The Jazz Singer (1980)

Pop Culture Phenomenon Films: 80’s (1473 movies items)

" Jess Robin dreams of a career in popular music, but his father, Cantor Rabinovitch, forbids it, insisting Jess live as a traditional Jew and inherit his position at the synagogue. With the help of friend and professional musician Bubba, Jess gets a chance to go to Los Angeles and have famous singer Keith Lennox record one of his songs. Defying both his father and his wife, Jess leaves New York to pursue his dreams. The Jazz Singer is a 1980 American drama film and a remake of the 1927 fil"

An average movie

“Since this movie has a rather lame reputation, I had some low expectations but, since it was starring Laurence Olivier, I thought I might as well check it out. To be honest, I have to admit that I had pretty much zero knowledge about Neil Diamond before watching this flick but it seemed that it was another rather misguided vanity project involving a music artist trying to get involved in the movie business such as ‘Glitter’, ‘Crossroads’, ‘Burlesque’, ‘Cool as Ice’, ‘From Justin to Kelly’, ‘Under the Cherry Moon’,… Well, it turned out to be a weird movie, that’s for sure. First of all, I have to admit that I haven't seen the original version from 1927 but this movie really had nothing to do with jazz so, if you are not aware that it was a remake, well, the title” read more

Random Moments, Random Films: Vol.1 (107 movies items)

"Directed by: Richard Fleischer Cinematography: Isidore Mankofsky "

Why It’s Rated (604 movies items)

"Rated: PG Why it’s rated: Mild profanity "

Tier Ranking: The Worst Films of 1980 - 1981 (35 movies items)

"For critics, Neil Diamond's foray into acting is a total miss in this gaudy and unconvincing remake, with Laurence Olivier on hand to deliver an excruciatingly campy performance. My thought: It may not be a great, but Neil Diamond tries his hardest with the movie. And you can’t fault him for that. The soundtrack is pretty great, too."

Favorite Drama Films: 1980-1981 (46 movies items)

" Directed by: Richard Fleischer and Sidney J. Furie Produced by: Jerry Leider and Joel Morwood Written by: Herbert Baker and Stephen H. Foreman Based on the film, “The Jazz Singer” and the play “The Day of Atonement” by: Samson Raphaelson Cinematography: Isidore Mankofsky Edited by: Maury Winetrobe Music by’ Leonard Rosenman Distributed by: Associated Films Distribution and EMI Films"