Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, Variety
Lacking the moral indignation and militant politics of Lee's former work, this vibrantly colorful father-son melodrama is soft at the center, but it's one of the most accessible films Lee has made and Denzel Washington is terrific.
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
At the end of Mr. Lee's movie, all you feel is the distraction of Mr. Lee's stylistic exhibitionism, without which, I concede, he might not be regarded as a genius in some quarters.
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David Edelstein, Slate
[Lee] gets a charming performance from Allen, who, in his acting debut, occupies his pedestal with grace and diffidence.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
As usual, Lee tries many kinds of stylistic effects and uses wall-to-wall music (by Aaron Copland and Public Enemy); what's different this time is how personally driven the story feels.
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Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
Washington's Jake Shuttlesworth looks tough and hard, an odd but refreshing turn for an actor long associated with handsomely heroic roles.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Denzel Washingtonas Jake Shuttlesworth -
Ray Allenas Jesus Shuttlesworth -
Milla Jovovichas Dakota Burns
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Rosario Dawsonas Lala Bonilla -
Hill Harperas Coleman (Bogger) Sykes -
Zelda Harrisas Mary Shuttlesworth

