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Make It Funky!

2005 1h 50m Documentary List
93% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
This poignant post-Katrina documentary looks at New Orleans' richly diverse musical history. Featuring performances from Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Snooks Eaglin and others, the concert film also culls from past interviews with performers, including Bonnie Raitt and Keith Richards, who reflect upon how the singular sound of New Orleans registers in their music. It's a celebration of African, Caribbean and French influences mingling with the Americana sounds of jazz, blues and gospel.

Critics Reviews

View All (14) Critics Reviews
Joel Selvin San Francisco Chronicle The brilliant colors, the vibrant flavors and sultry, seductive rhythms of New Orleans music serve to remind us how unique, beautiful and valuable the city and its heritage are to all of us in this country. Rated: 3/4 Oct 28, 2005 Full Review A.O. Scott New York Times Michael Murphy's documentary about the musical traditions of New Orleans can serve as an apt, wrenching elegy for the city's unique contribution to American culture. Rated: 4.5/5 Sep 9, 2005 Full Review Elizabeth Weitzman New York Daily News A suddenly vital biography, Make It Funky, pays apt homage to the unique gifts New Orleans has given its country over the last century. Watching it ought to inspire anyone to return the favor. Rated: 3/4 Sep 9, 2005 Full Review Scott Weinberg DVDTalk.com The sort of documentary that informs and educates through sheer passion, excitement, and, yes, downright funkiness. Rated: 4/5 Nov 13, 2005 Full Review Daniel Eagan Film Journal International Lively tribute to New Orleans' musical traditions takes on an added poignancy in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Oct 10, 2005 Full Review David Cornelius eFilmCritic.com Watching it now, with the devastation behind us, is a bittersweet affair. Rated: 3/5 Sep 20, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (6) audience reviews
Audience Member Entertaining documentary/concert that captures the musical culture of New Orleans Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie is a lively and educational history lesson on many aspects of New Orleans the city and many of the musicians who live and play there. Intersperced with interviews and shots of the different areas of the city is a live concert that was staged for the movie. My highlights were Allen Toussaint and another man playing "Tipitina" written by Professor Longhair. OMG! Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to boogie. An aside: This was filmed pre-Katrina, and that just makes me so sad for the wonderful community of artists and musicians who called N.O. home. I pray that they are all still alive, safe and making that beautiful music!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Entertaining documentary/concert that captures the musical culture of New Orleans Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member Love the music. Documentary on New Orleans music good, wish there was more to it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member It does a good job of explaining the roots of New Orleans music, but I wish there were more performances. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member A Great Insight If Your Into That Kinda Music Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Make It Funky!

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis This poignant post-Katrina documentary looks at New Orleans' richly diverse musical history. Featuring performances from Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Snooks Eaglin and others, the concert film also culls from past interviews with performers, including Bonnie Raitt and Keith Richards, who reflect upon how the singular sound of New Orleans registers in their music. It's a celebration of African, Caribbean and French influences mingling with the Americana sounds of jazz, blues and gospel.
Director
Michael Murphy
Producer
Cilista Eberle
Screenwriter
Michael Murphy
Production Co
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 3, 2016
Runtime
1h 50m
Sound Mix
Surround