The Messenger

I'll start by saying that artistically, this movie is complete and total trash. Aside from that it is one of the most entertaining and funniest movies I have ever seen. All the actors are hilariously inept, the action sequences are entirely nonsensical and poorly done, and there is much needless and often random nudity. From the first scene (where we learn the main character is a jazz musician, ex soldier, cat burglar extraordinaire) onward the fun doesn't let up. A few favorite scenes include the excruciatingly long sex scene between Fred Williamson and Sandy Cummings and, Fred Williamson demonstrating his amazing Karate Chop Action with a flying jump kick off the roof of a small shed. Fred Williamson's part is laughably macho (but what can you expect when he wrote, directed, and produced the movie,) and gives the movie almost infinite replay value.

Don't. Worst of everything all in one (movie?). Just don't.

A whiskey stream of consciousness review.

As one of the songs of the film serenades: "a lovely fantasy to tranquilize my head." That it does. Nudity is needless and unnecessary 50% of the time. And Ladies, know this. There is a good chance you will be literally "caught dead" with Jake Turner, so probably best you keep your distance. Louie's death scene might need to be added to my shortlist if best-worst deaths in action film history. Fred Williamson acted, directed, and starred in this hidden gem of action schlock. I'm not sure how many times he's done all three roles, but I may need to seek them out. The movie has some totally ridiculous conversations and one-liners that make it worth watching like:

Mrs. Emerson: "How can I ever repay you?" Jake Turner: "Just put Flowers on my Grave"

The funky electronic keyboard score at times is groovy, but there are a few sequences where it is a repetitive alarm clock that won't stop. The songs though are outstanding. Make sure to pay attention to the lyrics: "c'mon baby, c'mon baby, listen to the messenger!" Reminds me of some of S. Craig Zahlers music.

It also has some tedious and pointless scenes and sequences, including a less than stellar end chase. Speaking of chased, I did... with 12 year old 1792. Cheers!

People may think I am high with this rating but I rate on how true a film is to it's intended audience and drama. First the score and effects. Maybe cheesy 80's trash but I say indicative of a movie trying to be hip but true to blaxploitation roots in a coming hiphop age. The action too was formulaic but looking deeper it was some of Williamson's best. A Spaghetti western in blaxploitation package.

This was a porno gone drastically wrong. Tacky music a bad plot and some nudity. (not that I mind) the music remind me of bump and grind on old 70's porn and the plot simple wasn't there. Badly acted by nearly everyone in it. It seemed they were just champing at the bit to get the paycheck. The only good part was played by Cameron Mitchell who proved he could act no matter how bad the script. The part of Sabrina could have been good but was too short to be enjoyable and too tritely played as if the actress was aware her screen time was minimal so bad was good and the heck with the rest.

It's not a huge surprise to know that Fred Williamson is in this years latest bit of camp Starsky and Hutch.