Author: BRWC

Xenon Blaxplotation Classic Review: Blackenstein

By Brogan Ord Staunton.

In honour of all things Hollywood, Blaxploitation horror was clearly profitable, leading to the creation of “Blackenstein”. This 1975 take on the original Mary Shelley classic Frankenstein follows war veteran (Joe DeSue), whose limbs were medically restored, who becomes a killer when his physician’s (John Hart) aid switches his medication.

Before I watched the film, I naturally perused the trailer on Youtube and was immediately struck by “Dr Steins” uncanny resemblance to a Dick Van Dyke. Just me? Okay.

Secondly, I was worried by how painful it was to sit through the trailer. Surely if I was this hesitant during a short 3:20 minute trailer, I wouldn’t be able to sit through a whole 1hr and 27 minutes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bxOc–RLtA

Well, let me tell you. The first half, I was completely right. I was basically waiting for Eddie to do something. I came for sloppy, b-movie carnage and that was not what I was getting. What also bothered me was how careless it all seemed. Surely even by any films standards. The most notable example that sticks in my mind, is when Eddie is being taken to Dr Stein’s hospital after having both his legs and arms (how a landmine blows one’s arms off is beyond me), when he is taken from the ambulance you quite clearly see his legs underneath the blanket! I know movies like this weren’t recognised for there sheer beauty and were more harmless fun, but c’mon.

Moving onto the second half however, still just as terrible, and not in the way that usually comes with the terrority, things perked up. Only to see the entertaining ways in which “Blackenstein” rained terror. But all in all, to sum it all up, nothing could save the movie from its slow and awkward dialogue, it’s questionable acting or complete lack of interest in bog standard science.
This is one of those films you feel would be necessary to see in a cinema, just to stop you constantly getting distracted by your phone as you feel the minutes slowing pacing by.

Not a classic by anyone’s standard. If you are looking to explore the world of Blaxploitation movies, this is not what I would start with. Stick with “Blacula”.

16th July 2018
Xenon Blaxplotation Classic Review: The Muthers

By Brogan Ord-Staunton.

Before watching the 1976 “blaxpotiation” classic “The Muthers”, 70s expolitation cinema was not a genre I’d delved into much. Being my first experience, I dipped my toe into the waters with his one and i was pleasantly surprised.

Directed by cult “B” movie favorite Cirio Santiago, “The Muthers” is yet another low-budget flick from the era, hijacking it’s way onto DVD courtesy of Vinegar Syndrome. It’s a combination of genres, Women in Prison, sexploitation and blaxploitation

The film follows the journey of Kelly (Jeanne Bell) and Angie (Rosanne Katon) who lead an all male crew, sailing the South Seas. Once they realise Kellys teenager sister has gone missing, the set sail to find her only to find she has been abducted by a human trafficking ring. After setting themselves up capture, they work to set themselves and the island of trapped women free, as well as bringing down the notorious kingpin Monterio, who runs the operation, down.

In some ways it could be argued this film was way beyond its time. I mean, a film lead with a female, african american cast? Considering we live in a time where it is seen as a milestone for a film to even consider a woman as a profitable lead, it seems this genre proved well before it’s time that unsurprisingly yes, people want to see kick ass, witty women on screen!

Saying this, this film does still give issue, but no more issues that are seen within film today. Not one but two graitious bathing scenes and some very questionable fashion choices (a turtleneck in the tropics?). Let’s face it though, this was the 70’s and that is the troupes of the genre. But taking that into consideration the film is actually pretty good natured. Most of the most shocking scenes are already in the trailer, so there isn’t much more watching the full film offers, but it is still worth an hour of your time, if only for some great one liners and seeing some kick ass women on screen. Also, arguable one of the coolest action scenes ever committed to scene, but I won’t spoil that for you, you’ll know when you see it.

It’s easy to see the influence films such as this has had on modern cinema (Here’s looking at you Tarantino). For those yet to have their exploitation education, this is definitely an good start to ease yourself in.

However, if you’re a fan of “The Muthers” already, this is the nicest version you’ll ever see. Cool, bright, crisp colouring and a lush, funky 70’s disco sound, it probably looks infinitely better now than it did upon its initial release.

13th July 2018
Xenon Blaxploitation Classic Review: Dolemite

By Afonso Almeida.

Technicolour clothing and karate. That’s essentially what’s on offering with D’Urville Martin’s 1975 Dolemite. Starring Rudy Ray Moore as the titular Dolemite, the movie tells the story of a Pimp who is framed by a rival and serves 20 years in prison. When he returns to civilisation, Dolemite sets about to regain his reputation, crew and club, all in exuberant style.

There’s not much plot to detail when it comes to Dolemite. The initial set up of the film, involving two policer officers falsely arresting the titular character on drug charges is only the loose thread that holds the film together. What follows is almost a day in the life of this larger than life, karate chopping figure. We are introduced to the Dolemite girls, who need no further introduction given Dolemite’s job description, as well as an assortment of local layabouts and characters that surround his life. There seem to be very few obstacles in Dolemit’s rise back to the top, even though there is the looming presence of corrupt white police officers and a rival. Nevertheless, the film culminates in an over the top display of karate and excessive wigs.

Dolemite features a lot of the Blaxploitation genre tropes. A larger than life protagonist, boisterous supporting cast, the presence of stereotypical white oppressors and a genuine attitude of resistance and joy of life in light of these harsh circumstances. In a hilarious scene at the beginning (though the intention for comedy remains debatable) Dolemite sheds off the grey suit and tie he was issued by the prison, to don his sky blue pimp uniform, climbing aboard his Cadillac with five of the Dolemite girls, only to immediately disrobe with them. There are several moments like this that carry through the film. Light hearted, and downright funny, but nevertheless carrying a sentiment of not being subdued by the oppressing forces.

Despite the light-hearted tone and clunky dialogue (which could almost earn a comparison to Tommy Wiseau’s The Room when it comes to failed moments of earnest sentiment) the film does present an entertaining look at social issues, without being overbearing. There are references to the ramped drug culture devastating Los Angeles, the corruption of the police force, and the inability for African Americans to simply go about their lives.

Ultimately, Dolemite is simply a good time. With psychedelic outfits, cheesy dialogue, funky music and the slowest karate chops ever recorded to film, it is impossible not to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

8th July 2018
Video Games v Movies: The Archetypal Rivalry

The entertainment industry is a challenging place, and while it all looks fun and light on the outside, there is much more than meets the eye. With many different kinds of entertainment available to audiences nowadays, it is rather surprising that the everlasting rivalry between video games and movies has managed to resist the passage of time and remain a key focal point. Still, considering that the similarities between the two are identified as its main driver, it is no surprise that the competitive tendencies are as vibrant as ever.

The movie industry has long held the dominant position, but recent years witnessed video games progress exponentially, with revenues overtaking those of the motion picture productions with double the amounts. Due to such changes, the focus shifted to the causes behind them, and several key considerations have stood out as the main causes for it. While some refer to technological progress, others may go deeper into human nature, as people look at these forms of entertainment as a mode of escapism.

Sporting Video Games

In recent years, video gaming has been established as a form of sport, and people started viewing it more seriously than ever before. It has come to be known as eSports, and its potential for profit is definitely one of the main reasons video games managed to surpass movies. Even though it does not include any specific physical activity, which is the case with several other sports, it does meet the basic requirements to gain such status. Nowadays, there are massive global competitions, events and conventions dedicated entirely it. In turn, this opened up a pool of business opportunities, from sponsorships to betting opportunities, with sportsbook segments entirely dedicated to eSports odds. You can get betting picks and tips from video gaming pros, and explore eSports potential even further.

Opening New Horizons

Aside from PCs and consoles, a new massively rising form of video gaming has taken the fore – mobile games. This recent addition to the game selection has caused a massive boom in player traffic, mainly due to the compactness and wide accessibility it provides. Video gaming fans finally got the chance to enjoy their favourite titles on the go, maximising the use of their free commuting time or during work breaks.

Leaving a Mark

The movie industry has always been considered a main source of such cult, ever-green productions and franchises that would go down in history as epic achievements. However, once video games started breaking new grounds and improving massively, they were able to establish their own set of monumental franchises, starting from the likes of LOL, through Counter Strike, to Grand Theft Auto.

Interactive Reality

Both movies and video games have implemented new ways of experiencing the storyline, characters and the predominant action. While movies came up with multidimensional projections, video games made use of the newest tech advances in virtual reality. As this touches upon a basic human instinct to control the outcomes of their actions, it is no wonder that video games have progressed so determinedly, and show no signs of stagnation.

6th July 2018
Xenon Blaxploitation Classic Review: Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song

By Afonso Almeida.

With the impending release of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), it is only fitting to revisit some of the classic Blaxploitation flicks that have had such a clear impact on his filmmaking techniques. One such case, would be Martin Van Peebles’ 1971 picture, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.

Sweet Sweetback tells the story of a young orphan who is sexually assaulted by a prostitute at a young age, who gives the title character his moniker. Twenty odd years later, Sweetback is working as a performer in the whorehouse, performing sex shows for an audience. One night, the LAPD comes to the whorehouse looking for a suspect accused of murder. Although fully aware he isn’t there, they ask the manager if they can book Sweetback for the night and then release him, only to keep up appearances. He agrees and Sweetback is taken away by the police. On their way to the police station, the police stops and arrests a young member of the Black Panthers, Mu Mu. The two officers proceed to viciously beat Mu Mu to a pulp, until Sweetback fashions his cuffs into brass knuckles, knocking out both officers. What ensues is a long night of fleeing the law and making a run for the Mexican border.

This movie, as with many in the Blaxploitation genre, openly addresses race relations in the 1970’s America. It portrays the injustices and persecutions African Americans suffered, not only at the hands of a corrupt and heavily white police force, but as well as the institutions of everyday life, this is made evident in a scene portraying a mixed race couple in which the white woman is left unscathed while the man is violently beaten. When the police realise that he is not the man they are looking for, they dismiss the whole affair with a sardonic “So what?”

There are many cinematic elements to enjoy in this film. The soundtrack is notorious for being performed by a then unknown, Earth, Wind and Fire. The film has a distinct funky groove that carries out through the picture, often undercutting moments of extreme violence and tension to great effect. There is a clear sentiment of perseverance in the emphatic music carrying throughout the picture. Much like the title character, it simply can’t be stopped. Additionally the use of innovative fast cuts, crash zooms, frantic editing and stylistic orange title credits over freeze frames can all be traced along movie history to this day, with the aforementioned Tarantino.

Sweetback’s Song is a prime example of its genre, although some do not consider it to be a part of it. Its use of over the top stereotypes and exaggerated scenarios thinly paint over a clear feeling of frustration and desire for justice. It’s definitely worth a view, and if for nothing else, it’s got incredible soundtrack.

It’s now available on VOD in North America through Xenon Pictures.

5th July 2018