODUCER: Spike Lee.
CO-PRODUCER: Monty Ross.
LINE PRODUCER: Jon Kilik.
ORIGINAL MUSIC: Bill Lee, Terence Blanchard (uncredited).
DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures. |
|
|
|
|
|
QUOTES |
|
|
|
Clarke: 'Cause mo better makes it mo better. |
|
|
|
|
|
CRITICAL COMMENTS |
|
|
|
"For the only time in his remarkable career, Spike Lee has failed to tell it like it is." -- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone |
|
|
|
"Few will accuse Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues of being a masterpiece. But it's still full of the things that make Spike Lee films, well, Spike Lee films. Full of the fun, full of the spirit." -- Desson Howe, Washington Post |
|
|
|
|
|
