Review of Do the Right Thing (1989) by Reese H — 10 Jul 2009
After seeing this again recently, I have come to think that it is overrated. There is a pleasant quaintness in the atmosphere as we come to meet the main characters in the neighbourhood, and there are plenty of memorable moments.
But in the end, the characters all end up being slightly too stereotypical. We have the stubborn pizza shop owner with his two stereotypical sons; the typical old wino type with a thing for the dignified old lady; not to mention the hard-up pizza delivery protagonist with the whole world on his shoulders.
In the end, a race-motivated riot is inevitable, with police causing, on cue, the senseless death of an intimidating African American youth. What is this film actually saying about life in suburban New York that is new? This is not Spike Lee's best work.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1989) was written by Reese H on 10 Jul 2009.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
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