Though Blindspotting has its cliche moments, overall it's an important film tackling race relations and gentrification in America. The chemistry and genuine camaraderie between writers/stars Diggs and Casal is at the heart of this film.
186 Reviews
Great film but the ending got lazy
Top_Dawg_Critic27 December 2018
This film is as real as it gets on the streets. Excellent directing, outstanding acting, perfect score (although near the end I thought I was watching a rap video) and great writing, except for the ending that I felt was a little underwhelming. 8/10 from me
A story of identity and friendship
samuelialderete19 February 2018
Blindspotting is 2018's refresher of comedy and drama. It is a story of identity and friendship from the perspective of an ex-convict trying to make it out of a halfway house in the city of Oakland. Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal bring a great performance to screen through beats of intense action and lyrical commentary on issues faced in real life.
Favorite film of 2018
nickmahar-581-962031 December 2018
There are a lot of films that attempt different social issues but most seem forced and preaching. Blindspotting is organic and has such a real texture.
I've read some of the other reviews and none of them understand the characters in the film are very real. If you have ever lived in the bay, you know these people are real. Everything in the film comes from natural situations that happen without forcing it down your throat and show how one thing can lead to another. I've watched it multiple times and shown countless people and not a single person walked away from the film not blown away
I've read some of the other reviews and none of them understand the characters in the film are very real. If you have ever lived in the bay, you know these people are real. Everything in the film comes from natural situations that happen without forcing it down your throat and show how one thing can lead to another. I've watched it multiple times and shown countless people and not a single person walked away from the film not blown away
Powerful
view_and_review27 July 2018
While in the theaters for another movie I saw a trailer for Blindspotting and thought, "This looks OK. Nothing special just OK." Then sometime later I saw a second trailer and thought, "Hmmm, this looks like something I may want to watch." I'm so glad I watched it.
The movie is incredible. Now, a little disclaimer: I definitely gave it a star or two more for being Oakland based and Oakland themed. And it wasn't simply that Oakland, California was the backdrop, no! It was thoroughly Oakland from the soundtrack, to the BART train, to the big wheel bikes, the big rim scrapers, the neighborhoods, and of course the A's, the Warriors, and the Raiders. Blindspotting definitely appeals to the Bay Area niche but it also has a larger universal appeal for anyone living in an urban area.
This movie was so well written, directed, and acted--they hit the trifecta. The center focus was the two main characters, Collin (Daveed Diggs), who is an African-American male on probation and Miles (Rafael Casal), who is a white male that is Collin's best friend and a bit of a loose canon. The dynamics between them was so fascinating and illustrated so well: a black man trying to be straight and having to be extra careful and a white man who is almost completely reckless yet not having the same fears.
But the movie tackled more than that. It covered gentrification, police brutality, living as a black felon and living as a white male who's just a product of his environment. It deftly handled all of these sensitive and delicate topics without offending the sensibilities or coming off trite. There was some powerful imagery, some powerful situations and even more powerful dialogue. The script was clever, intelligent and so spot on. Blindspotting is Oakland's Do the Right Thing, or Boyz n the Hood, or even more appropriate--Good Will Hunting.
This has been the best movie I've seen this year and that's saying a lot. I hope the writers, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, get their due recognition as well as the director Carlos Lopez Estrada. This movie could not have been easy to pull off and I think they all did a magnificent job.
The movie is incredible. Now, a little disclaimer: I definitely gave it a star or two more for being Oakland based and Oakland themed. And it wasn't simply that Oakland, California was the backdrop, no! It was thoroughly Oakland from the soundtrack, to the BART train, to the big wheel bikes, the big rim scrapers, the neighborhoods, and of course the A's, the Warriors, and the Raiders. Blindspotting definitely appeals to the Bay Area niche but it also has a larger universal appeal for anyone living in an urban area.
This movie was so well written, directed, and acted--they hit the trifecta. The center focus was the two main characters, Collin (Daveed Diggs), who is an African-American male on probation and Miles (Rafael Casal), who is a white male that is Collin's best friend and a bit of a loose canon. The dynamics between them was so fascinating and illustrated so well: a black man trying to be straight and having to be extra careful and a white man who is almost completely reckless yet not having the same fears.
But the movie tackled more than that. It covered gentrification, police brutality, living as a black felon and living as a white male who's just a product of his environment. It deftly handled all of these sensitive and delicate topics without offending the sensibilities or coming off trite. There was some powerful imagery, some powerful situations and even more powerful dialogue. The script was clever, intelligent and so spot on. Blindspotting is Oakland's Do the Right Thing, or Boyz n the Hood, or even more appropriate--Good Will Hunting.
This has been the best movie I've seen this year and that's saying a lot. I hope the writers, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, get their due recognition as well as the director Carlos Lopez Estrada. This movie could not have been easy to pull off and I think they all did a magnificent job.
A love Letter To Oakland.
samf200622 July 2018
This is the most Oakland movie ever created in my opinion, the film oozes with so much Town flavor that I fear a plethora of hipsters will soon enough come flocking from all over, trying to claim the Bay as their new home.
Pros: everything from the writing to the directing & acting was on point, I also loved the breakdown of the word Blindspotting & how we all are guilty of such action.
Cons: No Mr. FAB cameo, I was waiting to see him show up in some capacity.
Pros: everything from the writing to the directing & acting was on point, I also loved the breakdown of the word Blindspotting & how we all are guilty of such action.
Cons: No Mr. FAB cameo, I was waiting to see him show up in some capacity.
not bad for first movie directed
natcalgary12 November 2018
This was exactly what I expected. A afro-centric movie about race relations. Suprisingly it was shot very well, and the acting was very good. It didn't have that "try to hard" feel that a lot of movie from this genre have.
I would give it a solid 6.4
I would give it a solid 6.4
Powerful
usernamenow21 July 2018
Blindspotting is a film about Collin (Daveed Diggs) as he spends his last 3 days of probation trying to stay out of trouble. Once completed, he can move out of the halfway house he's living in and move on with his life. He works at a moving company with his best friend Miles (Rafael Casal).
The film is fantastic. The direction, writing (written by both Diggs and Casal), and acting are all incredible. Themes of loyalty, race, class, perception, gentrification, and violence are all intertwined without feeling forced, and there's amazing beauty to it all. At times its funny, at times its hard to watch, but its always gripping.
Just as real world issues have always inspired art, this film is very topical. Many of the current issues America is facing are addressed, and its powerful.
Keep an eye on Diggs and Casal. I wouldn't be surprised if they get an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay. And even if not, they did an absolutely brilliant job writing this film, and I hope for more from them like this.
Go watch this film. You won't regret it.
The film is fantastic. The direction, writing (written by both Diggs and Casal), and acting are all incredible. Themes of loyalty, race, class, perception, gentrification, and violence are all intertwined without feeling forced, and there's amazing beauty to it all. At times its funny, at times its hard to watch, but its always gripping.
Just as real world issues have always inspired art, this film is very topical. Many of the current issues America is facing are addressed, and its powerful.
Keep an eye on Diggs and Casal. I wouldn't be surprised if they get an Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay. And even if not, they did an absolutely brilliant job writing this film, and I hope for more from them like this.
Go watch this film. You won't regret it.
Robbin' Hood
writers_reign15 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
As a white Englishman who's never even been to Frisco let alone Oakland it's difficult to empathise with anything going on here yet clearly it is a labor of love and the performances, especially the two leads, are exceptional. It's had a low-key release here in the UK and as I write it is playing at only two theatres in London and at the showing I attended there was only one other person in the audience. Whilst it would certainly help if you were a viewer with even an entry-level knowledge of the themes it is definitely worth seeing.
An Amazing Film...We Need More Like It
stansolomon-744-39172321 July 2018
1. Those hoping to see an exciting but totally realistic film WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
2. Those hoping to see a serious film dealing with a disturbing problem in today's America WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
3. Those hoping to see incredible acting and incredible film-making by Hollywood new-comers WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
4. Those hoping to see a film that (a) sparks much thought and discussion afterwards AND (b) affects one deeply WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Hopefully this film will be remembered when The Academy prepares its list of 2018 Oscar nominees.
Hopefully this film will be remembered when The Academy prepares its list of 2018 Oscar nominees.
Complicated Situations
stevendbeard31 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I saw "Blindspotting", starring Daveed Diggs-Black_ish_tv, Wonder; Rafael Casal-his first movie; Janina Gavankar-Sleepy Hollow_tv, True Blood_tv and Ethan Embry-The Walking Dead_tv, Sweet Home Alabama.
This is a look at race relations and how complicated things can get. Daveed-who is black-and Rafael-who is white-are best buds and have been since they were kids. Daveed is currently on probation and only has 3 days left before he is a free man-so he does not want to mess it up. It's not easy since Rafael is always acting 'gangster' and waving fire arms around while getting into fights. They both work for a moving company and Janina is their boss. Daveed used to date Janina but something happened that cooled their relationship, and sent Daveed to jail-that is why he is on probation. One night, just before his 11:00 pm curfew, Daveed sees Ethan, a white policeman, shoot an unarmed black man-he only shoots him 4 times in the back-and then Ethan gets a 'That_a_boy' for shooting an 'armed' man. At least, that's his story. The dilemma arises; should Daveed come forward and tell the truth and possibly get into trouble that would mess up his parole or keep quite? FYI: Daveed & Rafael are actually friends in real life and they both wrote and produced the movie. Oh yeah, the term blindspotting refers to seeing something or a situation and there being two different responses to what is seen. An example that is used in the movie is a picture of a vase that can also look like two people facing each other.
It's rated "R" for language, violence, drug use and sexual content-no nudity-and has a running time of 1 hour & 35 minutes.
It's not one that I would buy on DVD-once was enough-but it would be a good rental.
"Blindspotting" by Rafeal Casal
julianxl-5280320 March 2018
"Blindspotting" follows the story of an ex-convict living out his last month of probation. And with his childhood friend regularly getting into trouble, staying clean proves difficult. But after witnessing something terrible, he carries on, walking the streets of Oakland, playing the same scene in his mind over, and over again. Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal create the perfect friendship in this film, showing their support for one another, even through the hard times. This movie showcases amazing cinematography, dialogue, and humour; deals with the topic of racial tension and shows how each character bears that in their own way
Oakland is in the House
subxerogravity23 July 2018
I never been to Oakland myself but I do feel like I got a real insight of what's going on there after watching Blindspotting.
It's funny as hell as it tells the story of Collin, an ex-con trying to get through probation without slipping, but find that hard to do while chillin with his old friends.
Blindspotting is hilarious, without a doubt. It's one of those kind of funny that makes you laugh cause you know all too well the observation the film is making. From Gentrification, to the integration of black culture, we all see it happening and when the movie points it out to us we laugh in agreement.
Makes me want to see Sorry to Bother you Again. I can't help but to think about it when I see what's going on in this film. Both movies have in common a focus on African American ideals with an ensemble cast that is truly diverse, but while Sorry to Bother You takes it's bizarre to a new level, Blindspotting keeps it more tame. Most likely to get that message across
that message being this is funny and you should go see it.
It's funny as hell as it tells the story of Collin, an ex-con trying to get through probation without slipping, but find that hard to do while chillin with his old friends.
Blindspotting is hilarious, without a doubt. It's one of those kind of funny that makes you laugh cause you know all too well the observation the film is making. From Gentrification, to the integration of black culture, we all see it happening and when the movie points it out to us we laugh in agreement.
Makes me want to see Sorry to Bother you Again. I can't help but to think about it when I see what's going on in this film. Both movies have in common a focus on African American ideals with an ensemble cast that is truly diverse, but while Sorry to Bother You takes it's bizarre to a new level, Blindspotting keeps it more tame. Most likely to get that message across
that message being this is funny and you should go see it.
Not a very well-executed vision
lamiaaos21 August 2018
Blindspotting is a film with some very strong scenes interspersed inbetween a wider array of more or less average ones.
It tries to delve into a series of heavyweight issues of the likes of racism and discrimination for the average non-white man living in today's world, and despite it trying to portray this via an unorthodox approach than usual, it doesn't always succeed in the delivery. That said, it does have its moments, but they are far and few.
In addition to that, this film had an overall vibe that made it more suited to be acted out as a play than in a film.
All in all, this film does okay in most departments, but its unremarkable and anticlimactic ending as well as the overall uneventful story makes it dismally unsuccessful in conveying its message to its viewers.
It tries to delve into a series of heavyweight issues of the likes of racism and discrimination for the average non-white man living in today's world, and despite it trying to portray this via an unorthodox approach than usual, it doesn't always succeed in the delivery. That said, it does have its moments, but they are far and few.
In addition to that, this film had an overall vibe that made it more suited to be acted out as a play than in a film.
All in all, this film does okay in most departments, but its unremarkable and anticlimactic ending as well as the overall uneventful story makes it dismally unsuccessful in conveying its message to its viewers.
Best movie i've seen in awhile
markustanglokken5 March 2019
The movie is about friendship, and the problems in our society today when it comes to black lives matter. Still it has alot of comedy and also very intense scenes where i felt my heartbeat go fast. I absolutely would recommend this movie. It's a master piece and have alot of good acting.
Oaklandish as hell!
donaldricco30 November 2018
I loved this film! A perfect balance of comedy and intense drama, well acted, and well written! It touches on so many relevant, current issues - race, guns, police brutality, gentrification, families, friendship, etc.. And there are so many memorable scenes - the Uber, the Scorpion, the boat sale, and the powerful rap at the end. Whoo! AND, it's all set in Oakland! I'm going to watch it again, and maybe even buy a copy! That's how damn good it is!
Instant Indie Classic
mikelicari7 December 2018
I was very much surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. I am still thinking about it a day later. Not too many movies have this much character development that you can actually understand each character's point of view. Action, comedy, and drama all in one well put together story.
Mixes comedy and drama well without quite mastering either
jtindahouse3 December 2019
During 'Blindspotting' I kept thinking that it reminded me of another movie, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was. The reason I couldn't pin it down was because it reminded of a cross between three movies: 'Training Day', 'Clerks' and 'Friday'. It has little aspects of each blended in together to make for a unique film.
The interesting thing is that one of those movies is not like the other two in the sense that it is very serious. 'Blindspotting' has moments where it takes itself very seriously, and others where it feels like a flat-out comedy. It never really commits one way or the other. It does both well, but neither expertly.
This is a very well acted movie. The whole cast is great but especially the main two Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. I felt like they really understood the project and what the director was trying to get out of it. They never over-act, yet they are gripping to watch. I liked 'Blindspotting' and the message it brought, but it never had that moment that made me fall in love with it.
The interesting thing is that one of those movies is not like the other two in the sense that it is very serious. 'Blindspotting' has moments where it takes itself very seriously, and others where it feels like a flat-out comedy. It never really commits one way or the other. It does both well, but neither expertly.
This is a very well acted movie. The whole cast is great but especially the main two Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. I felt like they really understood the project and what the director was trying to get out of it. They never over-act, yet they are gripping to watch. I liked 'Blindspotting' and the message it brought, but it never had that moment that made me fall in love with it.
A very moving film!
junito198914 April 2018
In a nutshell, the movie was an emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing in many parts, but also drove me to tears a second later.
The writing and directing are phenomenal. The visuals are pristine!
The acting was great! I loved the chemistry our two protagonists had with each other.
I can't wait for the release so I can watch this again in theaters.
The writing and directing are phenomenal. The visuals are pristine!
The acting was great! I loved the chemistry our two protagonists had with each other.
I can't wait for the release so I can watch this again in theaters.
Good but misses its own point
Jacobs4329 November 2019
I'm not sure if it was intentional or not, but at the end it appears that the writers missed their own point. Do not the main characters, and others in their communities, have a blind spot in how they view police and their actions, and the actions of those that come into conflict with the police?
Don't Miles and Collin go right on blindspotting one another? Right before Collin's confrontation in the last moving job, he starts to see Miles in light of all his dangerous and out-of-control behavior, and in the final scene he seems to have willfully blinded himself to those facts again. Miles throughout the film seems to blindspot the new, improving Collin, even when he consciously acknowledges it.
Again, maybe some or all of this was intentional but I think it will get washed out by the anti-police narrative.
Don't Miles and Collin go right on blindspotting one another? Right before Collin's confrontation in the last moving job, he starts to see Miles in light of all his dangerous and out-of-control behavior, and in the final scene he seems to have willfully blinded himself to those facts again. Miles throughout the film seems to blindspot the new, improving Collin, even when he consciously acknowledges it.
Again, maybe some or all of this was intentional but I think it will get washed out by the anti-police narrative.
A highly entertaining buddy flick that also has a large amount of social commentary too (that's very fitting to today's most common headlines).
Hellmant27 July 2018
'BLINDSPOTTING': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A comedy-drama about a black parolee, who's almost done with his sentence, that witnesses a racially charged police shooting, and also has to deal with his trouble making best friend. The movie stars Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, two lifelong best friends that also wrote the screenplay (based on their real life experiences living in Oakland). The film was directed by first time feature filmmaker Carlos López Estrada, and it's received almost unanimous rave reviews from critics. I really enjoyed it as well.
Collin (Diggs) is on his last three days of parole, and he's really hoping to start a fresh new life for himself when he's done. He works with his best friend Miles (Casal), at a moving job in Oakland. While Collin is trying to leave his violent troubled life behind him, Miles (who's white) seems to keep seeking out trouble. To complicate things even more Collin also witness a white police officer (Ethan Embry) shoot and kill a black man in the streets one night, while he's out after his curfew. This continues to haunt him.
The movie is funny, and it's two lead characters are both likable (in very different ways) and relatable (also in very different ways). Collin is definitely the more likable of the two, but the film also does a pretty good job of depicting Miles' troubles as well, in an equally sympathetic way. The movie is a really well made buddy flick, that also has a large amount of really insightful and intriguing social commentary too (that's very fitting to today's most common headlines). It's definitely a film worth seeing in my opinion.
A comedy-drama about a black parolee, who's almost done with his sentence, that witnesses a racially charged police shooting, and also has to deal with his trouble making best friend. The movie stars Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, two lifelong best friends that also wrote the screenplay (based on their real life experiences living in Oakland). The film was directed by first time feature filmmaker Carlos López Estrada, and it's received almost unanimous rave reviews from critics. I really enjoyed it as well.
Collin (Diggs) is on his last three days of parole, and he's really hoping to start a fresh new life for himself when he's done. He works with his best friend Miles (Casal), at a moving job in Oakland. While Collin is trying to leave his violent troubled life behind him, Miles (who's white) seems to keep seeking out trouble. To complicate things even more Collin also witness a white police officer (Ethan Embry) shoot and kill a black man in the streets one night, while he's out after his curfew. This continues to haunt him.
The movie is funny, and it's two lead characters are both likable (in very different ways) and relatable (also in very different ways). Collin is definitely the more likable of the two, but the film also does a pretty good job of depicting Miles' troubles as well, in an equally sympathetic way. The movie is a really well made buddy flick, that also has a large amount of really insightful and intriguing social commentary too (that's very fitting to today's most common headlines). It's definitely a film worth seeing in my opinion.
Diggs, well done.
hallbanks16 February 2019
This film is unique in its own way. Blends of horror, comedy, drama, and truth create what could've been an amazing film. The political stance is a bit much, but the acting of Daveed Diggs was fantastic.
This film created a scenario that degraded white people, but it also showed the truth of what African Americans face.
Cons: stereotypical and political Pros: some truth behind the film
This film created a scenario that degraded white people, but it also showed the truth of what African Americans face.
Cons: stereotypical and political Pros: some truth behind the film
The quest for Poetic Justice
ThurstonHunger8 June 2019
Trying to strictly avoid spoilers, definitely recommend seeing this, perhaps knowing less about it going in is a plus.
The film is artful and smart while covering some serious wounds. Nine years in the making and the genuine friendship of the two main dates back before that and shines through even in the darkest moments here.
Words often fail, and they'll never stop a speeding bullet, but they still mean something. This is not cinema verite, you can find that on the nightly news sadly.
At times it was odd to enjoy such a creative encapsulation of multiple destructive forces. Amazing effort by cast and crew...in scanning the reviews, if you want something real this *may* disappoint you, but "Blindspotting" like the times themselves is surreal.
The film is artful and smart while covering some serious wounds. Nine years in the making and the genuine friendship of the two main dates back before that and shines through even in the darkest moments here.
Words often fail, and they'll never stop a speeding bullet, but they still mean something. This is not cinema verite, you can find that on the nightly news sadly.
At times it was odd to enjoy such a creative encapsulation of multiple destructive forces. Amazing effort by cast and crew...in scanning the reviews, if you want something real this *may* disappoint you, but "Blindspotting" like the times themselves is surreal.
Funny way to blame Portland for moving down to oakland
petera0013 November 2018
This movie is so damned funny because for years we in Washington state and Seattle blamed smug Californians for moving up here. Instead these guys blame Portland hipsters for taking over their neighborhoods lol! Just annex the damn states already. Most of us up here who are locally born don't even like most Californians anyways hahaha. Now because of tech these idiots write a screenplay of which they blame hipsters and not the tech industry. Like get a clue man.... Pnwers do not look to move to Oakland. Most don't want to because of the smug (and act like their cool) attitudes of Californians. And those that do are typically rich kids who had money already.
A Stuggle To Watch
Coogan-0114 October 2018
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