MOVIE REVIEW: THE MACK-1973
In the opening sequence Goldie (Max Julien) and Slim (Richard "Muthafuckin" Pryor) are involved in a shootout. Both take off running when they hear sirens and Goldie is captured by the police. Returning home after a five year bid in the slammer, Goldie puts together a plan to become the biggest pimp in Oakland. He employs his old friend Slim (Richard "Muthafuckin" Pryor y'all) to help him out. He meets opposition to this corrupt lifestyle from his militant brother Olinga (Roger E. Mosely) and his mother (Juanita Moore of Imitation of Life fame). Olinga and his militant group are trying to rid the streets of Oakland of pimps, hookers and drug dealers. Goldie does not heed their warnings and with the help of Slim (Richard "Muthafuckin" Pryor y'all), he puts together the finest group of hookers Oakland has ever seen. Goldie's bottom chick LuLu (Carol Speed) also aids in the process of recruiting women for the stable. She was Goldie's first...um..lady and she's in charge of showing the new recruits "The Ropes". The Hooker Bootcamp sessions are too freaking funny. Not only are the hookers taught the tricks of the trade, they are also taught the fine art of "boosting", and are made to recite Goldie's "Laws".....best scenes in the movie I swear. Goldie becomes an overnight sensation in the streets wearing the finest "vines", has the flashiest ride, and even purchases a new home for Mom. He also becomes a ghetto Robin Hood by giving the local children cash as long as they promise to stay in school and not grow up to be like him. Like every good Blaxploitation movie, there are a set of racist cops always looming in the background ready to bust Goldie's chops at any second. Olinga approaches Goldie with the idea of forming an allegiance to rid the street of drug dealers and Goldie agrees. Of course all this new success makes Goldie the envy of rival pimps, especially Pretty Tony. Pretty Tony is angry at Goldie because he lured away one of his finest hookers. This creates a ripple effect that threatens to end Goldie's reign as The King of Oakland's Pimp Game. Will Goldie leave the pimp game? Will he meet his match in Pretty Tony? No more spoilers from me y'all, I want those who haven't seen it to enjoy it as much as I did.
Filmed entirely on the streets of Oakland, California, this film is as gritty and anti-Hollywood as you can get. The filmmakers needed permission from the real pimps who had the game on lock in Oakland at that time period, The Ward Brothers, to use their territory for filming. The Ward Brothers were also consultants for the film to create a realistic glimpse into the life of a pimp. This movie inspired many imitations but none were ever as great as this one. Max Julien's screen presence was awesome. He was smooth and cool with a voice like honey. Sexy personified baby. This movie is where you'll find the infamous "Player's Ball" scene that is often duplicated in rap videos, movies, and television (Martin). This is a definite must-see and a great video to add to any collection. The theme song for this movie "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" by Willie Hutch is a really cool track.
VERDICT: 4 Soul Claps
Labels: Movie Reviews
This entry was posted
on Friday, September 08, 2006 at 8:11 AM.
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