Tag: Ossie Davis

HOT STUFF (1979)

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Directed By: Dom Deluise 

Written By: Donald E. Westlake and Michael Kane

Cinematography: James Pergola 

Editor: Neil Travis 

Cast: Dom Deluise, Jerry Reed, Suzanne Pleshette, Ossie Davis, Luis Avalos, Marc Lawrence, Richard Davalos, Alfie Wise, Barney Martin, Sydney Lassick, Bill McCutcheon, Pat McCormick 

Three cops try to set up a sting by establishing their own Fencing operation. They have less than complete support from above and as they begin mingling more and more with the underworld elements decide to finance the operation through re-selling some of the proceeds.

Watching this movie is the equivalent of watching an old failed sitcom. As this unfortunately is a very disposable movie. 

As soon as you are finished watching. It’s easily forgettable. It would be a streaming original these days.

It has an eclectic yet noteworthy cast and a plot that is cute but hardly noteworthy. Which is a shame as it is one of the few movies lead actor Dominique Deluise not only starred in but has his kids in.

It’s rare to see Jerry Reed in a movie where he gets the girl. Other than that the movie is supposed to be of its own time though seems even corny and behind for when it was released or way too comfortable with a studio comedy that plays more like a TV movie.

There is truly only one memorable scene in the whole film and it’s when Don’s character tries marijuana for the first time.

As a fan of Dom DeLuise, one of my favorite comedic actors. It feels like never got the proper respect or the right projects to truly show his brilliance. Even as he seems to have said yes, to way too many projects, unworthy of his true talents, and hoping for a breakthrough he still gave his all. Unfortunately, this led to watering down his own brand.

Unfortunately, this film isn’t one of the better projects, even though he directed this project as he gets his moments, but this film seems more devoted to other actors and characters throughout the film.

It feels a bit like a home video. This feels like a film that was much more fun to make and have fun with behind the scenes. Then what is on the screen. Dom Deluise even cast his real-life wife and children at the time as his family and various roles. 

The film has truly over-the-top performances at times while others are understated and it’s quite a product of its time includes a big set piece at the end that tries to make up for all of the shortcomings and include most of the characters we have seen throughout.

This is a caper comedy where much of the enjoyment of the film is centered around the camaraderie of the characters and the quirky characters that come in and out of the shop and they form a relationships with. There is a little action. Everything here feels a bit familiar good for the times, but watching it now is a little bit out of date but it tries. As it’s just silly

Grade: C

AVENGING ANGEL (1985)

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Directed By: Robert Vincent O’Neil
Written By: Robert Vincent O’Neil & Joseph M. Cala
Cinematography: Peter Lyons Collister 
Editor: John R. Bowey

Cast: Betsy Russell, Rory Calhoun, Susan Tyrell, Ossie Davis, Robert F. Lyons, Steven M. Porter, Paul Lambert, Barry Pearl, Frank Doubleday

Molly, the former prostitute, has managed to leave her street life with help from Lt. Andrews. She studies law and leads a normal life. When Andrews is killed by a brutal gang, she returns to the streets as Angel to find his killers.

Not surprising that this sequel pales in comparison to the first film. While not a classic at least was offbeat and had some originality.

This film comes across as trying to make everything bigger. Instead of one villain this time she and her friends are taking on a crime family ring.

Now the character is no longer a hooker but in law school and seeking revenge. Most of the actors come back from the original except the two leads. Where one is recast and killed in the opening minutes. This leads to the revenge story. 

The lead this time is played by Betsy Russell and while appealing to the eyes. She doesn’t bring anything to the role. In fact, One misses Donna Wilkes, who played the role originally maybe it was that Russell had more box office appeal and recognizability 

The problem lies in that the first film’s side characters all added to the overall strangeness and humor of the first film. They added old-school charisma and personality and mostly stayed on the side as we got to know them. Which added to the first film’s charm.

This time around the surviving characters is brought into the action more and seem more equipped to handle the action. Whereas in the first film it was more random for them to get involved. Also since we know them from the first film. This time around they are barely developed before just coming out and chasing or shooting.

So while it’s nice to see the veterans in the cast that is all that there is. As of so far, I haven’t seen the other films In the franchise. After watching the first film I felt a little encouraged to continue. This one was written and directed by the director of the first film. Makes me feel like one has seen enough of Angel and her friends continue their adventure.

As it isn’t even fascinating or fun in a 1980’a cheesy or exploitation way. It just comes off as bad and overblown for no real reason. It feels more of chasing in. Rather than have a natural purpose or real story. As it is much less a continuation rather than franchising. 

Grade: F