Super Fly

Super Fly_720p(480P)

source: Super Fly

Trailer—Super Fly

Super Fly

One of the grittiest of the so-called blaxploitation films of the 1970s, Gordon Parks Jr's Superfly can really catch audiences off guard and sober them up. Ron O'Neal's brooding performance as retiring drug dealer Youngblood Priest is excellent, as is the consistently evident tension between the races (expertly captured by Parks). I recently had the opportunity to see Superfly at a film festival, and Curtis Mayfield's on-screen appearance in a nightclub received a warm round of applause from the packed theater. Mayfield really did deliver one of the greatest soundtracks in film history for Superfly. "Pusherman," "Freddie's Dead," the title song and many others are just incredible.

Ron O'Neal plays a drug dealer name Youngblood Priest who wants out of the business. But not before one last big score. As you might expect, it won't be as easy to get out as he hopes. You've probably seen variations on this story dozens of times before and after Super Fly, but rarely this good. This is one of the high points of the Blaxploitation genre. Yes, it's morally suspect and not for all tastes. But it's also an exciting, gritty, and colorful urban drama. There's a great sex scene and a funny slow motion fight scene that are two of the highlights. Good direction from Gordon Parks, Jr. and an amazing score by Curtis Mayfield. Filmed on location in early '70s New York which gives it a great atmosphere and realism.

A year after Gordon Parks Sr. helped usher in the "Blaxploitation" era with Shaft, his son Gordon Parks Jr. helped extend that trend with this, Super Fly. Ron O'Neal became a star as drug pusher Youngblood Priest with his charismatic performance though it also became a source of controversy over his role being glamorized especially when they show a two-minute steamy bathtub love scene between him and Sheila Frazier. Musician Curtis Mayfield's score and songs are entertaining throughout and what a treat to see him performing as part of the picture. Of the supporting cast, I especially loved Julius Harris as Priest's mentor who had quit a while back and is initially hesitant to help him on one last deal. This was only my second time watching this and it was even a bit more entertaining than before. Now I'm anxious to watch the sequel Super Fly T.N.T. that O'Neal directed himself and is on YouTube right now...

Long "Maxi" coats and "Superfly" hats with platform shoes: yes, I was one who jumped into the fashion trend at the time. I hat a purple hat and coat and four-inch platforms after this film came out. I wish I had a picture. :-) This was a defining film that mightily affect a generation. The music of Curtis Mayfield made it even more enjoyable. It wasn't just a blaxploitation film, it was a good experience. Sure the fights were lame, the acting nothing to write home about, and even the sex scenes left a lot to be desired, but this was an important film. See it ass soon as you can.