Shirley (2024) User Reviews

Lovely film, but missed key points in Chisholms story

[ernestoherreraf · 7/10 · 26 March 2024]

I liked the film for what it was. Regina King shines as Shirley Chisholm and the supporting characters were all great.

My big issue with the film is: how do you make a movie about Shirley Chisholm and completely skip over her fight for women's rights and the E. R. A? That was her focus point and a huge part of her campaign.

Alot of black men didn't want to support her BECAUSE she talked so much about women's rights. It's kinda a key point in her story.

And it's completely glossed over. And how do you skip over her iconic moment on stage on the convention? How?

I liked it for what it was. But it missed so much of her ACTUAL story that bothered me too much for it to love it.

Not a biopic of Shirley Chisholm

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 26 March 2024]

As "Shirley" (2024 release; 118 min) opens, we are reminded that Brooklyn's Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the US Congress, in 1966, among a sea of white males newcomers. We then go to "December, 1971" as Chisholm decides to run for the US presidency in a crowded field and with little chance of actually winning.... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-director John Ridley (best known for his script for "12 Years A Slave"). Here he looks back at what basically amounts to a footnote in US political history. Question: who was the first Black woman elected to US Congress? Answer: Shirley Chisholm. Question: who was the first Black woman to run for president? Answer: Chisholm again. This film focuses solely on her 1972 presidential run, and hence this is NOT a biopic of Shirley Chisholm. We are given no background or context, none whatsoever, on how this woman got elected to Congress in the first place, or what she did in Congress. As to the movie itself, it struggles to get off the ground, although there are some good moments, in particular towards the end. The movie benefits enormously from the strong lead performance by Regina King ("If Beale Street Could Talk"). Lucas Hedges plays Robert, a national student representative. Bottom line is this: we all know the outcome of Chisholm's 1972 presidential run before we even watch this, so the assumption is that we watch this for the journey, rather than the end result. Turns out that journey isn't all that interesting, even if the concept itself (a Black woman running for president? In 1972? She is DEACDES ahead of her time) is momentous. I'd rather have watched and learned how Chisholm raised to prominence to begin with by getting elected to Congress in the first place. As a complete aside, I must point out that significant chunks of the movie were filmed in Cincinnati (where I live), standing in once again for New York of the 1960-70s (see also Todd Haynes' "Carole"). Also this: couldn't the film makers come up with a sharper movie title than the lame and generic "Shirley"?

"Shirley" received a one week limited theatrical run in Mid-March and then starting streaming on Netflix last week. "Shirley" is currently rated a respectable 70% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. That feels a little high to me. "Shirley" is well-meant, for sure, but I'd rather have watched a biopic of this barrier breaking woman. If you have any interest in politics, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Shirley You Can't Be Serious

[natmavila · 7/10 · 2 April 2024]

"Shirley" (2024) sets out to capture the groundbreaking, albeit unsuccessful, 1972 presidential run of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. The film straddles the line between historical homage and cinematic spectacle with the grace of a tightrope walker in a windstorm. It's commendable in its ambition, like attempting to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded - admirable, but you kind of wonder why.

The movie is ok, and by "ok," I mean it's like that lukewarm cup of coffee you forgot about but decide to drink anyway because, well, caffeine is caffeine. The narrative attempts to juggle Chisholm's political struggles, personal trials, and historical context, occasionally dropping the ball but mostly keeping it in the air. The performances are robust, channeling the essence of the 70s so convincingly you can almost smell the vintage cologne and see the questionable fashion choices off-screen. However, at times, it feels like the film is more of a spirited reenactment than a deep dive, skimming the surface like a stone over water, touching on depth but never fully plunging in.

Where "Shirley" shines, though, is in its unwavering commitment to reminding us of a story that deserves to be told, even if it does so with the finesse of a sledgehammer to a nail. It's like watching your dad use a smartphone; the effort is there, the process is painful, but the outcome is mostly what you hoped for. In a sea of historical dramas that take themselves too seriously, "Shirley" is refreshingly self-aware, winking at its audience from time to time with on-the-nose dialogue and scenes that feel like they were directed by someone who binge-watched every political drama on streaming services. In the end, "Shirley" is a decent watch, the kind you'd recommend to a friend with the caveat, "It's interesting, but keep your expectations in check - like, way in check."

Chasing a dream to reach the highest office

[madanmarwah · 7/10 · 17 April 2024]

The movie chronicles the efforts of the first black US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to get a nomination to run for President of the United States. The incidents in her life in 1971-72 are in focus here and the movie is by no means a biopic. ( I am only focusing on the movie since I have no knowledge of real life incidents relating to her). One can see that an ordinary middle class black lady in US is able to pursue her dream to reach the highest office of the land with hardly any resources at her disposal and how she ruthlessly bulldozes her way in the face of adversities. Her husband doesn't think she has any chances and her sister is upset with the ridicule being heaped upon them by the public in general. She doesn't like her staff using the word " Can't " and she lovingly manipulates people to give in to her plans. She is confident and plucky while displaying a cool demeanor when facing issues .( She is described as 100 lbs of nuclear energy). Watch her in her " never say die" attitude even when she gets around 4% of the votes. She is happy making a beginning for others and considers herself as a catalyst for change.

With some good direction by John Ridley Regina King gives a spirited performance and does project the nuances of her complex character to near perfection. In a way she underplays the role convincingly. Regina's sister Reina plays the role of her on screen sister very effectively.

solid

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 27 March 2024]

This is a biopic of Shirley Chisholm (Regina King). In 1968, she became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. The former school teacher is dismissed and told to wait her turn. She decides to run for President in 1972.

This is a straight biopic. I don't think that a failed run to a Democratic nominee who got destroyed by Nixon is actually that compelling of a story. The most compelling aspect is her marriage. That could be something there. The movie does something similar with the sister, but it's not set up well enough. Maybe a flashback with the father would help. The actors are great. The movie needs more imagination. It needs a better entry point. Barbara Lee could be that doorway. The movie could be told from her point of view.

Too formulaic but still good

[masonsaul · 6/10 · 2 April 2024]

Shirley's greatest strength is how it shines a light on an underappreciated and pivotal figure in American history whilst emphasising her perseverance. However, it remains frustrating to see these fact based stories told in such a conventional fashion as it would feel like a straight to TV film if it wasn't for the star studded cast.

Regina King gives it her all, embodying Shirley's resilience in a way that carries the film. Terrence Howard and Lucas Hedges do a fine job in their supporting roles and it's a gift to still get to see Lance Reddick being this good in films a year after he passed. It's a true testament to his commitment and work ethic.

John Ridley's direction is mostly fine. Nothing stands out and he's content to let the performances take centre stage. The only aspect that is noticeable is the lighting, which becomes really distracting as it goes along because so many scenes are overly exposed in a way that makes it feel cheap.

Missed Opportunity

[JustinJKanter · 1/10 · 25 March 2024]

While some viewers may find resonance in the portrayal presented in this Wikipedia film entry, those acquainted with Shirley Chisholm's enduring legacy are likely to encounter profound disappointment. Regrettably, the entry is saturated with inaccuracies and fabrications regarding her life, overlooking ample opportunities to craft a genuine and compelling narrative through thorough research. Rather than delving into the profound motivations propelling her historic presidential bid, the entry trivializes her aspirations, thereby diminishing the gravity of her candidacy. This lack of diligence epitomizes the film's overall negligence, as the narrative conveniently conforms to the filmmaker's biases instead of faithfully capturing Chisholm's intricate character.

Of particular concern is the glaring omission of pivotal figures from Chisholm's life, such as her real-life youth leader, a significant Black influencer whose impact reverberates through history. Instead, the film substitutes these essential individuals with lesser characters, erasing the crucial contributions of Black Youth and Women who spearheaded her campaign, thus failing to honor her profound influence on American politics. Furthermore, the film consistently chooses the path of least resistance, neglecting to explore one of the central aims of her campaign, and opting for bland storytelling over the dynamic elements of Chisholm's life. This disregard for her memory and the countless individuals inspired by her groundbreaking spirit constitutes a disservice to her legacy.

Regina King IS Shirley Chisholm!

[BERGDORF · 10/10 · 24 March 2024]

I am so proud to be the 1st to review this remarkable film. The directing was precise. The storyline was factual and poignant. The sets and props were on point. The wardrobe was accurate. The lighting was ephemeral. The dedication was heartfelt. The acting....well the actors, these artisans were authentic, sincere and of the highest echelon of portraying actual people. But all and all, REGINA KING gave the performance of her life - thus far. Thank you, Ms. King! This is a must-see movie!! It needs to be seen by EVERYONE who cares anything about fixing our broken Democracy. Oh, Shirley Chisholm, how we need you now!~

A Disappointing Effort

[brentsbulletinboard · 6/10 · 7 April 2024]

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (Regina King), the first African-American woman elected to the House of Representatives, was an inspiring, trailblazing politician, particularly in the areas of race and gender politics. After winning her seat in Congress in 1968, she later went on to run for the Democratic Party nomination for President in 1972. And that impressive background, one would think, should provide the basis for an engaging, uplifting film biography. Unfortunately, writer-director John Ridley's take on this groundbreaking, often-unappreciated pioneer misses the mark in a number of ways. The biggest problem is a script that tries to cover too much ground in its 1:58:00 runtime, addressing an array of elements from Chisholm's personal and political life and not covering either area particularly well, most notably in the film's first half before settling down in the picture's back end. The narrative jumps around so much that the picture becomes choppy and unfocused - almost incoherent at times - primarily due to some inexplicably mystifying film editing and a lack of sufficient explanation and back story, especially for those who may not know much about the protagonist's life going in. The film also features some rather questionable casting choices, such as the selection of actor W. Earl Brown to portray Alabama Governor George Wallace, who neither looks nor sounds anything like the conservative Southern Democrat who also ran for President in 1972 and was subsequently shot during the campaign. Even King's performance is somewhat uncharacteristically lacking as she struggles mightily to definitively capture Chisholm's singular demeanor and vocal inflections, qualities that sometimes don't always resonate, despite the actress's strong physical resemblance to her character. The real standout here is Lance Reddick, who gives one of his career's best portrayals (as Chisholm's political mentor) in one of his last screen performances. It's disappointing that this inspirational social and political leader hasn't received the worthy cinematic tribute she truly deserves. Perhaps "Shirley" might have worked better as a miniseries than as a standalone vehicle, as that format likely would have provided a better option for more fully telling her story in all of the detail it seeks to depict here. Indeed, for someone who endeavored to rise up to the challenges she faced, it's disheartening that the film seeking to depict that effort doesn't match what she so earnestly sought to accomplish.

An idealist or a fool?

[gcarpiceci · 5/10 · 25 March 2024]

A good story doesn't necessarily make a good movie; the old motto applies also to the case of Shirley. I don't know in sufficient detail the story of Mrs Chisholm to fact-check the accuracy of what I just saw, so I will judge the movie simply in its own merit (which by the way is what reviews are for).

Well, the way the movie portrays Mrs. Chisholm is that of someone who decides to run for the biggest job in the world without the shred of a plan, of the necessary resources, of a programme going beyond the rhetoric of "I'm here for you" and other platitudes; someone not listening to any advise except her own even when this leads to questionable decisions.

Essentially the movie makes the not unusual mistake of confusing an idealist with a fool. If - as I suspect- Mrs Shirley Chisholm was the former and not the latter, then this is not a good movie.

Love you Regina King <3

[prernaatalwar · 10/10 · 24 March 2024]

The epitome of talent, brilliance and grace. An admiration to so many! Once again, excellent acting in Shirley. Regina King's portrayal in the film 'Shirley' stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of Shirley is both powerful and heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. In addition to King's standout performance, 'Shirley' boasts a compelling narrative that tackles important themes with grace and sensitivity.

Worth a watch. The cinematography and production design further enhance the immersive experience, transporting viewers to a world filled with both beauty and brutality. Overall, 'Shirley' is a triumph on multiple fronts, thanks in large part to Regina King's extraordinary performance. Her portrayal of Shirley is nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing her talent and range as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation. With its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters, 'Shirley' is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression on audiences for years to come.

Bold Woman; Less Bold Storytelling

[iquine · 6/10 · 22 April 2024]

This Shirley is possibly even more bold than Shirley, the waitress cooking up burgers for Rerun, from "What's Happening!" This is a great piece of American culture as it is about the first black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, who became the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. She was portrayed as a smart and savvy person who wouldn't let people tell her no or that she couldn't or shouldn't do something she believed in. The story follows her as she ramps up her presidential run, the people in her inner circle, her husband's role and of course the obstacles she had to overcome. Overall, the storytelling lacked finesse and subtly as it was a bit heavy-handed at times and felt like a choppy bullet list of moments. The acting and costumes felt spot on. Cool political and inspirational story.

Disappointing

[Xhasha · 5/10 · 1 May 2024]

Shirley Chisholm has been up there among my heroes. She was a small, thin woman with a distinctive voice and speech pattern. And when she spoke, one couldn't help but listen. Powerful, powerful leader.

I feel this film did not do her justice. Don't get me wrong, it was okay. But okay does not cut it for someone as important as Shirley Chisholm should be considered.

One thing for sure, she had no Island accent. I did not feel Regina King channeled her well. Not were the other actors very strong. Everything was surface. No introspection, no deep thinking exposed.

Perhaps it would have been more interesting to see how she got to Congress and her achievements there.

A well-meaning though ultimately unsatisfying biopic...

[mdw0526 · 6/10 · 25 April 2024]

Far be it from me to cast aspersions on someone who looks at a life like Shirley Chisholm's and has to choose just enough for a two-hour biopic. But this Netflix film, produced by Regina King and written and directed by John Ridley (whose Oscar-winning "12 Years a Slave" was phenomenal), is a bit lackluster. I don't think it uses the best cross-section of an amazing life, with just the Wikipedia entry alone presenting so much possible material for a biopic.

Regina King is excellent in the title role and the movie is well-intentioned but ultimately lacking in what made her so memorable, focusing solely on her 1972 presidential run with nothing about her work on the ERA or even how she first made it to Congress. The script feels like it takes her quotations and builds a movie around them; you can almost see the pullquote on the screen. Her famous tagline "unbought and unbossed" went unmentioned and unexplored in the entire movie, aside from one sign in the background of a scene. I'd still recommend watching this serviceable film, but keep your expectations in check.

Equal Access

[nogodnomasters · 4/10 · 26 March 2024]

The film opens with school teacher Mrs. C (Regina King) being elected to congress. It gives us a few quips and on to the presidential race of 1972 which is the bilk of the film. It tries to make a success out of a failed campaign. It shows internal struggles. He husband stood by her up until the divorce. It shows us current Representative Barbara Lee as a volunteer campaign staffer and single mother. It does not dwell on any success Shirley had as a congresswoman.

The film was poorly down. Why does everyone in the production have a Jamaican accent? It was very annoying. I also remember Shirley Chisholm as having a mouth full of zoobies.

Guide: No swearing sex, or nudity.

Great Film

[ArisG21 · 8/10 · 24 March 2024]

Well, I was hoping to be the first one to review this film but someone beat me to it! What can I say besides what I put in the title, that this was such a great film. The cast was outstanding, with of course Regina King herself as Shirley being amazing, and everything else from the cinematography to the set design was nothing short of excellent. With all the politics of that time, (Vietnam, assassinations, political unrest throughout the world, revolutions, civil rights, etc) you forget about the 'smaller' stories such as this one, of a black woman who defied the odds of becoming a congresswoman and then dared to courageously run for the presidency. I was not at all surprised to see the clip of the hypocrite Gloria Steinem supporting, in her words, the male and 'white McGovern' when her support of Henry Kissinger has become public knowledge.

This film is a must see about an event we must not forget!

Regina King Oscar Contender

[rhale-56110 · 8/10 · 25 March 2024]

Regina King IS Shirley Chisholm in this movie. Every single American... Especially women of color...NEEDS to see this movie. It's a real eye-opener on how women continue to get screwed in the political arena. Also, it's pretty educational with respect to how delegates work during a democratic convention. The casting is phenomenal. I only gave this an 8 out of 10 stars because I feel like it could've been longer. Casting is phenomenal...I loves me some Terrence Howard. Highly highly highly recommend! One final thought... I worked for a member of Congress in the late 1990s and I always knew there was tension between Barbara Lee and Ron Dellums. Now I understand why.

Black History

[roddriu · 10/10 · 1 April 2024]

Oh my goodness! This was definitely a brilliant film with an excellent cast of actors. The makeup and costumes for that era was incredible. There were so many scenes that took me back to my teenage years. Regina King played an excellent Shirley Chisholm.

We need more Black History movies like this one. The movie Shirley should've been a mini series. I feel the movie was too short. It would've been great to start off at Shirley's early childhood years then teen to young adolescence, college all the way to adulthood then marriage.

I need to see more about Shirley and her life than her career. It all place an important part of her life story.