Michael Valenzuela Movies

In 1971, filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles released his third film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which he wrote, directed, and scored. Despite boasting an all-black cast, an X rating, a low budget, and a decidedly non-Hollywood approach to moviemaking, the ground-breaking independent film went on to gross over ten million dollars while inspiring countless other films of the genre that would come to be called blaxploitation. Mario Van Peebles, the director's son, was 13 at the time and got his first taste of show business with a small role in the film. Over three decades later, the younger Van Peebles directed and co-wrote this film, in which he stars as his father. BAADASSSSS! chronicles the director's struggles to get the film made by highlighting the social roadblocks and production pitfalls Van Peebles faced, as well as the personal sacrifices he was forced to make. Also starring T.K. Carter, Ossie Davis, and Nia Long, BAADASSSSS! premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

John W. Huckert directed this thriller that begins when bearded Jack (Malcolm Moorman) picks up a young desert hitchhiker. Homosexual homicide detective Ray Vates (Noel Palomaria) hangs out at a bar where his ex, Doug (Arron Zeffron), is the bartender. As a rookie, Ray gets a razzing from other cops, so he doesn't discuss his gay way of life. Meanwhile, with bodies of various hitchhikers surfacing, Ray and his partner Ellis (Charles Lanyer) investigate. Ray's encounter with Jack doesn't go well, since Ray is seduced by Jack, who confesses to the killings but then leaves Ray handcuffed to the bed. It's an awkward situation, since Ray must "out" himself so he won't be viewed as a suspect. Homophobic reactions from the other cops (Ellis excepted) eliminates any possibility of police back-up during the final horrific showdown at an abandoned theater. Shown at the 1998 San Francisco Lesbian & Gay Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide