Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil's Son-in-Law

Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil's Son-in-Law is a wildly creative blend of horror, comedy, and blaxploitation. Released in 1977, this cult classic stars Rudy Ray Moore, known as the 'Godfather of Rap', bringing his larger than life presence to this supernatural escapade with funk and style. Directed by talented filmmaker Cliff Roquemore, this movie showcases sensational performances from popular actors such as Jimmy Lynch, Eboni Wryte, G Shaw, Lady Reed, and Doc Watson. The film's audacious narrative reflects in its catchy title, embodying its daring spirit blended with sheer comic hilarity.

In the movie, Rudy Ray Moore stars as Petey Wheatstraw, who is introduced to us as a comedian and martial artist with extraordinary skills. The character is known for his knack of stirring up trouble and knack for surprising audiences with his audacious exploits. He also has an unusual origin story as he was supposedly born during a Miami hurricane and started talking just a day after his birth. Born with a unique gift for comedy, he becomes a popular comedian, attracting both local admirers and trouble.

The film gathers momentum with the entry of Leroy and Skillet, a rival comic duo, portrayed by the talented Jimmy Lynch and G Shaw. They feel threatened by Petey's rising fame in the comedic circuit. The duo hatches a malicious plan to get rid of him, resulting in a series of events that takes a dreadful turn. Predictably, this leads to some calamitous situations stirring up the narrative and raising the stakes for Petey.

Tragedy strikes Petey and his friends, and in a twist of fate, Petey makes a peculiar acquaintance with the Devil, portrayed by the charismatic G. Tito Shaw. The devil offers him a deal that could potentially alter the course of his life and revive him back from his woeful circumstances. The deal, although seemingly beneficial, comes with a shocking condition, plunging Petey into a whirlwind of otherworldly chaos.

Eboni Wryte as Nell, the Devil's attractive daughter becomes a crucial character as a part of this peculiar agreement. Her performance brings a touch of flamboyance to the film, offering an interesting subplot to the story. The dynamics between Petey and Nell form a significant thread in the narrative and add an interesting layer to their characters.

An integral part of "Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil's Son-in-Law" is the energetic sound design and score that truly captures the 70's vibe. The inclusion of martial arts sequences, horror elements and comedic scenes blend well with the overall cinematic landscape that the movie seeks to create.

In typical Moore style, the movie is filled with witty one-liners and charismatic street poetry, a signature that characterizes most of his work. For those familiar with Rudy Ray Moore’s work, this film serves up an extra helping of comedic energy, demonstrating that Moore is more than capable of carrying a film and enthralling an audience.

Due to its quirky storyline and unorthodox style, Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil's Son-in-Law does require audiences to surrender to its own unique charm. The film's genre-bending approach might seem odd to a few, but for those who appreciate a mix of comedy and horror, this film is a vibrant serving of audacious cinematographic surprise. Its unpredictable plot development ensures that every moment is filled with surprise, adding to its evident charm and appeal.

Director Cliff Roquemore successfully shapes the film into a blend of absurdity and hilarity, all of which fits the characters and the narrative perfectly. The movie stands as a testament to Rudy Ray Moore's eccentric charisma that leaves a mark on the viewer even after the film is over.

To conclude, Petey Wheatstraw, the Devil's Son-in-Law, might not fit into traditional movie stereotypes but then again, it is not supposed to. This film is a blending of eclectic elements into an unforgettable cinematic experience, proving the creative prowess of Rudy Ray Moore and a commendable commitment by the rest of the cast to make this film a significant part of the 70s cult cinema. Be prepared to laugh, get startled, and lose yourself in the bizarre yet wondrous world of Petey Wheatstraw.