Jazz musicians and fans will love this
Added 5/29/2007
One of my favorites because it feels authentic and the ending has a nice twist. The film is not only about the jazz scene and the obsessive creative urge, but about friendship. Recommened by this jazz musician. I'd love to see this released on DVD... I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Excellent performances by Goldblum and Whitaker!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Life is lush
Added 5/12/2005
Life is lush. You're born... You play... You eat... You play... You drink... You play some more... then you die. What else is there. Enjoy the New York jazz scene. Enjoy the fine performances by Goldblum, Whittaker, and Kathy Baker. Mostly just enjoy the music; That's what this whole ball of wax is about. The End.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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jazz in the 80s
Added 6/23/2000
It was a little too kenny g-ish and impotent. A sign of the times, I suppose. The party was definitely, to me, a poor climax. I would have expected a more impromptu gathering where the players played, and there was a bit more wildness. As is, the movie is, as Goldblum explains to his about to depart wife, an affirmation, that "we're hip." And in that sense, it's a bit lame. Goldblum and Whitaker were both excellent, perhaps the best acting I've ever seen from either of them. They carry the movie beyond the somewhat one-dimensional dialogue (yeah, and we'll play!) and music that was okay, but not as good as the music in Mo Better Blues, another movie about a trumpeter. The scene when Goldblum's wife is supposed to be singing?? Trash. In fact, the wife more often than not, annoys me. But the scenes showing the two leads playing their instruments are great. Furhtermore, Forrest Whitaker had the talent, throughout the movie, to actually take the film "to the end."
8 out of 18 people found this helpful.
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Enjoyable comedy / drama with New York ambiance.
Added 5/5/1999
This movie has some great comedy lines, as well as thought-provoking drama. It focuses on the relationships of Al and Buddy, two musicians, and Al's wife. I've watched it many times; every time I watch it, I get something new out of it. Highly recommended for anyone who likes comedy, music, New York, or movies about relationships.
8 out of 9 people found this helpful.
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This is a "must" for anyone who plays &/or loves jazz music!
Added 3/9/1999
"Lush Life" is an outstanding and very "hip" portrayal of two jazz musicians making a living in the New York scene. Buddy and Al set the tone for the movie from the opening scene with a confident, but arrogant, statement of their musical abilities. Anyone who has performed or hung out with musicians will definitely relate to Buddy and Al on a much higher level. Many times I found myself saying, "Yeah, I've been there!" throughout their hilarious and crazy musical quips and trips. Mr. Goldblum and Mr. Whitaker also do one of the best acting jobs "faking it" on their respective musical instruments (tenor sax and trumpet). However, the movie takes on the dark side of the mortality issue with the realization that if you cannot do what you are the best at and love the most, then there is no reason for living. The ending takes on a very surrealistic edge. The musical score (by Lennie Niehaus)is terrific! I just wish the credits listed the song titles and that there was a soundtrack. If you love jazz music and musicians - buy this video!!! If you ARE a musician - buy this video!!! You won't regret it.
14 out of 15 people found this helpful.
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