Watch Street Fight

Street Fight is a 2005 documentary film that observes the tumultuous mayoral race between Carlos Fernandez and Cory Booker in Newark, New Jersey. The film is directed by Marshall Curry, and it presents the political machinations that took place during the memorable election campaign. It features notable individuals such as Jen Bluestein, who was one of the key organizers behind the Fernandez campaign, and Bill Bradley, the former senator from New Jersey who also sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2000.

The movie opens with Carlos Fernandez, who is a charismatic and popular incumbent mayor of Newark, announcing his candidacy for a third term. However, his candidacy is quickly challenged by a young and ambitious opponent, Cory Booker, who believes that he can bring a fresh perspective to the city's politics. Throughout the film, we witness the intense competition between these two candidates, and how their political strategies differ.

On the one hand, Fernandez represents the old guard of Newark's politics, while Booker is a newcomer who wants to shake things up. Fernandez is portrayed as a candidate who relies on his charisma and street smarts to connect with the public, while Booker is presented as a more polished and professional candidate who relies on his education and grassroots support.

As the campaign heats up, we see the candidates trading blows, with Booker gaining momentum due to his ability to attract prominent supporters and raise more money. Meanwhile, Fernandez and his team try to combat Booker's growing popularity by employing tactics such as negative campaigning and exploiting Booker's lack of experience.

One of the most interesting aspects of Street Fight is its depiction of the political landscape in Newark. We get to see how political endorsements and rivalries play out, and how policies and platforms can take a backseat to personality conflicts and personal grievances. The film captures the energy and excitement of the campaign rallies and the tension and drama of the numerous debates that took place.

Throughout the film, the viewer is left to ponder bigger questions about American politics and democracy. How much does money influence political campaigns? Can a single candidate truly make a significant difference in a troubled city like Newark? What is the role of race in politics, and how does it shape the attitudes of voters and candidates alike?

The movie is not without its flaws, though. Some critics have noted that the film portrays Booker as too much of a saintly figure, while Fernandez comes across as a more flawed and complicated character. Others have criticized the film for lacking a broader perspective on Newark's history and problems, and for failing to offer meaningful solutions to the issues facing the city.

Overall, Street Fight is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary about American politics at the local level. It is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of civic engagement, and to the challenges that candidates face when running for office. Anyone interested in politics, democracy, or the workings of city government will find this film fascinating and informative.

Street Fight is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 85.