Monday, May 16, 2016

Movie review: Pootie Tang

What do you get when you mix an unrelenting crime fighter with a recording sensation who speaks in an indecipherable vernacular? Pootie Tang! In this film Pootie goes head to head with an evil corporate mogul enticing kids to smoke, drink, and eat fast food.

Lance Crouther (Pootie Tang), J.B. Smoove (Trucky), Jennifer Coolidge (Ireenie), Reg Cathey (Dirty Dee), Robert Vaughn (Dick Lecter), Wanda Sykes (Biggie Shorty), Chris Rock (JB/DJ/Dad).

Pootie Tang pretty well jumps right into the story before backing off and giving us some background. Though this is most definitely a comedy there is an actual plot, thin as it is. The film often doesn't make much sense, particularly if you aren't a fan of black classics or Louis C.K. While there are a few laughs so much of the film is built on obscure references and previously released comedy films that for many the comedy is a miss.

Acting was amusing if nothing else. Crouther was actually quite entertaining and delivered his part well. Coolidge was in-type and delivered her usual. Cathey was amusing in his role but felt a bit rough around the edges. Vaughn was also cast in a familiar role which he handled well. Sykes was wonderful, hysterical, and did quite well. Rock almost felt like an afterthought but did okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were entertaining but nothing really exciting. Action scenes were somewhat elementary but fit the film. Dialogue was interesting if not entertaining and yes, hard to follow at times. Sound and soundtrack were okay.

In the end, for what it is Pootie Tang seems like a pretty good film. That said, if it isn't your type of comedy you probably aren't going to enjoy the film much. If you enjoy satire or black classics you should enjoy this one.

Pootie Tang has some foul language, drug use, and sexuality but really, it should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2001
Reviewed: 5.10.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Satire, Spoofs, Comedy, Action Comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel

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