Review: BaadAssss Cinema

BaadAssss Cinema (2002)

Plot: A documentary on 'blaxploitation' films produced by the Independent Film Channel.

My Take: I love compilations of b-movie trailers because they give me that shot of cheese that I need without having to watch a whole film that usually is not as good as the trailer anyway. That's how I feel about many of these films. What's so great about this documentary is that it not only shows you the best (unedited!) scenes and dialogue from films like Shaft, Coffy, and Blacula, but it really goes into what the social and political climate was like at the time. Also, every major player from Richard Roundtree to Pam Grier and even Quentin Tarantino (I especially liked the opposing views of the film historians) are interviewed and the whole doc sums up 1972-1977 in 54 minutes.

Mood To Be In: When you have a film from this genre already lined up for your Saturday night fun, let this be the opening act. It's short, it'll set the mood and will add to the experience. Pam Grier's naked body certainly added to my experience.