Graffiti Bridge

I got my fix of Graf. Bridge with a Prince movie marathon inside Bing Art Books- a cozy little bookstore that honored Prince with a nice watch-party in their intimate venue. This movie sees the return of Prince's character The Kid, along with foes Morris Day and Time, with special appearances from other musicians. The film follows on from Purple Rain in that as Prince is still competing with Morris to see who is the king of night time entertainment in Minneapolis. Only now Prince and Day don't just play in bands, they each own a club, and are in direct financial competition with one another. Day hatches a plan to get rid of Prince and take over his club (which is called the Glam Slam). Prince, though, isn't too concerned; he's more interested in getting all philosophical and spends most of the film running about with his poet girlfriend Aura. I feel very trendy and cosmopolitan after watching this.

I own this movie and have watched it several times throughout the years since it was released. Prince stuns us with his phenomenal acting style, he's an accomplished musician, and I feel like that is what he displayed here, he's just the best one to tell this story through influence. Most of this movie is straightforward and teenish but that is not the directors/writers fault, its rated PG-13 and thats better, nobody gon be traumatized when they chillin in front their tv, mild suspense is there, you can just have it randomly playing in the background and people are really receptive to this movie when you have mixed company over. Still it is a great movie with even better music. The principals and moral convictions in Graffiti Bridge are quite strong, and if more movies would rely on the basics we are taught as young children we would have a better all around environment seeing that art reflects life which reflects art.

Okay, okay, it's a mess, but it makes me feel good and I like watching it, okay? ;)

It's not bias, you understand: I am willing to admit that it's just as muddled as anyone else. And it took at least three viewings for me to understand what it was attempting to say. But I finally got the basic idea, and somehow it comforts me.

I'll try to explain since so many have grown confused by it in hopes of helping understanding.

The basic plot: Prince and Morris Day are co-owners of a club called Glam Slam. Prince represents good with flaws, Morris Day represents evil with potential good. It's a battle of good vs. evil for Glam Slam. Prince at first attempts to win with a wildly sexual song (after quite a few wildly sexual songs), but fails to do any good. But finally, he realizes that love and God's grace is the real way and wins with a heartfelt spiritual ballad called "Still Would Stand All Time". And he embraces Morris Day, who realizes the error of his ways, and everyone lives happily ever after.

Seriously, that's the basic idea. It's botched in its attempt, but that's what Prince was attempting to do: make a musical pop parable. And somehow, even with all its muddled attempts, the movie makes me smile and feel good about myself, the world and life in general. So to that end, I'm pleased to own it.

It's a mess and easily the weakest of the movies Prince made, and I don't watch it as much as his other ones by a long shot, but its good intentions and cheerful tone somehow entertain me. So hey, I like it, and I can think of a lot of other crummy films out there which I would diss any day to watch this instead.

In 1991, Prince was quoted as saying:

"Graffiti Bridge was one of the purest, most spiritual, uplifting things I've ever done. It was non-violent, positive and had no blatant sex scenes. Maybe it will take people 30 years to get it. They trashed The Wizard of Oz at first, too."

That quote has stuck with us over the years, so we decided to let three decades pass before bringing Prince's "Purple Rain" sequel, "Graffiti Bridge" back to the big screen. The follow-up to my all-time favorite movie remains a surreal viewing experience. If you never experienced this forgotten gem on the big screen, now's your chance. Limited run in select theatres or catch it at private function screenings by itself or with a movie thats purple.

After binge-watching Prince concerts I decided to check this movie out from the library for a school project. I think this is a profound movie. It has a message behind it versus Purple Rain. Not that I am putting Purple Rain down, I personally loved both movies. But this movie reflects on the previous movie and shows how The Kid has grown and continues to grow, while Morris and his crew are only concerned about money, sex and winning when it comes to The Kid. He still brings up low down things like the fact that The Kid's mother went crazy after the father passed. Prince shows a more spiritual side of himself on the "Graffiti Bridge" album and his singing and choreography is sure to please. Thanks Prince for helping me ace my schoolwork for once!! Lol.