The first of Spike Lee's cinematic “joints,” She's Gotta Have It elicited many rave reviews upon its theatrical debut in 1986. The Wall Street Journal called it “funny [and] sexy,” New York magazine deemed it “irresistibly enjoyable,” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed that it was told “with the brashness, inventiveness, and sheer determination of a young artist sure of his craft” and that its release “announced the arrival of a filmmaker to be reckoned with.” The intervening two decades have seen Lee mature significantly as a filmmaker, but the brashness and exuberance of his tyro effort still shines through. The film's protagonist is a young inner-city woman, Nola Darling (Tracy Camila Johns), who desperately craves romance…and more. But she's hard pressed to decide who among her would-be suitors is best qualified to give “it” to her. Will the lucky man be a romantic-but-possessive nice guy (Redmond Hicks), a flashy-but-vain fashion model (John Canada Terrell), or a fast-talking bike messenger (played by Lee)? Nola will receive quite an education in love and love-making before a decision is reached. Lee's subsequent films, many of which have been controversial, show a more assured talent at work, but for infectious fun you can't beat this early romp, finally bowing on DVD with a fine widescreen transfer, but no extras. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
She's Gotta Have It
MGM, 85 min., R, DVD: $19.98 April 28, 2008
She's Gotta Have It
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