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It's like old home wee when stars like Jim Brown (Slaughter, Black Gunn), Fred Williamson (Starsky & Hutch), Pam Grier, Ron O'Neal (Superfly), Richard Roundtree (Shaft), and Paul Winfield (Sounder) get together to teach some young punks a lesson. Heavys of the 70's blaxploitation genre are called home to get some revenge and clean up the town. Lots of talking and shooting and good old fashioned fisticuffs.

Pam Grier (Coffy, Foxy Brown) is back in the form we like. She was one of the first female action stars in Hollywood. Looking forward to a retrospective this weekend when they replay two of her best.

A veteran cast make this update of the blaxploitation genre worth watching. Fred Williamson (Black Caesar), Jim Brown (Slaughter), Pam Grier (Coffy/Foxy Brown), Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Ron O'Neal (Superfly) join forces to combat the newer, younger version of the same gang they formed some twenty years prior. Not enough Roundtree or O'Neal and barely enough action but a decent enough entry. For fans of the genre.

It has always amazed me how the star of this film, Fred Williamson, has gone to such great lengths to badmouth this flick and the work of his former friend, writer-director Larry Cohen. I've read it and I've heard it on DVD audio commentaries--"Hiring Larry for Original Gangstas was a mistake," Williamson says. Yet he has nothing but praise for his own work as a writer-director.

Is the Hammer on crack, or what? This is a very slick, very cool little low budget action flick that shows the old time stars to great advantage. Cohen did a great job. In fact, if you took all the good parts from every movie that Fred Williamson produced and directed himself and put them together, the film you'd end up with would still be 1/100th the film this one is (of course a compilation of "good parts" from Hammer's self-directed flicks would only be 15 minutes long).

I love Fred Williamson. His pre-1976 movies like "Black Caesar" and "Bucktown" are classics, and I like him as a performer. I'd LOVE to see him work in more mainstream movies, as a lead. But the man has only been in three halfway decent films in the past quarter century: "Starsky and Hutch," "From Dusk Til Dawn," and "OG." And "OG" is the best of the three in my opinion. His self produced-directed efforts, his Italian-Euro cheapazoid flicks--they ALL rank as some of the absolute worst movies of all time.

So, don't listen to the star of the show, just watch the movie. "Original Gangstas" is a solid flick.

This is something like a re-union party of the so-called blaxploitation film stars, which shows the whole world that those guys and ladies are still sexy and strong enough to teach some lessons to the young, disrespectful punks in the neighborhood of the city of Gary, Indiana. That's all about the story, which is as uninspired as any B-action flicks. "Original" gangstas come back to town, to fight against the "new" gangsters that rule the street with terror. The charm of the film lies in the cast, which looks a dream team for any fans of the 1970's blaxploitaion films. Here they are back in good form: Fred Williamson ("Black Caesar"), Jim Brown ("Slaughter"), Pam Grier ("Coffy"), Richard Roundtree ("Shaft") and Ron O'Neil ("Superfly") and you got also players like Robert Forster (who in the following year makes a smashing collaboration with Pam Grier in "Jackie Brown") and Wings Hauser in his very unlikely role. It is a gift from the heaven for the movie fans like me.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

I found the concept of this film irresistible. Who wouldn't want to see Fred Williamson, Jim Brown and Pam Grier -- they of '70s blaxploitation action fame -- back kickin' some butt again. Unfortunately, ORIGINAL GANGSTAS doesn't live up expectations. The plot sees cigar-chompin' Williamson returning home after his elderly father is nearly killed by thugs for giving police information on a deadly drive-by. Freddy soon teams up with Brown and Grier for some vigilante justice that comes far too little, too late for the viewer. After a reasonably strong start, the film unravels in a myriad of awful dialog, uninteresting subplots and a lack of action. If you're looking for a better film about an aging vigilante, try the later DEATH WISH entries.

Original Gangstas is a 1996 action-gangster film that centers around a violent street gang that terrorizes their city which draws negative attention from the OG's that started the gang.

This is a great movie that although has some pretty cheesy moments and dialogue, really captures the heart and style of the beat 'em up action genre nicely. Starring 1970's greats like Fred Williamson and Pam Grier, Original Gangstas is a good old fashioned kick butt and ask questions later kind of film that keeps it's story basic and simple yet highly entertaining. The characters are your average good guys and bad guys, but have a great cast of actors behind them. Indiana was a nice setting that you don't usually see in these types of films, and it's quick and to the point which leaves no minute wasted on filler.

I've always thought this was an awesome action flick, and if you haven't seen it before, I would recommend checking it out.

From the swaggy gentlemen at Po' Boy Productions, comes "Original Gangstas", a film that is as engrossing as it is hilarious. This painfully average film almost manages to keep the viewers glued to their seats for decent portions of the movie.

Fred "The Hammer" Williamson headlines what could be described as a surprisingly good cast, at least in terms of blaxploitation standards. At the ripe age of 58, Fred has shown no signs of slowing down, and I was extremely impressed at the old man's youthfulness and his flair for kicking ass. Fred is joined by industry mediumweights Pam Grier, Jim Brown, & Richard Roundtree.

The movie takes place in the Hammer's hometown of Gary, Indiana. When a bunch of young, ignorant pranksters initiate a crime wave within the city, the Hammer decides to take matters into his own hands. The storyline is pretty solid, and the veteran actors turn in decent performances.

On the other hand, the younger guys in this movie didn't seem to know how to act at all. They weren't very believable, and "Dru Down" deserves a special mention, as he may be one of the worst actors I've ever seen. This ignoramus couldn't act his way out of a paper bag. A department store mannequin would have sufficed. With that said, the dialogue is above average. This film is full of great one-liners you can playfully recite with your friends while conversing at Chuck-E-Cheese. The action scenes were rough but entertaining. There is a scene where the Hammer round-house kicks a guy to the face, which causes the victim to conveniently land on a randomly placed mattress.

At times, this movie comes off like it was produced by some Mickey Mouse operation based out of the Cayman Islands. We're not dealing with a cinematic masterpiece here, folks. Nevertheless, this film will suffice for a day in order to cure boredom. However, if you're a fan of the Hammer, or blaxploitation films, or hilarious fight scenes, then you'll enjoy this movie.

You have to wonder who this movie was aimed at, since it shows a bunch of old dudes killing young gang members, bad mouthing them and telling them to behave. (One half expects Fred "the Hammer" to strap one of the youths over his knee and dole out a spanking!) The young listen to "horrible" rap and the old listen to old soul songs. The old talk more "white" and the young are more into hood culture and talk slang. It may be valuable as an explication of generation gaps in black culture.

The film itself is a pretty silly action film that lacks the inspiration of its 70's genre film forebears. The action takes place mostly in the dark and you cant see much of whats going on. There are some big explosions that look pretty good though. The soundtrack is made up of dated new jack stylings, not as lively or memorable as "Coffy is the color of her skin" or "the Slaughter theme".

Disappointingly, Pam Grier is given second banana status and doesn't kick that much ass, or sexily vamp it up like she did in her 70s classics. She is a dutiful member of the family/crew.

The movie explores issues of race, class, urban decay and gang violence in a ham-fisted, unconvincing way. Worth seeing for the blaxploitation completists out there, but not a priority for anyone with a passing interest in the genre.

The DVD has a disappointing non-anamorphic transfer.

Somewhat disappointing homage to 70's blaxploitation films. Has a lot going for it with a cast full of great actors from that genre and a director who did some solid work there too. But ultimately it doesn't work well. Despite the violence and language, it's nowhere near as gritty, tough, and sexy as those 70's films. Also, and this sounds like a cheap shot, the fight scenes are comically bad. One could argue that perhaps this was an intentional part of the film paying tribute to the likes of Rudy Ray Moore but that would be a huge stretch. The fights don't appear to be choreographed so the actors just move each other around and throw professional wrestling punches instead. Still, the cast and director are worth recommending you check it out.

I watched "Original Gangstas" for the first time on BET many years ago. At first, I didn't know what to expect. But when I saw Fred Williamson, I knew I'd be in for a real treat. This is a film that tackles inner city violence and poverty. The narration in the beginning of the film gives viewers a wonderful insight on the lives of the old and new generation of Gary, Indiana and the problems that led to the deterioration of the city. The film revolves around the classic actors of the blaxploitation genre; a couple of OG's who team up to rid their town of crime and gang violence bought on by a ruthless gang called The Rebels. Most of the action happens after a promising athlete gets gunned down in a phone booth after a hustle gone wrong. The drama continues when the elderly owner of a grocery store is severely beaten and hospitalized shortly after. That's when the legendary football player John Bookman (Fred Williamson) shows up to kick ass and take names. The film also stars Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree, Paul Winfield, Ron O'Neal, Isabel Sanford and Christopher B. Duncan of "The Jamie Foxx Show". All of the actors are really good to watch and the dialogue is simple and straight forward without seeming too over the top. Although not a groundbreaking film, "Original Gangstas" is, in fact a poignant film with a great message. It definitely reminds you of the importance of fighting for a cause and standing up for what you believe in no matter what. And who better to learn that from than a couple of OG's who still got it like that ! Two thumbs up !!

The plot to "Original Gangstas" is very simple. A gang is destroying a neighborhood in Gary, Indiana (even more destroyed than usual, that is). They murder a young man over $300 and shoot up a bodega and the owner....because, they assume they can and there will be no consequences. Unfortunately for the punks, the dead man is Jake's son...and Jake (Jim Brown) is not about to just let it slide. And, even more unfortunate, the injured man in the bodega is John Bookman's father....and John (Fred Williamson) is every bit as mean and unforgiving as Jake! Together, they organize the community to fight back as well as orchestrate a war between the various gangs. Who will survive?

This is a mindless film where the plot is less important than just enjoying watching nasty young punks get theirs. The plot doesn't make a ton of sense, but the violence is enjoyable enough to make it worth your time. Plus, in addition to Brown and Williamson, several other blaxploitation heros (Ron O'Neal, Richard Roundtree and Pam Grier) are on hand as well...which should please fans of the 1970s genre.

Mindless fun.

Original Gangstas (1996) is a movie I recently watched for the first time in a long time on Tubi. The storyline for this movie tells the tale of a shop owner who helped raise the kids in his local neighborhood. When the kids in the neighborhood kill the store owner, his son comes back to town, rounds up some old friends and looks to restore order in the neighborhood.

This movie is directed by Larry Cohen (A Return to Salem's Lot) and stars Fred Williamson (From Dusk till Dawn), Pam Grier (Coffy), Jim Brown (Im Gonna Git You Sucka), Paul Winfield (The Terminator), Isabel Sanford (The Jeffersons), Ron O'Neal (Super Fly), Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown).

Jim Brown's introduction into this film is awesome. Pam Grier's self defense class also made me smile. The cars, music and cast in this is really fun. The storyline is a bit cliché, and the acting and action scenes are uneven; but overall, this was a nice way to pay homage to the blaxploitation genre.

I would score this film a 5/10 and only recommend this to fans of the classics from the blaxploitation era.

This movie is correctly graded as a B picture. And yet it is more: an honest hommage to a real, existing town in the throes of death. Before I picked up Original Gangstas as a cheap video cassette, I did not know that the town of Gary existed. I didn't even know a town like Gary could exist (this proves once more: maybe we Europeans are kind of naive in the ways we evaluate the US's wealth and power and its effects.). Now I know better.

There is a certain similarity between this film and Jules Dassin's legendary documentary/crime movie The Naked City of 1948. Both use a style that wants to "tell a city". With the title credits the town is introduced to the viewers, with aereal footage, ordinary street scenes and a voice-over that tells something about the history of the town and a few selected buildings (the bakery, the cinema etc.). It is really educational. Very good location shooting gives a vivid impression of the specific urban wasteland. Gary becomes a real place. I also had the impression that the mood of the people who are forced or willing to live in present day Gary is accurately recorded: A mixture of anger, shame and - above all - fear. People are desperate, they don't see a future and the affiliation of youngsters to a gang appears for many to be the only way to survive.

In the story the main character played by Fred Williamson (also the producer and a Gary native who certainly put some very personal feelings into this movie) descends on the town as an aging "knight in shining armour". He assembles his old, middle aged buddies (plus Pam Grier!) and stages a war against the gangs. I did not care much for the story and its action scenes with unvariably high death tolls, but I must admit that this movie realistically highlights in a specific place a specific problem that is disquieting and difficult to solve.

On the surface Original GANGSTAS insinuates it's going to be a tough , gritty vigilante thriller set in the ghetto with a bunch of law abiding citizens taking on some nasty gang bangers . At it's most vague and basic this is exactly what it is . But remember one thing - the cast list . Who's appearing . We've got Richard Roundtree , Jim Brown , Ron O' Neal , Pam Grier and Fred Williamson basically every mainstay from the blaxploitation movies from the 1970s . And this is how the movie plays out . In effect you're watching a sequel to all these funky movies from the 1970s , produced for white people for black people . Even the title of the movie has undertones of a follow up to these 70s movies

The problem is that by the 1990s had come along Tarantino was the pin up boy of American cinema . We were now in the era of post modernism - some might claim post , post modernism - and watching OG you're struck by the lack of self referential concepts behind the proceedings . It also goes against the grain of other movies such as MENACE 2 SOCIETY in that there's a lack of anti-gangsta subtext and any social commentary is loosely touched upon and shallow . In effect it's straight forward vigilante wish fulfillment while being enjoyable to a degree certainly belongs in another era

Directed with flair and lots of authentic flavor by Larry Cohen, "Original Gangstas"/"Hot City" is still little more than a reworking of "Death Wish 3" with an (almost) all-black cast. It's a strange movie: first it goes to great lengths to establish a realistic urban environment, and then undermines it with a cockamamie story that is completely un-realistic. The movie should have chosen one approach or the other. The stars are as engaging as ever (if a bit long in the tooth), but Richard Roundtree's fans will be disappointed with his very minor part. (**)

I have always been a big fan of the blaxsploitation genre of the 70's and Original Gangsta's brings back most of the genre's biggest stars for this ensemble cast 90's action flick. The film is headlined by Fred "The Hammer" Williamson and is accompanied by Jim Brown, Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree and Ron O'Neil. In this very stylish 90's flick former old school heavies reunite to bring street justice and reclaim their neighborhood from ruthless dope pushing gang, The Rebels. This is the same gang that our heroes founded in the 70's as a protection gang, that has de evolved to its current incarnation as Gary, Indiana has become economically depressed, crime and violence has been on the rise. This was a great vehicle for Fred Williamson and "The Hammer" is a great commanding presence here as the lead. At age 58, he still is plenty tough and cool in this and is one of my favorite performances for sure. This is driven by action and style and there is plenty of it to go around. The more dramatic scenes were well done also and has great support from Paul Winfield, Robert Foster and Wings Hauser. Larry Cohen director of classics Black Caesar and Hell Up In Harlem did a great job in directing this and The Hammer himself was producer as well. Christopher B Duncan and Eddie Bo Smith Jr. were great as villains Spyro and Damien. Plus be sure not too miss cameo's from Bushwick Bill and others as well as a real excellent 90's rap soundtrack. Original Gangstas is pretty much The Expendables for the blaxsploitation genre and I personally like this movie a lot.

This film does not work.

It has great potential and the theme of abandoning your roots frequently pops up -- giving potential for further plot development which most action films do not even approach. However, this all-star cast of blaxploitation veterans making their first film together rarely jells.

For instance, Fred Williamson, who produced, seems to have forgotten that there were other great actors from that era. 90% of the film is him strutting around, pontificating on how bad the neighborhood has become and why don't the cops/neighbors/politicians/whoever do something about it. He saw fit to put Jim Brown in as co-star, but Brown serves as little more than a bodyguard, punching the whey out of a few people and (in his one big solo scene) threatening a young thug. Richard ("Shaft") Roundtree and Mr. "Superfly" himself -- Ron O'Neal -- are given glorified cameos. In fact, the introductory scene with O'Neal is shown completely in long shot. Why didn't the director do a few closeups? You can hardly tell it's O'Neal. That's just sloppy direction (either that or they didn't have permits to shoot on city streets and shot this on the sly).

Other great character actors -- Robert Forster, Charles Napier, Wings Hauser -- are featured but have little to do but act like cartoon characters. Whoever wrote this film should have given thought to the reasons why the best blaxploitation epics worked.

Not a complete failure but overall a major disappointment considering this is the first and only film these stars have been in together (no chance for a reunion with O'Neal's recent passing).

** out of *****

As somebody who lives in the city just West of Gary, I can tell you that it does exist and is in worse shape than the movie portrayed. The gangs may be different but crime is still rampant. A lot of the buildings in the movie are still there, in worse shape than what was in the movie and they still film there when they want to show a disaster zone. The city relied too heavily on the former U.S. Steel to support it. As the mill downsized and other industry moved out,"White Flight" and corrupt politicians began the death knell. There are a lot of good people there who are trying to make things better, but aren't having a lot of success. It's really a shame, it was a beautiful city at one time. I did enjoy the movie enough to watch it a couple times.

This is a powerful film and I hope you see it. Caught it here recently on THIS TV Network, so likely it will come around again.

The opening scenes of Gary, Indiana present as an arresting message of what happens to prosperity when do-gooders, Wowsers, Uplifters, Eco-messiahs, Carrie Nations, lunatics, and other chronic nuisances chase industry and jobs away in the name of saving something or other. Plants close and shortly rust. People quit their homes and leave them to face nature's relentless onslaught along with the thugs who move in and make them into Den's of iNiquity.

Richard Roundtree, Fred Williamson, Ron 'Superfly' O'Neil, they're all here along with the great Pam Grier, Jim Brown - Captain Anders in 1968's "Ice Station Zebra", along with the late and very much missed Paul Winfield who evinced touching cinemagic in 'Green Eyes'.

Even if you don't enjoy films in general, let alone the Blaxploitation genre, anyone who's into UE, Urban Exploration, sometimes called Industrial Archaeology - and if you're not, you should be - you'll swoon as serial images of one decrevalent building after another after oxydizing blast furnace after abandoned ten storeys-high heat stoves march across your screen. Yes, Gary, Indiana in "Original Gangstas" is prime Urban Exploration territory.

The film's message is poignant as ever: Don't incite people, particularly those wise in years, to righteous indignation. It's an unwise practice to do so.

Be sure to watch for the David Lynch-esquire visual anachronisms, e.g. the film takes place in 1996, yet many police cruisers hail from the 80s as well as the 90s. The Gangstas drive cars whose model years span a fifty year period, thus keeping you off balance until the stunning conclusion.

The wry humor, "there goes the neighborhood", will catch you off guard as well, and send you tumb-bumbling off the couch, onto the floor, and scurrying to your video store for your own copy of "Original Gangstas". If you don't own a copy of this, you should. Now. So do it. Now.

Paul Vincent Zecchino

Manasota Key, Florida

11 October, 2010

If you know what to expect from 'Original Gangstas', that is some great albeit slightly mindless action set in a world of crime and gangs, then you should be as pleasantly entertained as I was.

After reading a little bit about this film, I have learnt that the town of Gray and the gangs and gang members themselves were actually based on a real city and people. Truth be told, I haven't watched a lot of so-called Blaxploitation films before and even though this film is directed by a white director called Larry Cohen, he has still managed to bring out the black spirit with all of its beauty and flaws (like anything else in life) which one would expect from a film of this sort.

I enjoyed 'Original Gangstas'. It is not a ground-breaking crime and Blaxploitation film in any way, true, but it is still pretty solid for what it is.

Original Gangstas (1996)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Blaxploitation in the 90's has a street gang killing off people so the old guys (Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, Pam Grier, Ron O'Neal, Richard Roundtree) come to take the streets back. This all-star extravaganza remains a lot of fun like those films of the 1970's but this one here also has a message and asks a lot of serious questions. Whereas those 70's flicks simply blamed white folks, this one here goes a lot deeper in its message and even throws blame towards those earlier films. A lot of interesting ideas are brought up here, although we still get some mindless, if fun, action. Larry Cohen wrote a brilliant script and the performers all do a fine job. Robert Forster also stars.

But it's that vanity and not-so-prettiness that makes it good. This movie doesn't care about being prettiness. Just hardcore vanity and brutality straight out of the Cannon/Orion handbook. It's a very brutal hard R movie (18 by Schengen Area and BBFC standards) with all the punches, beatings, shootings, graphic language, and even one sex scene but it's brief, yet strong and explicit, you can want. It feels like every vain moment on every good UPN drama. Perfect "cr-p TV" material. I'm surprised this was made by a codeless guy named Larry Cohen. But we'll get to that. The movie is set in Gary, Indiana, and stars an all-star Blaxploitation cast - Ron O'Neal, Larry "The Hammer" Williamson, Pam Grier, Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree. The story begins with the all familiar territory - Gary, Indiana, used to be a town where good men hit it hard and provided for their families and had pride and hope, as Ron says in the beginning. Then the factories left and the city fell into decay and crime, with lack of jobs. It culmulates its ugly head, when one gang, the Rebels, shoots an aspiring basketball player with a scholarship. Kenny Thompson wasn't exactly innocent himself, as he apparently got money from the gang, but at least he won fair and square. Apparently the Rebels are not happy. Sypro, the leader, in a way that evokes Rey-Rey DeWitt from "South Central," played the acting heavy weight, Christopher B. Duncan, organizes a hit on him. But, Kayo (played by rapper Dru Down) is so downright stupid and obnoxious, he kills and makes a show out of it.

Kenny gets shot, and Marvin Bookman, the owner of the store, is witness to the murder. The police call him in and he tries to do the right (that my friends is not being an informant; it's not when your worst enemy did you guys harm and you weren't involved with them, but were instead good upstanding citizens). Gracie, played by Isabel Sanford, is apprehensive about it at first, understanding all to well the consequences of telling the police, in a neighborhood. But she allows it. One kid, Dink, gives word, but to be fair, at this point what happens is just collateral damage on their part. It really isn't Dink's fault what happens because Spyro didn't want this to get out of control. Word gets out and all Hell breaks loose. Dru Down and his gang viciously go to Marvin's store and the henchman shoots him.

Luckily, Marv is alive, but this has bought tragedy that brings together the greats. The Hammer is John Bookman, a respected businessman. Pam Grier is Laurie Thompson, assumedly his girlfriend/lover. Jim Brown is Jake Trevor, a divorced father. Superfly himself is Bubba, an old friend of John who is resentful that John left the neighborhood and that things aren't what they used to be. When John gets hold of who killed his father and who killed Kenny, he goes on a rampage. And he does so evoking "bro"-saying Latino fashion (instead of the typical black "bro"-hating gangsta cliche), in a scene that combines the best of "GoodFellas", "WWE Raw," and "The Richard Bey Show." The funny scenes also inject "Seinfeld" too, which was downright beyond the point of popularity at this point. It was idolized worldwide. It was in its 7th season. Interesting sidenote: John says the word "p--sed off" uncensored on the local news. This was definitely either a Fox or UPN station he was on. The graphic violence (including murders), graphic language, sex that was on TV in the early 90s was always on independent stations as those were the stations that could get away with that type of stuff, and had limited advertisers. They were always Chris Craft stations that would become UPN or they were Fox stations (UPN was the most extreme of hard R content on TV, but Fox set the precedent).

All tension and violence breaks loose in this movie from this point out. UPN greatness. This was a UPN station staple, although in New York it was on WNYW, just as good as WWOR. There are also several very chilling scenes that really make you ponder mankind's capacity for mindless violence.

Cinemax content advisory: rated R for strong sexual content (SSC), graphic violence (GV), graphic language (GL), and adult content (AC).