Cleopatra Jones (1973)

Review by Mari Lynne Rupp



This is blaxploitation grindhouse at its finest. Before there was Xena, before there was Buffy, there was...CLEOPATRA JONES. A no-nonsense, beautiful federal agentf(played by Tamara Dobson) cracking down on drug rings pretty much around the world.
She raises the ire of "Mommy" (Shelly Winters in a comically over done performance) who tries to start a war by busting down a small establishment meant to help youngsters get clean of drugs, and a safe place for young urban people to hang out. The drug cartel attack her safe house and shoot her love interest (Bernie Casey) but completely underestimate Cleopatra Jones and her integrity, fire and skills. Fighting dirty cops, drug lords and common thugs, it leads her to a final showdown with "Mommy" that is simultaneously amusing and exciting.
Unlike many grindhouse, this film lead to the start of many of it's players. You will remember Bernie Casey from various TV and movie roles, Antonio Fargas went on to play "Huggy Bear" in "Starsky and Hutch" as well as a successful tv and movie career and you'll remember the sweet late Esther Rolle as Florida Evans from the kitschy tv series "Good Times". This was a fantastic ride, and a great, light entertaining popcorn movie.
8/10