81
Metascore
8 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Seattle Post-IntelligencerSeattle Post-IntelligencerCommentary from shockingly outspoken Watts residents on topics ranging from revolution to infidelity are a vital part of the documentary.
- 90Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonThe result is a time capsule par excellence...This is the best of times and the worst of times, African American style.
- 90Washington PostAnn HornadayWashington PostAnn HornadayA candid, colorful and deeply meaningful sociocultural time capsule, one that captured the black community at the height of its political energy and optimism.
- 80The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsNow an invaluable time capsule, the film has to transcend its own conceptual messiness.
- 75Boston GlobeWesley MorrisBoston GlobeWesley MorrisWattstax 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.
- 75Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanI wish I could say that Wattstax was an ecstatic soul celebration, but most of the performances, while enjoyable, fall short of memorable.
- 70TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe film is saved by the raw power of the performances, and especially, Richard Pryor's bitterly funny observations.
- 70Village VoiceLaura SinagraVillage VoiceLaura SinagraNot 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.