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Lackawanna Blues

Play trailer Poster for Lackawanna Blues TV-14 2005 1h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
75% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In the 1950s and '60s, young Ruben Santiago Jr. (Marcus Franklin) lives in a lively boardinghouse in the blue-collar town of Lackawanna, New York, with his father (Jimmy Smits) after his parents separate. Run by the motherly Nanny Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson) and her taciturn husband (Terrance Dashon Howard), the boardinghouse residents, including The Bandleader (Mos Def), singer Pauline (Macy Gray) and cabaret owner Dick Barrymore (Ernie Hudson), teach the young boy about life and art.

Critics Reviews

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John Leonard New York Magazine/Vulture 01/23/2018
Even in deep-pore close-ups, it's not stagey in the slightest; it's been crosscut to a Godfather-ly fare-thee-well, and there are some Orson Welles palm prints all over a snow-globe shot. Go to Full Review Richard Roeper Ebert & Roeper 01/31/2005
It's a wonderful lead performance. Go to Full Review Film Threat 12/06/2005
3/5
Phil Hall Film Threat 08/26/2005
1.5/5
Everyone's efforts were sadly wasted. Go to Full Review Amber Wilkinson Eye for Film 02/19/2005
5/5
Bursting at the seams with talented performers, no one misses a beat, conjuring up an atmosphere so vivid, you can taste it. Go to Full Review Harvey S. Karten Compuserve 02/11/2005
B+
An invigorating movie full of sexual energy. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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steve d 12/24/2022 The actors rather than the script make this one work. See more 11/29/2017 I love this movie and it has a great cast. See more 02/11/2015 I found this to be an excellent movie, one you must have in your movie library. The whot cast is excellent, you will enjoy every moment from start to finish I guarantee. See more 09/15/2012 Well developed characters and touching story. It truly highlighted the era and one woman's undying strength and service to others. Merkerson was spectacular along with so many others of the cast. Great ensemble. See more 09/10/2012 Love this movie... This how we use to do...When we onced our own.... See more 05/17/2012 A must see! outstanding movie! See more Read all reviews
Lackawanna Blues

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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George C. Wolfe

Director

S. Epatha Merkerson

Rachel "Nanny" Crosby

Marcus Carl Franklin

Ruben Santiago Jr.

Yasiin Bey

The Bandleader

Jeffrey Wright

Mr. Paul

Jimmy Smits

Ruben Santiago Sr.

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Lackawanna Blues

Lackawanna Blues (2005) Lackawanna Blues (2005) Lackawanna Blues (2005) Lackawanna Blues (2005) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1950s and '60s, young Ruben Santiago Jr. (Marcus Franklin) lives in a lively boardinghouse in the blue-collar town of Lackawanna, New York, with his father (Jimmy Smits) after his parents separate. Run by the motherly Nanny Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson) and her taciturn husband (Terrance Dashon Howard), the boardinghouse residents, including The Bandleader (Mos Def), singer Pauline (Macy Gray) and cabaret owner Dick Barrymore (Ernie Hudson), teach the young boy about life and art.
Director
George C. Wolfe
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Jan 16, 2007
Runtime
1h 35m