A joyously sprawling concert, with heart and jokes and soul, this show is a very welcome wonder.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 24, 2024

Hugely entertaining, poignant, funny and thoughtful.

| Nov 8, 2016

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 17, 2011

It's a joyous production; the music is alive and dynamic, the skits are clever and funny and self-effacing and the show crackles with energy...

| Jan 13, 2010

Interesting that one of the best movies of the year is a filming of a play. That's a sad commentary on Hollywood but sufficient reason to see this uplifting and very witty movie.

| Dec 7, 2009

Lee doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to filming live theater, but he moves the camera artfully and edits with an energy that matches the music. And he makes good use of close-ups, capturing the sweaty faces of a troupe of remarkable performers.

| Original Score: A- | Oct 2, 2009

Although more of a stage play than a film this performance has great acting and great music combined with a heart felt message.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 10, 2009

A rousing, emotional roller coaster that's a must see not just for fans of rock musicals but those with an eye (and an ear) for something unusual - compellingly so.

| Sep 8, 2009

You'll probably have to resist the urge to stand up and cheer with the onscreen audience during the emotional curtain call.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 21, 2009

Spike Lee's Passing Strange: The Movie is basically canned musical theater, but this is one Tony-winning Broadway show that's well worth preserving and seeing.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 21, 2009

The invigorating result, zestily edited by Lee's own inside iron man, Barry Brown, is in every way a knockout.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 21, 2009

If you passed up the opportunity to catch this Tony-award winning rock musical during its Broadway run, don't make the same mistake with Spike Lee's vibrant film adaptation.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 21, 2009

Moving, thrilling and new.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 21, 2009

Passing Strange adds to Spike Lee's visionary resume and his eye for fresh talent.

| Original Score: B | Aug 21, 2009

Tender, sexy , funny, moving and profound, Passing Strange bears comparison not just to the great works of the American musical theatre but to literary landmarks like James Baldwin's Another Country and (especially) Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 21, 2009

There's much to admire, like the energy and Swiss-watch timing of the players, though this remains a photographed play and not a movie.

| Original Score: B- | Aug 20, 2009

Film version of a fresh and spunky Broadway musical about a young black man's quest for self-understanding and creative expression.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 20, 2009

a cross between a PBS-style special and a concert movie.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 20, 2009

I can't single out a performance. This is a superb ensemble, conveying that joy actors feel when hey know they're good in good material.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Aug 20, 2009

A worthy public record of a show most people nationwide didn't get the chance to see.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 20, 2009