Rating: 
Summary: Don't pay the 50 bucks!
Review: Neil Diamond is, well, Neil Diamond after all, in this good story about a Cantor's son/musician trying to break ranks with his Jewish heritage and family tradition. Neil's acting is okay and of course, Sir Lawrence Olivier is great, Luci Arnez does a respectible job in the film as well. What speaks to us music lovers is THE MUSIC, some wonderful tunes and a not-so-bad love story. Now that brings us to the question of "Why is this DVD SO DARN EXPENSIVE?!" It's worth about [money amount], if that and I won't buy it, I still have the VHS version and will store it in a nice cool place and bring it out once or twice a year to watch it with pleasure. Don't get suckered into some auction and pay more than you should for a used version, maybe if we're patient with Amazon, they will bring their price down, hmmm?
Rating: 
Summary: the jazz singer
Review: i was very dissapointed when i received the video to find out it was a copy of the original and the cover was a poorly copied of the original put into a clear case. i was very dissapointed that i didn't get an original tape and that it didn't say it was a copy when i bidded on it.
Rating: 
Summary: Viewer
Review: One of the most beautiful, true to life (or how it should be for all), stories about family, separation, love, need to do your own thing in life, never giving up hope, the power we have in our hearts to heal & forgive & love even more than before. Of course the cast, while not only perfectly selected, are enormously talented. If you missed it or were too young to see it when it first came out, be sure to see it now!
Rating:
Summary: Hello Again, Hello...
Review: Wow! I really love this movie and I own the DVD. Neil at his songwriting best. Perhaps if the critics who have never been in a movie themselves had lightened up a little, the movie would've fared better. I wanted to see more a struggle for Jess' rise to stardom and conflicts with his family, Maybe not making it so easy for him to leave his first wife.But I love this movie and believe it or not, I saw this movie in the theatre and was a Diamondgirl after!
Rating: 
Summary: The movie that closed out the memory of a lifetime
Review: After reading the reviews online of Neil Diamond's "cheesy" songs and bad acting and unrealistic script, I'd like to describe the kind of person this movie would appeal to: A young and naive musician with dreams. Yes, it is immediately recognizable that the L.A. music biz isn't as easy as depicted as in The Jazz Singer, but imagine being 17 years old and seeing this movie with a most delightful brunette from Kansas after both actually falling in love at first sight. Imagine only 5 days of actually spending time with the girl you only met on night 1, her from Kansas City, Kansas, you from Virginia. After already playing and singing songs for her (Neil Diamond songs among them), seeing the Jazz singer was the coup de gras of the last night together for this young couple. The hopes and dreams of the jewish Jess Robinovitch (Neil Diamond) resonated strongly with this young catholic boy. This starry eyed 17 year old was permitted to dream along with Jess Robinovitch while having the lovely Kansas vision sitting right next to him. The confusion and strain Jess felt between the tugs of family and his music resonated and the music was dreamy and could be sung along with easily, although not wishing to impede the enjoyment of Neil's voice. Hey, it's understandable about some of the critiques of Neil Diamond's music in the rest of the 80's (a.k.a. lounge music), but it is the opinion of this reviewer 23 years later, that he reached the height of his songwriting career when it comes to a whole body of music. If nothing else, the soundtrack is a keeper and worth another listen. The young couple, both married now happily, only to other people. Here's to dedicating Neil Diamond's "The Jazz Singer" to she who helped create memories that will never be forgotten. Thank you, Neil, for the benefit of the the music and the vision acted on the silver screen.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable
Review: I own it, I see it often, and I share it with friends. What else can you say??? This is basically is an updated version of original Al Jolson story brought to present times. Working with Sir Lawrence Oliver must have given Neil many sleepless nights, how could it not be. Having said that, Neil's performance was outstanding in all areas. Neil Diamond's ability as a song writer and concert showman came through in this movie and this allowed his fans to see another demention to his personality. As I see it, he did an excellent job, and the movie is very enjoyable. Though he has not made another movie, his singing is still the best. I beleive this picture will eventually become a classic. I also believe that this movie sends a good message to all that although we can respect our parents, that holding out for our own dreams is the way to go.
Rating:
Summary: if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would
Review: this movie didn't do very well among those who are not diamondheads. but if you are one, as I am, this is a great movie to have. the story is classic and neil does a great job as the lead. this is a movie well worth the money paid for it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Music + Great Plot = 5 Stars
Review: Even if you're not a big fan of Diamond's music, the plot of this movie will still strike a touching chord. Many people will be able to identify with the father/son conflict. This movie not only gives insight into how the music industry (especially the search for new talent) works, but is also inspiring to those who dream of becoming successful musicians themselves. Although released in 1980, the story is universal and still applies today (even the romance in the sub-plot is well done). Fans of Neil Diamond will love the many songs in this movie, but the songs also work as an integral part of the plot (this is not a mere venue for Diamond to show off his musical talents). Although he's not a professional actor, Diamond was perfect for this role. In fact, all of the actors in this movie were brilliant. This is my favorite movie, and my only complaint is that it's hard to find (practically non-existent in video stores).
Rating:
Summary: Neil Diamond is ENTERTAINMENT!
Review: I loved Neil Diamond - he came across great in this movie even thought he's of course not an actor. He's a GREAT entertainer, though, and his love of music, and his audience to give them what they wanted was apparent. I watch this movie over and over again. The music makes you feed good!Music tract is an A++++ = 5 stars all the way. Saw him in concert in the early 90's - he's awsome!
Rating:
Summary: MAINLY GOOD FOR NEIL DIAMOND FANS ONLY!
Review: I ONLY GAVE 4 STARS BECAUSE THE MOVIE LACKS SOMETHING TO GIVE IT MASS APPEAL. I FIND THAT IF YOU LIKE AND APPRECIATE NEIL DIAMOND AT ALL IN THE FIRST PLACE YOU WILL PROBABLY FEEL THE SAME ABOUT THIS MOVIE. IF YOU CAN NOT STAND NEIL OR HIS MUSIC THAN DO NOT TOUCH THIS MOVIE WITH A TEN FOOT POLE. I MYSELF DO LIKE NEIL DIAMOND MUSIC BECAUSE OF MY WELL ROUNDED OPEN-MINDED THOUGHT PROCESS. ANYWAY, FOR ANYONE WHO EVER FELT THE URGE TO BECOME AN ENTERTAINER OR BECOME A ROCK STAR OF ANY SORT, I RECCOMEND THIS MOVIE BECAUSE OF WHAT INSIGHT INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IT DOES OFFER. ONLY THE CLOSE-MINDED, BRAIN-DEAD, GOING-NOWHERE, "NOBODY's" WILL ABSOLUTELY SWEAR THERE IS NOTHING TO LEARN FROM WATCHING THIS MOVIE. REMINDS ME OF THE WELL WORN PHRASE, "YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER, BUT YOU CAN NOT MAKE IT DRINK"!
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