Reviews

If you want to get an insider's glimpse into the world of pimpin', look no further than "The Mack." Often compared to the other, better known black movies of the 1970's, which tend to focus more on drugs and street justice, "The Mack" incorporates both of those elements, but with a heavy focus on pimpin'. It gives outsiders a glimpse into the life of a pimp through the eyes of 1973's official Pimp of the Year, Goldie ("The Mack" shows that this dubious title is actually given out in an annual event, one similar to the Oscars). Goldie's strengths are his strong pimp hand, which he uses early and often, and the fact that he always gets his percentage on time (as in "woman better have my percentage"). Although his brother (fyi: one of magnum p.i.'s sidekicks)dedicates his life warning people about pimps and drug pushers, Goldie continues his lavish lifestyle, going so far as to bring his women to the annual Pimp Softball and Barbeque Outing (for a pimp, Goldie sure knows how to swing the lumber). But, with a tragic ending, Goldie must examine his life and is forced to make a huge decision.

If you are looking for great acting, a movie where you can hear what the people are saying (everyone speaks really softly), or good music, look elsewhere. Also, although Richard Pryor gets second billing in this movie, he is seen in the movie less than a pimp in daylight.

On the other hand, I think the strengths of this movie are the costumes and the "pimp insight" one can gain. If you want a crash course on what it takes to be a respected pimp (fine clothes, ability to wear sunglasses during all hours, have an unruly afro, kill people using dynamite, play a lot of craps and three card monty), then look no further than "The Mack". However, if that is not your intended goal, look further, look much much further.

If you still flip channels searching for old re-runs of Different Strokes (I am pretty sure that Different was spelled different, like diff'nt or something catchy like that), then this is the movie for you. Gary Coleman was the only good thing about Different Strokes (sorry Adalaide and the Gooch)and he is the only good thing about this movie (sorry Pat Morita). Although this is a really bad movie, I have fond memories of it, just like Coleman's television show. I am sure this would still be enjoyable for a young crowd.

Kingpin is as funny as a movie gets. I put it up there with Caddyshack and Naked Gun in terms of "laugh of loud" funny. When I read that Siskel and Ebert put it in their list of "Top 10 Movies of 1996", I knew this was no ordinary bathroom humor flick. The Farrelly Brothers are so slick at hiding great jokes into ordinary dialogue. The best parts are hidden and the more you watch this movie, the more jokes you will find. So, if you watched this and did not find it funny, rent it again. I am telling you, this movie is fantastic. Harrelson is terrific as a bald, dim-witted bowler with a hook for a hand. I mean, come on now, that description alone makes me laugh. This movie blows "There's Something About Mary" away. Great soundtrack as well.

Any movie with Bubba Smith has to be, at the very least, entertaining. This movie is great if you are in a silly mood. Beau Bridges is a pretty awful actor, and Bubba Smith, fresh from his Police Academy days, is no Laurence Olivier. But, you dont rent this movie for that reason. It is a silly, 80's cop caper where there is a joke at least every ten minutes about Bubba Smith's height and strength (he either punches someone out or cannot fit into a care, etc). But, there is an interesting twist with a cat that has yet to be duplicated in any movie I have seen. In any event, you know what you are getting into when you are looking at Beau and Bubba movies and this one is no different. I say rent it, but make sure to rent another movie in the process.