Candy Tangerine Man

Candy Tangerine Man is an action-packed exploitation film of 1975 - a sprawling, vintage cinematic piece of the mid-seventies. The film stars the virtually undiscovered but talented John Daniels, Eli Haines, and Tom Hankason. Director Matt Cimber captures the zeitgeist of the times, weaving a narrative that might initially seem convoluted, but ultimately crystallizes with gritty realism, blending elements of drama, action, and crime seamlessly.

At the heart of Candy Tangerine Man's narrative is the charismatic Barrett, brilliantly portrayed by Daniels. Throughout the film, we follow the complexities of his dual life - during the day, he is a warm, loving family man living a prosaic suburban life, but by night, he transforms into an enigmatic figure navigating the underbelly of the city as a persuasive and successful pimp, known on the streets as 'The Baron.’

Barrett strikes the perfect balance as a family man and as a street smart pimp in the city's underbelly. On one hand, the audience witnesses him as a caring and loving family man, whose wife and children live in ignorant bliss of his sundown dealings, blissfully unaware of his nighttime transformations. However, when night falls, the game changes, with Barrett, or rather ‘The Baron,’ reigning supreme. His persuasive charms and sharp wit elevate his status in an underworld riddled with crime and vice; as a pimp, he can sway his girls just as easily as he fronts his enemies, all while maintaining his charismatic demeanor.

This movie is not all about the glitz and glamor of this dual life; it also graphically depicts the grim realities of life on the streets. The complexities of drug trafficking, law enforcement, and gang rivalry form the crux of the plot that swiftly unfolds around the central character. ‘The Baron’ finds himself embroiled in escalating turf wars, tussles with the law, and has to continuously protect his girls from the brewing storm in the vibrant city's criminal corners.

To further the plot's complexity, ‘The Baron’ becomes the target of two relentless cops hell-bent on bringing him down. Eli Haines and Tom Hankason's performances as the determined cops shine, bringing a needed counterweight to Daniels' dominant character. The trio's performances make the narrative more engaging, heightening the tension as the storyline progresses. The cat-and-mouse chase between 'The Baron' and the tenacious police officers provides the film with many of its most thrilling moments, without for a minute sacrificing its atmospheric aura.

Adding to this multilayered narrative is the director's determination to incorporate poignant societal issues like poverty, racism, and the breakdown of the social system into the narrative. The film goes beyond the quintessential crime drama by shedding light on these underlying issues, making it a social commentary of sorts.

Another distinctive feature of Candy Tangerine Man is its visually striking style, with pay homage to the blaxploitation era. The use of vibrant color schemes throughout the film accentuates the ambiance of the 70s, transporting the viewer back in time. Furthermore, the period-appropriate costumes and props flawlessly encapsulate the essence of the era.

The film's soundtrack serves as another highlight, featuring funky tunes and soulful melodies synonymous with the 70's blaxploitation films; these tracks significantly amplify the pulsating ambiance and lend a unique auditory identity to the narrative.

Candy Tangerine Man, despite its initial presence in relative obscurity, possesses an undeniable charm. The film's candid portrayals of the era, its nod to societal issues beyond the central narrative, and its gritty realism make it a worthwhile watch for fans of vintage cinema. The film propels its viewers on an adrenaline-infused ride through the underworld, led by a charismatic albeit flawed protagonist grappling with his two lives' realities. Relentlessly thrilling, deeply atmospheric, and thought-provoking, Candy Tangerine Man offers a captivating glimpse into the 70's street culture, making it an unmissable addition to vintage cinema.