Do the Right Thing (1989)

Two Geeks and a GIT Classic Movie Reviews

The second film in our pairing of stories which were inspired by, and affected, race relations of the era, we turn to one of the most consistent voices speaking through the medium, writer/director Spike Lee. His 1989 film, "Do the Right Thing," follows a day in the life of neighborhood resident Mookie (Lee) as he navigates his various responsibilities, primarily working for local pizzeria owner Sal (Danny Aiello). He's also dealing with Sal's sons Pino (John Turturro) and Vito (Richard Edwon), and his rather reactionary friend Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito). Due to a heat wave, tempers are short and relationships begin to fray. We're also introduced to local fixtures Da Mayor (Ossie Davis) and Mother Sister (Ruby Dee), as well as Mookie's sister Jade (Joie Lee) and his girlfriend (and mother of his child) Tina (Rosie Perez), and hear the day narrated by local DJ Mister Senor Love Daddy (Samuel L. Jackson). As the heat rises, anger bubbles over between the African-Americans, the Hispanics, the Koreans, and the police, resulting in the death of another well-known local, which turns out to be the spark to light the fuse of rebellion once and for all! As celebrated critic Roger Ebert wrote, "'Do the Right Thing' doesn't ask its audiences to choose sides; it is scrupulously fair to both sides, in a story where it is our society itself that is not fair." And finally, Buddy, Chad, and Jeff reveal which two films they'll be reviewing for their 400th episode pairing!