Hollywood Shuffle

Directed by Robert Townsend, Hollywood Shuffle follows struggling actor Bobby Taylor (Townsend) as he attempts to overcome a series of obstacles to become a success in his chosen field. It’s intriguing, earnest subject matter that’s employed to progressively underwhelming (and interminable) effect by Townsend, which is a shame, certainly, given that Hollywood Shuffle kicks off with a promising opening stretch that benefits from Townsend’s affable work as the central character and an irresistible behind-the-scenes narrative. There’s little doubt, then, that the picture’s slow-but-steady descent into tedium is a result of its growing emphasis on far-from-hilarious, padded-out sketches, as Townsend suffuses Hollywood Shuffle‘s midsection with a series of hopelessly labored skits that are almost painful unfunny – with this especially true of a seemingly endless bit involving Bobby’s film-noir-inspired exploits as a private detective. And although Townsend has sprinkled the proceedings with compelling, trenchant observations about race and show business, Hollywood Shuffle ultimately comes off as an arduous slog that would’ve fared much, much better had its myriad of punishingly lame comedic vignettes been excised completely.

*1/2 out of ****