Jackie's Back!

I just happened to rent this movie by mistake--but what a good mistake! My daughter was supposed to pick up "Hairshow" instead of "Jackie's Back" but they must have been right next to each other. I am a fan of mockumentary films because of the "spoof factor" and what could be more funny than the deadpan look on someone's face when they're being interviewed in "mock fashion". I was amazed to see the "cavalcade of stars" that were on the roster for this movie! Jennifer Lewis did a great job portraying Jackie Washington and Tim Curry was wonderful at the interviewer. I think the person who totally stole the show (besides Jennifer Lewis) was Whoopi Goldberg as her sister. She definitely played the part of being the scorned, upstaged, and overshadowed sister. I just cracked up when I saw the "afro pick" marks on Richard Lawson's ("The Milkman") head alluding to the fact that Jackie had stabbed him. The one hit song that she has "Yield Me With Your Love" was totally Motownish in nature and when David Hyde Pierce (Perry-the deaf piano player) got a hold of the music to play for her revival comeback it sounded like a "graduation march" which was hilarious! Anyone who is a fan of mockumentary films don't "Yield"-"Go" to your local video store and rent this! Kudos Robert Townsend, you've done it again!

Jackie's Back should be remember for three things. 1/ Jenifer Lewis'scene stealing performances. She completely shines in this movie. 2/ The mockumentary style of the film. Think: Best in Show, A Mighty Wind. and 3/ The cameos. The cameos in this movie are of the best that i think i have seen. You've got Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Chris Rock, Sean Hayes, Ricki Lake, Rosie O'Donnell, David Hyde Pierce, Melissa Etheridge to name a FEW!

Jackie's back must not be taken too seriously or as a piece of cinematic history. It is not Oscar worthy script, but it's damn hilarious. Sit back, relax and watch the celebrities bag the s@$! out of Jackie Washington.

I'm a huge Tim Curry fan, so I initially watched this for that reason, but I have to say, this is one of the funniest movies I'd seen in a while. "Jackie" is a fallen diva, descended from George Washington (according to her), about to make a comeback. I loved all the cameos, you can tell just by the people willing to make cameos in this that they thought it was a hilarious concept. The end is a bit too sappy, but I can forgive that. LOved "The Milkman".. my favorite scene is Jackie saying, "I never stabbed him with no afro pick... he FELL on that afro pick" and then the indentations on Milkman's forehead.... just beautiful! Great movie... I highly recommend it!

I saw Jackie's Back! for quite a few reasons, some more obvious than others, and I was very impressed. I loved the mockumentary style the film is told in, and I loved the lighting, costumes and sets too captured very well by some great camera work. I don't need to say how good the music is, I'll drop a hint actually it's brilliant and the renditions are every bit as good as well. The story may have some predictable spots, but it is well-paced and never fails to be interesting, and the script even with the odd dry area is ceaselessly hilarious. The performances and cameos are great. Jennifer Lewis is a revelation, being sassy, warm and endearing all at once, complete with a terrific voice. I am a huge Tim Curry fan, and while he sometimes overdoes the stuffiness and pomposity of his character he seems to be having great fun. Some of the biggest joys of Jackie's Back! were the cameos, the best of which were Whoopi Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce. The ending is sentimental, but effective. All in all, very good and entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I saw this movie when it originally broadcast on Lifetime in 1999. I have not seen a made for TV/Cable movie with a primarily African American cast that was this hilarious. At times, I had tears in my eyes. I simply love Jennifer Lewis anyway. She has that natural flair for comedy. Whoopi had me yelling in laughter in each scene in which she appeared. I could not believe the folks that had cameo's and figured they had to do this for little or no pay. Weezy (Isabel Sanford) as "Play Mama"?! The laughs just kept coming. My recommendation for everyone is to see this movie, rent it, buy it, watch it a friends but you have to see this. If you're down or blue, you won't be after this one. Great job on this project by all involved!!