(1975)
1.5
Donald Guarisco
This late entry in the 1970s blaxploitation cycle lacks the consistent action and inspiration to make it a success, but offers enough interesting variations on the format to make it worthwhile for the genre's fans. Bucktown is interesting in that it devotes just as much time to drama as it does to action as it tells its anti-corruption cautionary tale. Unfortunately, Bob Johnson's script dishes out its messages via a long procession of heavy-handed dialogue scenes that weigh the film's momentum down. Director Arthur Marks gets solid performances from his cast, but his pacing is too leisurely, especially during the film's first half. This combination of overambitious script and slack direction result in film that never grabs the viewer the way it should. However, Bucktown remains of interest to blaxploitation enthusiasts thanks to some solid performances by a cast of genre stalwarts: Fred Williamson is reliably cool as the hero and Thalmus Rasulala brings plenty of charm and menace to his role as corrupt city-slicker. Pam Grier is unfortunately given little to do in her peripheral role, but brings plenty of conviction to her dramatic scenes nonetheless. The film also delivers a few solid action set pieces, the best being the montage of Williamson's gang offing the corrupt cops and the epic, brutal fistfight finale between Williamson and Rasulala. Ultimately, Bucktown isn't stylish or eventful enough to please a general audience, but offers enough decent moments for hardcore blaxploitation fans.
Bucktown on AllMovie
Bucktown (1975)
