Michael Neumann When Robert Townsend learned that the only screen jobs available to himself and other black actors were more or less the same, stereotypical assortment of pimp, prostitute and criminal character roles, he didn't get mad, he got even, channeling his frustration into a homemade satire of Hollywood discrimination (financed, according to PR legend, almost entirely by credit cards). The episodic plot stars Townsend himself as an aspiring actor forced to endure a series of absurd auditions and interviews, at one point being blatantly judged by his ability to imitate Eddie Murphy. The often broad and obvious humor works well during the sometimes hilarious fantasy digressions: a Siskel and Ebert parody by two ghetto critics; a mock film noir scenario; and an irreverent commercial ad for The School of Black Acting. The more straightforward dramatic scenes make less of an impression, but at least illustrate the point that racial typecasting is a ridiculous practice. In all it's a valuable lesson from a natural comic talent, and a humorous insider's guide to an industry where equal opportunity hasn't evolved much since the days of D.W. Griffith.

jodimoran If you're looking for a review that makes you laugh out loud with its eviscerating witticisms and memorable one-line slams, then skip to another review now. I don't write many of these things, but love this movie enough to take the time to add my 2 cents here. Hollywood Shuffle is one of my Xmas presents to myself this year (its 20 year anniversary...and thank goodness for Amazon's overseas deliveries!) and I just finished watching it with my daughter. Townsend's sentimentality and gentle sense of humor are old friends and I'm looking forward to sharing this movie with as many people as I can. Living overseas as a high school teacher since '99 has been interesting, especially in terms of the view of African Americans. It's funny, but teens overseas tend to think of actors like Will Smith, singers like Beyonce' or 50 Cent, and sports stars like…well, insert-familiar-name-here, whenever they think of blacks in the states. Hollywood Shuffle, with its sentimental depiction of a fatherless working class family and a young man pursuing his dream, speaks to teens of all ethnicities, and touches on the timeless themes of self-respect, the importance of family and coming of age. There's more here than just a running gag of ethnic stereotyping in Hollywood (easy enough to do, and particularly relevant a decade on from the Roots frenzy), and part of this depth is Townsend's ability to play with irony. In his dreams of breaking free of the choke-hold of ethnic stereotypes, Bobby dreams of passing beyond the white velvet rope into the land of superhero, macho and international stereotypes. Why can't he fight for truth & justice while wearing tights? "Bed" a woman on his desk? Or be a classically trained thespian with a Queen's English accent? And part of the humor in his stand-up shtick was Townend's contrast between what we saw and what we heard, particularly with the proper English accent. I've turned a class of 8th graders on to Undercover Brother, and now I think it's going to be interesting to have that same class of Chinese, Korean, Indian and British boys watch this film. I think it will move them, touch their hearts AND provide them with laughs. Like it's done me.

Joseph P. Ulibas Hollywood Shuffle (1987) was the directorial debut of Actor/ Director Robert Townshend. His self financed film Hollywood SHUFFLE pokes fun at the struggles many black actors face whilst looking for an acting career in Hollywood. It's sad as well because many of these stereotypes are still true to this day. While progress has been made in the American Movie Industry, they still need to make more progress. This film showed people how the Movie making business handles the majority of young black actors who're trying to make it in the movies.The story is about a young, talented and aspiring actor who wants to make it in Hollywood as a director. But when he tries out for roles, he meets a lot of stumbling blocks. Many of these are about his racial background (i.e. he's not black enough, he's too black, doesn't act black, etc. etc.). Eventually he's offered a role but will he throw away his dignity to accept it? Can young Robert make it in Hollywood without "selling out"? Will his peer drag him down? To find out you'll just have to watch Hollywood SHUFFLE.Highly recommended film.

onlylivingboy I've forced this film on all my friends and there isn't one who regrets seeing it. A couple haven't been that enthusiastic at first; thought it was all right but didn't understand the fuss I make about it, but the next day they'll want to watch it again.I find it pretty embarrassing when someone quotes the inevitable Austin Powers, but for months after seeing this film I just couldn't help it - probably the reason I had to get everyone I know to watch it.Some films have great scenes and some are just good films; this is both. Genuinely funny with real heart.Say it with me now: WINKY DINKY DOGGG.