Rating: R
Genres:
Action
Crime
Release Date: 01/01/2002
Flags: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children
Distributor/Studio: BCI, a Navarre Corporation Company
The heroes in
The Black Godfather are members of an African-American criminal organization. Like
Brando in
The Godfather, they're not averse to robbery and murder, but they do draw the line at narcotics. When the Mafia infiltrates the 'hood with dangerous drugs,
the Black Godfather (
Rod Perry) orders his minions to put an end to this perfidy.
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Ghetto crime kingpin
J.J. (
Rod Perry) joins forces with black-power revolutionaries to combat the Mafia-controlled heroin racket which cripples their neighborhood. The mobsters retaliate with murder, kidnapping, and racial slurs. It's just one more variation on the "keeping the white man's dope out of the inner city" plot, but
The Black Godfather doesn't possess enough of the eccentric edges that modern
blaxploitation audiences seek (outlandish pimp outfits, heavy
funk soundtrack, and archaic ghetto slang), resulting in low-impact black
action sleaze that doesn't stand out from the pack. Director
John Evans includes some perfunctory explosions, karate kicks, and gun battles, but too much of the film is staged in cheap offices with the characters sitting behind plywood desks; a coffin warehouse makes for an inspired location near the film's conclusion, but it's too late to matter. As for the cast, former pro-heavyweight champ and future
Rocky co-star
Tony Burton is the film's most convincing actor, more intense than leading man
Rod Perry, who has a great voice but not much behind it.
Blues great
Jimmy Witherspoon makes a weak acting debut as the big boss of the ghetto's
crime syndicate, but he maintains his dignity in a substantial supporting role. Exploitation vet
Duncan McLeod (
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls,
Garden of the Dead,
Finders Keepers, Lovers Weepers) contributes his trademark smirk as the token corrupt policeman.
~ Fred Beldin, All Movie Guide
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