Superfly

Superfly is Director X's 2018 stylistically sophisticated reincarnation of the classic 1972 blaxploitation film by the same title. The movie propels the original narrative of the criminal antihero into our modern era, infusing it with a distinctive taste of Atlanta's culture and flair.

Trevor Jackson slips into the role of Youngblood Priest, a character that resonates with the original portrayal by Ron O'Neal. Priest is a suave and intelligent hustler who maneuvers through life with a certain kind of elegance. This character is a visionary, a man who leads a sophisticated high-life fueled by the drug trade, yet dreams of a better, honorable existence free from its clutches.

He functions not as a ruthless and ambitious kingpin but as a calculating entrepreneur who values discretion over domination. Although he rules the Atlanta drug scene, his reign is, for the most part, peaceful, as he primarily focuses on his objective of leaving the drug-trading circles, retiring, and seeking cleaner shores. Jackson brings a certain spark to Priest, portraying the complexities of his character with an understated but exceptional performance.

Next to Priest is Eddie, Priest's life-long friend and business partner, brought to life by Jason Mitchell. Eddie is the more outspoken and audacious half of the partnership. He adores their illegal lifestyle and sees no reason to leave the profitable drug-dealing business. Mitchell's portrayal of Eddie is authentic and intense, creating a dynamic and challenging counterpart to Jackson's Priest.

Lex Scott Davis plays Georgia, Priest's loyal and loving girlfriend smart enough to foresee the hidden dangers in their lifestyle. Davis shines as the moral compass, empathetic and firm, demonstrating remarkable acting skills that resonate well beyond the screen in her role.

The narrative of Superfly thrusts Priest into a rollercoaster ride of high-octane events that test not just his intellect, but his loyalties and survival instincts as well. His intentions to quit the criminal life are met with severe adversity, resulting in an intense escalation of dangerous encounters with rival gangs, corrupt cops, and menacing drug cartels. These narrative elements are wrapped in a visual package that mirrors the grandeur and edginess of the posh Atlantan backdrop.

Superfly isn't just an action film; it also serves as a lifestyle movie. It chronicles the ostentatious life of Atlanta's criminal underground, complete with designer clothes, luxury cars, and opulent abodes. These elements contrast vividly against the dark underbelly of illegal trades, violence, and power struggles. This movie paints Atlanta's underbelly scenarios with a detailed narrative enriched with a pulsating soundtrack and a meticulously crafted visual aesthetic.

The pulsating soundtrack, curated by rapper Future, adds a critical dimension to the storytelling. The music marries modern trap beats and the soul-infused tunes of the '70s. Such a blend creates an atmospheric overlay of modern style with nods to the original film's era. Moreover, Director X, renowned for directing iconic music videos, utilizes his itinerant background to bring kinetic energy and a rich color palette to the screen.

Despite its glamorous edge, Superfly doesn't shy away from addressing some profound issues. It deals with themes of personal freedom, the pursuit of a better life, and the consequences of bad choices. It also subtly touches on racial inequality and police corruption, adding a layer of socio-political relevance to the narrative.

More than just a stylish crime thriller, Superfly's strength lies in its character-driven narrative and its ability to drift between action-packed sequences and introspective moments. It is a modern, glitzy recasting of a classic, wrapped in the dynamic culture of Atlanta. Here the past meets the present, and tradition blends with innovation to produce a movie that is visually vibrant, thematically potent, and undeniably entertaining.