review for Black Mama, White Mama on AllMovie

This gender-switched variation on The Defiant Ones delivers the exploitation movie goods but sadly fails to take advantage of the more interesting thematic angles of its premise. H.R. Christian's script benefits from a solid plotline and tight pacing but lacks the kind of colorful characterizations necessary to breathe life into its action-movie story, instead settling for a series of types (ruthless crime lord, tough hooker, single-minded freedom fighter, etc.) that are all too familiar. More importantly, it fails to build a bond between its two heroines that would add the kind of emotional weight and character growth necessary to this tale truly compelling. As a result, Black Mama, White Mama is forced to rely on action and cheap thrills to carry it through. It works from this standpoint because director Eddie Romero keeps the film moving at a steady clip and creates plenty of crisply-edited setpieces that maintain a steady level of excitement. Black Mama White Mama further benefits from performances that are above-average for this sort of film: Vic Diaz brings the right amount of sleaziness to his villainous character, Sid Haig adds some amusingly eccentric wit as a cowboy-styled henchman and Pam Grier's tough sexiness hints at the persona she would later realize in films like Coffy and Foxy Brown. In the end, Black Mama, White Mama lacks the inspired touches that might win over non-exploitation fans but is solid enough to appeal to blaxploitation enthusiasts (especially those who like Pam Grier).