An overrated cinematic turd, and an embarrassment to Jazz.
Comment
07/12/08
The Jazz Singer (1927)
75
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:24
Fresh:18
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.3/10
Runtime: 4 hrs 25 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: The first feature film to utilize Synchronous Sound. The story is about Cantor Oland's son who goes into show business over his objections. Tunes include "Mammy," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" and more.... [More]
Starring: Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Eugenie Besserer, Warner Oland
Director: Alan Crosland
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Reviews for The Jazz Singer
It's ragged and dull until the magical moment when Jolson turns to the camera to announce, 'You ain't heard nothin' yet' -- a line so loaded with unconscious irony that it still raises a few goose bumps.
01/01/00
Top CriticNo review available.
08/24/05
The Jazz Singer is a shallow attempt by a powerful group of straying Jews to clear their consciences.
07/20/09
No review available.
07/31/03
Utterly unremarkable; its milestone status is more historical fluke than genuine artistry.
01/14/03
By today's standards, The Jazz Singer is mawkish, crudely filmed, and full of schmaltz. Yet it remains fascinating in its historical value, not only for its technical innovation.
07/28/08
In cities where the Vitaphone can be installed and reproduce his voice this picture will eminently repay attendance.
07/28/08
A landmark: the first sound film in which dialogue and song caught the public's imagination, even though sound had long existed and much of this film is silent.
05/24/03
Must-see for any film buff.
01/27/04
No review available.
03/19/04
The Broadway melodrama is schmaltzy, but the music thank God is heavenly.
05/03/06
No review available.
06/15/05
No review available.
11/04/04
No review available.
12/10/07
...there's no taking away from the movie's heart and Jolson's singing. The Jazz Singer remains a classic of its kind.
10/14/07
Sincere and important, if a little self-aware, look at being Jewish in a way other movies of the time weren't touching.
11/25/02
No review available.
10/20/05
The Vitaphoned songs and some dialogue have been introduced most adroitly.
03/25/06
No review available.
07/25/02
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