SuperFly (2018) User Reviews

Average remake of a Blaxploitation classic.

[Java_Joe · 5/10 · 19 June 2018]

The original Super Fly is credited as being one of the original Blaxploitation movies along with Sweet Sweetback's Baadassssss Song and Shaft. All of which are considered essential movies in the genre.

This remake hits all the right notes and it updates it for today's audiences but it doesn't really bring anything new or noteworthy to the mix. It's stylish and honestly feels more like an extended music video in some parts. Now part of that could very well be because of the director and his background. But that's good for music videos and not for a feature length movie.

But the real issue is this movie has no real reason to exist. It's a remake that really is the same exact story as the original. I get why they wanted to make it but it doesn't bring anything really new to the mix.

As a stand alone movie it's just kinda okay. As a remake it's just a tepid retelling of a much better story.

Superfly guy is back

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 14 June 2019]

This is a loud slick noisy update of the 1972 Blaxploitation Super Fly. The tunes lack the funk of the original and I welcomed the burst of Curtis Mayfield's title track.

Trevor Jackson is cool but bland as the Atlanta drug pusher Youngblood Priest. He wants to make that one big score and get out with his two girlfriends.

To do this he makes a connection with the Mexican cartel, stay one step ahead of rival gang Snow Patrol and then he has to deal with crooked cops who want a piece of the coke pie.

Priest has been made more nicer and morally centered in this version, he was not so nice in the original.

Despite looking more lavish than the original. Director X has stuck to his music video aesthetics. I think all those shots of women in strip clubs looks sleazy for all the wrong reasons.

The film is really too long, the crooked cops were just cartoonish, I am surprised no one caught them out earlier. The script is full of holes but it is a watchable that improves as it goes on.

"Superfly" is Harmless Pulp in a Serious World

[travishouze · 4/10 · 14 June 2018]

If you walk into Superfly with the intention of not taking it seriously....it's actually pretty fun for all the wrong reasons. What makes Superfly work is its jaded views on street credibility and several of the lead actors to bring some much needed levity to what is a rip-off of every crime drama that came before it.

The plot is all you have heard a million times before. The whole "one big score to end it all" after a traumatic moment, corrupt cops, navigating through a Mexican drug cartel, all wrapped into a copy and paste style script. What makes it a little more worth while is the rival gang Snow Patrol, which is gloriously over the top in literally all white everything and filled with actors overacting in ways I haven't seen in a movie in a long time. So it's sad to say that there is a long period where they aren't the focus and the film reverts into familiar cartel territory, which is not investing at all.

Trevor Jackson is okay in the lead role, but is clearly outstaged by his co-star Jason Mitchell, who is having more fun in the role than he is. He plays it pretty straight, but doesn't stretch his range out enough to make him captivating. Also the film runs 20 minutes too long and could have sliced a large amount of the ending to keep it more focused and internal.

Superfly is simply harmless pulp that was close to being a guilty pleasure. In a post-Black Panther world, films like Superfly will have to beef up their reasons for existing by either going all the way absurd, or just asking new questions these characteristics. It's crime isn't its influence, but instead it lacks wings to truly fly.

Rating: 4.5 / 10

A comedic masterpiece!!!!

[bennyblanco-02620 · 1/10 · 4 July 2019]

A millennials wet dream of what they think a gangster is. A must see train wreck.

trying to be slick

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 25 November 2018]

Priest is a cool, careful, calculating drug lord in Atlanta. He has operations and connections all over without the unwanted attention like his two girlfriends, Georgia and Cynthia. He has a respectful rival in Snow Patrol leader Q although Q's right hand man Juju is itching to take him down. After Juju's failed shooting, Priest's brother Eddie tries a drive-by without Priest's knowledge. Meanwhile, Priest goes around his source Scatter (Michael Kenneth Williams) by connecting to the Mexican source Adalberto Gonzalez (Esai Morales). He returns to a looming gang war with Snow Patrol and corrupt cop Detective Mason (Jennifer Morrison).

I like the opening scene which sets up Priest's character really well. After that, he needs to do an exposition of his life and his operation. The movie tries to be slick. At times, I find the attempt fun but other times, it seems unnecessary and silly. For example, Morrison is overplaying the role and she's not capable of the attempt. It's silly to try unless it's done right. The other problem is that Priest is presented as a calculating smart dealer but he misses several obvious things in his plan. It's obvious that Scatter would figure it out and come after him sooner or later. A smart man would take him out right after making the connect with Mexico. As for Q, he knows that his lie could never hold up especially at the gallery. He should have offered him a piece of the action since he needs the sales anyways. Also I don't understand the exact calculations of the third act. Wouldn't a shoot out at his furniture store draw attention to him? Wouldn't it be better to go after Snow Patrol at their mansion? It would have been great action to have a shoot out at the mansion. Speaking of action, there is one big car chase scene in the movie which reminds me of a 90's action B-movie shot on the streets of Toronto. That's to say it looks dated and doesn't have the intensity of the top rank modern car chase. It also looks like they tried their best with limited resources and skills. There is lots to like about TV and music video Director X but he may need some help making the jump to full length films.

When Worldstar meets The Chappelle show

[kbrown760 · 2/10 · 18 June 2018]

I went in with an open mind but that quickly changed. Seeing how relevant the original was to the times.(although it was also panned by the NAACP as glorifying street life). The lead in the original at least had the viewer understanding his angst as he wanted out. This version , I don't even know or care why he's disillusioned. The females representations are embarrassing .The Snow Patrol was straight out of a cartoon..(cleaning bill must be a mother). New Jack City was a better story on a drug dealer. You loved or hated Nino, but you had an opinion.. I particularly hated the gun play and Car chases.. In the original, I don't remember anybody getting shot.. This was just a way to get the shoot-em up fans and the Fast and Furious fans together.. I just think this was a story that didn't need to be remade..

Someone successfully turned your favorite Hip Hop video into a feature film.

[subxerogravity · 6/10 · 15 June 2018]

It's like the ultimate male fantasy come to life!

Priest is the king of the drug game in Atlanta, his head so strongly connected to his shoulders he does not need to bring a gun to a gun fight (And that's why it was so important to advertise it's from the producers of the matrix). He has the perfect life running the game with his boy and sharing his bed with not one but two hot chicks who don't mind sharing at all, as he runs his house like a true king, but one day he realizes he no longer has the mind set for the game and needs to do one last big score and get out before he gets got.

It's like if Disney was making a movie about a drug dealer. This dude Superfly is so perfect. In that way it's the perfect homage not just to the original movie but to the blaxpolation era altogether (both positive and negative) with their imagery of a brother who's near perfect.

But I have to admit, I would not have expected a movie like this in the times we are living in. It appeals so heavily to a male psyche the world is trying to change. Obviously mine has not, because I loved this flick. The producers of the Matrix (as the poster advertised) loaded it with so much Style and action (plus hot naked women) that I can't help but to enjoy.

Something tells me this is going to be my guilty pleasure.

Watched the original

[deanstevencallan · 3/10 · 13 September 2018]

Trash, What's the point , just watch the original that's how to make a great "blacksplotation" film not this , why make a sequel that is so inferior to the original ? Don't bother !

It's Entertaining. No complaints.

[AlainAKoningverdraag · 7/10 · 2 September 2018]

It's Entertainment. A comic book story made into a movie, with all the comic trimmings. I guess the other reviewers really didn't like Priest's over-the-top hairdo... and they're kind of right: it is excessive. But then again, he's supposed to be a combination of dangerous, sharp, slick, & smooth, all at once; so I'll give him that. Besides, the movie is entertaining. That, and I wasn't expecting a blockbuster; but it's nicely done. Wastes no time. What happened to people just watching movies and expecting to be entertained? That's what I expect from a movie: "Will it entertain me, and how much will it entertain me?" All the other niggles about script, technical qualities, and what not, are just that: niggles. If you're down with going on a fantasy gangsta trip for 116 minutes... see expensive cars, gals, guns, gratuitous T & A; cool martial arts, and a hail of bullets, with a sprinkling of love to round it all out... Go see this movie.

Bad storyline worst acting

[oohuzo · 1/10 · 29 November 2019]

This movie is among the worst drug movies ever made, if not the worst. What a waste.

Its very good ALTHOUGH not solid

[bassicuk · 8/10 · 15 September 2018]

Ok this is a remake.

Lets not knock it down as times have changed. The movie is not there to empower black people. Its judt entertainment.

Most of the actors were good. Some let it down - Georgia and (sometimes) Priest. Big boi, Eddie and the main drug boss were great.

The music was good.

The car chase with the beautiful Lexus was good.

Overall it was very good.

I wanted to hate this movie.... but found I was casually captivated!!!

[lightbeing-48261 · 7/10 · 29 August 2018]

I cannot comment on the original, so perhaps I was able to be open minded. Superfly is not without faults and an over produced style, yet that adds to its quirky charm. It is a movie that allows its self to be ridiculed and there are elements of Black Dynamite in there, without being as extremely cheesy. One really needs to take out the idea of realism and suspend one's disbelief and enjoy the ride and its obvious cliches. Whilst being far from brilliant, it has its guilty pleasures. As a non white I did get a little kick from the a white male police officer getting a kicking from a black man. Although I beleive there is the likelihood of the vast majority of white male police being honourable and not racist, it's those rotten apples that get noticed as murdering black men and being protected by a corrupt system. With the murder of Priest's comrade I felt I couldn't empathise with the whole scenario, the comrade himself was a murderer and in reality a lowlife that got what he deserved, not to justify the the police officer that murdered him, but just saying... A lot felt preposterous, such as the flippant throwing of money in crowds, but I am British and what do I know of black american culture. As I said, you have to get passed some of the stupidity and enjoy some of its intelligence, even if the intelligence is surface level. Whilst I cannot see any awards for this movie, try not to take it too seriously and you may enjoy it. Some might see it as a polished turd and others may see it as an uncut diamond...

Fantastic...what a trailer...

[zvedrija · 2/10 · 19 July 2018]

First I looked at the trailer....what a kick...then I looked at the movie...what a kick.. The acting....the plot...the genre...the dramaturgy... what a kick... It was literally a kick in the groin..

could be really good unintentional comedy

[nalwro · 1/10 · 14 August 2020]

If it wasnt so pathethic. and his hair lol, wtf was that. idk who could give this pos more than 2 stars except for movie crew and 5yo og wannabe.

Better than I thought it would be

[terrellevansford · 7/10 · 1 September 2018]

Movies typically are either over hype or under hyped. The point is movies like the original Superfly, Belly, Shottas, The Mack, are now few and far between. This movie is not nearly as good as the aforementioned however it fills in the gap that viewers have missed. The movie does a good job to show both the ups and the downs of the street life and the issues with trying to choose a better life in an entertaining format. I think the rival gang served its purpose but lacked context, like why in the world would so much lip be accepted, and at times the rival gang leader seemed forced more than actually a solid character. The acting is good. I think this is actually a good film for adults to enjoy.

Just...WOW!

[mjlower-28991 · 1/10 · 13 July 2018]

I kinda expected this movie to suck considering it was made by a guy who's so arrogant to call himself "Director X". The plot was thin the acting was bad. I do have to say one positive thing though, the idea of the film was a good one just poorly executed. 1/10 Thanks for reading my opinion on this flick. My review is too short apparently so let me see what else I can think of here... I did like the actor who played the lead, can't remember his name but I liked his style.

I watched it for Trevor Jackson

[carrington_traylor · 6/10 · 15 June 2018]

It could have used some work. Priest's hair was terrible. Overall it wasn't a busy pretty okay.

Dumb movie

[torreselnino-63589 · 2/10 · 28 August 2018]

Only watched it for the title, kind of feel conned now. Will get high ratings from 15 year olds. Hang on a second, that's disrespectful to 15 year olds.

my notes

[FeastMode · 6/10 · 26 July 2019]

Pretty good movie. a story that has been done to death but a cool new style and vibe. likable characters. good soundtrack. and some interesting moments. i did have a few issues with it but nothing too egregious. enjoyable overall, but i probably won't watch it again (1 viewing)

how kids imagine gangsters

[nikolazekoviczonin · 1/10 · 4 April 2019]

Dear lord how but H O W anyone ever looked at that main actor with that hair and face and acting like some Randu from Indian TV soap and thought "good, he will play drug lord from the hood in our movie. Not to mention Snow patrol guys? Seriously? Snow patrol? Are you sure you didn't mean Patrol Paws. Ok I understand there are a lot ov kids loving irrelevant YouTube stars and they may want to see movie full od tough man looking like girls but you should at least put some warning on label "not for adults" or something like that

Very entertaining and stylish film.

[edeninvsvs · 8/10 · 18 June 2018]

I enjoyed the film, it is quite true the original. Entertaining, well acted, well written in terms of a modern day story line and stylish. It is not to be taken too seriously. Just go have a good time watching it.

Solid/Suited and re-booted

[jjsmoothforyou · 7/10 · 25 June 2018]

This is decent-reboot, Trevor Jackson gives a solid performance as "Priest" trying to get out the drug game but wanting to do one more big job before....retiring. The film looks good, it is very polished/glitzy with a hip-hop soundtrack ,it moves at a decent pace, violence/action, a little comedy, just like he original, I wish the writing was better, i believe this movie was intended for the new generation of moviegoers unfortunately, they were not born when the original film was released and the movie trailer left much to be desired/understood. In overall, a solid film- Superfly will most likely fare better on cable, digital release and movie streaming outlets.

Poor Movie, Poor Acting

[john-r-eve · 3/10 · 8 September 2018]

I do not recommend this movie. I watched it and wanted to scratch my eyes out. Low IQ gangsters, terrible music, poorly written. Some Scenes look like they were shot on an old soap opera set. No redeeming value in this film.

Garbage

[vintagegearsllc · 1/10 · 19 June 2018]

There are not enough words to describe how horrible this film is ,what a waste .

Remakes...

[davidjdoyle-140-892335 · 28 August 2018]

Remakes... What can you say about them? Most often remakes suck, pure and simple. A remake of a cheesy 70's movie... so cheesy that it was awesome... ends up turning into this steamy pile of feces. This remake brings nothing to the table. Lackluster acting, directing and production hamstring the movie from the get-go. Let's not even talk about that hair!