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Super Fly (1972)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 6/11, 12/21

SuperFly1
6/11: Like Shaft, Super Fly is hampered by slow pace which is the reason why I wasn't able to stay awake throughout.

This film is a rare example of having been outgrossed by its soundtrack which is famously scored by Curtis Mayfield. Of the cast, I like Carl Lee's gritty performance. Unfortunately, Ron O'Neal doesn't do much for me. Many viewers said Super Fly was among the most important films of the 70's, but to me, it's a long cocaine commercial with characters bedecked in atrocious-looking pimp outfits.

There's not much of a plot, and it's hard to sympathize with Priest who tries hard to get out of the cocaine-dealing business. What about his customers who fell victim to drug addiction that would lead to their premature death? The truth is: he ruined a lot of people's lives by providing an insiduous outlet.

All in all, Super Fly is a prime example of the Blaxploitation genre, but let's be real: it's Curtis Mayfield's soundtrack that did it.

12/21: In some actors' lifetime, there's only one film they'll be forever associated with and nothing else matters, and for Ron O'Neal, it's Super Fly.

I previously rated it '3', but this time, my impression is more favorable. One thing is for sure: unlike a lot of movies in the Blaxploitation genre, Super Fly is at once serious and original. To go further is Curtis Mayfield's amazing soundtrack. If Isaac Hayes won the Oscar for Shaft, Curtis Mayfield should've gotten it, too. There's no Super Fly without his music, period.

Another category that it should be Oscar-nominated for is Best Costume Design. It's not often I see people wearing clothes so well, making them a part of their characters. What I hate the most is the gallery of photo stills that's shown halfway to glamorize cocaine. It slows the pace down too much and is therefore unnecessary.

Ron O'Neal is iconic as Youngblood Priest. Sometimes, it's easy to root for him, but let's be real: he deals cocaine, a substance that kills people. There's truth in what he does for a living: it's the best way for many black people to make a significant amount of money back then. I love the 70's gritty feel with a lot of black power going on. The characters are tough, and Youngblood Priest survives the underground world by using his wits and anger.

All in all, Super Fly is a top ten Blaxploitation picture.