MovieChat Forums > The Jazz Singer (1980) Discussion > Why does everyone always slag this movie...

Why does everyone always slag this movie off?

posted 20 years ago by kcfan-3
45 replies | jump to latest

I can't understand all the negative comments about this film. I thought it was an excellent version, Neil Diamond's soundtrack is fantastic. Sure, it has it's bad points - Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier - the complete antithesis of each other. Neil Diamond isn't a great actor but he's a great musician. Laurence Olivier is a great actor and he hams his part up shamelessly in this film, but nonetheless I thought it was a pleasant two hours to spend.

I don't think it's fair on the movie to judge it so harshly. If nothing else, the music is worth the price of the rental.

"Hail to the King, baby!"

[–] tellafriend 20 years ago

I couldn't agree more! This is a fantastic movie that has NOT received the respect it so deserves!

Many complain about the acting. Well, the acting doesn't get any better than Sir Lawrence Olivier folks! As for Neil Diamond, his first acting gig is far superior than many so-called "actors" who have many years under their belts (I won't name names)!

Let's not get confused here... the character is supposed to be a "virgin" in this movie (which he actually was to acting in real life), new to the business of "rock stardomhood". He's supposed to be overwhelmed and niave. If many are critisizing Neil Diamond's performance for being just that than maybe he should be given an Oscar because he played it better than they give him credit for and fooled the critics into thinking he wasn't a good actor! Maybe he was just that good.

Ms. Arnez's performance was memorable as the manager/eventual love interest. High spirited, quirky but sincere. How could you not fall in love with her?

The plot was believable, the foundation was firm, the conflict between father and son was realistic and the ending was great.

I don't know what people don't get about this film?

If you were a struggling musician or had dreams of becoming a rock star (and who didn't?), this film should have changed your life!

I know it changed mine!

[–] biga10101987 17 years ago

Olivier was one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. However, this little ditty ranks no where near his best performances. He was doing it strictly for the money (by his own admission) and in this case doing it in a laughably bad manner. Luci Arnaz is the only believable actor on screen.

[–] dawn_a_net 16 years ago

Well said! It was so thrilling the first time I saw and heard the opening number.. and I saw it again for the first time since and it was still great!

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Ghostwood 19 years ago

I think the bulk of the bad reviews are directed at the standard of acting, and not at the music. I'm not a huge Diamond fan, but the musicality of the film is just fine, and boasts some memorable numbers.

The acting though, I mean, come on...you really think it's anything other than bad? And what about the script - who of us can listen to the toe-curling line "What happened to the groove?" and not want to cringe?

Hey, each to his own.

[–] sonydude32 19 years ago

I would imagine that was how they talked back then.

Even though the movie was technically made in the 1980s, it was made in 1980. I'm of the opinion that the early 1980s was a transitional period for America and Americans, where we couldn't quite shake off the 1970s and its era of disco and slang at that time. - Reinhart

[–] aechris 19 years ago

I'm with you man, I thought it was great. Same deal, I expected trash and I loved it.

[–] sonydude32 19 years ago

I don't understand the criticism, either. It's a good movie and has a good story. It's about someone who takes the initiative and jumps for an opportunity, despite opposition from his wife, his father, and the tradition of his family and how they follow their religion. The movie is about making sacrifice for what you really want, even if that sacrifice brings about heartbreak.

As for the acting, it's not that bad. Then again, watching a lot of MST3K episodes spoils me on stuff with truly bad acting. In this regard, compared to someone like John Agar, Neil Diamond was a revelation in terms of good acting! In other words, I've seen worse, MUCH worse than Neil Diamond acting.

Anyways, this movie doesn't deserve the harsh criticism that few people give it. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the people who are critical of this movie haven't really seen it or, maybe, are fans of Barry Manilow. :-p - Reinhart

[–] thisbenguy 19 years ago

Us jews cant get enough movies of our own... you have neil breaking down racial barriers, family barriers, and emotional barriers... it doesn't get any better than this...

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] zelda1964 19 years ago

Regarding Mr. Diamond's Music, one can enjoy songs with upbeat tempo and lyrics.
My favorite song here is "America", which praises our Nation for offering many a Better chance at Life. He is talented as a songwriter, tells his stories through the music.

the most touching scene is the ending, when he makes peace with the Cantor.
I love this Movie

[–] ZacAttackFeelsGood 19 years ago

I think this is a great movie. I was just about to stard a new message board on your topic when I saw this board. I totally and whole-heartedly agree with kcfan-3.

I can't believe how many people there are that hate this movie.

"Just because you don't understand doesn't mean it isn't so"
-The Bad Beginning

[–] bayster912 17 years ago

My wife has had the video of this film for about 15 years, and I had never watched it. Last Saturday night I was stuck for something to watch and stuck it on - I thoroughly enjoyed it, it has a great feel good factor. Reminded me a bit of 'The Jolson Story', one of my other favourite films. I'm not a great fan of Neil Diamond's music but it fitted in well and his acting was adequate. Lucie Arnaz was superb. The scene at the end where Neil and Laurence Olivier are reconciled had me blubbing!

[–] cinemaisart 16 years ago

It is a fantastic movie. Neil sings, Laurence acts. What else you need? When it came to the movie theater I went back to see it again as many times as I could, just to see him singing in that big screen. I enjoyed the emotion Olivier delivered too, making it all so believable. I thought it was Neil's history. It is not. He was not playing himself. But he was playing a song writer and he got to sing his own songs... and that part is Neil. He doesn't need to pretend, when he is singing we get all we want from him.

"It's all about small stuff. You know, small lies, small mistakes."

[–] rhinestone_sunglasses 19 years ago

I own this movie. It is hilarious. The music is wonderful as other posters have said. But the only thing I ever laughed at was the script and the acting. I like the meaning behind the whole story, but you can't deny, this flick is funny for all the wrong reasons.

If you don't have a date, celebrate go out and sit on the lawn and do nothing-Fiona Apple

[–] peterquince 18 years ago

Neil is so sexy in this film. The first few times I watched it, it had a "so bad it's good" vibe for me. Now, I just think it's a great showcase for Neil's talents. I still laugh at the cowboy scenes, though.

[–] cindyjmd 18 years ago

I'm 32 yrs. old...I loved this movie when I was young! I thought Neil Diamond was sexy and the music is great. Neil is on the morning show with Katie Couric and Matt Lauer right now...keep it coming Neil!!! XOXO

[–] HippieP 18 years ago

Well I agree with everyone, The Jazz Singer is a great movie. And it couldn't get any better than Neil Diamond acting,writing and performing the songs. I was only 5 years old when it came out, but when I was in 7th grade we had to watch it in Music class and I fell in love with Neil Diamond and his music. I had a huge crush on him,still kinda do I guess. He's was handsome then and is still a handsome older man. Thank you Mr. Jones for creating a love of great musicals and especially Neil Diamond!!!!!