He has a luxurious apartment, two girlfriends, and lots of money. Although a Sep 1971 HR article listed Shores company Plaza Productions as the films intended production company, Superfly, Ltd. is listed onscreen and by copyright materials. Writing Credits Alex Tse . Some contemporary and modern sources list the films title as Superfly, although the opening title card and copyright records list it as two words. Reardon threatens Priest that he must continue selling drugs as long as he is ordered to, but when Priest refuses, the policemen begin to beat him. This looks like a good compromise for motor/prop placement. You'll all be hit if I die. [4] Filming wrapped in March 2018, a process that Deadline Hollywood called an "unprecedented turnaround". Superfly - Rotten Tomatoes Theyre led by the roly-poly, hard-as-rusty-nails Q (Big Bank Black), the closest thing this movie has to an authentic hoodlum, but its when Priest is attacked by Qs hothead-sociopath protg, Juju (Kaalan KR Walker), that he realizes the time has come for him to take the money and run. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. 2023 Cond Nast. The Snow Patrol members leave while Priest gives the victim money and directs them to the trauma center. The website's critical consensus reads, "Superfly updates the blaxploitation original with a stylish remake that's exciting and visually arresting enough to offer its own slickly staged action rewards, but disappointingly short on social subtext. Made by movie fans, for movie fans. [7], The film was released on digital and iTunes on August 28, 2018 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Georgia: Look maybe you should get out now now before something really bad happens. So maybe its heartening, in a way, that Super Fly once meant something and that the new Superfly, for what its worth, means next to nothing. Why do you think that is, and how does it heighten the action? Priest plays good guy by handing the victims friends a wad of cash and giving them the name of the best local trauma center. Given human nature, the alliances and affinities are almost always short term, of course. These days, it seems, the phrase is often used ironically. Another quality that distinguishes Super Fly from other blaxploitation films was the technical crew, the majority of which was non-white, constituting the largest non-white technical crew in its time. But one of those minions, Juju (Kaalan KR Walker), seethes with resentmenthe wants to do away with Priest and take over his business, and, without Qs permission, takes a shot at Priest outside the club, but instead hits a bystander. Pulling into his driveway, he confides to the audience, in voice-over, that he believes no car ever outran fate.. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. My Superfly R/C - RC Groups Super Fly also marked the first effort as a motion picture producer for Shore (19192006), . Eight Track Stereo, color T.V. The New Yorker may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Super Fly also marked the first effort as a motion picture producer for Shore (19192006), who went on to produce the two sequels to Super Fly. Now, if you don't get me my money *tonight*, I'm gonna put that young girl of your's out on whore's row. It features 13 new and previously released songs, as well as guest appearances from Miguel, Lil Wayne, Khalid, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, PartyNextDoor, H.E.R., Gunna, Sleepy Brown, and Yung Bans, among others. There's also marijuana and cigarette smoking and drinking. I'll tell you what you do, you go get you a gun and all those black folks you keep doin' so much talkin' about get guns, and come back ready to go down, then I'll be right down front killin' whitey. Working with his reluctant friend, Eddie (Carl Lee), Priest . A remake of the 1972 blaxploitation classic trades in its drug-dealer-as-outlaw-capitalist mythology for a glossy, slammed-together genre flick. The original Priest, played by Ron O'Neal, famously sported leisure suits and floor-length overcoats, but Trevor Jackson's version of the drug dealer favors a less flamboyant style drawn from AllSaints, Burberry and German designer Phillip Plein. The American Film Institute is grateful to Sir Paul Getty KBE and the Sir Paul Getty KBE Estate for their dedication to the art of the moving image and their support for the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and without whose support AFI would not have been able to achieve this historical landmark in this epic scholarly endeavor. Scatter gives Priest a packet of information on Reardon and his family, then arranges to meet him later, when Priest will give him money with which to flee New York. Both enraged and scared, Priest gives the information on Reardon and an envelope of cash to two mafia men and takes out a $100,000 contract on "the Man's" life. The first name of actress and former model Sheila Frazier, who made her debut in Super Fly, is spelled Sheila in the opening cast credits and Shiela in the ending credits. K. C.s only other motion picture appearance was in the 1972 United Artists release Across 110th Street (see above), which was also filmed on location in New York City. A 1972 Blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. Ron O'Neal stars as Priest, an up-and-coming successful cocaine dealer in New York City. Frequent profanity, including the "N" word . Mason threatens to expose Priest's dealing if he does not work with her. Using his knowledge of karate, Priest overcomes his foes, then reveals that he knows who Reardon is. If you go back and . The gaudy fashions might be as obsolete as the old crumbling '70s New York City that serves as the background to the scenes, but the substance of the movie has ensured that Super Fly remains something more than a relic. In mid-Apr 1972, Var reported that the films low-key, successful location shooting in Harlem was due to its being a non-union effort, thus the lack of production publicity and ease of using all-black technicians. The article added that after raising the required funds, the filmmakers agreed to their backers request that as many blacks as possible [be employed] in front and behind the camera, although the financiers agreed to allow white producer Shore oversee the project. I don't know nothing else but dope, baby. Priest, whose real power is information (hes got it on everyone), is surrounded by player-predators who are less cunning but more crudely violent than he is. A title card then appears, reading "November 25, 1975, Philadelphia." ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. [13] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it a 68% overall positive score. Eddie feigns allegiance with Snow Patrol, and tricks them into an ambush where they are killed by Mason and other cops alerted by Priest. But you kill me, and you and your whole f***in' family die. The new films twists and turns are strongly, if fleetingly, absorbingeven if Director X delivers them in a mainly decorative mode that merely conveys them without expanding them. Georgia pleads with Priest to quit immediately, as she does not care if they are poor, but Priest maintains he must get the money, because his criminal record will make it difficult for him to find a job. Their argument is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Scatter who reveals that the real head of the operation is Deputy Commissioner Reardon, who is trying to kill him for quitting. Youngblood Priest: Look what would I do? With such a big score, they can retire comfortably. Yet its timeliness appears, instantly, merely symbolic, as daily news reports surpass the movies horrors faster than it can pile them on. Michael isnt trained as far as I know, but hes a dancer. With such a big score, they will be able to retire comfortably and find other employment, although Eddie protests that crime is the only option left to them by The Man. Priest is determined, however, and that night, approaches Scatter, a retired dealer who started Priest in the business. The hot-tempered . The way that the media depict and distort police violence is embedded in the film, in a scene showing a news report that follows a monstrous incident, as is the power of media to amplify misdeeds and ruin careers at a single stroke. After "The End" is displayed, the film fades to black, but Mayfield's "Superfly" continues to play for a few minutes until the track ends. During a verbal altercation with militant African Americans in his community, the lead character talks of getting involved in their cause if it involves "killing whitey" and "organizing an army to do that.". Outside, Priest is held by two patrolmen, although he smiles to himself as Georgia makes good her escape. 2019 AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE. Superfly saves its most righteous physical violence for its finale, and its a sequence that will probably enrage anyone whos ever uttered the phrase Blue Lives Matter. The entire denouement has a nice satirical sting, pushed along by the rapper and songwriter Big Bois droll turn as an incumbent mayor hungry for re-election. SuperFly Trailer: Superfly: Character Piece-Scatter - Metacritic Those released in the previous decade could probably be counted on one hand. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. We won't share this comment without your permission. She then scoured stores in New York, explored off-the-grid spots in Atlanta and scoured the web for online purchases. Hes got a beautiful house and a beautiful car, commands respect, and presides over an uneasy peace with Snow Patrol, a competing drug gang that wears all white. Rapper Future produced alongside Joel Silver, as well as writing the film's original songs. The new group charged that Super Fly was super-genocide and that it was the latest Hollywood game being run on black people. A 28 Jan 1973 LAT article, which called the group BANG (Blacks Against Narcotics and Genocide), reported that it had picketed the movie and ONeal, when he made personal appearances in Washington, D.C. to support the movie, but its efforts had little apparent impact. The movie opens with Priest paying a visit to another dealer, his debtor, named Litty (Allen Maldonado), and being greeted at the door by an assault weapon. Outcry against the film prompted several groups in Los Angeles, notably the Coalition Against Blaxploitation (CAB) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), to assert that a separate ratings and review board for black films should be set up and overseen by CORE, according to the Jan 1973 LAT article. Priest's white mistress, Cynthia, is dismayed to learn that Priest does not return her love and is planning on quitting the business. According to a 17 Sep 1972 NYT article, the project was initially brought to Shore by first-time screenplay writer Philip Fenty after Fenty and actor Ron ONeal, a longtime friend, had worked together to develop the story. Additionally, according to the Jan 1973 DV report, Curtis Mayfield, the composer of the films score and hit songs, was estimated to be receiving about $5,000,000 from performance and royalties from the more than 2,000,000 albums and singles sold to that point. When they reached out to me, I was like Tell me what you got? In the Sep 1972 NYT interview, ONeal also defended the film by stating that cocaine was not a major drug problem among African Americans, and that not only was it not addictive, it had never caused an overdose. Youngblood Priest: [while Reardon's pointing a gun at him] Kill me, Reardon! And that robs Superfly of the dramatic flavor a good underworld drama needs. Username Password 15 + 5 equals? Super Fly stopped airing in 1970. . The hot-tempered Eddie threatens Scatter, demanding that he reveal his source if he will not supply them, but Scatter disarms Eddie and holds him at gunpoint. Company Credits Superfly (1972) Cast & Crew Cast; Crew; Ron O'Neal Priest Carl Lee Eddie Sheila Frazier Georgia Julius Harris Scatter Charles McGregor Fat Freddie Nate Adams Dealer Polly Niles Cynthia Yvonne Delaine Mrs. Freddie Gordon Parks Jr. Director Phillip Fenty Screenwriter Sig Shore Producer James Signorelli . Charles McGregor, who plays Fat Freddie, was released from prison before the film's production. Now man I ain't puttin you down. He can get there and make it happen pretty quickly. After Priest leaves with the cash, Eddie betrays him by phoning the lieutenant. After Priest leaves with the cash, Eddie betrays him by phoning the lieutenant. Superfly (one word) the remake and the original Super Fly (two words, from 1972) are in many respects similar. Who Needs Ron 'O Neal? "Scatter" Stephens - The Gangster Report Superfly was released in the United States on June 13, 2018 and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the movie's style but ultimately found a lack of substance. The famous soundtrack by R&B and soul legend Curtis Mayfield, who had a cameo in the film with his band, actually outgrossed the film. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. He can wear a slick duster overcoat and fedora one day, and a stylized track suit the next., Messam acquired Scatters track suit from UK athletic wear company Boxraw. Scatter surprises Priest at Freddie's funeral, ordering him to meet with his supplier Adalberto, after finding out Priest cut a secret deal for more product. Priest further explains that the men with whom he met were contract killers, whom he hired to murder Reardon and his entire family should anything happen to him. As the soundtrack's composer, Mayfield was the only other person in the production who earned revenue approaching Shore's. The first, Super Fly T.N.T., was released in 1973 and was directed by and starred ONeal, in addition to Frazier, who reprised her role as Georgia. Shore also directed the second sequel, The Return of Superfly, which was released in 1990 and starred Nathan Purdee as Priest. That night, after picking up the kilo from Scatter, Priest and Eddie are apprehended by several policemen. Scatter gives Priest a packet of information on Reardon and his family. [1], The soundtrack for the film was curated by American rapper Future, who also acted as a producer on the film. Here you will find unforgettable moments, scenes, and lines from all your favorite films. There's also marijuana and cigarette smoking and drinking. One day, Priest confronts Fat Freddie, one of his clients, about money that Freddie owes and threatens to force Freddies wife into prostitution unless he robs a competitor. By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. So he didnt spend as much time rehearsing this, but hes a pro. Priest explains that he hired contract killers to murder Reardon and his entire family should anything happen to him. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Be the first to review this title. Mayfield, who made his film scoring debut with Super Fly, received a Grammy nomination for the films soundtrack. Quotes.net. O'Neal reprised his role as Youngblood Priest in the 1973 film Super Fly T.N.T., which he also directed. Youngblood Priest: That night, after picking up the kilo from Scatter, Priest and Eddie are apprehended by several policemen. Its comments on the lack of legitimate opportunity for African Americans in the inner city remains relevant -- relevant enough to bring on a remake of the movie 46 years after the original film's release. (Click here to read about the 2018 remake.) Shore received the bulk of the profits since he put up the most money, 40 percent, while the actors, directors, and scriptwriters split the remaining profits. Fighting over recriminations about Freddie's death, Priest starts strangling Eddie and leaves him unconscious. The new HBO film dramatizes the effect of culture and politics on the most intimate extremes of a persons lifeand how particularly distorting and damaging this collective power has been for women. The article noted that Mayfield was not qualified for a nomination for Best Dramatic Score because five songs needed to be submitted, and Warners only submitted three. Although the article stated that Mayfields manager was contemplating filing suit against the Academy, the action was not taken. He is murdered after being forced to reveal information about Priest to Mason. Parks, Jr. added that he and other black directors wanted to become a Fellini or a Bergman. The first name of actress and former model Sheila Frazier, who made her debut in Super Fly, is spelled Sheila in the opening cast credits and Shiela in the ending credits. Nearly every character in the film, with the notable exception of his "main squeeze," tries to dissuade Priest from quitting; their chief argument being that dealing and snorting are the best he ever could achieve in life. Scatter initially refuses to help Priest. Hes wearing the jacket as he counts stacks of money. His Priest is controlled and invincible, a leonine street king with two girlfriends, one African-American (Lex Scott Davis) and one Latina (Andrea Londo); when he takes a shower with both of them, its a misty porny daydream that ends as an erotic Piet. Fat Freddie is pulled over by corrupt cops Franklin and Mason. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 2023. On a couple levels, you know Scatter is Priests mentor in the drug game and also his teacher in martial arts and jujitsu. BUY THE MOVIE:. Super Fly (1972 film) Quotes After the police leave, Eddie is elated by the new situation, claiming that they are set for life, although Priest is still determined to quit after selling the thirty kilos. David Remnick talks with Dean Baquet, the executive editor of the Times, and Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for the paper, about reporting on Trump and the perils facing American democracy. The lieutenant tells them they can have as much weight, or kilos of cocaine, as they want, and will be extended both credit and protection. Families can talk about the "blaxploitation" genre. AFI|Catalog - Super Fly Rolayo THE FOOD AND SMALL CHOPS PLUG on Twitter: "Yam pepper scatter The powerless Reardon then watches as Priest stalks off, giving the policemen one final glare before driving off to join Georgia. How are remakes similar to and different from the originals? The look for the Snow Patrol was scripted, says Messam, describing the rival gang that prides itself on dressing in all-white. In the original Super Fly, a few handguns made an appearance but, if memory serves, not one of them is discharged in the entire film; the gun is the ultimate threat, one that is even unsheathed only sparingly. The lieutenant reveals that he is Scatter's supplier and that they can have as much "weight," as they want, and will be extended both credit and protection. And indeed, when they pop up, they infuse the movie with fresh rhythm. Scatter wont give him a bigger cut of drugs to sell, so Priest, accompanied by his scampish partner, Eddie (played by the scene-stealing Jason Mitchell, whos like Tracy Morgans amoral little brother), goes right over his head by driving down to Mexico and connecting with the cartel thats the source of their product. As Priest, Ron ONeal had a charisma and enigmatic elegance that stood out in the Harlem back rooms and alleys where he did his business. .st1{display:none;fill:#FFFFFF;} On the original release and videocassette, the film end credits roll with a shot of the top of the Empire State Building and the title track ("Superfly") plays. With my record I can't even work civil service or join the damn army. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. The Harlem community backed Super Fly financially, and a number of black businesses helped with the production costs. New York City--Harlem New York United States. If you go back and watch a vintage blaxploitation film like Super Fly (1972), it has a time-capsule quality that only enhances the low-rent documentary scuzziness of its atmosphere. Priest has anticipated Eddies duplicity, however, and gives the briefcase carrying the money to a disguised Georgia in exchange for one full of rags.