Getting Over

Unfortunately, this independent effort falls flat when it comes to plot and there are few laughs to be found.

It's best to view this film as a time capsule of a small segment of a specific music scene in early 1980's LA . The filmmakers should have cut out all the various plots and focusrd on the musical performances (of which there are many to pad out the run time.)

Director/Writer/Star John Daniels doesn't bring much to the table as a director, screenwriter, or leading man. But his offscreen success is the root of this project. He founded South LA's Maverick's Flat nightclub, a popular R&B hotspot in the late 60s. Daniels also created and managed the all female group The Love Machine.

The only reason I watched the entire movie was the musical numbers. There aren't any memorable songs that will stick in your head afterwards, but they're not terrible and some of the costumes are enjoyable. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Deff Jeff Marvelous, a character clearly based on Rick James!

Getting Over is a harmless time killer if you can manage stay awake to the end. If you want to see a better "evils of the music industry" flick, check out That's the Way of the World (1975).