Chi-Raq: Movie Review

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The heavy handed but thoroughly entertaining satire “Chi-Raq” reminded me quite of bit of director Spike Lee’s earlier films “She’s Gotta Have It”, and “School Daze”. This is a good thing. “Chi-Raq” is a modern day adaptation of Aristophanes ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” and centers on the increasing gang violence in Chicago.

When an 11-year-old girl is killed by a stray bullet, Lysistrata (Teyonah Parris) who is the girlfriend of Spartan gang leader Chi-Raq (Nick Cannon) decides that she has had enough of the killing. Lysistrata’s plan is to get the women of not only the Spartan gang but also the Trojan gang as well to swear off sex with their men until the violence stops. It takes a little convincing but the women follow Lysistrata’s lead. In order to draw more attention to their cause, Lysistrata and the women take over the local armory (unarmed), using their sexuality to take control. This inspires women from all over the world. Even the President of the United States isn’t getting any from the first lady.

“Chi-Raq” has a solid supporting cast, which includes Wesley Snipes as the scene stealing one-eyed Trojan gang leader Cyclops, Angela Bassett as Lysistrata’s neighbor, who takes her in, Jennifer Hudson as the mother of the slain girl, John Cusack as the local preacher and Samuel L. Jackson as Dolmedes, who shows up throughout the film with some words of wisdom.

“Chi-Raq” is preachy, but manages to entertain in the process. Spike Lee’s earlier works are definitely my favorites, with the exception of the fantastic 2006 crime flick “Inside Man”. Those who enjoyed the filmmaker’s earlier works will want to check this one out for sure. Teyonah Parris is also terrific here and Lee lets her shine.

By: Marc Ferman