Review of Baadasssss! (2004) by Patrick B — 23 May 2010
While not perfect, this is a movie told with heart and honesty. Mario Van Peebles plays his real-life father, Melvin, during a time when Melvin wanted to make a film for black people to respond to. He ends up making the movie "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song!"; which ends up starting the whole blaxploitation movement of the 1970s with "Shaft" and "Superfly" among others.
The story is inspiring, and Mario Van Peebles doesn't shy away from the dark details. He gives us an honest portrayal of his father. We see a man who will never give up, but we also see a man who may have not been the best father to his son throughout the whole ordeal.
The only thing I didn't like about the film was the whole docudrama aspect of it. I felt like the interviews took away from some of the film's power, and the movie felt a little rushed at times.
But I'm being nitpicky here. "Baadassss!" is a truthful drama about one man who wanted to revolutionize how black people were portrayed in cinema, among other things. It will move and educate you.
This review of Baadasssss! (2004) was written by Patrick B on 23 May 2010.
Baadasssss! has generally received very positive reviews.
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