Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sunny
- raucous
- lazy afternoon
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a sunny, energetic, cleverly executed ensemble comedy with a strong sense of life, while noting that some comic episodes are forced and little dramatic development occurs.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The car-wash forecourt serves as the central stage for interconnected incidents occurring during a single day.
Lindy's sophisticated sissy characterization and gay militancy complicate expected heterosexual black masculine behavior.
The lively car-wash ensemble and comic visitors coexist with serious subplots involving labor, black militancy, and queer identity.
The Los Angeles car wash concentrates workers, customers, preachers, patients, and eccentric visitors in one communal space.
Films like Car Wash, and why
Clerks
sunny ensemble workplace comedy with a day-in-the-life structure and socially observant humor
The Full Monty
warm, episodic workplace comedy centered on a diverse group navigating labor and personal tensions
Saturday Night Fever
1970s urban slice-of-life comedy blending musical energy, community dynamics, and social commentary
Cooley High
african american ensemble comedy with lively character interplay and cultural observation
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Schultz
- Release Date
- 1976-10-22
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (134)
Cast
- Ivan Dixon
- DeWayne Jessie
- Bill Duke
- Franklyn Ajaye
- Sully Boyar
- Melanie Mayron
- June Pointer
- Bonnie Pointer
- Anita Pointer
- Ruth Pointer
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Car Wash about?
- A lively Los Angeles car wash becomes a comic crossroads where workers, customers, music, and social tensions collide over one memorable day.
- What is Car Wash like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Car Wash as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Car Wash violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Car Wash.
- What did critics think of Car Wash?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a sunny, energetic, cleverly executed ensemble comedy with a strong sense of life, while noting that some comic episodes are forced and little dramatic development occurs.
- Which films are like Car Wash?
- Films with a similar feel include Clerks, The Full Monty, Saturday Night Fever, and Cooley High.
- How long is Car Wash?
- Car Wash runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch Car Wash?
- In United States, Car Wash is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
