Wattstax (1973)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:21
Fresh:18
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.4/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 24 mins
Genre: Education/General Interest
Synopsis: Originally released in 1973, WATTSTAX is a musical and cultural artifact that pays tribute to the Watts riots, which ravaged Los Angeles for six days beginning August 11, 1965. The film's main... [More]
Reviews for Wattstax
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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Whether or not you call it "blaxploitation," there was something like a riot goin' on in the American cinema of 1973. Full Review |
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 2/5 |
No review available.
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4/5 |
Soul providers light up the stage.
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4/5 |
No review available.
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3/5 |
Even Richard Pryor's tired old rant gets more screen time than any of the musicians Full Review |
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3/4 |
The restored rerelease is a time capsule of Afros, anger and attitude. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
Hardcore fans of the music of the times will get a kick out of seeing their old idols in their former glory, and footage of the city of Watts is fascinating. Full Review |
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B+ |
Pure old school. Full Review |
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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3.5/4 |
As Richard Pryor says, it's 'a soulful expression of the black experience'... Full Review |
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3.5/4 |
Wattstax was more than just an elaborate musical gathering of gifted energetic artists out to corral a spirited mood—it was an undeniably ultimate black lyrical experience...this stylish funky forum is infectious. Full Review |
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A time when not only a single record company could put together a day like this, but could then give every dollar made to charity. Full Review |
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2/5 |
It just has the air of something too carefully laid out in advance. It's so busy being glossy and optimistic that it doesn't even allow its performers time to create on screen a measure of the excitement they might have created in person. Full Review |
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A candid, colorful and deeply meaningful sociocultural time capsule. Full Review |
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3/4 |
A recording of a historic moment, Wattstax has considerable value. Full Review |
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3/4 |
A disorienting and ironic moviegoing experience. Full Review |
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4/4 |
This gem of a concert documentary makes you realize how much of America's pop culture has been lost, ignored or left to rot since soul music's golden era three decades ago. Full Review |
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A |
Commentary from shockingly outspoken Watts residents on topics ranging from revolution to infidelity are a vital part of the documentary, as are the several Richard Pryor monologues upon which the film is structured. Full Review |
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A remarkably penetrating documentary. Full Review |
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