Review of They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) by Kieran F — 12 May 2012

This is the sequel to the award winning classic In the Heat of the Night and, though it is well meaning, this is a far step down from the place where its predecessor stands.

Taking on a cool, protoblaxploitation feel, the film follows veteran homicide detective Virgil Tibbs as he takes on the cae of a murdered prostitute in San Francico, with the primary suspect being his friend political activist Reverend Logan Sharpe.

Tibbs finds his loyalties divided, and danger all around, but there are some other things thrown in, such as cursory passes at social commentary and the effect of Tibbs' work ethic on his wife and kids. Despite all of this being decently played, none of it is fresh, exciting, or relevatory. It's a well worn story that is saved by decent perforamnces from Poitier (returning as Tibbs) and Martin Landau as Sharpe. Oh yeah, and Quincy Jones returns to do the music, and the score is solid, though not the most memorable thing ever.

All in all, this is slightly better than okay, but it's nothing too special. I enjoyed it though, and appreciate the fact that this is something of a mild precursor to blaxploitation, but, that aside, there's nothoing really remarkable going on here, which is unfortunate given the power of the film this is a follow up to.