Mo Better Blues

Coming off of his most critically acclaimed movie, "Do The Right Thing", Spike Lee's "Mo Better Blues" was in most critics circles, considered a lesser movie of Lee's.  Yet, I find this to be Spike's finest.  Perhaps I like it so much because it showcases such a love and respect for classic Jazz music.  Like the music genre itself, this movie is misunderstood.  I think jazz is an acquired taste.  But once its acquired, you see its beauty, its cool, it's unique character.  It blends the essence of so much of American culture from African-American Blues, to Big Band Schmaltz.

This movie is such a great representation of that Jazz blend.  While this movie is crude at times, ultimately it flashes the elements of Jazz from raw blues, to sobbing desperation, to heartfilled romance.  The cast is fantastic, most notable with the lead, Denzel Washington,  portraying Jazz Trumpeter, Bleek Gilliam.  Denzel is a master actor, and he pulls off Jazz chops with seeming ease.   One theme that plays out is again... your talents have value  use them wisely.   Bleek finds this out in dramatic fashion.  Last note, (pun intended) is the score by Jazz legend Branford Marsalis is exceptional with a an amazing scene which has the background music of Miles Davis's, All Blues.