Customer Reviews

Heat Wave

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is truly an amazing movie about the Watts riots in Los Angeles in 1965. It focuses on Bob Richardson, the LA Times messenger who phoned in reports from the riot scene as they happened. But it also tells the story of the people who got swept up in the violence and hate and of the innocent bystanders who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. A very accurate portrayal with amazing performances.

The 'Description' under Amazon's Editorial Reviews noted above is incorrect. This is not a musical but a penetrating drama of the 1960's that was a made-for-TV movie. Here is the correct product description:

A powerful, fact-based drama set against the backdrop of the Watts riots of 1965. An aspiring black journalist, Bob Richardson (Blair Underwood), works as a messenger for the Los Angeles Times. After tensions flare in Watts, violence breaks out and Richardson gets a shot at the big time, reporting on the events and demanding change in the Civil Rights Movement.

Clearly, the definitive film on one of America's most pivotal events in its long and difficult racial history. Informative yet always entertaining. Well written and well played.

An outstanding and extremely underrated film about the 1965 Watts Uprising. Brilliant performances by Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, Blair Underwood and Glenn Plummer. Top notch writing and visual storytelling that is compelling, enlightening and even quite humorous at times. At long last an important movie about the African-American experience that s told from an intelligent African-American perspective!

STORY - The film, based on a true story, begins with a scene from the Watts riot with two cousins (Bob Richardson & J.T. Turpin) arguing over whether to throw a molotov cocktail. It then flashes back to show how they and their family arrived at that point. How did a routine traffic stop flare into one of the worst riots in our history? How did the flames of racial prejudice get so hot? Richardson (Underwood) moved, along with cousin J.T. Turpin and their family, from Alabama to LA. It was supposed to be the land of opportunity but for the Turpins it becomes another racial ghetto and they end up in dead end jobs and alcohol. Richardson goes on to college and a tour of duty in the military. He returns and gets an entry level job as a messenger with the LA Times. He has finally entered into the lowest level of a white dominated profession and has ambitions of advancing. When the riots continue, the white reporters don't dare return to the scene and Richardson volunteers. A very realistic and sobering look at the racial situation in our country during that time (today?). There are several hopeful relationships such as the one Richardson formed with a young white police officer and with Junius Johnson (Jones), both of whom tried in their own way for reconciliation among blacks and whites. Those were voices ignored by both sides for the most part. An overlooked and underrated film. Still relevant and important today. Very well done. www.lusreviews.blogspot.com

Clearly, the definitive film on one of America's most pivotal events in its long and difficult racial history. Informative yet always entertaining. Well written and well played.

This was an intelligent, well-done story about the Watts' riots in Los Angeles back in 1965. It doesn't pander; it tells it as it was in a mature (and family-safe) manner. It sports a nice cast, too, with Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, James Earl Jones and Sally Kirkland.

Language-wise, this is a surprisingly clean movie. Even more of a shock is to see a good Christian woman in the lead (Tyson as "Ruthana Richardson") Blair and Underwood play likable characters as well.

This is a good movie the whole family could enjoy. However, it's not one you're likely to watch many times. It's just not that riveting, but certainly deserves more attention that it's getting here with just over a handful of reviews. It's very much worth seeing and discussing.

Clearly, the definitive film on one of America's most pivotal events in its long and difficult racial history. Informative yet always entertaining. Well written and well played.