Will "Cinnamon" Give Blaxploitation Lovers the Fix We Need?

During my last blog hibernation, I met a film buff and we're doing the damn thing. Problem is, he loves science fiction, thrillers, and anything violent. While I don't have a vast blaxploitation DVD collection, he was entertained by JD's Revenge and Willie Dynamite. Lightweight think pieces like Five on the Black Hand Side and Snowy Day in Oakland are like taking Nyquil in the afternoon for him.

So, in celebration of Dad's Day, we go to see The Blackening. While still getting over the reserved seating concept in addition to matinee prices being in the two digits, we find a relatively comfortable spot. And...it wasn't bad...but not that great either.

It kinda reminded me of if in Living Color were updated and made it to the silver screen but toned down to say what we're thinking...and then some. Problem with this formula is that it can be mediocre but brilliant with the right comedic timing. Some may disagree with me but I'd suggest this list for your horror flick bingeing pleasure.

In Cinnamon, Pam Grier has again resurged in her role as that bad ass woman that gonna make everything alright. Looking awesome for her years, she, along with Hailey Kilgore (Jukebox from Raising Kanan) star is this Tubi original movie about a young woman trying to make her way in the world.

Damon Wayans also star's as the titular character's shady boss, along with a host of newcomers. Released June 23, I'm surprised this film hasn't received more attention with it's mix of drama, comedy, and action. My assumption is that many still think of Tubi as "that channel" for hood flicks with bad acting and almost storyline.

It looks like today is a new day...and at the moment, you're getting quality entertainment at no charge outside of an internet connection. As budgeting has become a greater concern than ever, I know I'll be checking back more often.

Well folks, I know it's been a couple of minutes and I'm still getting my mental engine lubed up. If you're blessed to see a new day, make it the best you can! LATER

Black Hooker Movie Review

It's about time huh? This was one of the first "gems" I got to see and On Bounce TV's Sugar streaming service ( did I mention there's a lot to choose from now). Anyway, this is another flick from the blaxploitation film era with dual titles, the alternate being Street Sisters. I don't understand the latter since only one hooker is the focus. This 1974 indie flick is set in a mostly rural town (on yeah, there are no big names attached to this one) where a young lady who grew up on a farm gives birth to a biracial child. Instead of going with someone light skin and wavy hair, they did the Alan Willis (from the Jeffersons TV series) only they used some one who looked more like one of the Beach Boys. The woman's religious parents are forced to raise the bar while she breezed in every so often pushing some vintage whip, dragging on a cigarette. While the boy loves his family, he would rather hang out with Mom father than work on the farm. Since no farm means no place to stay, the young man ventures out into the city. Along with his grandparents, he leaves behind someone special. With a few twists and turns, this isn't a complete waste of 90 minutes. However, if you plan to make this a couch surfing session, I'd recommend something of substance like Five on the Black Hand Side or The Landlord.

Jim Brown Fans Tune into Bounce TV Tonight

If the summer heat is too much to deal with, Brown Sugar Saturday night has you covered with a blaxploitation triple threat.  Starting with Black Gunn (1972), Take a Hard Ride (1975 with Fred Williamson), and I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973).

Jim Brown has a lot in common with my favorite, Bernie Casey, as they always played solid characters on screen and got their start playing professional ball.  Of tonight's trifecta, I recommend Black Gunn.  It's filmed in L.A.'s west side, has an interesting plot, and the leading lady is the late Teresa Graves of Get Christie Love.

Hopefully, you'll enjoy the little bonus I threw in at the top, 1967's Riot. 

Check Out Bounce TV Tonight for Blaxploitation Classics

Maybe not classics but movies that got some serious dust on them 'cause I ain't never heard of Mean Mother (1974) or The Murder Gang (I used to love the Brown Sugar on Saturday nights until Bounce got stuck on the same ol, same ol.  So just on a whim, I decided to look at what was doing for Sat. (since I really have nowhere to go anyway) and got a nice little surprise.

Truth, the plot didn't say much so I decided these trailers (with a crazy score playing in the background) would entice you to step away from cable for a few hours.  Oh yeah, if the topic of professional women gets under your skin, this may not be your type of movie.

Other TV Stations that Air Blaxploitation Movies

One good thing about last week’s discussion was that people were reminded that BET no longer shows old Black movies. Though the demographic has shifted, somebody under the age of 25 with a trade school education might appreciate the moral lesson that Cabin in the Sky delivers. For all the years I’ve been around, I don’t think they have shown any movie that starred Roscoe Lee Browne.

Anyway, Bounce TV alone is worth investing in and installing a digital antenna. I got an old-school (remember the rabbit ears?) one for less than $12 at Best Buy. It worked better than the fancy things that were $25 and up. In most cities, This TV is another digital channel that shows pre-blaxploitation era movies and others that aren’t too violent or “pulp”.

If you have cable, TV One and Aspire are good sources but Turner Classic Movies is turning out some gems. For a minute there, they seemed to be stuck on 1972’s Trouble Man with Robert Hooks but over the holidays, I got a real treat.

Before the recession hit my humble yet dysfunctional home, I would peruse the Amazon lists for the most rare blaxploitation movies. Some were disappointments but others, like Black Girl are worth the search. Abar, the First Black Superman was a nice surprise although the acting was mostly subpar and there were no known names attached.
The story is about a doctor who is making a serum that gives one super strength. While his intentions may have been good, he moves his family to a White (but looks like Inglewood/Baldwin Hills or Culver City adjacent) neighborhood. Neighbors are less than friendly but somehow when things get rough, a group of Black bikers comes to the rescue…not once, but twice in 20 minutes. The good ol’ doc suddenly gets the bright idea to recruit the leader, Abar, to moonlight as his personal bodyguard.

Although the constant presence of bikers wears down some of the White folks from protesting in front of the Black family’s yard, a few are relentless but get their just reward. Plus there’s a couple of other surprises I won’t let out. More people need to look to the late Jamaa Fanaka for making quality films on a budget, especially in the age of #oscarsowhite.

A Special Wayback Wednesday...tribute to Barry White

This dude was waay underrated during his time but 9/12/15 will make his 71st birthday.  He didn't just make music for making babies but for everybody to enjoy.  Mr. White also had a fun side.  Not only was he on an early episode of the Simpsons but also starred years earlier as a voice on the 1970s blaxploitation cartoon Coonskin.  They moved the Boondocks and I don't know if Black Dynamite is coming back to TV, so if you like animation with Black characters, here's something for you.

Get Christie Love Marathon on Centric TV

Yep..the entire series on Aug. 23-24.  I couldn't believe it myself when I saw the announcement a few days ago.  For years, I thought that Get Christie Love was a made-for-tv movie based on blaxploitation films of the time.  Kind of a lightweight Cleopatra Jones or Foxy Brown except she worked for what looked like LAPD.

Anyway, about 10 years ago I bought a GCL dvd at the drug store and saw a 1.5 hour movie that was entertaining.  I'd been meaning to ask my mother, who went to school with the late Teresa Graves (Washington High in L.A., Class of '65) but when the subject came up, Moms would get a little weepy.

I've got posts, old school videos to share (including a rare gem if you liked KDAY back in the day when it was on the AM dial) and more coming in the next few days.  In the meantime, I've got my popcorn and other snacks ready!

Black to the Future: ‘Frankie and Alice’ FINALLY Gets Major Release Date

Chances are strong that if you’ve got a “DVD man”, you’ve  already seen this or at least heard about it.  Not judging you but let's show a little love on April 4.Halle Berry stars in a story about a woman dealing with multiple personality disorder in the 1970s, and based on a true account.  Click here for more details.

Now before you start, watch the trailer below to remember how we first fell in major like with Ms. Berry.

YouTube Blaxploitation Magic

You probably already know that YouTube is a great source of free movies and the blaxplotation films are not the exception.  However, there have been some serious gems...even if they were duds.

I saw Black Sister's Revenge on TVOne some years ago.  It was edited and though I got the message okay.  However, this version had my eyes glued to the monitor and sho' nuff wanting more wishing Jamaa Fanaka had done a sequel.  Here's a summary.

A homegirl from the South arrives in Compton in the early/mid 1970s to stay with relatives.  The relatives initially look their nose down at her (?) but since she's got one of those personalities, she wins them over.  Same applies to the neighborhood kids who are less than tactful (IMO she looks okay, she's just dark-skinned...but then again so are a lot of BLACK people).  However, by the time the big party arrives, one of the local thugs has his eye on her.

She falls for him even though he ain't got no job or prospects and even her uncle tries to place a wedge in between the new couple.  It is when dude gets locked up, she shows us what a ride-or-die chick REALLY is.  I won't give away the in-between but when she catches him cheating....let's just say there were no stunts!

***

On the flip, I saw a little bit of Darktown Strutters.  The truth is that there was only so much I could take.  I have surgery coming up in the next month so maybe I will get bored enough to sit through the entire thing.  How bad is it, you ask?  Well, I was able to sit through TNT Jackson, the Blacula sequel, and many Tyler Perry movies.  I don't mind women in Labelle outfits riding around in choppers but those special effects and cartoon sounds were just too much.  Not even Roger Mosely could save this flick...and I liked Sweet Jesus Preacherman!

RIP Jim Kelly

Blaxploitation era actor Jim Kelly, who later went on to be a tennis coach, succumbed to cancer on Saturday.  He was 67.  Courtesy of People mag.
Best remembered for his martial expertise in movie like Black Belt Jones and Enter the Dragon, here is a compilation video courtesy of Kickassvids/YouTube.

Pipe Dreams with Gladys Knight (1976)

One of my cousins told me that I should check out this movie on TV because it was so sad. *shrugs*

That was over 30 years ago and even with Bounce/EBT/TVOne channels (Aspire is not in my area) at my disposal, I have yet to see this listed.

This stars Ms. Midnight Train and then-hubby Barry Hankerson (also the late Aaliyah's uncle) as a couple who are stuck in Alaska.  According to IMDB, there are some interesting plots that I won't give away but since it's apparent that someone from Bounce reads this blog, adding this instead of Blues Brothers 2000 or The Fan with Wesley Snipes and DeNiro.  

From the looks of things, I'll get to have her chicken and waffles (though I lubs me some Roscoe's) before I see this movie in its entirety.
 

Body and Soul/Classic Scene from 90's

I saw this last weekend on one of the digital channels and could only shake my head while waiting for Cheaters to come on (and I liked it better with Joey Greco as a host instead of Clark Gable's son/grandson).  Anyway, I had a bad case of the giggles (in the library, of all places) and decided to post this little treat.

Something nice: Jayne Kennedy is STILL a beautiful woman.
 

Now this clip here is funny for the YouTube commentary. 










As for yours truly, I was working in the library and gave thought as to why things did not work out for me and my ex.  For one, neither of us had great examples to look up to growing up. Things were never even paced is another factor and below is a classic scene from Five Heartbeats that pretty much sums it up.





Now I realize that drinking is a serious matter but this is some of what I had to deal with for more than a decade.  

How clouded is his thinking, you ask?  
He will argue with anyone that Chris Brown makes more money than Rihanna.  Really.

Blaxploitation movies...the best? the WORST?... IDK

If you have a couple of hours to spare, here are some vids I ran across recently by a chap named Joseph Thomas, who reps his own marketing company (should I ask him for a job since I get my cert in a couple of months?)

Spoiler Alert - While the best pretty much goes without saying, whether they used content, acting skills or box office numbers to determine this, it's the 'Worst' list that has me.

It goes without saying that there is no confusing Dolemite with James Earl Jones but did they have to list 2/3 Bernie Casey movies?  C'mon now....don't toss my heart around like that!  OK maybe I'm biased because Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde was shot in L.A. but....c'mon(LOL).

*shakes head and walks away*

Blaxploitation and Other Movie Classics on ThisTV in February

Though there is nothing on their homepage, ThisTV is doing a tribute to Black History Month by showing the following

Across 110th Street
Black Girl
Breakin
Five on the Black Hand Side
Glory
Halls of Anger
Hotel Rwanda
I'm Gonna Get You Sucka
Odds Against Tomorrow
The Organization
...and I'm pretty sure Sugar Hill (not Wesley an 'em) is in the lineup also.

So far, it looks good and if you have events you want to advertise for the month of February, hit me up!

Here's one that I hope to catch soon.  UPTIGHT came out in '68 with a very young Max Julien, Ruby Dee and other familiar faces.  Bounce TV would air this after midnight when my lights were out right before the holidays.  

Speaking of, what's up with those Soul Train reruns?  3 and 4 in the morning?  Think of us on the West Coast, PLEASE!

Django, Mandingo,Ding Dong a Dango

Not making light of slavery.  However, I did find it only appropos that I give my take on the whole Django controversy.

While I am both a fan of Quentin Tarantino and have genuine love for my people, I am not in a race to see this movie.

Many people like Dick Gregory and Spike Lee have made excellent points about why people of color should or should not see this flick, I'm not phased.

Wanna know why? Because in a sense, $hit has not changed.

They throw us a crumb and we act like its the cow.

A crumb is still a crumb and there is no justifying or glorifying slavery.

You can say that Jews and Mexicans were able to overcome the obstacles but from POV, they had the sense of community that a lot of Black communities have been missing out on for some time.

Only a handful of us have the sense to pass things forward to make someone else's life better. A small percentage of New Money Negroes are too busy patting themselves on the back for getting ahead and the remainder are still chasing the crumbs as they come and go which is rather quick since many have their priorities mixed up.

Is there one answer?  Hell no but if you know that your $10-12 would be put to better use, hold on to it.  And if you're desperate for entertainment (I will be back to business soon, I've got bills), RUN to your DVD guy. If you don't have one, I know of someone that has that unreleased Halle Berry movie where she plays someone who is unbalanced.  Since she's behind it, I haven't given into temptation but I know how it is.

Anyway, here is an interesting trailer that shows one of many Black cowboy movies from the 70's as well as the original Mandingo trailer.

70s TV Superheros Are Coming to Digital in 2013

Anybody that was a kid from 1975-1980 can appreciate some Steve Austin or Jamie Sommers a.k.a.The Bionic Woman, regardless of color.  Or my favorite at the time, 'Charlie's Angels'...with Farrah Fawcett, of course!

Yep, somebody's been taking notes and realized that you can never beat the originality of old (or retro) TV shows.  I've also been pretty fortunate to see some Blaxploitation movies I've never heard of.  When I think of Sugar Hill, I think of Wesley playing a more toned-down Nino Brown, not an actress named Marki Bey doing some voodoo mess.  I may get that one uncut for Halloween next year.

So, back to topic.  Just as I was getting comfortable with watching restaurants that I would never visit and noting those places in Cali (yes, I will ride a train), here comes this Cozi TV channel out of nowhere.  They're also supposed to bring back the Lone Ranger (before my time, sowwy) and some other classics.

Here is the link.  Just enter your zip and it will give the current and future listings.

Dolemite

Since the 80's when I came to discover all of the cinema that passed me by as a kid, there was one name that would crack most people up before they could go into the rant about how degrading blaxploitation movies were to the culture.

Every Dolemite movie I'd ever rented was a bit grainy and the audio wasn't the best, so I never got the full concept except he got laid at least once.  Bounce TV cleared some things in their recent airing of The Human Tornado.

I've never been much into ol skool rhyming (Jesse Jackson, Nipsey Russell) so the stand up act just kind of left me...IDK.

Anyway, Mr. Rudy Ray Moore a.k.a Dolemite left us a few years ago but below is one of his last public appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show from the 90s.

Black Dynamite Cartoon Preview

Willie Dynamite Clip: Your Choice For Best Blaxploitation Film

Oh yeah, mine too!
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In case the below vid left you wanting more from back in the day, here's what you voted for.  This scene is a tea (coke) party consensus where they discuss trade (bitches) and the possibility of forming an alliance so as to protect one's turf.  A cerebral Willie D ain't hearin' it because he feels his bitches should be free to take over any corner without permission.  The beginning of his slow and interesting retirement from the game.

'You sayin' you can't control your bitches?'

AfroThunda: Not Safe For Work or the Kids

Afro Thunda - watch more funny videos

I thought this was kind of cute so I thought I'd share.