*** 1/2
Some people consider Spike Lee's films a bit militant and controversial. His brilliance behind DO THE RIGHT THING is that he invites the audience to become those with an internal controversy by never quite taking a side in the racial volatility throughout the film. The tension is palpable as we all live through a hot day in a Bed-Stuy neighborhood where Sal's Pizza is a central location. Many people seem to have their prejudices, but for the most part, it is live-and-let-live. But Spike Lee's invites us to realize, and bring our own prejudices to the table, that our society has nearly evolved to a point where conflict is necessary. Very well done. Spike Lee's own character of Mookie is a bit confused and his motivations are vague...but Danny Aiello is absolutely superb.