Superfly | Ron O'Neal, Carl Lee | "I know it's a rotten game, it's the only game 'The Man' left...

Superfly | Ron O'Neal, Carl Lee | THE film of its genre

DVDs:

Superfly

	Superfly Ron O'Neal, Carl Lee Warner Home Video, 2004 average customer review:based on 58 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

"I know it's a rotten game, it's the only game 'The Man' left us to play"

I was born in the 70's but it was only recently (a couple of days ago) that I saw the film Superfly. A film about a drug dealer who wants to retire from the cocaine business because he sees its fatalism. I guess I must have bought into the negativity of those who condemned the film for its perceived glorification of street life. In reality, I didn't even know what the film was about, I simply discounted it as just another blaxploitation that would be filled with over the top characters and bad acting. But Superfly was none of what I expected. It's social commentary speaks to the hopelessness of such a life style and if anything offers an anti-drug message. It also speaks to what society tells us to revere-money, homes, cars-the American Dream. Unfortunately, people could not see beyond the flashy clothes and the melodic musical score, which serves as the narrator, and controversy to capture the real message of the film. It is also unfortunate that the late Ron O'Neal's mesmerizing and brilliant performance as Priest was somewhat overshadowed by the film's controversy-namely, a drug dealer as hero. Ron O'Neal was a victim of what happens to most actors who have monumental success on a film-oftentimes they are typecast and then resigned to film and television roles that are beneath their talent and ability-it happens to the best of actors and the worst. Had he been an actor just starting out in present times, with his exotic, smoldering good looks and immense talent and intensity, he would have become world renown and Oscar nominated and perhaps an Oscar winner. He was definitely underrated and a man ahead of his time.

Although obviously low budget, Superfly IS a very good film. Curtis Mayfield's haunting soundtrack coupled with Ron O'Neal's hypnotic performance definitely makes this a must see film. And although it is included in the blaxploitation genre, Superfly is a film that deserves to stand on its own.

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THE film of its genre

This film could not be made today. With the strict censorship of political correctness anything smacking of stereotype is forbidden. Ironically it was this film that put an end to one kind of stereotype; that a film with black actors couldn't succeed financially. Superfly was a mega hit and is still an enjoyable movie three decades later.

Just what makes this movie great? Start off with brilliant acting, particularly Ron O'Neal (Priest) and Julius Harris (Scatterman). The fact that O'Neal never had another leading role is a complete mystery. He is so incredibly convincing as Priest, the cocaine dealer who wants to get out of "the life". Now add a soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield that just grooves. Complete the whole scenario with a cathartic ending that will have everyone, black or white, up on their feet cheering. Other films of that era which showcased emerging African-American talent can't compare.

For those who have seen the movie the DVD has a couple of interesting extras. Of note is the present day commentary by screen writer Phil Fenty, producer Sig Shore, and actress Sheila Frazier.

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"He was no butler or clown"

This was a great movie because it showed a black man as something other than a clown or butler.

Superfly was good because you got to see a black man as just that "A Man".

The plot of him selling drugs was definately the wrong messege to send but it was combined with a messege of power and authority something that many of the so called
Black movies of the time promoted, which was a refreshing change.

Yes I would have enjoyed seeing Superfly as a policeman or firefighter but the movie would not have been nearly as positve for black males if he would have been acting like a clown or some other negative stereotype.

In the end he even "got out" of the lifestyle he was leading, which was inspirational in and of itself.

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great classic dvd