Mo' Better Blues (1992)

Pros: Acting, Characters, Atmosphere, Music.  Cons: Lack of narrative drive, meandering dialogue, excessive length.

Spike Lee film about a successful Jazz Trumpeter (Denzel Washington) and his manager (Spike Lee).  Denzel is a ladies man juggling his love affairs, while Spike is an unsuccessful compulsive gambler. Jazz Clubs form the background for the interplay between the characters. There's plenty of music but its not a musical. Lee's direction. music, and the acting of Denzel Washington are highlights of the film.  I loved the characters and the world that Spike Lee gives us - but he doesn't do enough with it.  Too many scenes go nowhere. Summary: Like Tarantino, Spike Lee really needed a co-writer. Still, one of his better films - with no politics. Enjoyable.  Rating ***