All [the performers] draw lively reactions from the crowd who get to chant, "I am somebody." And isn't that all what we want to be?

It is a fine documentary in that it does, better than any popular music film with the possible exception of Woodstock, document a group of people, their music, how it came to be, and why they like it.

This is a fragmented, skittery film that does not have enough moments of interest and hilarity to offset the stretches of boredom.

It’s a memorable display of African-American pride—and extravagant 1970s sartorial style—that also makes room for such leading Black cultural figures of the moment as Richard Pryor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee and Melvin Van Peeble...