Watch Hollywood Shuffle

Hollywood Shuffle is a 1987 comedy film that was directed by Robert Townsend – who also happens to play the lead role in the film. The plot of the movie revolves around an aspiring actor named Bobby Taylor (played by Townsend) who is struggling to make a name for himself in Hollywood due to his race. Bobby dreams of becoming a successful actor one day but quickly realizes that Hollywood isn't interested in African American actors playing roles outside of the stereotypical images that have been ingrained in American culture for decades.

Throughout the film, we see Bobby struggle to secure roles in Hollywood that go beyond the typical portrayal of African Americans as gangsters, drug dealers, or athletes. Alongside his fellow actors who struggle to earn their place in Hollywood, Bobby sets out to find a way to break the stifling stereotypes and join the mainstream industry. Their journey towards breaking the standard mold is filled with hilarious skits and witty commentary about the media industry's problematic representation of black actors.

At the same time, we see Bobby trying to balance his acting ambitions with his working-class lifestyle. He works as a waiter at a restaurant run by his parents – an old-school couple who do not believe in their son's aspirations to become a successful actor. As Bobby struggles to reconcile his dreams with his modest, traditional upbringing, he finds himself constantly pulled in different directions.

To make matters worse, Bobby's agent, played by Craigus R. Johnson, can't seem to find him any non-stereotypical roles, and he's frequently humiliated during auditions that require him to play the role of a stereotypical black character. This leads to Bobby's ultimate realization that Hollywood is never going to change its patterns until someone can create something new and inspiring.

As the story progresses, Bobby attempts to create a film that doesn't rely on commonly used tropes or outdated ideas about African Americans. While his pursuit for something fresh and new may seem a bit naive to outsiders, his drive and determination to create something new, and his unflinching spirit in the face of political correctness are both admirable and hilarious. The film ultimately balances the comedic struggles of African American actors with important social commentary on how the media portrays black people onscreen.

The performances in Hollywood Shuffle are first-rate, with Robert Townsend delivering an excellent performance as Bobby Taylor. In addition to Townsend's outstanding performance, the film also features exceptional acting from various comedians and character actors, including the legendary Helen Martin, as Bobby's grandmother. The supporting cast is equally impressive, and the skits and scenes are well-executed and entertaining.

Overall, Hollywood Shuffle is a must-watch social commentary/ comedy movie that addresses serious issues of stereotyping while remaining lighthearted and humorous. The movie has an important message about the entertainment industry's struggle and the need for representation for all races and cultures to feel like they have a rightful place on screen. It challenges many of the stereotypes and tropes associated with African Americans in the media, and the film's comedy and humor add a lightness to a topic that has such an impact on our culture today. Furthermore, the movie is still relevant and applicable today, more than 30 years after its initial release, and it remains an essential piece of cinema culture for anyone interested in the portrayal of African Americans in modern media.

Hollywood Shuffle is a 1987 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 74.