I'm kind of torn on the rating for this one, so let's call it 4 stars for fans of the genre and 3.5 for everyone else. In letter grade terms, let's give it a straight up B.
While the broad plot of this movie (someone seeking revenge for the death or a loved one or… More
I'm kind of torn on the rating for this one, so let's call it 4 stars for fans of the genre and 3.5 for everyone else. In letter grade terms, let's give it a straight up B.
While the broad plot of this movie (someone seeking revenge for the death or a loved one or family member) is not new at all (in general and for blaxploitation), what I feel sets this one apart is how, while there are some action setpieces, the film is more than just wall to wall violent action. It also touches upon some deeper themes and subtext deeper than the surface level. Lots of these films do that, but even though it isn't bursting at the seams with discourse, it doesn't just give it a parting glance.
This movie has a great cast including the genre's king Jim Brown, Bernie Casey, and the great Martin Landau as the malicious antagonist. I think they all do pretty decent jobs given the material. I said the plot wasn't too original, because it's not, but the treatment elevates it above average or mediocre.
Helping things along are a scorching soundtrack that's totally groovy and bad ass and some halfway decent camera work. This movie isn't completely anything special, but the effort they put into it really shows, and it is pretty entertaining, so I say give it a watch.