Customer Reviews
An Election With Serious Ramifications for Black America 
2007-10-02
This is an excellent documentary about one of the most closely watched elections in the NY/NJ/CT region in years. The film consists of candid observations made during the 120 days immediately preceding the May 2002 Newark, New Jersey mayoral election, and will be of interest to anyone who has an (1) interest in grass roots politics and (2) the evolution of the Black community's political preferences/expression in the post-civil rights period. (As to the latter issue, the documentary observes Black-on-Black suspicion, and considers what 'type' of Black canidiate will receive broad support in 2002 and beyond, i.e., whether the candidate is really 'Black' or just a white in blackface. Interestingly, this is a question posed by some prominent Blacks such as Stanley Crouch about Senator Barack Obama. To wit, is Barack Obama, as the child of a white woman and a Kenyan father really a 'Black' American male, since neither of his people were descended from African slaves? Though Cory Booker certainly qualfies under this dubious standard, he faced criticism for 'posing' as a Black man.)
The 2002 Newark Mayoral election attracted national attention when it became known that the challenger to entrenched, 66 year old, three term Mayor Sharpe James was Cory Booker, a 32 year-old Black city councilman, Yale Law School graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and product of a two parent upper middle class family. Though Booker's upbringing was a world away from the average Newark resident he chose to live in a Newark public housing project in the midst of his fellow Blacks, and serve the Black community as a city councilmember. (Newark, NJ has one of the highest murder rates in the USA (twice that of Bronx, NY, New York's murder capital) and is heavily regarded as one of America's most dangerous cities).
The main theme of this documentary is not dirty politics (though as a viewer I couldn't help admiring the cunning and ruthlessness of James' political tactics), but the future of Black political leadership. Booker was forced to address James' contentions that he was "white", and his living in a Newark project and councilmanship were props and costumes to dupe Newark voters. Voters speak openly about their suspcion of the fair-skinned, Ivy-league educated Booker, and the dialogue is poignant for, as previously mentioned, it addresses the modern version of the Black-on-Black class hostility. (One of Booker's supporters highlights the discrimination educated Blacks face: "We Blacks tell our kids to go to school, and when they do we say they're acting white.")
Though Booker loses the election, he wins the office in 2006 when Sharpe James withdraws his candidacy.
In light of Booker's subsequent victory, the message of the documentary is summed up in the reaction of a prescient Newark child who meets Booker and is transfixed by his charisma. Delighted to have been touched by him she smells her hands repeatedly. When asked what Booker smells like, she responds, "he smells like the future".
Amazon search hijacked 
2007-08-21
"Streetfight" is a Ralph Bakshi cartoon spoof of Disney's "Song of the South," from a 70's blaxploitation perspective, starring Scatman Crothers, Philip Michael Thomas and Barry White. The VHS version carried the original title, "Coonskin."
On the other hand, perhaps a film about Cory Booker, Sharpe James and Newark politics IS classic "blaxploitation."
An Absolute Must See! 2007-05-07
This documentary shows the nity gritty reality of local politics in America. Director Marshall Curry follows the battle between Cory Booker and incumbent Sharp James as they fight for the city of Newark, NJ. For those, like myself, who find themselves losing hope in our nations political leaders, Cory Booker is a true oasis in the desert. This film is one of the best and most meaningful documentaries I have ever seen.
Finally, the world will know 2007-03-24
As a New Jersey resident who is active in politics, I was thrilled to see this movie. This is the sort of stuff we put up with every election cycle. I hope everyone in NJ watches this and resolves to do something positive to change the system.
The Election Process 
2007-03-15
The video "Street Fight" provides a window from which to view the mayoral election in a city that is dealing with high levels of poverty and big business investors. The gentrification occurring within the city hides the fact that the investors are taking profits from the city and transferring it through their headquarters to the already wealthy.
The incumbant is supported by the investors and also popular national figures who don't fully understand the city's problems.
This city's electoral process provides a nice metaphor for larger scale elections, from state to federal level elections. It reveals what common people are concerned about, and it shows intelligence is not just a characteristic of the powerful.
A fabulous movie, which will be a part of my curriculum for years to come.
Amazing eye opening view of democracy gone wrong 2008-07-26
This is down and dirty politics. Street Fight pulls no punches and gets you front row seats to a no holds barred political battle. One of the best documentaries I've seen in a long time. You will be shocked, frustrated, angry, hopeful, and on the edge of your seat. For any fan of politics American style, or of great documentaries, grab a copy and get ready to put up your dukes.
Politics at the Ground Level 2008-07-25
Street Fight is a very interesting documentary that chronicles a mayoral race in Newark, NJ. The challenger, Cory Booker, is young (32) and has a great resume - Rhodes Scholar, Stanford football player, Yale Law School. He even lives in inner city Newark among the poorest of people. The incumbent, Sharpe James, is a wily incumbent politician who knows how to work the gears of office. It is a great race, with dirty tricks, lies and tricks.
Overall, it was hard not to root for Cory Booker. With his resume, he could easily take up a high powered job on Wall Street, but he really feels strongly about being a politician. Sharpe James is really the epitome of everything that is wrong with politics. Booker goes house to house to get his message out. James uses intimidation to keep people from supporting Booker. I never really paid close attention to local politics, and it was an eye opener. Highly recommended for those interested in politics, especially in this campaign season.
He smells like the future 2008-07-07
Street Fight is a good old-fashioned low budget documentary about the 2002 Newark mayoral election. I decided to rent it after watching Season 4 of The Wire (there are similarities). Curry films it from the Booker campaign perspective. It moves along fairly quickly; it's hardly a exhaustive account of the race. The election is presented as having little if anything to do with the issues, though some of this is because of the way Curry frames it (he admits in the interview segment that he didn't expect his national audience to be interested in local issues).
Sharpe James comes across very badly, although it's important to note that Newark had a reputation for being just about the most corrupt city in the US around the time he enterred politics, and one in which blacks were locked out of power (and rioted in the '60s). James probably saw himself as playing the same game as the white pols who preceded him. Not that I wanted him to win, but it would be interesting to see a documentary of James' own rise to power.
Great Political Documentary 2008-03-29
This is a great documentary, a poignant reflection on politics, morality and American society. A story of the striking contrast between Black and White America, both in prosperity and politics. It's a great introduction to Cory Booker, an inspiring personality and brilliant politician. In many ways the film is a real narrative of the demise of yesterday's Democratic politics (embodied by McGreevey, Sharpton, Jackson) and the emergence of a new brand of idealistic leadership.
Great Story, Great Movie 2007-11-27
This is a great movie. You should watch it to become more aware of what is occuring in most major cities during election time.
