The Jazz Singer

Critics are too hard on this film. Yes, for a remake of a classic, this is nothing terrific. Still, the 1980 remake of the Jazz Singer has as many moments as the original did. The opening montage alone is worth renting this movie. A 2 minute music video / opening shows the real streets of New York City and the people that live there. Opening with the statue of liberty, the camera showcases all the different colors, faces and cultures that New York City is made of. Yes Neil Diamond is not a terrific actor....HE'S A SINGER! The amazing talent of Laurence Olivier helps cancel out the bad acting from Neil Diamond. Still, for a singer, Diamond does a good job in this role. For fans of Neil Diamond, this is worth watching for the music alone. Still, I was hoping, out of respect for the original Jazz Singer, have some of the remake made into a silent film. All in all, a nice little movie with good music, even for 1980.