Mario Van Peebles directs and plays the leader of a band of black outlaws battling racism in this violent western. A hybrid of Clint Eastwood’s “spaghetti” westerns and 1970s Blaxploitation films, Peebles’ vision is a tale of revenge and perseverance.
Bombastic flashbacks and confusing action bog down the storytelling, but colorful characters and celebrity cameos keep things lively. Those making appearances include actors and musicians Stephen Baldwin, Big Daddy Kane, Billy Zane, Blair Underwood, Melvin Van Peebles (Mario’s dad), Tone Loc, Pam Grier and Isaac Hayes. Rated R.
GRADE: B-