The Return of Superfly

The Return of Superfly is an entertaining and stylish 1990 action/crime sequel that maintains a distinguished presence within the cult noir subgenre of Blaxploitation. Adorned with elements of vintage crime drama and modernized with a gripping narrative, this title assures its place in our movie watch list.

The film establishes itself right at the intersection of originality and continuation, reintroducing us to the iconic figure of Superfly. Nathan Purdee dons the role of Priest, a character known as Superfly from the early 1970s Blaxploitation cinema, originally brought to life by Ron O'Neal in the 1972 film, "Superfly."

Purdee fervently incorporates his own version of the enigmatic Superfly, whose world revolves around fast cash, fancy cars, flashy clothes, and freedom. However, this version of Priest has been skillfully rewritten for the 90s, as an aged, wise, and weathered man who has spent eight years in self-imposed exile, retiring from his life of crime in Paris.

The story kicks off when Priest is presented with an offer too tempting to resist. He's lured back to New York City in the midst of a crippling drug epidemic, where his former boss and friend Eddie, played by Leonard L. Thomas, is struggling under the cruel yoke of the local drug cartel. In Priest's absence, the streets have been taken over by an African drug lord, played by the ruthless Frank Senger.

Back in NYC, Priest watches helplessly as his former glory has been replaced by a haunting vista of urban decay and despair. He starts to realize that escaping the past isn't always an option, and sometimes you must confront it head-on.

As Priest re-enters the gritty underbelly of the city, he finds an ally in detective Robinson, played by the seasoned Margaret Avery. Robinson is a tenacious and resourceful officer with robust moral compass, whose life is pinned against the backdrop of crime-ridden streets of New York. Avery’s performance as Robinson adds a layer of complexity and power to the narrative, making her a great foil to Purdee’s confident, coolly calculating Superfly.

Drawing from the Blaxploitation lexicon, The Return of Superfly presents a compelling cast of characters, each more memorable than the last, enveloped in a carefully orchestrated street symphony of crime, loyalty and street-hustle. The unique fusion of classical elements of crime cinema with an engaging narrative makes this film an effective sequel that is both respectful to its origin and stands firm on its own merits.

The cinematography of Return of Superfly is dense, dark, and detailed, capturing the raw essence of its urban environment. It doesn’t shy away from presenting the grim manifestation of crime and its unfortunate footprints on a city’s vista. As the story progresses, the way the filmmakers use the camera becomes reflective of the narrative's evolving drama. The visual atmosphere conveys violence, despair, and decadence but also hope, resilience, and redemption in equal measures.

The film is a fascinating exploration of redemption and offers a hard-hitting narrative that highlights the cyclical nature of crime and its devastating impact on neighborhoods. Throughout the film, crime is not just a backdrop, but a character within itself.

Integral to the film's allure is its mesmerizing soundtrack, as like its predecessor, music and culture are interwoven within the narrative. The Return of Superfly features a commendable set of songs energizing the screen and lending a rhythmic pulse to the crime narrative unfolding.

In conclusion, The Return of Superfly is a cinema concoction of smoke-filled back rooms, dangerous alleys, fast cars and crime lords, set against the metropolitan decay. Defying the conventions of its time, its unique style and riveting narrative capture the essence of street life, examining the harsh realities of crime and offering a modern tale of redemption. As such, it provides a vibrant snapshot of urban life in the early 90s and continues the Superfly legacy.