For all of its lush production design and complicated, sophisticated camera movements, Mo’ Better Blues is an intimate character study.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 18, 2024

Perhaps the attractive part of the film is its stubborn imperfection. [Full review in Spanish]

| Nov 29, 2022

Lee’s filmmaking is as alive as ever, though, and the movie is best when he’s just goofing around.

| Original Score: B | Aug 31, 2022

We are left with a film that could have been about so many things but ultimately isn't about much.

| May 21, 2020

... At once alluring and disappointing.

| Original Score: B- | Sep 7, 2011

It's a burning, feeling film of impulses, bringing out the best in the filmmaker, who used to create miniature moviegoing events with his releases, before He Got Game came along and smothered his good taste.

| Original Score: B+ | Aug 7, 2010

It's tight, suspenseful, funny and packed with great music.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 22, 2008

Full of wonderful music, grand visuals, and melodramatic plot twists, the movie is laced with very funny moments, as well as interesting insights into the world of jazz and the plight of the dedicated musician.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 22, 2008

Personal rather than social issues come to the fore in Mo' Better Blues, a Spike Lee personality piece dressed in jazz trappings that puffs itself up like Bird but doesn't really fly.

| Sep 22, 2008

Denzel, Wesley and Co are fine, but Mo' Better Blues hits too many bum notes.

| Sep 22, 2008

Though it's full of striking visual ideas and actorly turns, it never fully convinces.

| Sep 22, 2008

Centering on the career of a jazz musician (well played by Denzel Washington, just before he became a star), this mid-range picture has nice production values but the drama is too diffuse, lacking the edge of Spike Lee's more overtly political works.

| Original Score: B- | Jun 24, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2006

Despite stylish camerawork and sturdy acting, this lengthy indulgence succeeds neither as jazz movie nor as cautionary tale.

| Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 8, 2005

Mo' Better Blues is not a great film, but it's an interesting one, which is almost as rare.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 23, 2004

Atmospheric character study by Lee with a bravely unlikable Denzel Washington.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 9, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 18, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 7, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 19, 2004