Fonts Movie Reviews

Like Ron Mann's other films ("Grass", "Comic Book Confidential", etc), "Twist" is full of much more fun, colour, movement and wit than the average documentary, and provides an equally entertaining and educational look at 20th century pop history. And, as in his other documentaries, he looks at the broader background and sociological implications behind the main subject matter.

One of the more interesting historical aspects explored in this film is the politics and social engineering behind the '50's dance crazes. The twist itself grew out of the more blatantly sexual, bump and grind dances popular in black music halls. Knowing that it was impossible to wipe out their children's interests in black culture (let's face it, African Americans not only invented rock and roll, but put out far superior music to the watered-down white artists who were more radio-friendly), white adults decided to instead try to replace the dances their children were imitating with something "safer" and more "wholesome" by doing for dance what Pat Boone and company did for rock. Funny clips are shown of whites demonstrating the "proper" technique for twisting with absolutely no hip movement! But they only partially succeeded.

The Twist is not the only dance examined. Mann shows how it evolved from other dances, and how others later tried to cash in on its success by releasing songs with built-in new dances. Witness such Macarenas of the past as the hilarious The Elephant where kids use their arms to imitate an elephant's trunk! (Unfortunately, Mann does not include footage of the Neil Sadaka non-craze, The Jellyfish!!)

All the people most instrumental in creating the dance craze who were alive at the time of filming are interviewed, many of them demonstrating their own twist (pun intended) on the dance. And the music and dancing is absolutely exhilarating.

Sadly, Lulu's (former home of the world's largest stage) in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada where the interviews and new dance sequences were filmed has long since closed down, so this film is also a good nostalgia trip for those who miss the legendary club.

I never get tired of watching this great documentary on "The Twist" dance craze in the early 60's. The film covers the years leading up to it, the height of the craze, and the years afterwards, finishing up with how the twist evolved into go-go "freestyle" dancing.

The movie is broken up into eight different "Lessons", and contains documentary and newsreel footage in between interviews with singers such as (among others) Dee Dee Sharp, Cholly Atkins, Hank Ballard, and of course, Chubby Checker. They also interview some dancers from American Bandstand, and one of the go-go dancing waitresses at the Peppermint Lounge, who says they had the fringe on their skirts "clocked at 130 mph" when someone timed it once (how exactly they measured this, I don't know, but in the footage you see, it doesn't look too far off the mark).

I just can't put into words how much fun this movie is. If you love to dance, you'll understand and maybe get a little emotional like I did in parts. You can hear the passion in most of the dancer's voices when they talk about how dancing made them feel and/or how it changed their lives. Even without the narration, some of the footage speaks for itself- watch the faces of some of the couples doing the jitterbug and swing-dancing early in the film. I don't think I've ever seen bigger smiles on anyone in my life- they look like they're having so much fun they would have to look down to see cloud 9.

This movie is not only a great documentary, but educational. I learned the names of some of my favorite go-go dances (I had the The Frug confused with The Watutsi...well, those are harder ones to figure out than say, The Monkey, so sue me), and the week after I first bought this movie for my home collection and watched it a couple times, I won a dance contest using-or maybe "stealing" is a better word, to be honest- some of the moves from "Twist!". If you want to learn just a couple of basic dance moves (and don't mind them being what some people might think of as 'dated' ones), this is a great movie to watch. Pretty much anyone can do the Twist, as they show you- if you're really having trouble, just imagine you're smashing out a cigarette stub into the floor with your foot.

Whatever you do, don't turn this movie off after the credits start! When we saw it at a film festival, we left early and missed a group they show during the credits that called themselves "The World's Greatest Twisters", 3 men and 2 women that they interviewed earlier in the film. They named themselves that because they would go to every twist contest they could find and win every time- the women look they could have been Ikettes. When I first saw it, I thought the men were the same, but that they'd replaced the females with younger women from the way they were moving. Then I looked closer and realized that it was the same two women- they were probably at least in their early 50's, but watch them go- they can dance better and move faster than most women in their 20's! (partly because they've had much more time to work on it, I guess). Plus, they look like they can still wear their original dance outfits. Prepare to see them out-dance almost everyone in the movie put together.

If you loved "Hairspray", (and not just because you're a John Waters fan), loved dancing at any point in your life, or the music of the time period (especially if you're a fan of any of the artists interviewed), this movie is worth hunting down and owning. Just warm up first if you attempt to copy any of the dance moves in the last 15 minutes of the movie!

I'm living and playing in th e Netherlands en after seeing this dvd the feeling of major league baseball is greater than ever.
Very nice are the homerun derby's at the all star games with so many great stars.

Great DVD. From 2001 and some of the clips are even from the current season. Cool tidbits, including a 5 minute evaluation of all of Ripken's batting stances (narrated by Cal himself). I like the extra feature of the highlights from the previous 10 Home Run Derbys or so. Also, if you're curious of the 'science' of baseball, there's a neat little extra feature on that as well.

A must have for any baseball fan or player. Great sequences with some great players, including the greatest hitter ever, Marc McGwire.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

i liked this movie allot. it had some great moments. i laughed , i cried and had a fun time watching this even though it's predictable. it is about a group of friends gathering up again for the wedding of one of them.

Sean Nelson pretty much stole the show as Mike in the movie despite having Omar Epps, Taye Diggs and Richard Jones in the movie. He protrays the character of Mike in such a way that you can relate to him more than you can with the others. If you want a movie that doesn't insult your intelligence pick up this one. If you want crap pick up Belly.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

i liked this movie allot. it had some great moments. i laughed , i cried and had a fun time watching this even though it's predictable. it is about a group of friends gathering up again for the wedding of one of them.

Sean Nelson pretty much stole the show as Mike in the movie despite having Omar Epps, Taye Diggs and Richard Jones in the movie. He protrays the character of Mike in such a way that you can relate to him more than you can with the others. If you want a movie that doesn't insult your intelligence pick up this one. If you want crap pick up Belly.

Lockdown isn't that bad a movie. It just goes to show you how everything can get taken away from you at the blink of an eye. As one of the producers, Master P wanted to make the jail life as authentic as possible, and he did just that. It was taken place at some prison in New Mexico (which was the site of some big riot in the 1980's. [118 people died.]) If you are an action/drama fan watch this movie.

This is a good film EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A MASTER P FAN.
Solid story line and pretty good acting.
Worth getting.

This movie was great! It depicted jail life to the fullest. I always tell my son, that by being with the wrong crowd or being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get you in a world of trouble and this movie just backed me up to the fullest. The movie is a must see for older teens and adults alike. It will definately make you think twice about wanting to be a thug or having a "go-hard" attitude. Please see this movie

A MORTICIAN TELLS 4 STORIES TO A GROUP OF THUGS. THE 1ST AND 3RD ARE STANDARD TALES WITH AN AFRICAN AMERICAN TWIST BUT THE 2ND AND FOURTH TALES ARE DIFFERENT.
1ST TALE; A MAN IS BRUTALLY MURDERED BY RACIST, CROOKED COPS. AND THE BLACK COP THAT WITNESSED IT IS HAUNTED BY THE MAN'S VOICE. GOOD TALE AND WITH A COOL ENDING.

2ND TALE; A BOY IS BEING TERRORIZED BY A MONSTER AT HIS DOOR. HE TELLS A TEACHER THAT HE'S ALWAYS IN BRUISES BECAUSE OF THE MONSTER, BUT THE TEACHER DOESN'T BELIEVE HIM UNTIL HE COMES TO HIS HOUSE. NOW THIS IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THIS TALE WAS THE LEAST OF THE WHOLE MOVIE, BUT IT'S NOT BAD. IT'S JUST NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHER 3.

3RD TALE; A WHITE MAN WHO'S RUNNING FOR MAYOR LIVES IN A FORMER SLAVE HOUSE THAT HAS DOLLS IN IT THAT ARE ALIVE. THIS IS GOOD, AND IT WAS PURE GENIUS HOW THE DOLLS CAME TO LIFE AND JUST SCARED THE LIVING SH.. OUT OF HIM. GREAT TALE.

4TH TALE; A THUG IS SENTENCED TO BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. THIS IS THE BEST TALE THAT THIS MOVIE HAS TO OFFER. IT SHOWS WHAT OFTEN HAPPENS TO THUGS. HE KEEPS SAYING HE DON'T GIVE A F... BUT THEN WE HE BLOWS HIS CHANCE AT REDEMPTION, HE WAKES UP AND GETS KILLED.

GREAT MOVIE. THIS BEATS THE ''TALES FROM THE CRYPT'' MOVIES. THEY SHOULD MAKE MORE HORROR MOVIES LIKE THIS. THIS WAS VERY THRILLING AND ALL THE TALES HAD A LOGICAL PLOT TO THEM. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!

THIS FILM IS TRULY THE SCARIEST HORROR MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN. NOT ONLY ARE THE STORIES DISTURBING AND REALALISTIC (BESIDES THE OBVIOUS FACTS), EACH STORY HAS THEIR OWN MUSIC WHICH IS VERY SCARY. I THINK ALL THAT SEE THIS MOVIE WOULD AGREE THAT THE SCARIEST PART IS THE ENDING. I BELIEVE THAT MR. SIMMS WILL GO DOWN AS THE CRYPT KEEPER FOR THE URBAN SOCIETY FOR CENTURIES. IF YOU LOVE HORROR MOVIES AND BEING SCARED, SEE THIS MOVIE, NO MATTER WHAT RACE YOU ARE.

I kind of turned off the t.v after being freaked out during the night, WHOA especially the ending, now that was so freaky, I dont remember much, a bunch of drug dealers go to a funeral home to deal some drugs or something? or they go to buy some, forgot, funny when the guy hits his head on the porch. Well I remember some stories one of dolls that kill people, and has something to do with a painting on the wall, another story of police brutality, lets leave it like that. I think anyone should watch this really interesting movie, one of my all time favs, it did scare me half to death! But I'll have to watch it again to refresh my memory!

Let me first say that I love and admire the work of Spike Lee.He is one the few directors that have the courage to say whats on his mind and could care less who does or who does'nt like it.However this film is an insult to any Blackman that attended the Million Man March and the premise was awful.Why write a film about a great event and never capture the essence of that event.? Over one million Blackmen came to the March and the feeling of love , peace, brotherhood was as easy to feel as taking a deep breath. There are some "dummies" that feel as though the March did nothing , well I know for a fact that there have been several business alliances that were created from meeting brothers at the March. And there was not ONE incident of violence during that wonderful day unlike this film that seems to center around conflict and confusion. And there have been other "million" style marches since then. Another question I had with this film is why write a film about a bunch of guys that NEVER MAKE IT TO THE MARCH...???? One million plus other guys got there so where is their story..??? Black people need to embrace any and all positive moments ( Like the Million Man March) here in America..There are enough negative things to worry about, so let our "achievements" remain "achievements"

Once again, Spike Lee hits us again with the polemics. Overall, the story is not bad. The basic idea of a bus ride to the MMM is a good one. SOME of the characters are nicely drawn, such as Charles Roc Dutton's bus driver, Ossie Davis as the patriarch, and the caring father of the wayward son. But the film is weighed down by Spike Lee's usual soapbox dialogue and polemics. Sadly, few of the characters in this film actually talk, they make speeches (as is the case with "The Red Menace" and "Putney Swope)." Like I said, the story itself is good and the above-mentioned characters are nicely drawn. But the dialogue? Go to the soapbox on 125th St. in Harlem as the Black nationalist pontificators pound the podium and you get the idea.

Don't get it wrong this movie is not about the Million Man March. This is an excellent work portraying the diversity amongst African-American men. This movie not only showed these differencies but also the interaction between their different views on current affairs, and how this affects unity amongst African-American men and women. I like how Spike Lee used the camera on the bus to give the viewer the feeling of actually riding on the bus with the travellers. The documentary feeling of the film also served to bring your psyche into the work.

I bought this DVD actually thinking I was buying a different movie that I loved a few years ago. Besides the disappointment that it wasn't the movie I thought it was. STILL, the acting is just plain BAD. Ice-T was even a terrible actor in this film. And I like Ice-T as an actor! 95% of this film takes place in an abandoned warehouse and just drags on and on. The plot is so simple, how can anyone screw it up? BAD ACTING! Don't waste your time. Unless you have too much time on your hands...

I'm here today reviewing the Hiest starring one of today's leading action moguls Mr. Luke Perry. Put it up! Yes kids I'm back, they tried to silence old Donny Mac here but I'm here to stay this time. Ok lets get down to business. The Hiest encompesses all the needs of an action movie; Luke Perry, Ice-T, and some others which will remain nameless. Never before have I been so drawn to an action flick since the likes of Death Ring. Perry graced the screen in rare form this time. Never has his washed up, ungroomed self performed on this level. Well he had some amazing moments on 90210, yeah don't act like you don't watch it. If you appreciate Perry's constant whispering, then The Hiest will lay it down for you like never before. Also we were lucky enough to see Ice-T in yet another B classic. This man deserves some kind of recognition from the academy. He's on the cover of almost every new action release in the video store, he's in 90% of all B movies of today. But of course he won't wim an award from the academy. These are the same clowns that have kept Don Swayze and Chad Mcqueen out of the Hollywood "Spotlight." Well no matter how currupt the acedemy is Donny Mac isn't. I'm a give it to you straight. 5 cans of...never mind you people wouldn't get it, so lets say 5 stars for the non stop Perry in The Hiest. Rent it, buy it, do somethin to let Luke know you still care. Well kids Don has to get going now, the bill collector is at the door and I've gotta sneak out the back window. See you real soon, no matter what your friends tell you.

Ice T and Luke Perry and David Faustino are in this movie where a money transport truck gets stolen and taken to a warehouse. One of the crooks had 'arranged' an ice-cream truck to transfer the loot in. Everyone is starting to distrust each other. This movie has suspense, action and a couple real funny moments.

Yet another failure by movie producers to make an accurate film about life in the inner city. I grew up playing inner city basketball and i thought this movie was about as far from the truth as it could be. This movie presents stereotypes that categorize people into something they are not. The storyline in this movie is laughable to those of us that know better. If you did not grow up in the inner city and don't know what it's like, don't consider this movie to be a reflection of the truth.

This film tries to combine a basketball story line with life in an inner city environment. The basketball aspects are poorly done with a cast that didn't prove they could even portray basketball players. the role of the coach was totally unbelievable. The problems associated with high schoolers were blown out of proportion. Those that were fairly accurate, probably 1 or 2 out of 100 people can relate to it.

The acting is poor and so are the characters. This is a movie that takes people that can't act and attempts to get them to accurately portray people who live in that kind of culture and environment. You can tell when an actor can sell a character's personality and when a person is failing to act tough for a movie role.

The only thing that kept me watching the movie was the soundtrack. At least this movie did something right.

I don't recommend this movie, unless you want a fictional look at life in the inner city and at this kind of culture and lifestyle. If you come from this kind of environment , you will probably have a good laugh.

Its an ok movie good story, but if your a true basketball fan i definatly reconmend Above The Rim it has a better story and its just a better movie overall. Good movie if your a fan of the genre.

I love the movie I rated it 5 stars because I think it is a very good movie. It is so funny and I love the people who are in it! If you don't like this movie you are crazy it is so good!! I think it shows that everyone has a dramatic/sweet side, it is an awsome movie!!

I've never seen any other film that disgusted me, this is truly the worst film of 2000 next to " Battlefield Earth" and " Screwed".

It's about some two time loser who had two strikes in L.A. now goes back to the streets and if he gets a third strike then he will be in Prison.

I'm not into these hip-hop comedys but i had the mistake of renting this travesty, it's racist and unfunny, you've been warned.

THIS MOVIE WAS VERY FUNNY, THEY MADE THIS MOVIE VERY FUNNY. I LIKE THE WHOLE THING. HE GOT IN TROUBLE AS SOON AS HE GOT OUT OF JAIL. ITS CRAZY. HOW U GONE GET UR 3RD STRILE AS SOON AS U GET OUT OF JAIL. ITS FUNNY IF U HAVENT SEEN IT THEN U SHOULD GO AND SEE IT.

I don't understand why this movie was dissed so hard by the other reviewers. I saw a lot of people write that they were offended by the movie. I guess if you're offended extremely easily, don't see it. But if you like a funny movie to just watch and chill out to check it out. Faizon Love and Brian Hooks were the funniest.