Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) Reviews

	Joseph F.

3 out of  3  people found this review helpful

"Cotton Comes to Harlem" is a solid, funny, that set the trend of the black movies of the 70s. Godfrey Cambridge and Raymond St. Jacques walk and talk, and you'll know the meaning of "style." This movie is based on Chester Himes's novel, the film follows the two cops who suspect that Rev. O'Malley's "Back to Africa" campaign (minimun entry 100 dollars needed) is a fraud to steal money from people living in Harlem. Determined to nail the bad guys, and possibly the preacher himself, the detective Gravedigger & Coffin start their investigation. The film keeps the fast pace with a tightly knit web of characters including Reverend's beautiful wife Iris. The movie ends with a showdown in the Apollo Theater the real Harlem locale of the 70s, which helps to create the authentic atomosphere, which is a precious record of the New York City. There is some nudity and a lot of cussing...

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	Shawn W.

1 out of  1  people found this review helpful

People when you watch a 70's movie can you have the common sense to know you're watching a 70's movie . Times were different then . It's a movie get over yourself . Some of you women won't to be so independent and be such a strong black women . That you lose common sense . Studies show women are more independent now but also not as happy as women of old . Studies also show more women are growing old ALONE . Being a strong black women don't mean losing common sense and being nasty . Good movie . For 1970 great movie .

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	Rondell C.

1 out of  1  people found this review helpful

This movie is blaxploitation in it's truest form, so if you're a fan of the genre you will love it. The story line it pretty straight forward, and the Action scenes are quite well done considering the time this film was made. I would call it a more political version of Superfly, minus the cocaine use.

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	Michele R.

2 out of  3  people found this review helpful

The movie was utterly ridiculous!!!! Should be destroyed.

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	Terry and Bren L.

1 out of  2  people found this review helpful

I just love this movie. I saw it for the first time on tv over 30 years ago on channel 7 (ABC) and every chance after that. This movie is a must in your cult classic movies. Don't take my word for it, rent it for yourself, but be warned, laughter will be had by all!

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	Daphne W.

2 out of  4  people found this review helpful

As a black person, I think I'm supposed to find this genre endearing, as it gave black directors a chance to stick it to "The Man." Which is all well and good, I guess - except that as a woman, I can't enjoy these types of films. The fact that Ossie Davis, a legend, wrote and directed this, is appalling. Apparently, he doesn't think much of black women, as for the most part they are depicted as either stupid, bossy, needy, or conniving. When one of the supposed "good" guys slaps and throws a woman across the room for throwing water in his face, I knew this wasn't gonna end well. I'm also kind of annoyed that black directors perpetuated the hypersexualized black woman in their films, with one seducing a white man (who, of course, only views her as a sexual object). I couldn't finish it, as I had no love for the "protaganists." Thumbs down, and a total loss of respect for Ossie Davis.

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	Freddie F.

0 out of  1  people found this review helpful

I was 19 or so when I first saw the movie and thought it was at least entertaining. It showcased many black actors we would see again in other blacktaploitation flixs. The amount of sterotyping was gross but was typical for the time and atmosphere in which the movie was made. It no doubt was considered to hip in it's day. Now I can only feel embarassed for the writers and directors when this movie is viewed by a more mature cenematic public. Naustalgic but otherwise, a waste of time.

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