Bucktown

I utterly enjoyed Bucktown from whoa to go.

This must have been one of Fred Williamson's better movies where he delivers as much as he usually talks.

Pam Grier was great with her no nonsense attitude, not taking anyones jive lol (jive is such a great word).

Does go a little nutso when the armoured vehicle is introduced but just roll with it and you will be fine.

The villians, and there are heaps of them, are mega. They really provide some great moments and act as a good counterpoint for our heroes.

Fits nicely towards the top of the Blaxploitation genre.

Good laughs and good action save the day :)

Well, she doesn't show those Pammeries often (just one time) in this film, but just the chance to see Ms. Grier perform is worth the price of admission.

She actually has a very meaty role in the 70s blaxploitation flick that also stars Fred Williamson (From Dusk Till Dawn), who is set to play Henry Kissinger in his 100th film this year; and Carl Weathers (Rocky I-IV, "In the Heat of the Night"), and Thalmus Rasulala (Willie Dynamite, Blacula).

Bob Ellison's screenplay actually is interesting for the genre and the twist in the story is unique.

And, did I mention it is another chance to see Ms. Grier?

Pam Grier and Fred Williamson are teamed once again in this exciting drama! Made in the 70's Fred was at his best! The action is non stop in this thriller! Besides who needs to know how to act when you have Mr. Williamson running around in those tight pants! Women swooned when he appeared on Screen! A must for fans of these movies made in the 70's!

After the death of his brother a man named "Duke Johnson" (Fred Williamson) travels down south to a place called "Bucktown" to attend the funeral. After the funeral he is pressured by his brother's friends to reopen the bar his brother owned long enough to sell it prior to departing back east. However, when he does this he finds that the entire police force of the town is corrupt and rather than being held hostage to extortion decides to call a friend to come down and help him out. Little does he realize that when he does this all hell is about to break loose. Now, rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this movie had the potential to be an excellent "blaxploitation" movie especially given the fine performances of Pam Grier (as "Aretha") and the aforementioned Fred Williamson. Unfortunately, the story became more and more implausible as it progressed to the point that it totally lacked any semblance of realism toward the end. Even so I still thought it was somewhat enjoyable and I rate it as slightly above average.

"Bucktown" is certainly less melodramatic and more savvy than most 70's blaxploitation fare. In this film, Fred Williamson stars as Duke, who returns home to Bucktown to bury his brother and resume business at his brother's bar. He soon discovers the corrupt white police force had his brother - alongside everyone else - in their pocket and intend to keep it that way. Urging against any confrontation is the eternally sexy Pam Grier as Aretha, a local. Duke calls in some friends from the big city to oust the cops, who are led by Duke's longtime pal Roy. Once the cops are out, the grateful mayor wants to thank Duke's friends with a great parade; but unbeknownst to Duke, Roy and his crew become aware of the judicial and financial power the police force had, and now suddenly have other plans...

One thing I really enjoyed about this film is that while I enjoy (over and over) the many films where Pam Grier is naked, it was nice to see one of her blaxploitation films where her nudity is dissolved to only one scene. Also, she isn't scantily clad in every frame. She appears classic and tasteful in fine outfits with glittering earrings and complimenting make-up. I know you guys want - and are accustomed to - seeing her breasts every 10 minutes, but I found it a nice change of pace to see her in a more graceful light. The final showdown of the film is tremendous, loaded with hilariously menacing "I'm gonna beat you down, boy" prologues between the two combatants. There is also good use made of a tank in this film, but I don't want to spoil the whole experience for you. Check it out for yourself.