Lady Cocoa

Set against the vibrant and flamboyant backdrop of 1970s Las Vegas, Lady Cocoa is a feature film that artfully mingles elements of crime drama, adventure and romance. The movie primarily revolves around the somewhat sardonic, but nevertheless captivating, character Lady Cocoa, brilliantly performed by Lola Falana, a noted African American singer and dancer-turned-actress of the time.

As the film unfolds, we are introduced to Lady Cocoa, a fiercely independent woman serving time in prison. Her character is alternately sultry and sassy, radiating a striking on-screen presence that isn't easy to forget. Complicating her situation is her intimate connection to a den of criminals led by her ex-flame, a mobster who goes by the name of Eddie. This intriguing backdrop of a casino mob and their dark underworld serves as the foundation for the film's main plotline.

Lola Falana’s portrayal of Lady Cocoa is both spirited and engaging. She effortlessly brings to life the canny, gutsy protagonist who bravely navigates the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. With flawlessly timed humor and crisp dialogue, her performance is indeed the lifeblood of the entire film.

Award-winning radio and television journalist Alex Dreier plays the role of the calculating mob boss Eddie. Dreier, with his seasoned acting skills and captivating charm, expertly portrays the character's dual nature - outwardly charismatic but internally ruthless. His relationship with Lady Cocoa is a web of intrigue, manipulation and past affiliations that adds significant depth and tension to the story.

Gene Washington, an acclaimed professional American football player making his full-length film acting debut, becomes yet another instrumental character. He appears as Doug Fuller, a police officer who's assigned to ensure Lady Cocoa's safety after she agrees to testify against her former lover, the mob boss. The chemistry between Washington and Falana is palpable, generating some of the film's most balanced and compelling scenes.

As the storyline progresses, the audience will be treated to the tantalizing sights and sounds of Las Vegas during the 70s, including the glitz of the casinos, vibrant nightclub scenes and the under-the-radar hideouts of mobsters. The film does an excellent job showcasing the stark contrast between the glimmering public face of Las Vegas and its covertly functioning, gritty underworld.

Director Matt Cimber, widely known for his unconventional, provocative style, does an expert job of crafting each scene with precisely the right mix of tension, drama, and suspense to keep the audience on their toes. He balances moments of heightened drama with comic relief, striking a perfect balance. Cimber's attention to detail, particularly concerning the setting and period, is meticulous, lending an air of authenticity to the film's context and narrative.

Furthermore, the supporting cast does a commendable job of giving substance to their respective roles, adding further layers to the movie's multifaceted plot. Tasked with bringing to life a myriad of characters, from mob henchmen to the glitterati of Las Vegas, they all make essential contributions to the film's colorful fabric.

The movie's visuals are equally impressive as its storyline. Cinematographer Roderick Thorpe exhibits a flair for capturing the essence of Las Vegas in the 70s, from its glamourous, high-rolling casino life to the dimly lit alleyways and obscure mobster hideouts.

One of the film's standout aspects is its music that regales a fusion of soulful tunes, jazzy vibes, and heartfelt ballads - a testament to the musical sensibilities of 1970s.

Overall, Lady Cocoa is a compelling blend of action, crime and romance, offering audiences a gritty, sensual, and sometimes whimsical look into the criminal underbelly of 1970s Las Vegas. It's a film distinct not only for its solid acting performances but also its intriguing plot twists and turns, vibrant soundtrack, and attention-grabbing cinematography.