Honeydripper (2007)

Wonderful character development!

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

This movie got my attention right away with the music in the early scenes. But that's also where it lost me. There are only a small handful of movies about music that really capture the true essence of live music performance, and for me, this movie is ultimately not one of them. I'll say, though, that I enjoyed the movie as a whole. But knowing live music performance like I do, the "Guitar Sam" show scene left me squirming on the coach. It was far too "rock and roll" for the era, and the situation. And for a throw-together band, far too polished. Because of this, I couldn't help wondering if they have also missed the mark with their representation of life as an African American in the 1950's south-something I have NOT experienced for myself. It seemed pretty bad in the movie, but maybe it was FAR worse in reality. Like I said, I did enjoy the movie as a whole. But couldn't the band mess up ONE ending, at least?

While a lot of people may not know Gary Clark Jr. out of Austin,Texas, this sort of helps to get his name out there. He is a "awesome" guitarist. Still in his early 20's and self taught. If you ever get the chance to see him perform, don't pass it up. He is a true blues man, and a "VERY" good one. It would be nice to see Gary showcased in a good blues movie.While the actors in the movie are well known and most I thought were very good. The movie itself was just OK for me. I would have liked the movie to center more about the blues and Gary as a talent.Keb Mo was very good as the blind guitarist seeming to show up everywhere abound town. Now, I am still very glad to see any movie that shows some blues and the struggles and problems that goes with the blues. I know there are a lot of people that like to listen to blues. This venue of music is a true American art that should be more recognized and showcased.

The movie was enjoyable. Only complaint would be that it moved slowly, and with a two-hour length ... made it seem quite long. Reasonable plot, well composed, well acted & directed. The supporting actress for the character of China Doll had some very good moments. Tighter editing and better pacing would have made it much much better. It is not the best film in the world, but of good quality and very much worth watching - it will probably fall under the radar for Hollywood and the general populace.The really outstanding thing was the music. While not a musical, it does stop whole-heartedly to focus on the performers and the music. Think "Black Snake Moan" but without repeated cuts/editing. Those who love blues, six-count blues and early rock-and-roll will likely enjoy the film. I intend to get the soundtrack. It apparently includes Ruth Brown's final recording, as well as work by Dr. Mable John & Keb' Mo. Newcomer Gary Clark Jr., a Texan actor and musician shows good potential. Although this performance at Chicago and New Your music festivals last year (with the "Honeydripper All-Stars" promoting the film) have larger dynamic and vitality to them. His performance of the song China Doll, which John Salyes apparently wrote/co-wrote, is on the other hand quite entertaining.

John Sayles has done it again. He has taken a world class cast (including Danny Glover),some crisp photography,a very well written & directed script & a music score to die for, and has made screen magic. The story concerns an embittered juke joint owner (Glover),an ex musician himself,trying to make ends meet with a club on the outs,who is trying one last move to avoid closure by hiring a well known musician named Guitar Sam,to try & fill his club. Add a few other elements (a wife who is serious about re-connecting with her faith,a corrupt sheriff,and other elements),and the formula for a successful story is all set. The story is set in the racial segregated South of 1950. Although the film was shot in 2007, it is now just getting some scattered distribution. This film deserves far better than it's getting. The music score (composed and/or arranged by Sayles' favourite composer,Mason Daring)is a out & out toe tapper (which includes Delta Blues,Stride Piano,Gospel,Rhythm & Blues--years before it would be coined 'Rock & Roll' by Alan Freed). Honestly, Honeydripper (the name of the juke joint coined by the films title) is one for anyone who is interested in early creative black music(s).