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1. The Mack
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2. Zero Population Growth
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3. Passover Plot
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4. Education of Sonny Carson
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5. The Education of Sonny Carson
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6. The Mack

1. The Mack
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $9.94
our price: $9.94
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 078060959X
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 12163
Average Customer Review: 3.96 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

The Mack, a 1973 pimping epic, is at once a laughable, schlock classic and a harbinger of more serious black-themed films to come. Starring the now-forgotten Max Julien as Goldie, the preening ex-con whose dream is to rule the streets with a fine Cadillac and a fleet of topnotch hookers, this film is full of whip-crack, mostly improvised dialogue and hilarious stereotypes (the evil white cops, a wisdom-spouting blind man, and more trash-talkin' pimps than you could shake a walking stick at).

Not only is the film one you can chuckle at in the postmodern, ironic mode, it is also a window on the world of today's rap superstars, many of whom have sampled, invoked, or quoted lines from this gaudy paean to pandering. In other words, The Mack is a kind of godfather to a future stark frankness about life on the streets. But forget the sociological hooey and dig into the piece as an urban costume picture with a greasy/funky score by R&B genius Willie Hutch.

Also, it features an amazing supporting turn by Richard Pryor, who, playing Tonto to Julien's Lone Ranger, unleashes torrents of nearly incomprehensible verbiage in the film's finest moments. Mind you, such brilliance is a direct comedy-organ transplant from Pryor's stand-up act: he was performing his "Pimp on Blow" routine at about the same time The Mack was filmed. Seventy percent of this piece is dross, but the other 30 is the apex of urban surrealism. One vignette to tantalize: Goldie hypnotizing his "ladies" into docile submission as they sit in a planetarium, mechanically repeating his words: "I will remain a lady at all times..." --David Was ... Read more

Reviews (24)

3-0 out of 5 stars Blaxploitation Classic
The Mack definately belongs in a time capsule for it's 70's clothing and jive-ass dialogue. This is a fun, silly, over the top story of Pimpin' back in the day that somehow is still relevant and popular to this day, particularly in the Hip-Hop community. Max Julien is one laid back cat in the title role and Richard Pryor is in fine manic form as his sidekick. The Player's Ball scene is the highlight to me for the clothes alone. The soundtrack by Willie Hutch is good old school funk. My only real complaint is that it is rather slow and boring in spots. I have to say that after watching this movie several times, I have been inspired to quit my job and pimp out some fine bee-yatches.

3-0 out of 5 stars "a wad of cash so big your pockets look like they got mumps"
The Mack (1973), probably one of the most referenced movies in the hip hop culture, on appearance has all the qualities of a blaxploitation film, but a closer and thoughtful look might give you a different opinion. Directed by documentarian Michael Campus and starring Max Julien, Richard Pryor, and Carol Speed, The Mack presents a portrait taken in time of a particular lifestyle not many ever get to see.

The movie opens with two men, Goldie (Julien) and Slim (Pryor), involved in a gunfight in a junkyard. Seemingly out numbered, Goldie tells Slim to take off (wouldn't have been my choice as Slim is sporting what appears to be a M16 while Goldie's sporting a handgun). Slim manages to split, while Goldie gets picked up by the police, and subsequently sentenced to five years in a penitentiary. Serving some particular hard time, Goldie gets released, and tries to put the pieces back together. He visits his brother, Olinga, played by Roger E. Mosley (Magnum P.I.), who is involved in trying to educate and empower the community, in a character fashion after Black Panther leader Huey Long. Basically. Goldie is presented with two options; follow his brother in focusing on making a difference through psuedo-political means, or follow the path of the Mack, becoming a flesh peddler, and gaining empowerment through the acquisition of money. Goldie chooses the latter, hooking back up with Slim and taking advice from an older blind man, sort of a Obi Wan Kenobi of the underworld, who shares his knowledge with Goldie on how to deal with women in the Mackin' game, the importance of controlling their minds rather than just their bodies. Goldie soon recruits some ladies of the night, and has to deal with corrupt police detectives, rival players, and various other underworld characters during his meteoric rise (he gets chosen as The Mack of the Year at an annual players ball). As Goldie's popularity, or notoriety, increases, so does the pressures, both internal and external, along with the violence, and begins carrying over into his family, and forces Goldie to decide where it's at...

The Mack certainly does seem to glorify these men who deal in the flesh trade, with their extravagant lifestyles, flashy cars, and great wads of cash, but the glamour is quickly overshadowed by the harsh realities presented as the stories progresses, and just how much one has to give up to be a success in that particular business. There are a lot of laughs to be had here, maybe not intentional, but the film is pretty dated. Between the dialog, stereotypes, and trash-talking criminals, there was an underlying sadness for me in the realness of the disgusting attitudes depicted towards the women, objectified to the point where they weren't even people anymore, merely tools of the trade, a means to obtaining material possessions through the sale of their bodies, and also how many look up to these men, idolizing them, thus perpetuating their activities. Shot on location in Oakland, and featuring actual individuals within the community, the film forgoes the slickness of a Hollywood budget, but gains a real grittiness one wouldn't be able to reproduce on a soundstage. The dialog, a lot of it improvised, and some indistinguishable, only adds to the realistic quality of the film, but also isolates it, in my opinion, within the time period in which it was made. The funniest part had to be when Goldie had his women at a planetarium, using the effects of the simulated stars and a microphone to subliminally enforce his will through their repetition of his player mantras. I did like how the film ended, nicely book ending the beginning, bringing the main character full circle.

Presented here is a very good looking wide screen version of the film, which runs approximately 110 minutes. Special features include an original theatrical trailer, a commentary track featuring star Max Julien, producer Harvey Bernard, director Michael Campus, and actors Richard Anthony Williams, Annazette Chase, Don Gordon, and George Murdok, along with an excellent 38 minute featurette titled Mackin' Ain't Easy, which looks back on the making of the film, detailing all the problems and issues that arose, especially those filming on location within Oakland in the early 70's. To some extent, I found this almost more enjoyable than the movie.

Cookieman108

1-0 out of 5 stars Give Me A Break?!
I understand why some people are drawn to films from this genre. I appreciate all the many brothers tryin' to perpetrate like they the Mack too. To them I say, "play on, if you know what it means". Films like The Mack echo sentiments of film culture created by certain politics and demographics during certain periods in our country's comparitively short history. With the passage of time, certain words that were once insulting or taboo become cool. With the passage of time, movies "good" parents would not let us watch also may become cool. Regardless of what year it is, or where you come from, this movie sucks! I have seen this movie several times with friends who actually like it, and I have laughed at some of the backward lines, the tripped out clothes, and that cool scene when that guy learns to fly (I'm not giving anything away here, really). This film is like a nice trip going nowhere. Max Julien does his best with the role. He's a believeable pimp. Juanita Moore is a fine actress and plays a believeable mother to his sliminess. However, the sadest thing about this movie is the fact that the actors are really pretty good. It's the movie that sucks. You have to wonder where the good jobs were. Maybe there just weren't any. A better script, a realistic plot resolution, and deeper exploration of the characters and their motives could've made this flick less jive. The budget was probably too small to get Pam Grier to come in and whip some pimpin' fools into shape. Seriously, this just ain't where it's at! ya dig?!

2-0 out of 5 stars Too much Hype!
I had heard so much about this. Rappers talked about it. Rappers acted like him, but this film is not at all what I expected. Keeping in mind that I saw it on VHS and the quality was very questionable for Blockbuster.

Anyway, this Mack in my mind was to be a powerful pimp who took no s**t. Instead, he is a laughing all of the time, guy who seems to not be concerned with what's going on around him.

I won't go into details as I don't want to waste much more time on a film like this, but it is hard to watch and one of the corniest of the 1970's black films, or films starring more black people than white people, so they are black. I did not want to see this again. Most of those films I keep in my mind with the idea of adding them to the collection, but not this one. This film has too much hype! Where is "Three the Hard Way" on DVD?

4-0 out of 5 stars Better the second go 'round
This was a popular drinking movie while I was in college and we loved it then. However, 12 years later I decided to check it out again as a 30-something sober man and you know what The Mack is actually a decent movie. It was even better than what I remember from college. This is a classic blaxploitation film, a must see for this genre. ... Read more


2. Zero Population Growth
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $14.95
our price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6302779499
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 44972
Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (5)

4-0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, but need it on DVD!
A truly amazing film for lovers of 70's apocolyptic sci-fi. The movie is a must-see for everyone who relishes end-of-the-world, Soylent Green-esque environmental disaster films. Plus, who couldn't love the creepy psychiatrist and the baby-simulacra. One thing, WE NEED THIS ON DVD!

5-0 out of 5 stars Retro Futurism at it's bleakest
I loved this movie and can't really see what was so awful about it. There are times when movies are given the B rating and people seem to just go along with that. I thought Oliver was fab and that the story was sufficiently Retro Futuristic, A'la 70's style, to totally hook me when I first saw it on late night TV in the early 80's.

I loved the staging and the sets, right down to the funky white (read for sterile) outfits and the sociological fly on the wall insight into the lives of the two protagonists desperate to enrich their seemingly emtpy lives/failing relationship by breaking the ultimate taboo. I guess in many ways I was primed for this kind of thing by reading lots of Ray Bradbury growing up and I adored the stark funky realism of the whole gas and curfew thing!

Let me simply say that if you have an Arty eye towards Sci-Fi and the sociological, loved films like Soylent Green and Farenheit 451 then this movie will not dissapoint you! I loved it and I think *getting it* is what this movie requires from the viewer.

3-0 out of 5 stars It was an ok movie
I thought it was a pretty good movie. It showed what it would be like it the world was over-populated and they had to take drastic measures to stop the population growth.

3-0 out of 5 stars Zero Population Growth - a movie for the times
This flick came out during the early 70's and seemed to be a "B" movie all the way round-Had appeal to college age, counter culture movement type folks. depraved new world, big brother is watching and so forth. It seemed that parts were either missing or else cut for budgets sake-the acting was strange but then so were we when we went to see it. The other reviews got the plot down ok so no need to elaborate. Still and all there is a certain pessimistic appeal to the work and in that vein it mirrors the cultural goings on of the early 70's - paralleling woodstock giving way to the altamont rock festival-dark clouds gathering , stormy weather ahead. From that standpoint, I think its worth seeing.

1-0 out of 5 stars The word ZERO in the title should give you a hint...
I'd guess Oliver Reed was on a drunken drinking binge when he signed up for this stinker. It's the near future and the world is overpopulated. So overpopulated, that the governments of the world can no longer feed or support so many people. Their solution? Pass a law that no one can have children for 30 years, until the population dies down sufficiently. Thus you have the title Zero Population Growth (or known as ZPG). During the 30 year period, anyone found having children is publically executed along with the new-born infant. Reed plays a husband, who, along with his wife attempt to defy the law and raise a family in secret. Lousy acting and special effects all around. A dismal story that leaves you quite depressed in the end. ... Read more


3. Passover Plot
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $59.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 630127539X
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 63858
Average Customer Review: 3.33 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars A profound film
This film explores fascinating concepts about the political and social significance of Jesus'choice to create the illusion of his resurrection in order to increase his credibility with those that had come to value his message. A wonderfully done film adapted from an incredibly astute book.

1-0 out of 5 stars READ THE BOOK MISSED THE VIDEO
FEW YRS BACK I BELONGED TO THE BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB AND HAD GOTTEN THE PASSOVER PLOT I DON'T REMEMBER THE AUTHORS NAME ONLY HE WAS JEWISH,& A PROFESSOR AT COLUMBIA U. IN NYCI LOANED IT TO SOMEONE THAT NEVER RETURNED IT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LATE 60s IT WAS QUITE INTERESTING FOOD FOR THOUGHT. I'M A ROMAN CATHOLIC AND IT DIDN'T CHANGE MY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN THE RESERECTION OF JESUS, , BUT IT WAS A INTERESTING CONCEPT I WOULD LOVE TO FIND A COPY OF THE OLD BOOK ALSO HOW CLOSE THE NEW BOOKS PLOT IS TO THE OLD ONE? IS THIS A VIDEO OR BOOK?

4-0 out of 5 stars A plausable alternate view.
I viewed this movie in San Diego in 1976 at it's release. To my knoweledge, it was the only viewing. Many clergymen from the Christian/Catholic diosese were present in an official capacity. I spoke to several of them after the showing. They made it clear that the "church" was opposed to the release of The Passover Plot. One of the priests commented, "This is not the sort of thing a Christian should see."
I have been searching for The Passover Plot since the 1980's. It not only offers a reasonable alternate view of Christ's crucifixion, but was actually nominated for an Academy Award in the costume design catagory in 1976. Harry Andrews and Donald Pleasance gave exceptional performances. For many reasons, The Passover Plot is a film worth seeing. It is unfortunate that this film is not easily available to the public, for whatever reason. In fact, it is not even listed in any of the actors profiles, nor is it listed with REEL.COM. It would be interesting to learn more of the "church" connection. ... Read more


4. Education of Sonny Carson
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6304628145
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 61449
Average Customer Review: 3.91 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (11)

5-0 out of 5 stars "THE SEED" OF STREET LIFE MOVIES
This movie is the forerunner of the real "street life" movies. When West Side Story did its run there weren't any movies (to my knowledge) that portrayed street life until the Education of Sonny Carson. After Sonny Carson, you had films like the Lords of Flatbush, the Wonderers and the Warriors, Boys in the Hood and then blah, blah, blah. No dis to those films, they were good also but this is "the seed" of real street life as shown on film. It is a "street life" classic. It was filmed right here in Brooklyn using real gang members from the 70s, reenacting what life was on the streets in the 60s. This movie has some rough spots, so get your nerves up: like the killing of little boy and Sonny being beaten up by the cops. The jail scene wasn't pretty either (pre Oz kinda stuff). It is so intense at times that its a "see once in a while" movie for me. I simply got it the first time I saw it as a kid. Because I was in Brooklyn as a youth during the filming of the movie and watched the real gangs of the time (Jollystompers and Tomahawks) march through Crown Heights on they're way to Prospect Park to shoot the rumble scene ... so it has a special place with me.
If your one of those special effects with lots of blood without a plot kind of movie watcher then your simply not in the real world (or from it) and the movie may go over your head. But if your from the streets or have an interest in its history and culture then check out this film. And if your into Hip Hop Culture then its also a must see. Although the movie doesn't show you what Sonny does after his release from the beast (prison) it does show you what he encountered upon his return to the streets. That was a cool tactic ... why? Sonny Carson is a real person and anything you what to know about him is in the open. So the struggle continues.

5-0 out of 5 stars Sonny Carson father of Lamuba Carson of rap group x clan
Sonny Carson the actavist is the father of Lamumba Carson (professor x of the X clan rap group). The gang members in the movie are real not actors.You'll see the birth of rap in one scene when the members chant.At the time no one knew of the impact that scene would have on society today.The chanting was packaged by Africa Bambata of the Zulu nation a Bronx gang turned peace lover for the hood to stop the violence.The rumble turned into break dancing instead of fighting.See also "Wild Style" by fab five freddy the first hip hop movie to see the progression of hip hop. Love: Reno Los vargas 11/11/99 my tag son.

2-0 out of 5 stars Not Enough There
I was very curious to see this movie because, I read an very good review on the movie, I think it said something like "if this movie does not make you stand up and be pride, then you do not need to stand", or something like that. But, this movie was not complete. What did Sonny do with his life after he left jail? No one knows, because the movie was not completed. DO not waste your time buying or seeing it.

4-0 out of 5 stars Real!
This movie gives a realistic and interesting portrayal of gang life. I enjoyed it but some parts were difficult to watch. The funeral scene was absolutely unbearable. It was grueling and disheartening. Although this is an accurate depiction of a gang funeral, the preacher was completely out of control! How many times was the line "Who killed Little Boy???" actually in the script? 100? Horrific! Each time I watch this movie I mute out this scene. Watching the police officers beat Sonny is also unbearable. Both scenes are an integral part of the movie but wayyyy too long!

On the other hand, I enjoyed watching the group of friends discuss their dreams of life beyond the ghetto. The parade was a scene that embraced the culturalism of the city and other recreational options for the youth it had to offer. Although the ending was sad, it is tremendously realistic and shows the struggles that are ever present in the rise from poverty and oppression.

5-0 out of 5 stars Very Moving Film
I finally got to see this Film recently&couldn't stop feeling the depth&Realness of the film.this Film is straight up in your face&doesn't hide from what went down back in the day.it touches on so many levels.Films like this truly Kept it real&also are a front runner to much of what we see&hear today. ... Read more


5. The Education of Sonny Carson
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $9.99
our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B000068TSC
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 13798
Average Customer Review: 3.91 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (11)

5-0 out of 5 stars "THE SEED" OF STREET LIFE MOVIES
This movie is the forerunner of the real "street life" movies. When West Side Story did its run there weren't any movies (to my knowledge) that portrayed street life until the Education of Sonny Carson. After Sonny Carson, you had films like the Lords of Flatbush, the Wonderers and the Warriors, Boys in the Hood and then blah, blah, blah. No dis to those films, they were good also but this is "the seed" of real street life as shown on film. It is a "street life" classic. It was filmed right here in Brooklyn using real gang members from the 70s, reenacting what life was on the streets in the 60s. This movie has some rough spots, so get your nerves up: like the killing of little boy and Sonny being beaten up by the cops. The jail scene wasn't pretty either (pre Oz kinda stuff). It is so intense at times that its a "see once in a while" movie for me. I simply got it the first time I saw it as a kid. Because I was in Brooklyn as a youth during the filming of the movie and watched the real gangs of the time (Jollystompers and Tomahawks) march through Crown Heights on they're way to Prospect Park to shoot the rumble scene ... so it has a special place with me.
If your one of those special effects with lots of blood without a plot kind of movie watcher then your simply not in the real world (or from it) and the movie may go over your head. But if your from the streets or have an interest in its history and culture then check out this film. And if your into Hip Hop Culture then its also a must see. Although the movie doesn't show you what Sonny does after his release from the beast (prison) it does show you what he encountered upon his return to the streets. That was a cool tactic ... why? Sonny Carson is a real person and anything you what to know about him is in the open. So the struggle continues.

5-0 out of 5 stars Sonny Carson father of Lamuba Carson of rap group x clan
Sonny Carson the actavist is the father of Lamumba Carson (professor x of the X clan rap group). The gang members in the movie are real not actors.You'll see the birth of rap in one scene when the members chant.At the time no one knew of the impact that scene would have on society today.The chanting was packaged by Africa Bambata of the Zulu nation a Bronx gang turned peace lover for the hood to stop the violence.The rumble turned into break dancing instead of fighting.See also "Wild Style" by fab five freddy the first hip hop movie to see the progression of hip hop. Love: Reno Los vargas 11/11/99 my tag son.

2-0 out of 5 stars Not Enough There
I was very curious to see this movie because, I read an very good review on the movie, I think it said something like "if this movie does not make you stand up and be pride, then you do not need to stand", or something like that. But, this movie was not complete. What did Sonny do with his life after he left jail? No one knows, because the movie was not completed. DO not waste your time buying or seeing it.

4-0 out of 5 stars Real!
This movie gives a realistic and interesting portrayal of gang life. I enjoyed it but some parts were difficult to watch. The funeral scene was absolutely unbearable. It was grueling and disheartening. Although this is an accurate depiction of a gang funeral, the preacher was completely out of control! How many times was the line "Who killed Little Boy???" actually in the script? 100? Horrific! Each time I watch this movie I mute out this scene. Watching the police officers beat Sonny is also unbearable. Both scenes are an integral part of the movie but wayyyy too long!

On the other hand, I enjoyed watching the group of friends discuss their dreams of life beyond the ghetto. The parade was a scene that embraced the culturalism of the city and other recreational options for the youth it had to offer. Although the ending was sad, it is tremendously realistic and shows the struggles that are ever present in the rise from poverty and oppression.

5-0 out of 5 stars Very Moving Film
I finally got to see this Film recently&couldn't stop feeling the depth&Realness of the film.this Film is straight up in your face&doesn't hide from what went down back in the day.it touches on so many levels.Films like this truly Kept it real&also are a front runner to much of what we see&hear today. ... Read more


6. The Mack
Director: Michael Campus
list price: $9.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B00008EYCE
Catlog: Video
Average Customer Review: 3.96 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Reviews (24)

3-0 out of 5 stars Blaxploitation Classic
The Mack definately belongs in a time capsule for it's 70's clothing and jive-ass dialogue. This is a fun, silly, over the top story of Pimpin' back in the day that somehow is still relevant and popular to this day, particularly in the Hip-Hop community. Max Julien is one laid back cat in the title role and Richard Pryor is in fine manic form as his sidekick. The Player's Ball scene is the highlight to me for the clothes alone. The soundtrack by Willie Hutch is good old school funk. My only real complaint is that it is rather slow and boring in spots. I have to say that after watching this movie several times, I have been inspired to quit my job and pimp out some fine bee-yatches.

3-0 out of 5 stars "a wad of cash so big your pockets look like they got mumps"
The Mack (1973), probably one of the most referenced movies in the hip hop culture, on appearance has all the qualities of a blaxploitation film, but a closer and thoughtful look might give you a different opinion. Directed by documentarian Michael Campus and starring Max Julien, Richard Pryor, and Carol Speed, The Mack presents a portrait taken in time of a particular lifestyle not many ever get to see.

The movie opens with two men, Goldie (Julien) and Slim (Pryor), involved in a gunfight in a junkyard. Seemingly out numbered, Goldie tells Slim to take off (wouldn't have been my choice as Slim is sporting what appears to be a M16 while Goldie's sporting a handgun). Slim manages to split, while Goldie gets picked up by the police, and subsequently sentenced to five years in a penitentiary. Serving some particular hard time, Goldie gets released, and tries to put the pieces back together. He visits his brother, Olinga, played by Roger E. Mosley (Magnum P.I.), who is involved in trying to educate and empower the community, in a character fashion after Black Panther leader Huey Long. Basically. Goldie is presented with two options; follow his brother in focusing on making a difference through psuedo-political means, or follow the path of the Mack, becoming a flesh peddler, and gaining empowerment through the acquisition of money. Goldie chooses the latter, hooking back up with Slim and taking advice from an older blind man, sort of a Obi Wan Kenobi of the underworld, who shares his knowledge with Goldie on how to deal with women in the Mackin' game, the importance of controlling their minds rather than just their bodies. Goldie soon recruits some ladies of the night, and has to deal with corrupt police detectives, rival players, and various other underworld characters during his meteoric rise (he gets chosen as The Mack of the Year at an annual players ball). As Goldie's popularity, or notoriety, increases, so does the pressures, both internal and external, along with the violence, and begins carrying over into his family, and forces Goldie to decide where it's at...

The Mack certainly does seem to glorify these men who deal in the flesh trade, with their extravagant lifestyles, flashy cars, and great wads of cash, but the glamour is quickly overshadowed by the harsh realities presented as the stories progresses, and just how much one has to give up to be a success in that particular business. There are a lot of laughs to be had here, maybe not intentional, but the film is pretty dated. Between the dialog, stereotypes, and trash-talking criminals, there was an underlying sadness for me in the realness of the disgusting attitudes depicted towards the women, objectified to the point where they weren't even people anymore, merely tools of the trade, a means to obtaining material possessions through the sale of their bodies, and also how many look up to these men, idolizing them, thus perpetuating their activities. Shot on location in Oakland, and featuring actual individuals within the community, the film forgoes the slickness of a Hollywood budget, but gains a real grittiness one wouldn't be able to reproduce on a soundstage. The dialog, a lot of it improvised, and some indistinguishable, only adds to the realistic quality of the film, but also isolates it, in my opinion, within the time period in which it was made. The funniest part had to be when Goldie had his women at a planetarium, using the effects of the simulated stars and a microphone to subliminally enforce his will through their repetition of his player mantras. I did like how the film ended, nicely book ending the beginning, bringing the main character full circle.

Presented here is a very good looking wide screen version of the film, which runs approximately 110 minutes. Special features include an original theatrical trailer, a commentary track featuring star Max Julien, producer Harvey Bernard, director Michael Campus, and actors Richard Anthony Williams, Annazette Chase, Don Gordon, and George Murdok, along with an excellent 38 minute featurette titled Mackin' Ain't Easy, which looks back on the making of the film, detailing all the problems and issues that arose, especially those filming on location within Oakland in the early 70's. To some extent, I found this almost more enjoyable than the movie.

Cookieman108

1-0 out of 5 stars Give Me A Break?!
I understand why some people are drawn to films from this genre. I appreciate all the many brothers tryin' to perpetrate like they the Mack too. To them I say, "play on, if you know what it means". Films like The Mack echo sentiments of film culture created by certain politics and demographics during certain periods in our country's comparitively short history. With the passage of time, certain words that were once insulting or taboo become cool. With the passage of time, movies "good" parents would not let us watch also may become cool. Regardless of what year it is, or where you come from, this movie sucks! I have seen this movie several times with friends who actually like it, and I have laughed at some of the backward lines, the tripped out clothes, and that cool scene when that guy learns to fly (I'm not giving anything away here, really). This film is like a nice trip going nowhere. Max Julien does his best with the role. He's a believeable pimp. Juanita Moore is a fine actress and plays a believeable mother to his sliminess. However, the sadest thing about this movie is the fact that the actors are really pretty good. It's the movie that sucks. You have to wonder where the good jobs were. Maybe there just weren't any. A better script, a realistic plot resolution, and deeper exploration of the characters and their motives could've made this flick less jive. The budget was probably too small to get Pam Grier to come in and whip some pimpin' fools into shape. Seriously, this just ain't where it's at! ya dig?!

2-0 out of 5 stars Too much Hype!
I had heard so much about this. Rappers talked about it. Rappers acted like him, but this film is not at all what I expected. Keeping in mind that I saw it on VHS and the quality was very questionable for Blockbuster.

Anyway, this Mack in my mind was to be a powerful pimp who took no s**t. Instead, he is a laughing all of the time, guy who seems to not be concerned with what's going on around him.

I won't go into details as I don't want to waste much more time on a film like this, but it is hard to watch and one of the corniest of the 1970's black films, or films starring more black people than white people, so they are black. I did not want to see this again. Most of those films I keep in my mind with the idea of adding them to the collection, but not this one. This film has too much hype! Where is "Three the Hard Way" on DVD?

4-0 out of 5 stars Better the second go 'round
This was a popular drinking movie while I was in college and we loved it then. However, 12 years later I decided to check it out again as a 30-something sober man and you know what The Mack is actually a decent movie. It was even better than what I remember from college. This is a classic blaxploitation film, a must see for this genre. ... Read more


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