Make It Funky!

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Make It Funky!

2005

1h 50m

Documentary

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

A Great Insight If Your Into That Kinda Music

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

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Michael Murphy

Director

Allen Toussaint

Self

Keith Richards

Self

Bonnie Raitt

Self

Irma Thomas

Self

Anthony Brown

Self

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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, Eugene C. Maillard
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