MacDonald doesn't let the story get syrupy or maudlin. But the brief run time doesn't let us get to know the dancers as well as we might like.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 14, 2018

The rhythm of life is a powerful beat - and this affectionate and revealing documentary is sure to get even the most world-weary feet tapping.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jun 13, 2008

It's a credit to MacDonald that she provides a little-known view of Harlem's halcyon days, but what's missing is the pith and marrow: We feel that the women still elude us.

| Mar 1, 2007

An enchanting, if bittersweet, memoir which seamlessly interweaves wistful, tenderhearted reflections with archival film footage and the readily-observable harsh realities associated with advanced age to yield a splendid slice of African-American history.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 6, 2007

At a time in their lives when their contemporaries are bouncing great-grandchildren on their knees, these Harlem divas of dance are bouncing their booties around.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 29, 2006

MacDonald seems less interested in the Silver Belles' past than their inspirational present. Eventually, the inevitable broken hips and dizzy spells take their toll, but those who remain seem determined to shuffle-step their way into the sunset.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 28, 2006

[MacDonald's] subjects -- former black chorus girls from Harlem's golden age, when the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater ruled New York nightlife -- are utterly captivating.

Full Review | Sep 28, 2006

Because Been Rich follows a well-hoofed path, there aren't a lot of surprises, but the women make for good company.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 14, 2006

It's a modest but highly enjoyable tribute.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 7, 2006

Reminds us that every life contains many acts worth hearing about, not just a select few.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 25, 2006

This is a film about brave women who left home as teenagers and have been on their own ever since. Now, nearing the end of that road, they face their inevitable decline with a cheerful vivacity.

| Original Score: B | Aug 25, 2006

If you only watched the first half of Been Rich All My Life, you might walk away thinking it's a so-so documentary about another fascinating, underreported piece of Harlem history. And you'd be at least half right in that assessment.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 4, 2006

This is a sweet documentary about a small group of women who've danced their way through life.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 2, 2006

The film could be more adept and probing, but the ladies -- Cleo Hayes, Marion Coles, Elaine Ellis, Fay Ray, and Geri Kennedy -- are delightful.

| Original Score: B | Jul 27, 2006

A richly uplifting if somewhat rambling portrait of indomitableness in the face of old age and infirmity, Been Rich All My Life will be inspirational to young and old alike.

Full Review | Jul 26, 2006

Good times and bum times, they've seen it all and they're still here. Lucky us.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 22, 2006

While it's enjoyable on it's own terms, there's really no reason to go all the way to the film forum and plunk down twelve bucks to see this thing, when you could probably see it on public 온라인카지노추천 in a year or two.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jul 21, 2006

Been Rich All My Life has a soft, golden glow, but it could have been much richer.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 21, 2006

Under director Heather Lyn MacDonald, the film is generic and uninspired, better suited to public 온라인카지노추천 than the big screen.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 21, 2006

Though the stripped-down style of Heather Lyn MacDonald's documentary doesn't quite do justice to her fabulous heroines, the extraordinary energy of the five former chorus girls she profiles provides plenty of fuel.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 21, 2006