Claudio Carvalho "American Pop" is a fantastic animation directed by Ralph Bakshi disclosing the American pop music in the Twentieth Century until 1980. The storyline follows four generations of a Russian Jewish family of refugees from the Russian Revolution that immigrate to America. Along the years, the boy Zalmie discovers life and love in night-clubs as performer and musician and becomes the patriarch of generations of musicians. The big picture of the American history is the background to present wonderful music, in blues, jazz, rock and roll, in one of the most beautiful soundtracks of the cinema history. My vote is ten.Title (Brazil): "American Pop"

Mr-Fusion A curiosity more than anything, "American Pop" has its singular animation going for it. That, and a pleasing soundtrack that lives up to the movie's name. It's the paper-thin characters and lack of flow that really kill the buzz. The jumps from one era of music to the next are pretty rough and you don't end up feeling attached to these people. At least, I didn't.I can kinda see this on a double-bill with "Heavy Metal", at least in an animation sense. But story-wise, there's no comparison.5/10

arfdawg-1 "American Pop" is the animated story of a very talented and troubled family starting with 19th century Russia and moving through several generations of musicians. The film covers American popular music from the pre-jazz age through rhythm and blues, 1950s rock 'n' roll, drug-laden psychedelia, and punk rock, finally ending with the onset of New Wave in the early 1980s. Meh. Bored silly.The animation looks like it was originally filmed with live people and animated over then (like Snow White).It's colorful and junk, but I was bored.Maybe it's dated in a way that Disney doesn't get dated.

TSMChicago I saw American Pop in a suburban Chicago theater when it was first released.I was impressed with the film and have always enjoyed it as a musical rather than a drama. At the time the surround sound was striking as was the alternate form of animation(rotoscope)and use of color. Being able to see American Pop in 35mm on a large screen was an experience, as I believe many of the film's critics have only seen inferior video versions.With musical selections dating from the 1920s through 1980 this film is a fantastic visualization of the spirit and essence of American music. The dance sequences from the Big Band era are especially effective.I have shown it in my high school music appreciation class a few times with very negative reactions from the students. I dig American Pop, however, and I know others of my generation will enjoy it. Ralph Bakshi, a true artist.