Hollywood Shuffle (Review)

Hollywood shuffleWith only Hollywood Shuffle as a reference Robert Townsend seems a nice and genuine guy. These are positive qualities, but a good or even mildly amusing man they do not make. As aspiring actor and full time burger shack worker Bobby Taylor, Townsend proves that he is brave and creative, though the film itself doesn’t necessarily thrive as a result.

Instead Hollywood Shuffle delivers a message that I think is largely – and thankfully – redundant, namely that African American actors finding only roles as slaves, waiters, thugs or hip-hoppers. Unless that is they can conjure a decent Eddie Murphy (who was a breakout star at the time) in the hope of cashing in on his success. With no genuine roles that don’t rely on his skin colour and background, and previous few jobs available in any case, the choice is to ‘sell out’ or ‘get out’.

With every new challenge faced Bobby imagines things; how his forebears or current relatives might feel, how black people would act in certain circumstances, how white people would see them. These in movie diversions dream sequences play out like little skits, often 6 or 8 minutes of desperately unfunny filler, each with the same message beaten like a drum; ‘don’t expect anyone to think that you are anything but a stereotype’. Ironically and sadly, these skits and the film itself strive all too often to find laughs by employing these same negative stereotypes, leading you to wonder how the script can justify having a foot on either side of the argument.

The only thing that remains stable is that regardless of how hard Townsend and the crew of assorted Wayans and recognisable African American character actors try, and whether it’s a dream sequence or not – not one moment of it is funny.

I don’t know anything about Robert Townsend. On the basis of this film he may be funny. He does (or did) have some funny friends. He has bravery and range and above all a message. But his call to arms is out of date now. Denzel is an action star. Morgan Freeman is an acting legend. Michael Jai White is a martial arts actor. There are hundreds of African American characters actors getting regular work and occasional accolades. And besides with all of the Australian and English stars working right now, perhaps a remake of Hollywood Shuffle might be needed for Caucasian Americans?

Robert Townsend is like the long lost buddy that was never especially amusing who pops up from nowhere to tell you he is a standup comedian now, and furthermore here are some passes to his next show. You summon the courage, get to the venue, hope like hell that the years since you last saw him were spent growing a sense of humour, but invariably you’ll be embarrassed for him.

Hollywood Shuffle on the other hand is like the drunk guy at a concert I attended over a decade ago who kept yelling loudly for the headline act to come on, despite the fact they had been on for 4 or 5 songs. They are on, and as long as you keep making noise you’re missing it.

Final Rating – 4 / 10. A film with no laughs and a hopelessly out of date message, what more recommendation do you need?

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
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