Spike Lee's latest film, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' is generating buzz, but perhaps not for the reasons he intended. Despite critical praise in some circles, the film is reportedly struggling at the box office and facing harsh reviews from others.
One reviewer noted the effort to approach the film with an open mind, deliberately avoiding a rewatch of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic, 'High and Low,' the source material. The reviewer remembers Toshirō Mifune’s performance and the film's focus on class stratification.
However, 'Highest 2 Lowest' is described as a "real mess," riddled with odd choices that distract the audience and an overarching sense of Boomer nostalgia. The opening scene, featuring a classic showtune from 'Oklahoma!' sung over glossy shots of New York City, is particularly jarring. The juxtaposition of rural imagery with urban landscapes and skyscrapers feels out of place.
Denzel Washington as David King
We are introduced to music mogul David King (Denzel Washington) in his penthouse, conducting business. The reviewer questions the song choice, wondering if it's satire. However, the film never develops any meaning from this peculiar choice, leaving it as simply a "nice morning in New York City" and David King as a powerful figure. Other elements in the movie also contribute to the negative reception, including pacing issues, and a story that doesn't quite deliver.
A Missed Opportunity?
Ultimately, 'Highest 2 Lowest' appears to be a misfire, failing to capture the essence of its source material and struggling to find its own identity. The film's strange choices and tonal inconsistencies have left many viewers disappointed, making it a potentially cringeworthy remake of a classic.