Passing Strange Reviews

Reviews of the Film

“I was blown away!”

A show not simply preserved by Mr. Lee’s camera, but brought, somehow, to its fullest, strangest, most electrifying realization. . . .moving, thrilling and new.

– A.O. Scott, The New York Times

4 out of 4 stars
“Passing Strange” is one of the best musicals I’ve seen

The music is moving and exciting not only because of book, music and performances, but because of its intelligence, passion and heart. This story has depth and weight. This is a superb ensemble, conveying that joy actors feel when they know they’re good in good material. This is not a traditional feature, but it’s one of Spike Lee’s best films.

– Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

3 1/2 out of 4 stars
In every way a knockout

Stew’s voice, which can twist from mellow to shout without missing a nuance, is a distinct pleasure. When Stew sings out “Is it all right?” the answer for anyone seeing this powerhouse onscreen, on cable or later on DVD is easy:, “Yeah, it’s all right.” And then some.

– Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

5 Stars
The best film to come out of Sundance

Bears comparison not just to the great works of the American musical theatre but to literary landmarks. Passing Strange is a work of genius. And there’s nobody I can think of who shouldn’t see it.

– Ray Greene, Box Office Magazine

Grade: A
Passing Strange soars!

Passing Strange has a place at the table of “worthy” movies for 2009. We don’t get to see films of this measure very often, and it’s a rare treatwhen the power of voice is used to make us happy, sad, and thoughtful.

Laremy Legel, Film.com

Magical!

Spike Lee is always in synch with the cast’s phenomenal energy. He’s in their thrall – and so are we.

David Edelstein, New York Magazine

A rare kind of theatrical magic

Lee’s army of craning, swooshing cameras-provides a richly satisfying record. Nimbly directed by Lee and propelled by a rousing cabaret rock score (by Stew and Heidi Rodewald) that cleanses the palate of contemporary Broadway’s prevailing jukebox drivel.

– Scott Foundas, Village Voice

Grade: A
It’s a film and a play with a huge emotional palette and a mastery of tone

At its best Passing Strange isn’t just good; it’s goddamned transcendent, a near-religious experience.
– Nathan Rabin, The Onion A.V. Club

Gut-busting, heart-wrenching

Rousing, devastating, invigorating, painful, joyful, soulful – all those adjectives don’t even begin to describe Passing Strange, but it’s a start!

– Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York

Compelling and moving

The result is so crisp and intimate, it makes you feel as if you’re right on the minimalist stage with Stew and the rest of his formidable cast and the band.

– Christy Lemire, AP Movie Critic

A rousing music doc that’s virtually as entertaining as being there

Deftly capturing the exuberance of singer-songwriter Stew’s popular Broadway musical “Passing Strange,” Spike Lee’s new film elatedly affirms the show’s inspiring theme of creative discovery.
– Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter

First-rate multicamera transcript of a terrific show

The witty writing, winning perfs and often irresistibly catchy songs soon work their magic.

– Dennis Harvey, Variety

Transcendently Awesome

Spike Lee saw Passing Strange and decided to film the final performance so future generations could see this sweet, sad, and tragically funny story. And the performers – Stew, his backup band, his backup actors-are fucking fantastic. Thank you, Spike Lee. Thank you, Stew.

– Brendan Kiley, Seattle Stranger

A can’t miss experience

Passing Strange the Movie can best be described as a modern day The Last Waltz, full of the same innovation that Martin Scorsese brought to The Band. I still hold that Passing Strange deserved to win for best musical at last year’s Tony Awards ceremony. Prepare to be moved all over again.

– James Sims, BroadwayWorld.com

The cinematography and editing are superb in Lee’s effervescent film version

Spike Lee’s eye proves both a benevolent and beneficial addition to the imaginative canvas of “Passing Strange,” the buoyant coming-of-age musical. Lee’s generous embrace feels at one with the freshness of the material. At times the songs are parodies; at others they strike deeply moving chords. The ease with which the film navigates the musical’s moods and stylings may, in fact, do some greater good for Broadway.
– Peter Marks, Washington Post

a must-see

There’s never been a musical quite like “Passing Strange.” There’s also never been a movie of a play like Spike Lee’s uncompromisingly dynamic take on Stew’s autobiographical art-rock creation. “Strange” is a rocker-as-artist-coming-of-age story emerging, like some wondrous new life form, from the psychedelic cocoon of a particularly tuneful, varied, soulful and witty rock concert. Lee has raised the bar for filming live performances.
– Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Chronicle

unusually open-hearted exploration of artistic, cultural, and personal expression

the play matures considerably while retaining its youthful energy and enthusiasm. In fact, you’ll probably have to resist the urge to stand up and cheer with the onscreen audience during the emotional curtain call.
– Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News