All Day and a Night (2020) User Reviews

Puzzling

[tomsawyer-01858 · 7/10 · 13 May 2020]

This movie starts rather slow, low as it leads you without information into a brutal murder of the parents of young girl. No explanation required, our biased position as a judge behind our screens has been established.

Then starts what I suspected would be a cheap attempt to make me have pity for his action. Probably the usual bad childhood, with a violent alcoholic father and sexual child abuse.

The non-linear cutting of scenes of different people who influence the young killer, with in-between scenes of his childhood starts as a puzzle, which slowly with growing intensity completes the picture.

The choices he had were they real choices ? Where's the exit of the tunnel?

Almost every scene has its memorable quotes. with deep psychological consequences.

The movie never gets low or cheap, on the contrary it rises until the end, which a good movie should do.

It always remains narrative, never trying to manipulate your judgement, except that at the end you may stop judging without knowing.

More than a Hood Movie, Less than a Classic

[mrsarieljd · 7/10 · 3 May 2020]

The main character, Jahkor, is complex and nuanced. Ashton Sanders has incredible acting chops for a young man his age. Jeffrey Wright delivers, as always, with unmatched versatility. His entire demeanor morphed into JD for this film. I also appreciate that it was actually set in East Oakland for an authentic feel. I enjoyed the story arc and how things came full circle.

Disappointed

[klittl-69145 · 5/10 · 3 May 2020]

I'm a Huge Ashton Sanders fan so I really wanted to like this movie but the writing just didn't do it for me. Great cinematography with beautiful colors and textures in the film but the script and storyline was very dry. I feel like this movie was a waste of the actors talents.

The movie had no soul... maybe the writers should do some more research on "the hood"

It is what it is... the city is the lead character

[dweber34 · 7/10 · 13 May 2020]

Teachers of fiction sometimes talk about setting as a character in a story. That's exactly what we have here. Those who say it's boring or a "typical hood movie" don't know much about Oakland -- or similar environments -- from the inside out.

The movie argues that people don't have many real choices. Some IMDB reviewers say the characters lack the will to overcome hardships. It's some of both, but if you've done more than drive through the city, you'll know there's a constant grimness to what you see and hear, even on sunny days, even when the Warriors held their parades. People live shortchanged, mocked by the Bay Area's natural beauty, by the once-majestic houses that stand throughout the town, even in "the hood."

People on both sides of the law are hard. Simply turning a corner onto a street where other drivers have chosen to stop and talk (and eff your hurry to get somewhere) can lead to violent conflict. Going into a 7-11, an auto parts store, whatever, can mean navigating strangers who put you on the spot with "fighting words."

The motor homes and tents of the homeless are everywhere. If you ask why the cops don't move them along, the answer is "they've got way too much else more important to do."

When you wake up every morning in that environment -- with routine everyday decisions carrying the potential to turn meaningful -- life becomes constant edgy irritation. The characters in "All Day..." face interactions with place as much as with the other characters. Like another recent movie set in the town, "Blindspotting," this movie captures the grind. And yeah, perhaps at the expense of more violence than needed and a slowish plot, but it tells the story in set out to tell.

Not just a "hood" movie

[e_d_cupido · 7/10 · 4 May 2020]

I think this movie has a smiliar feel too shotcaller with jamie lannister except that in shotcaller he had choices, this person is just a product of hes environment. Its not the most interesting story but its some great storytelling.

Ashton Sanders impresses the most

[r96sk · 7/10 · 1 May 2020]

I had a good time watching 'All Day and a Night'. You can see it's well made, has a strong cast and features an engaging story. It isn't perfect of course, but it's a more than decent film.

Ashton Sanders impresses the most in my opinion, he plays Jah excellently - I could appreciate what they were telling about his role, which is thanks to Sanders as much as it is to Joe Robert Cole & Co. Jeffrey Wright, who I like a lot as an actor, is up to scratch as J.D., even if his character comes across, at least to me, a little stereotypical at moments.

It's a story very nicely told, I like how it portrays it mostly via flashbacks. I guess you could argue a few parts are overly entwined, but overall I think they did a very solid job. Well worth a watch.

Boyz n the hood 21st century

[niranjan-1258 · 6/10 · 18 June 2022]

Don't try to remake a classic. This movie was aimed at speaking about the realities of African American men growing up in Oakland but seems like it was made by the very folks the protagonist hates so much. People who don't really know. There are so many tropes and clichés that by the end of the movie you can just guess what he's going to say next. JD's casting could and should have been better, the over the top hardass black father is so tired right now, we have much better movies covering these topics. The essence is good the execution is as very poor. Worth a one time watch.

What was the point?

[jinyaagha · 3/10 · 2 May 2020]

I watched the entire film and came away with nothing. What was the point? It's a stereotypical hood drama with an unoriginal plot and explicit violence. It's culturally regressive. I can't help but wonder why someone would finance this film. So cringey and played out. Jeffrey Wright, as usual, stands out and gives you a glimpse of his immense range an actor. Ashton Sanders pretty much plays the same character he played in the wu-tang series on Hulu. He's not good but not bad either. Overall Re-watch value: 0

Wanted to love it, but it's too slow

[laurenw-27217 · 6/10 · 8 May 2020]

Story starts out strong and intriguing, but ends up moving too slow. It'a sad to see how poverty affects kids lives and I like how it hops around from past to present, but the main character is pretty boring. I like his character as a kid and watching him process and deal with the messes that come his way, but him as an adult is nothing special. His best scene was in the bath with his girl cuz we got to see him actually show feelings, other than that he's stone cold. I hardly empathized with him even though I wanted to. Overall good story, but could have been a much better movie.

TWO HOURS ALL FOR WHAT??

[eseleokohesene · 3/10 · 2 May 2020]

Honestly I gotta ask what the point of this movie was, cause I got to the end still trying to figure if the motive was worth the time I sat to watch the movie. It just shows the life in the hood and the things that come with it, but nah aiint nothing special.

Powerful, yet misunderstood film (based on reviews)

[mwarmstrong · 9/10 · 9 May 2020]

Extremely powerful picture. What some may view as your stereotypical black film goes beyond that. The film is nuanced in such a way that those who can't begin to understand the life of a large number of minorities in America, and what they go through, may not appreciate. The film is not meant to be a gangster film, but a film that depicts multigenerational struggles, complex father-son relationships and the fight to break the cycle bred by systemic poverty and the pipeline to prison. A film that simply isn't meant for the ignorant minds of those who wish to stay ignorant, but those who understand the challenges in America.

Jeffrey Wright, per usual, is excellent in his character development and Ashton Sanders continues to flourish and grow as actor.

The lifecycle of people in the developing areas

[momomojojo · 6/10 · 14 May 2020]

Like movies when they start with the end, making it easier to follow and the plot is in the open. The story line is clear and leading, but it has some flash backs. Good acting like the camera work What I less like is a more surprising story make it less obvious because now it is classic hood life story.

IMMENSELY BORING AND EMINENTLY AVOIDABLE !!

[adisugar · 3/10 · 8 May 2020]

I read a review that 'All Night and a Day' has the potential to displace 'Dangerous Lies' which incidentally was a gripping, slow burn thriller. But I felt hoodwinked after 40 minutes of watching this tedious mundanity. I kept on watching for some redeeming twist that never came.

It begins on the premise and the promise of an impending mystery (holding you only for about15 minutes) but slowing fizzles out into meandering meaninglessness. It makes the movement of thick molasses look like an Olympian sprinter. Acting is flat, dialogues sound jarring.

If you have nothing else to do and have all the time.......even then you may steer clear of it. Just so, it can't hold a candle to 'Dangerous Lies'

Pretty Good

[britt-34464 · 7/10 · 18 July 2020]

Pretty good movie; glad to see Ashton and others. Instead of the same faces.

Not bad no boyz in the hood

[shawn_r_evans · 6/10 · 12 May 2020]

Jeffrey wright and ashton sanders carry the film very well. It was thought provoking and well acted.

Understanding

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 5 July 2020]

Actions have to make sense right? Now if someone you know was to be hurt by another person (I'm putting it mildly and it also happens right at the start of the movie), you'd be excused for wanting - actually make that needing answers to why. To have an understanding. It doesn't mean the pain would go away, but it might ease your mind a bit ... then again who is to say it would? It depends on the answer you'd be getting and your state of mind.

Now the movie deals with what happened to and what made our pulprit the way he ended up being .. it is not poetic justice, some may not even feel like it is any sort of justice ... it seems inevitable, no matter how good the intentions of those involved are or were. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger? There are merits to that, there are also merits to tough love ... but there also downfalls to both those ... it all depends on the individual and how it will be perceived and received ... and taken into (account). A drama that might rub you the wrong way, with timeline jumps that warrant your full attention. There is a reason why they compare this to Moonlight and highlight the fact that there are people involved from that movie ... this probably would be a good double bill

Average

[zhyarTheChosen · 6/10 · 14 November 2020]

It wasn't that big of a deal like they said but the overall ratting for this movie us more than correct

Generic " hood " movie .. Nothing to write home about.

[badappolproductions · 4/10 · 5 May 2020]

The acting didn't completely suck, but I just couldn't get past the terrible accents and unoriginal plot. This movie is supposed to take place in Oakland California, but the main characters sound nothing close. It really feels culturally regressive Overall. Hood drama done very predictably, reminds me why I prefer documentaries over underwhelming story telling.

My 1st Review Here!

[mdm3317 · 3/10 · 7 May 2020]

Spoiler Alert! Writing my 1st review due to this just being too negative. Incredibly negative from start to finish. Turns out he didn't even have a strong reason to kill the guy and his WIFE. Director could have added 1 more 5min scene, 25 yrs later, showing his son growing up and finally breaking the vicious cycle, becoming a doctor or lawyer.

I get it, the intent here wasn't to create a happy ending. However I hate when Directors don't give what audiences want. Most will want to experience 'some' positive emotions in a film, but zero here.

Beautifully Done

[tvcobelle · 9/10 · 2 May 2020]

Ashton Sanders is mysterious, brooding and complex, similar to his role in Moonlight.

Very disappointing to see reviewers reduce this beautifully done film down to a "hood movie".

If you simply appreciate good art, you'll savor every minute. Not for the squeamish. Not for those who do not like thinking while watching movies. Not for those who embrace prejudices.

Break The Cycle

[chrispule · 5/10 · 22 January 2021]

Product of my Own Environment POME

Decent flick about a broken family. Cycle repeats to the next Gen. Stereotypes & Bad Decisions all up in here. Seen this formula b4.

Jeffrey Wright had some strong scenes. But Yakya Abdul Mateen was the my main man here. Cannot wait to see him get larger lead roles. Ashton was nice.

Possible story but it's a secret??

[sgimera-34917 · 2/10 · 3 May 2020]

Looked like good cinematography, acting appeared fine. Sound mix is absolutely horrible. If there is a story be prepared to get much less than have if it delivered to you. Low whispers, music pumped in places. Looks like whatever this is trying to expose will remain hidden until the sound techs bring the important messages to the front!

😒

[miss_cindra · 5/10 · 13 May 2020]

So confusing it sad! Replayed a few scenes just still confused me

Good story with good performance

[boraaltun · 10/10 · 1 June 2020]

I really don't understand who doesn't like this movie. Most of them waiting for happy ending. Sorry guys, I have a bad news for you, art of cinema is not a stupid fairy tales, it's a mirror of real life. And yes, there are lives like these characters.

A movie I barely understood

[buchangordon-59487 · 5/10 · 22 November 2020]

Ok I will admit this started off strong with the mystery of why he murdered those two characters at the start but at the minute it starts flashing back it goes downhill I don't know why he murdered those two people because I kept falling asleep it was so boring and this was in the middle of the day so I wasn't tired or anything it was just simply qboring and I was confused on when was when when I didn't even finish the movie before I turn it off in conclusion I don't think you'll like this movie but that's just me if you want you can check it out and I do think some people could enjoy it