Review of Chi-Raq (2015) by Richard P — 14 Feb 2016

Spike Lee snatches victory from the jaws of defeat in Chi-raq. The ambition of creating a modern-day Greek tragedy of inner-city violence told through fairy-tale animations and hip-hop lyrics would be called insurmountable and borderline reckless by most.

Yet Chi-raq, despite its narrative flaws, successfully delivers exactly this. It's lofty ambition is matched by its audaciousness which is almost to the point of off-putting. But right before that line is crossed, the film steps back and reminds you of the importance and the timeliness of its allegory, turning dis-belief into reluctant approval and genuine, if not guilty, amusement.

I feel you Spike.