Ostensibly a blaxploitation film, Darktown Strutters aka Get Down and Boogie (1975) straddles multiple genres in creating a jaw dropping movie. I've always appreciated films or art that elicits an almost universal reaction of "what the fuck was that?" and for elevated levels of high weirdness, I place this in the company of such similar cinematic oddities such as Thundercrack! (1975), Private Parts aka Blood Relations (1972), Cafe Flesh (1982) or The Holy Mountain (1973). Produced through New World Pictures by Roger Corman's brother Gene; this movie blends blaxploitation, biker/action, comedy and elements of a musical together in one surreal stew. The set design by Jack Fisk is first rate and adds to the live action cartoon feel of the film, which is also aided by goofy sound effects that would seem more at place in animation. There's something to offend or entertain in near every frame, so if your sensibilities fall on the very politically correct side of things - ignore this movie. However, if you kick back and watch this as the full on satire that it is, you may enjoy the head scratching on-screen antics.
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