I caught this movie the other night and really enjoyed it. When I was watching "ATL", I had this feeling of deja vu. Although, "ATL" is an enjoyable movie to watch, it shares the same formula as the 1979 rollerskating movie titled "Roller Boogie". In both movies, there is the "poor little rich girl" who wants to fit in, so she hangs out at the local roller rink. On the other side, there is the blue collar guy that is trying to get ahead, and keep afloat in life. The only difference in both movies, is that "ATL" focuses more on the interpersonal relationships of the main character's friends and family. In "Roller Boogie", the focus is more on the teens trying to save the local roller rink from being torn down, and thus threatening the cancellation of the big roller boogie competition...only in the '70s! For "ATL", I thought that T.I. did a great job, along with the other characters, in portraying kids trying to figure out what their next step will be in life, after high school. The roller segments and music just added to the movie. It was more of a drama. Even though roller skating is featured, it doesn't come off trying to cash in on a fad. It's more of a drama, with a nice soundtrack and skating thrown in. If you are a fan of dramas that are not too heavy, this is a great choice.
Reviews
101 Reviews
Nia Peeples Rocked The House!
8 February 2007
I remember "The Party Machine" used to air right after the "Arsenio Hall Show", nightly at around 12:30am. It was a dance show like "Soul Train", and "American Bandstand". The difference was that it showcased not only new R&B music, but Club music as well. It was offerings from the US, and from the U.K. One episode that really stands out with me was when Jasmine Guy performed "Another Like My Lover". She really threw down! I really liked this show because it offered a variety of music, had a nice multi-cultural mix of dancers, and most of all was hosted by the one and only Nia Peeples. I really liked her music then and still do. She also gave the show a nice feel, energy and was an excellent host. I remember the studio had a lot of catwalks plus a main dance floor which was filled with dancers and their early '90s fashions. I remember the opening credits featured Nia Peeples dancing on the catwalks. The only downside of this show was that some of the music featured was not available to buy on CD or LP in the main music stores. This was due to the show being taped in the summer. By the time the show aired, most of the Club music was discontinued. One song that I remember was "Fascinating Rhythm" by BA $$-O-MATIC. It was only available on vinyl for a short time, but I was lucky and found the song at a local DJ record store here in Toronto. In conclusion, even though this show only lasted half a season, it was memorable and will never be forgotten!
Blind Date
(I) (1999–2006)
Funny Dating Show!
7 February 2007
"Blind Date" is one of the better dating shows to come on the scene in a long time. To date, my favorite dating show was "Love Connection", but "Blind Date" comes in at a close 2nd. It's a lot better than shows like "Studs", "The Fifth Wheel', "Elimidate" and the worst one of all "Shipmates". One thing that I've noticed on this show is the candidates that they choose for dates. I don't know where they get these people from! A lot of them just seem to be looking to get some booty. You would think that this would be happening with the young daters, but it seems to be right across the board, even with the older people. I know that most of the Producers of these shows love it when couples don't get along. This makes for better ratings and is more entertaining to the viewer...or so they think. It would be nice if some of the couples really connected, and not just for one night. In past episodes, when they do a follow-up on previous daters, none of them have lead to marriage, or even a long term relationship. Most of the follow-ups have been the same scenario. The couple will maybe go on a few dates after wards, then something comes up and the dating stops. The other point I've noticed, a few times, are the people that go on the show and they are already in a relationship! I assume they are thinking that some talent scout will spot them on the show, and make them a movie or TV offer. Guess what? That is not going to happen. To me, they end up making fools out of themselves when they do this. The other point it could be is that they are looking for the elusive BBD (Bigger & Better Deal). This is fine, but do they have to go on national TV and make a fool out of themselves? The host of "Blind Date", Roger Lodge, is funny. His sarcastic comments and facial expressions are priceless. He is no Chuck Woolery, but he does make the show fun. What really makes this show entertaining are the thought bubbles, and the animated characters that come on screen to show what the daters are really thinking. The "Fifth Wheel" tried doing this too, but "Blind Date" does a better job with it. Even though most of these dating shows seem to follow the same formula, "Blind Date" is entertaining and a lot of fun to watch.
The Tom Joyner Show
(2005– )
Amazing Variety Show!
7 February 2007
I have always been a big fan of Tom Joyner. He used to have a top R&B countdown show called "On The Move" that played on 93.7 WBLK on Sundays in the late '80s. He was known in the radio industry as being "The Fly Jock", because he used to fly from Chicago to L.A. to do his radio shows. The "Tom Joyner Show" is a departure from his radio roots. It's an hour comedy/variety show, which you don't really see on TV much anymore. The show consisted of various music acts, comedy skits, stand-up comedy, and a talent show. It was an enjoyable way to spend an hour when it was on. I used to catch it on WKBW, channel 7 from Buffalo, late on Saturday nights. It has disappeared from their schedule, unfortunately. I always enjoyed the music acts that he had on his show. Artists like Keith Sweat, Shanice, and Ginuwine were music acts that come to mind as I am writing this. The talent show segment was a lot of fun to watch too. It was a grab bag of different acts like dancers, musicians, magicians and so on. All and all, this show was really good, and I hope that it comes back into my area for broadcast again!
The Tyra Banks Show
(2005–2011)
Entertaining Talk Show!
6 February 2007
Reading some of the comments on this site have really surprised me about the "Tyra Banks Show". For me, I really like this show, even though it is not perfect, it's entertaining. I really like Tyra's sense of humor, and she seems sincere in her approach. Remember too, that Tyra is not a seasoned interviewer, but she is holding her own OK. This is her 2nd season, and she has come a long way from the 1st season. Most of the topics are good, but you can tell that it's specifically aimed at a 20-30 year old female audience. A couple things I've noticed on this show is that Tyra will tend to cross-plug "America's Top Model". She will have one of the models on the show or slip something in about the show into the conversation. Although, it is good to cross-plug for marketing purposes, this practice can get pretty tired when it's done constantly. Another item I've noticed is that Tyra will tend to pick sides, especially when it comes to having a show about infidelity or bad relationships. Geraldo Riveira and Montel Williams used to do this too, but it's not a good journalism practice. Technically, you should remain impartial, but talk shows tend to not follow this practice. Even with this said, I still really enjoy catching most of Tyra's shows. She tries to have fun with her guests, and tries to include her audience and the viewer in on the fun. When she had Janet Jackson on, and the Wayan Brothers, Tyra really showed her fun side. She tries to mix-it-up with serious topics like racism, discrimination and bad relationships. The episodes that come to mind are when she had Kevin Aviance as a guest and the topic was about gay-bashing, and another show when Sue Johannsen was on about sex/relationship info. My favorite shows are the ones when Tyra goes undercover. This is something I have not seen on past talk shows. It really gives a different perspective on the topic. Tyra has gone undercover to be an exotic dancer, overweight and even a man! This proves to me that Tyra is willing to go the extra mile to experience the covered topic. It's really nice to see that she is willing to get her "hands dirty", and see what it's like first-hand. I hope that "The Tyra Banks Show" stays on the air for a while, because it is one of the better new shows in a sea of mediocre situation comedies and so called reality shows.
Soul Train
(1971–2006)
Last Of A Great Genre!
29 January 2007
I was only able to catch episodes of "Soul Train" sporadically throughout the '70s and '80s. It was broadcast CBC, channel 5, here in Toronto for about a season on Saturday mornings, then disappeared. It wasn't until the early '90s that I was able to catch this show on WPIX-New York, and WGN-Chicago, that were available on cable here. One thing is for sure, the energy of this show dropped off a lot after the '80s. It was still enjoyable to watch, but didn't have the same electricity that the show had throughout the '70s and '80s. When Don Cornelius left the show and guest hosts appeared, it was not bad, but it further lost it's energy. For the current shows, it only looks like there is about a handful of people in the studio. In the '70s & '80s, the main dance-floor was packed, and there were dancers on the stage, which gave it a real club feel. Presently, it's just the dancers on the catwalks that are shown. When an artist is performing, that is when you see the main population of dancers on the dance-floor. They don't dance anymore. Everyone just stands and watches the artist that is on the stage. Lately, CW23, out of Buffalo is playing "The Best Of Soul Train" on Sundays at midnight. This is great to see and experience the show all over again from the '70s and '80s. The great thing about "Soul Train" was that is showed R&B, Hip Hop and Pop acts that you wouldn't see on other shows like "American Bandstand", or here in Toronto, it was "Boogie" and later on, "Electric Circus". I have been a fan of R&B and Hip Hop for years, and always enjoyed seeing the acts that you wouldn't see anywhere else, except for maybe on BET. Even with this, there were artists showcased on "Soul Train" that never saw their videos broadcast on BET. It's too bad that the show has not maintained the same energy, but then again, the music biz, and Hip Hop/R&B have changed drastically over the years. I am glad to see that "The Best Of Soul Train" is airing once again. It's a great blast from the past, when it was all about the music, and not so much about how much money could be made from an artist or song.
White Chicks
(2004)
The Wayans Do It Again!
5 July 2004
This is a perfect drive-in movie! I saw it over the weekend, and it is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. I mean, laugh out loud humour. I've always been a fan of the Wayan brothers, from Keenan in "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka", to Marlon & Shawn's TV show titled the "Wayan Brothers" on WB in the '90s. This movie has a nice flow to it, and you can see some elements of other movies in it. The battle scene at the club between the rival Hampton girls was like what you would have seen in a movie like "Breakin 2:Electric Boogaloo" in the '80s. One actor who really shines in this movie is Terry Crews. He plays a football star who only has a taste for white women. He has some comedic skills that really make this movie come alive! "White Chicks" is by no means a movie to be taken seriously. It's a funny movie that will make you forget your problems for an hour and a half.
The Parkers
(1999–2023)
Funny Sitcom!
16 June 2004
I always get a kick out of watching this show. Even though it's not a groundbreaking program, it is very funny. Mo'Nique makes this show! She always spoke her mind, and wouldn't take any bad stuff from anyone, with the exception of "The Professor" or "Boo". Everyone on this show seemed to have a connection with one another, which came across on the screen. This show wasn't broadcast to make a statement, it was just an entertaining half-hour, which is a rarity nowadays. Like all good things, they must come to an end. I am sad to see this show go off the air, but it's had a good run. One thing is for sure, it was a 100% better than any of the sitcoms that are on the 4 major networks. I hope to see Mo'Nique in other future TV shows and movies, I always get a kick out of her humour! I hope this show becomes available on DVD!
The Archie Show
(1968–1969)
A Cartoon Classic!
16 June 2004
I haven't seen this show since the mid '70s, it just disappeared off of TV by the late '70s. "The Archie Show" has to be the best out of all of the Archie incarnations. This show was broken into 3 parts. There would be a 10 minute storyline where Archie and the gang would get into some funny situations, then there was the dance of the week, followed by one of their songs. Looking back, it was a cartoon music video! After the song, there would be a one-liner joke, then another storyline. It had variety, and a nice pace. The songs from this show will stick in your mind. No wonder why it was called bubblegum music! The comedy is total late '60s. The one-liner jokes are like a kiddie version of the comedy that was on the show "Laugh-In". The animation isn't the greatest in this show, it was somewhat better than "Spiderman", but not as good as "The Flintstones". This show really reflects the era in which it was aired. The psychedelic music videos with floating polka dots, and even the opening and closing credits with the flashing strobe effect in the background really gives this show a sixties feel to it. I was very lucky and stumbled across a DVD that has 3 episodes on it. It was great to see this show after all of these year because just don't make cartoons like this anymore!
Hey Monie!
(2003)
Luv Dat Monie!
23 February 2004
I am not a big fan of cartoons anymore, but "Hey Monie" is the exception to the rule. The animation is actually worse than "Rocket Robin Hood" and "The Archies", but by no means does this take away from the sheer fun of this show. The friendship between Monie & Yvette, plus the rich cast of characters and their interactions towards one another, make it a show that doesn't seem like a cartoon, but more like a real-life situation comedy. I always like to try and catch it on BET, and I hope one of these days it will be available on DVD!
Jackass: The Movie
(2002)
Total Barf-Out!
23 February 2004
First off, this is not a movie that I would have paid to see at the theatre, not even a drive-in...well maybe a drive-in, provided it was an all-night show or something. Otherwise, I would have felt that it was a complete waste of money. I came across this modern day gem on the movie network, here in Toronto, Canada. I must admit, there were some funny parts in this movie, like the scene where the guys are using an airhorn on the golf course, and sound it off when golfers are taking a swing at the ball, and a couple of other scenes. Even though I don't want to admit it, parts of this movie were funny. It's not a movie that I would buy, even on tape. The humour and stunts reminded me of stuff that Tom Green used to do on his show. It's one of those, see it once and forget it classics. Leave your brains at the door for this one, and have the barf bag ready for this gross-out spectacular!
Malibu High
(1979)
Only At the Drive-in...
11 November 2003
It's no wonder that the Drive-ins were drug, booze and party havens in the '70s with this type of fare being shown! Even with all of it's flaws, there is something I really like about this movie. The plot alone was what made me want to watch this hooter flick in the first place. High School flunky, turned Hooker, turned Hitgirl! When Kim gets bad grades, she seduces her Teachers and it escalates from there to becoming a full blown hooker. Not on the street mind you, but in the back of a van! What more of a classic Drive-in masterpiece could this be? The acting is awful and stiff. Speaking of stiff, the sex scenes are almost, if not worse than the acting! The camera work looks more like a home movie than a theatrical presentation. The fashions in this movie look more like mid '70s than 1979 fashion. What really cracks me up is when Kim (Jill Lansing) decides to become a hooker and shows up to school in a halter top and mini skirt! Where did she get that mini skirt from? It looks like it was made of cardboard! Didn't anyone tell Kim that mini skirts were out of fashion by 1974? The other thing that makes me laugh about this movie is the music. It sounds like what you used to hear at the supermarket. That canned piped in music called "Muzak". It's not offensive, it just doesn't really suit the movie. At the same time though, it is what gives this movie it's charm. There are a couple of music selections I had heard before. One was the music that plays after Kim tells her Mom off. This music was used for the station identification on the comedy show SCTV, which ran in the early '80s here in Canada. The next selection was during the chase scene at the end. The music being used is the same music for the syndicated TV show "The People's Court" opening! The one thing that stands out in this movie is the 1971 Mustang convertible. It's the real star of the show! It is nice to see this version of Mustang caught on film forever without rust and holes all over it, which these cars were known for. If you like movies like "The Van", "The Pom Pom Girls", and "H.O.T.S.", you may find this movie disappointing. But if you are like me and can appreciate trash flicks like "The Lonely Lady" and "The Seduction", then you will enjoy this made-for-drive-in classic!
Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart
(2003 TV Movie)
Leona Helmsley, She's Not!
20 May 2003
I saw this movie last night on NBC, and I was expecting it to trash the reputation of everyone's favourite "Kitchen Commando": Martha Stewart. What it did was bring to light the background of this fascinating, and business savvy woman. She wasn't portrayed as a tyrant, and she wasn't firing people for having water on the lettuce like the "Queen of Mean"-Leona Helmsley did during her heyday in the '80s. The movie starts off on the set of her "Martha Stewart Living" show, where she learns of the news of the insider information scandal on Wall Street. From there, the movie flashes back to a young Martha, and the budding of her entrepreneurial spirit-somewhat ruthless for a kid, then onto her relationship with her perfectionist father and modeling career. Cybill Danning plays Martha Stewart, and really shines in this role as always. Cybill has Martha's mannerisms and facial expressions down to a 'T'! Throughout the movie, it doesn't try to pass judgement on Martha Stewart for the sake of dramatizing her life events. Instead, it seemed to take a middle of the road approach, but it was still entertaining. For a made for TV movie, it's an interesting look into the life of a woman who has changed homemaking from a humdrum existence into a trendy art form!
Electric Dreams
(1984)
Cute Movie!
13 May 2003
I remember this movie from the '80s, and it's subsequent showings on TBS on their '80s Friday night movie through the '90s. There is a certain charm that this movie has. It's not only the music and the actors, but the atmosphere of the whole movie. It's very "new wave" feeling. It's basically about an engineer that buys a computer, then meets his new neighbour and dates her. While all of this is going on, the engineer's computer is developing human characteristics and starts questioning what love is. It's so '80s and it's so good! I agree with the last reviewer, this movie should be available on DVD! I liked this movie so much that I picked it up on VHS, but this movie was filmed in cinemascope so it would benefit from being on a DVD in it's original aspect ratio. Whether it be on VHS or DVD, this movie will appeal to fans of priceless '80s movies.
Vice Squad
(1982)
The 'A' List of 'B' Movies!
13 May 2003
I didn't see this movie until 1984 when it was an added feature to "Angel" at the Parkway Drive-In here in Toronto. After reading all of the comments of this movie, it's nice to see that other people appreciate fine 'B' movies as myself. I have this movie on VHS, but like the other reviewers have stated, it would be nice to see this movie released on DVD someday. It has a riveting storyline, and great performances by all the actors involved. It even features ex-MTV VJ Nina Blackwood as a desperate hooker trying to get away from the clutches of a psycho pimp named Ramrod, played by Wings Hauser. This movie has a gritty atmosphere to it which makes the story believable. Season Hubley plays Princess, a streetwise hooker with call girl attributes. She works with the police to try and rid the streets of Ramrod. This movie has been largely forgotten by most people, but for me it will always be a prized addition to my video library!
Strictly Business
(1991)
Still Da Bomb!
9 May 2003
I remember seeing this movie back in 1991, and a couple of times on TV, then it just disappeared. I was surprised to find that it was still in print on VHS, and I purchased it immediately! Tommy and Joseph are great in their roles. Not to mention it's great to see Halle Berry in her dope early '90s fashion, complete with ripped knee jeans and a leather jacket. Samuel Jackson plays his role great too as the boss from hell! This is a fun movie, and is very enjoyable to watch multiple times. It would be great to see it available on DVD in the future, but the VHS still looks great even after all of these years.
Hour Magazine
(1980–1989)
Great TV Talk Show!
6 May 2003
I remember watching this show in the early to mid '80s. It's format was like "Regis & Kathie-Lee", and it offered celebrity guests, along with tips for a healthier lifestyle, and in some shows there were cooking & makeover demonstrations. Gary Collins was the host, and sometimes he would have his wife Maryann Mobley on too. This was the starting ground for some well known icons of the '80s & '90s. The alumni included: Susan Powter-giving physical fitness advice & aerobic instruction, Richard Simmons-appeared on the show regularly giving health and diet advice, and Jose Ebert, a noted L.A. hairdresser, did a lot of makeovers on this show. It was 60 minutes in length, but it was so enjoyable, it only felt like a half-hour. I really miss this show since it's been off the air for 15 years now. It was a show from an era when there may have only been 30 channels to choose from, but there seemed to be more to watch on TV.
Boyz n the Hood
(1991)
An Urban Classic!
14 April 2003
The first time I saw "Boyz In The Hood" it really moved me. The powerful writing, and the rich characters are what make this movie memorable. Even though there have been parodies against this movie, it still has a strong & powerful message. It explored the plight of South Central L.A. without sugar coating it with dance routines, and lame comedy. John Singleton aimed for the jugular when he directed this masterpiece of growing up in South Central, and he succeeded in delivering the message that there is a war going on in our citie's neighbourhoods that cannot be ignored any longer. This was also the first John Singleton movie that I ever saw of his. Since this one he has maintained a steady stream of great movies like "Poetic Justice" and "Baby Boy", just to name a couple. "Boyz In The Hood" was a must get for my video library, because even though it was made 12 years ago, the message of this movie remains pertinent today: "Increase The Peace".
Campus Man
(1987)
An'80s Must Have!
31 March 2003
If you're like me and really like movies from the '80s, this is a great choice! It's about a business student that gets the idea to produce a calendar full of guys & market it to the female population of the Arizona State University and beyond. It's a comedy throughout, but then gets sentimental towards the end, which makes for a different kind of teen comedy. The atmosphere, and characters of the movie are fun. As far as the fashion end of it, if you are looking for a movie that features some of the biggest, & most teased hair from the '80s, this movie will not fail to satisfy. Back in the '80s, I had never heard of this movie before, it seemed like it was released in limited markets. I caught it on TBS countless times in the early '90s & have recently added this fun '80s flick to my collection. It would be nice to see it released on DVD in the future.
Campus Man
(1987)
An'80s Must Have!
31 March 2003
If you're like me and really like movies from the '80s, this is a great choice! It's about business student that gets the idea to produce a calendar full of guys & market it to the female population of the Arizona State University and beyond. It's a comedy throughout, but then get sentimental towards the end, which makes for a different kind of teen comedy. The atmosphere, and characters of the movie are fun. As far as the fashion end of it, if you are looking for a movie that features some of the biggest, & most teased hair from the '80s, this movie will not fail to satisfy. Back in the '80s, I had never heard of this movie before, it seemed like it was released in limited markets. I caught it on TBS countless times in the early '90s & have recently added this fun '80s flick to my collection. It would be nice to see it released on DVD in the future.
The Oprah Winfrey Show
(1986–2011)
She is & always will be da' bomb!
31 March 2003
I started watching "Oprah" back in 1987 about a year after her talk show went national. At the time, her show was set up like Phil Donahue's, where she would have different topics, and go out into the audience to get their opinions on whatever the topic was. Her subjects ranged from weight loss to racial disharmony in America and everything in between. Whatever the subject, I always looked forward to tuning into her show. It offered thought provoking subjects, and was always entertaining to watch. Whether she was pleasantly plump or skinny, she was always "large & in charge" in my books! Oprah has always had a style about her that has not been matched by any other talk show hosts, back then and now. Her show changed in the mid '90s to be more of a hybrid of the classic talk shows like "The Dinah Shore Show", and "Merv Griffin", but with the flare of Oprah thrown in for good measure. At the time, there were something like 14 other talk shows with the "Phil Donahue format", so I don't blame her for wanting to change the direction of her show. I remember Oprah stating in an interview that she wanted to get away from the sensationalism of the other talk shows and offer something truly unique and inspiring. In true Oprah fashion, she pulled it off and has not suffered from a loss in ratings like what was predicted. Another point that makes Oprah stand out from the rest of the pack is her undying generosity. She was instrumental in starting up "Habitat for Humanity", and is involved with many other charities. Along with this, she helps writers to get their work known to the public by choosing them for Oprah's Book Club & she will do special things for her audience like invite them back for her Christmas special where they get lots of good stuff! In conclusion, I have always admired Oprah Winfrey, not only for what she has done for herself, but how she helps other people achieve their hopes and dreams as well. Whether she is on her talk show or in a movie, Oprah has won an emmy & academy award in my heart a long time ago!
Fast Forward
(1985)
I Thought I Saw It All!
31 March 2003
I thought I had seen all of the obscure '80s flicks back in the '80s like "Paradise Motel" & "My Man Adam". I came across "Fast Forward" on one of the arts oriented TV stations here in Toronto, and I was amazed that I never saw or heard of this movie before. Another surprise was that it was directed by Sidney Poitier, and the music direction was by Quincy Jones! It was an obvious attempt to cash in on the "Flashdance" & "Breakin" movies of the era. It also reminded me of a drive-in classic that movie critic Ron Base co-wrote called "Heavenly Bodies". "Fast Forward" is about 8 high school seniors (this is laughable because the cast look like they are in their mid 20s) that journey to New York City to make it big in the music biz. This movie is over acted, has lame dialogue, and is all out total cheese! Even though it has all of the aforementioned qualities, it is still enjoyable to watch! It's a combination of the fact that Sidney Poitier directed this made for drive-in classic, the Quincy Jones influenced the music, the dancing and the pure '80s nostalgia of it all. It's also funny to see Michael DeLorenzo (pre-"New York Undercover") with eyeliner and major '80s hair! I had to add this priceless slice of the '80s to my collection. If you enjoy '80s dance oriented movies, then this one is a must have for your library!
The Last American Virgin
(1982)
'80s Teen Angst
31 March 2003
I have always liked this movie from when I saw it back in the '80s to the present. The only thing that ticked me off about it, then & now, was the ending. Everything from the acting to the music soundtrack was great, but the ending of the movie really ends the experience on a sour note. I am figuring the director thought it would have more of a dramatic impact and give it more of a realistic touch. What it ended up doing, especially back in '82, was aggravate the audience which was mostly made up of teens. I remember at the drive-ins here in Toronto, the cars would blast their horns at the end to show their displeasure with the flick. One thing I find hard to believe is that this movie, which is currently out-of-print, is going for big bucks used on VHS! I think I will wait for it to come out on DVD, if ever. If it doesn't, it's a movie that will not really be missed with me.
H.O.T.S.
(1979)
Gazooks! They Be Hooters On The Screen!
31 March 2003
I remember hearing about this movie and how it played at nearly every drive-in theatre here in Toronto. It's about a group of girls that are not accepted by the other sororities at their college, so they start up their own, and of course call it H.O.T.S. It's a fun movie, that is just bursting with drive-in nostalgia! Lots of fully endowed t-shirts, vans, fighting, and a football game showdown like no other! It's been compared to "Animal House", which is a good movie in it's own right, but to me nothing compares to H.O.T.S. It has it's own brand of fun & character. If you are looking for a classic T n'A movie, look no further because the H.O.T.S. girls are to the rescue, boom-boom shorts & all!
Cleopatra Jones
(1973)
Funky & Fun Gem!
31 March 2003
"Cleopatra Jones" was one of the first "blaxploitation" movies that I ever saw back in the '70s. Tamara Dobson plays Cleopatra Jones, a government agent that must crack a drug ring run by Mommy, Shelley Winters. This movie has a nice pace, and looks like it had a fairly big budget for this genre. Tamara plays the role flawlessly and with style. Some of those fashions! I am surprised she could do some kung-fu fighting with those killer platform shoes on. The other thing that stands out in my mind about this movie is Cleo's sexy corvette, complete with a cassette deck! This was state of the art back in '73 for most cars came with the standard AM radio, or if you wanted to, you could upgrade to 8-track! Shelley Winters is funny and over-the-top with her role as Mommy, the Queen of drug trade. Her performance just adds to the campy appeal of this movie. The supporting cast do well too, and round out this made-for-drive-in classic! The DVD is very basic with no extras, however, it is presented in it's original "cinemascope" aspect ratio. The print looks good, and clear. I am glad that this movie is available on DVD, for it's an enjoyable taste of the '70s!
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