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Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, David Patrick Kelly, Zelda Harris, Carlton Williams ... see more see more... , Sharif Rashed , Tsemach Washington , Christopher Knowings , Jose Zuniga , Isaiah Washington , Ivelka Reyes , Spike Lee , N.Jeremi Duru , Frances Foster , Norman Matlock , Patriece Nelson , Vondie Curtis-Hall , Tiasha Reyes , Mildred Clinton , Arthur French , Dan Grimaldi , Keith Johnson , Joie Lee , Michele Shay , Bokeem Woodbine , Robi Reed , RuPaul , Christopher Wynkoop

Spike Lee and his siblings Cinque Lee and Joie Lee co-wrote this nostalgic but unglamorized look at a family growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970s, inspired by their own childhood. Woody Carmichael (Del... read more read more...roy Lindo) is a jazz musician whose career is in a slump; he once made a good living as a session musician, but he has moved away from it to devote himself to more serious music, a choice that has not worked out well from a financial standpoint. His wife Carolyn (Alfre Woodard) works as a school teacher to keep food on the table. The Carmichaels have five children, a bright and introspective daughter named Troy (Zelda Harris) and four sons with a habit of causing trouble, and they all share an apartment in a brownstone in Brooklyn. Crooklyn follows the Carmichaels as the kids learn the funny and painful lessons of growing up, Mom and Dad balance their love for each other against the financial and personal difficulties of the creative life, and they all try to get along with the often eccentric neighbors on their block. Crooklyn's soundtrack is enlivened by classic 70s R&B hits, including selections by Sly and the Family Stone, The Jackson Five, Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers, and The Chambers Brothers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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86% liked it

10,538 ratings

Critics

76% liked it

25 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 54 min.

Directed by: Spike Lee

Release Date: May 13, 1994

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DVD Release Date: February 23, 1999

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Stats: 997 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (997)

  • blkbomb
    June 27, 2011
    blkbomb
    Carolyn: Wendell, PLEASE close your mouth when you chew!
    Wendell: Why can't you let me eat in peace for once?
    Carolyn: Because you disturbing the peace! You eat like a pig and chew like a cow!

    Although not as famous as some of Spike Lees other films like Malcolm X or Do The R... read moreight Thing, it still has his signature all over it. Nobody makes an urban movie like Spike Lee. In Crooklyn he gives us a great mix of comedy and family drama, although more drama then comedy. Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo give great performances as the parents of 4 sons and a daughter. Based somewhat on Spike Lee's own life; it is a fantastic look at a tough but struggling family.
  • ythelastman89
    April 28, 2010
    ythelastman89
    While I commend Spike Lee for trying to make a coming of age story for an African American audience and white audience alike, it does nothing to change the typical hollywood formula. That would be fine if he was going for something like that, but his counterculture attitude sugge... read morests otherwise. You can see he was trying to be subtle with his messages, but that's never been a strong suit of his. Even the way it is filmed is bland and uninteresting. The characters are flat and often one noted, giving you no sense of connection or respect for them. It's basically a failed attempt at making a powerful film.
  • RCCLBC
    March 24, 2008
    RCCLBC
    A sweet and sentimental look at childhood in 1970's New York City.

    The 'kinder gentler' side of Spike Lee.

    A real high-point for his career and a great example of his range as a film maker.
  • fb683975012
    June 28, 2008
    fb683975012
    So many of Spike Lee's movies really speak to me despite his experimental musings. For me Crooklyn is personal and nostalgic. So much of this movie reminds me of my youth even tho the dynamics of the family and neighbourhood are relatively dis-similar to my own growing up. Spike ... read morecreates a mood and recreates scenerios synonymous with urban childhood in the 70's and early 80's. I always call my cousins after watching it. Great feel good soundtrack.
  • ileo
    December 25, 2007
    ileo
    A personal favorite. Love this movie!
  • ghettoqueen747
    May 11, 2009
    ghettoqueen747
    i love this movie it shows an inner city two parent family and i think it is one of Spike Lee's best movies
  • akkksmith
    August 22, 2007
    akkksmith
    I got good hair...I got peter rican hair! Love this movie when I was in high school. Watched at least twice a day.
  • jrmcm
    August 9, 2007
    jrmcm
    Its impact doesn't really compare to that of Do the Right Thing, but Crooklyn still accurately presents the layered essense of street life.
  • TheMrz
    July 1, 2007
    TheMrz
    Awesome movie by Spike Lee. Growing up it was hard to find films that actually spoke directly to me culturally and Spike Lee always managed to tap into that as an artist (i.e. direrctor)
  • fulloffireministries
    May 26, 2007
    fulloffireministries
    spike lee is a genius to me. he captures your mind and makes u think your in the movie. i really went back to my childhood days, sittin on the stoop in the hot sun, gettin my hair braided, waitn on the icecream man!!

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Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel
September 23, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

Lee is a great self-promoter. After all his press releases and all his interviews, we are given films that are sketchy, unfelt and distancing -- incidents in Lee's career, the only drama that really i... Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

It's the first Spike Lee film with the potential to be turned into a television show. More important, it's the first one to display real warmth of heart. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

This remarkable movie will haunt you for a good long time.

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Modulating from heavy to light, from angry to lyrical, and so on, the movie's an enjoyable, emotional symphony. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Lee is as talented as any director is capturing an era, and some of the early scenes perfectly recall the mood of the time. The pop soundtrack may be a little too obvious, but it gets the job done. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Crooklyn is not in any way an angry film. But thinking about the difference between its world and ours can make you angry, and I think that was one of Lee's purposes here. Full Review

September 23, 2008
TV Guide's Movie Guide

While Lee fails to impose sufficient structure on his material, expertly drawn performances help vividly to evoke the family and street life of an era untroubled by crack or drive-by shootings. Full Review

September 23, 2008
Film4

It's not Lee's most challenging work, but it's certainly amongst his most charming. Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.
November 29, 2007
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed

A sub-par vision of Brooklyn with some bright spots

Michael A. Smith
December 14, 2006
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review

An affectionate look at youthful adventures.

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