Commentary from shockingly outspoken Watts residents on topics ranging from revolution to infidelity are a vital part of the documentary.
90
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
The result is a time capsule par excellence...This is the best of times and the worst of times, African American style.
90
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
A candid, colorful and deeply meaningful sociocultural time capsule, one that captured the black community at the height of its political energy and optimism.
Now an invaluable time capsule, the film has to transcend its own conceptual messiness.
75
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
Wattstax is a disorienting and ironic moviegoing experience. It's a film about the curative powers of rhythm-and-blues music that sets out to frustrate your sense of rhythm in its insistence on the blues.
75
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
I wish I could say that Wattstax was an ecstatic soul celebration, but most of the performances, while enjoyable, fall short of memorable.
70
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
The film is saved by the raw power of the performances, and especially, Richard Pryor's bitterly funny observations.
70
Village VoiceLaura Sinagra
Village VoiceLaura Sinagra
Not only documents the soul-titan concert held at L.A. Coliseum seven years after Watts burned, but illuminates the rue and kinesis of a city in full Black Power flower.