What is it about some movies that no matter how badly scripted, acted, shot or directed they still possess a certain charm? We've all at some point, caught ourselves enjoying the visual equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries, gulping down every corny line, transfixed by ever dodgy special effect and blissfully ignoring the gaping plot holes. Today, we take a look at some so bad they're good movies that you've probably never seen, but definitely should take a look at.
5. Willie Dynamite (1973)
From the producers who brought you Jaws, The Sting and Driving Miss Daisy and the man who directed The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh comes this cinematic "classic." Like the movie poster says, "Ain't no one crosses Willie D. He's tight, he's together, and he's mean. Chicks, Chumps, he uses them all. He's got to be number-One." Willie Dynamite is the story of New York City pimp Willie Dynamite, his efforts to stay out of jail, fight off a do-gooder social worker trying to reform his prostitutes, overcome jealous pimps and make a few dollars. On the surface, a typical 70's blaxploitation flick with a pimp managing his stable of "hoes" and sticking it to "the man," but there is a lot more to this movie than meets the eye. Here are what makes this a so bad its good movie.
The Actor
Willie Dynamite's Roscoe Orman gives a menacing, flamboyant performance that makes this movie the fun, thrill ride it is. Through the course of the movie, Orman is able to take a sadistic, narcissistic despicable human being and transform him into an almost likeable sympathetic character by the film's climax. Soon after leaving Willie Dynamite and the streets of New York City behind, actor Roscoe Orman relocated to a very different street. From teaching "Pimp-onomics" to streetwalkers to teaching generations of children how to count, Roscoe Orman is best know for the role he has held since 1974; Gordon, the school teacher from Sesame Street! Disturbingly, someone at the Children's Television Workshop, while reviewing applicants for the role of Gordon, felt that his performance as a pimp would gave him the background necessary for educating children and tolerating the antics of an 8 foot tall yellow bird and a grouchy hoarder, shut-in.
The Wardrobe
For the thrill seekers among you, here's a challenge. Take a shot of your favorite mind altering beverage every time Willie Dynamite changes his outfit. I will not be held responsible for what happens. In virtually EVERY scene, Willie D goes through a dramatic wardrobe change with each outfit more spectacular than the last! From a leopard floor length coat that matches the interior of his purple Cadillac, to a gold lame' overcoat with matching pants, to a fuchsia jumpsuit, to a lamb fur coat, to what appears to be a drum major's uniform, Willie Dynamite is always dressed to shock and awe. He may not be able to run, fight or even pull out a gun without being forced to unzip his pants, but this dude looks awesome! Even his phone is fur lined.
The Soundtrack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK8OWLAyszI Featuring Martha Reeves (apparently slumming from her hit days with the Vandrellas and songs such as Dancing in the Streets) and luminaries such as J.J. Johnson and Pete Jolly as well as all the wacka wacka guitar sounds one comes to expect from the 70's
Great Quotes Here's a small sampling of what you will hear when you sit down and watch this movie "When the heat comes down, you gotta collectivize or run." ~ Bell the Pimp "You can call me the Ralph Nader for Prostitutes." ~ Cora "This is LAMB! I paid a grand for it!" ~ Willie Dynamite All this and a white pimp named "Milky Way." To be seen to believed