GetPapa
Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible
WiseRatFlames
An unexpected masterpiece
MoPoshy
Absolutely brilliant
Roxie
The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
joby-75161
This movie is pure genius. Thanks to Director Michael Schultz and screenwriter Joel Schumacher. So many interesting unique characters all struggling in their own way. I was rooting for all of them. I believe this movie is underrated. It highlights the great comedians of the comedy store Los Angeles in the 70's. George Carlin, Franklin Ajaye, Richard Pryor, Professor Irwin, Garret Morris,Jack Kehoe, and utilizes an ensemble cast with unexpected depth and heartfelt climax. This movie also has one of my favorite performances of Richard Pryor at the peek of his talents. I love the soundtrack but I think it permeated pop culture and was somewhat overlooked as a film. Love it.
MartinHafer
"Car Wash" is a film that is really hard to describe when it comes to plot. In some ways, it's a lot like the later "Barbershop" films but with a lot less depth as well as a bit like "American Graffiti" for Black Americans. However, the film is great for anyone who remembers the 70s--especially if they love the soul music of the time. That's because Rose Royce's soundtrack is VERY enjoyable and you can't help moving your feet as you watch the film.The picture is a semi-plot less story about a single day at a car wash in Los Angeles. It's made up of LOTS of little vignettes--s few which were pretty funny and one or two that were poignant. While a few of the bits fell pretty flat (such as the Richard Pryor cameo), overall the good outweighs the bad. Particular standouts in the film are Ivan Dixon (a fine, fine actor who is great here but also is unfortunately known most for "Hogan's Heroes" and not fine films like "Nothing But a Man" as well as the many shows he directed) and Franklin Ajaye--though they were all pretty enjoyable. My feeling is don't try to look for a lot of depth or story--just sit back and soak it all in, as it's like a flashback to the funky 70s. In other words, a nice glimpse into the time and a wide array of ethnic characters with a wide array of hopes and dreams.I've seen this film a few times (the last time was tonight) and for folks my age or a bit older (I'm nearly 50), it's a nice bit of nostalgia.By the way, look for the character 'Lloyd' (part of a singing duo)--this is Otis Day from "Animal House"! It's also a treat seeing Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear from "Starsky & Hutch") as a gay transvestite! It's also nice to see the old-time actor Clarence Muse in the film as well in one of his final films.
otter68
This movie not only captures the music and fashion of the 70s, it's funny, and has some social commentary one wouldn't expect from this cast. The cast is perfect; there's not a bad apple in the bunch. The humor can be sophomoric, but it's mostly clean and clever. Many people have worked jobs like this and can relate to the characters and cutting up that goes on at such places.For those too young to remember the 70s, I highly recommend this movie. For those like me who lived through the 70s, and want a trip down memory lane, I recommend this too.It's hip, funny, and even moving.
john22900
SPOILER ALERT! I loved everything about this film. The cast is phenomenal! I saw this film originally in movie theatres and have had the opportunity to see the current movie release on video and there appears to be a scene cut out of it. In the original, the character of Marsha, the wonderfully huge busted Melanie Mayron, gets a date from a car wash customer at closing time. The follow-up scene is missing in new release videos. The missing scene is Marsha discovers that her date is NOT in fact the car wash customer but a homely acquaintance of his and they're going on a double date - straight to the motel! I do not understand this disembowelment of a film when it comes to release on video or DVD. If a film cannot be shown complete and uncut on video or DVD, then what is the point of owning it at all. And this isn't the only film that this has been happening to!
