A Piece of the Action

This film is the third and final installment of the fine collaboration between Poitier and Cosby. Unfourtuately,it suffers from the first two films being great comedies of their time, so comparison is inevitable. The movie fails because they've taken our two players out of their working class element and portrays one as a sophisticatated con man and the other as a high class thief. It also never explains how Police detective James Earl Jones'discovers them as either.Where the film works is with Poitier's interaction with the troubled youth in the classroom sequences. Some good young actors are on display here and Poitier seems right at home reminiscent of "to sir with love".But once again then the film regresses back to the caper portion of the film which is as bland as bleach. And Cosby, who was the comic catalyst in the previous films was nothing more than a shell of his former form. The films message is mostly positive, but it terms of big laughs. It falls short.

It was a pretty old school film. Most young adults wouldn't want to watch an old 70's film but this one's got some flavor for ya.The actors did a very good job. The cast was very well put together and the writing was great. I believe that putting Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier on the same screen was one of the best ideas Holly wood ever had. While the movie was serious a lot of the times it was funny as well. It gave me a chance to see some of my favorite actors and actresses from some of my favorite shows in their earlier years and stages of the screen.This movie was loaded with fun, laughs, action and drama. Action and drama, that's my kind of movie !

Cosby and Poitier team up again for more laughs as two likable con men who are blackmailed into helping delinquent youths. The pacing is still fine and both stars continue their hot streak together. James Earl Jones co-stars.

Poitier shows himself to be a better actor than director. Any number of scenes are well done, but there's something wrong with the way they fit together, Juggling between plots that have little to do with one another, the film needs better transitions between the scenes. The dialog is forgettable. The movie could have used a more accomplished director.

Still, the acting is fine. Also on the plus side, we are treated to a young, almost trim James Earl Jones, recognizable,mainly by that luscious bass baritone voice, and there are some nice location shots of Chicago.

I frankly had been hoping for a better movie, but it did keep me watching right to the end.

This is a funny movie! I first saw this film when I was 12 years old. This had to be Sheryl Lee Ralph's break out role...she's good.(I use to imitate her part down to the neck roll). Cosby and Poitier were a great duo. They were cool when cool was COOL - even when they were dancing at the end...hilarious! This film ran during the times when Blaxploitation films were in, but it's not what I would call a Blaxpolitation film...It's drama and "back in the day" comedy ...Cosby style. I really enjoyed this film and would love to see it rerun. I haven't belly laughed in a while.