Car Wash

I am only 21 years old and have lived in New Jersey all of my life. I never experienced the 1970's nor have I been lucky enough to live in southern California. This movie gives me the best of both worlds, to me this movie represents southern California during the 1970's as it truly is meant to be. It's not about young rich white guys going surfing, or the limelight of Hollywood it just shows you a common everyday struggle of a man trying to make an honest buck in sunny southern California in the 1970's. The movie uses both humor and realism to make it's point. One thing that is a mystery to me about this movie is that for some reason as time has passed Danny Devito's role in the movie has vanished. A great movie that will stand the test of time!

This is one great film. Any film that has both George Carlin and Richard Pryor (even if their roles only amount to cameos) can't be all bad. This film also features one of the most underrated comics of all time in Franklyn Ajaye as T.C.. His attempts at trying to get the beautiful Mona to go out with him are what helps to make this film great. Also, the assortment of characters that hang out at the car wash are what make this film great.

This movie is at the top of my guilty pleasure list. The pace of the movie is very good, introducing many loveable loser characters and their situations quickly and effectively. The ensemble cast moves effectively throughout the movie without stepping on one another. There is a sense of comraderie and spirit that is engaging. The cameos of George Carlin and Richard Pryor actually digress from the action and the multiple stories at play. Obviously, this is not an Oscar winner, but it is good fun, sometimes touching, and entertaining from start to finish. It's also a good look at LA in the 70's. And, it's one of the few movies where voice over narration actually works.

A great ensemble cast, a loose, funky script that left room for improvisation and a great (nonstop) pulsating disco/soul soundtrack make this film a pleasant diversion and definitely a document of its' era. It also served as a blueprint for many other primarily black-cast comedies to come. When writing 1997's "Friday," Ice Cube was quoted as saying he wanted to create a fun film just like "Car Wash." Many funny scenes, some in questionable taste, but still harmless enough. For those who lived through the period, it'll bring back some memories.

My favorite part of this movie is the opening, early morning in L.A. as the d.j. talks. There is something so exciting about that. This movie is so outlandish and so cleverly done, my friends and I have watched it many a time and chuckled. In fact, most of my friends love this movie and could watch it many times over, and they are pretty intellectual. The laughing never stops. I think the secret of the appeal is that the actors are a fine group of actors. They play the parts in a run down (I think it's supposed to be run down, or at least economically depressed area) car wash, but they are fine actors with fine comedic timing. You feel that you are taken right back there with them, and life is going to be carefree forever in L.A. in 1976. Maybe it's an atmosphere that only exists in people's minds. The main girl, Marsha, is very pretty in a very very seventies way, complete with blue eyeshadow. At the end, her prince, Ken, comes to take her away. The soundtrack is one of the best ever set to film, I have the cd though I never listen to it. The soundtrack is best listened to... in the movie. The proper angst is added with some sociological issues.