In order to give up his dangerous trade, Priest, a New York drug dealer, decides to make his big last bargain to supply him after retirement, but incidents come to climax when his plans have been exposed for the police by a frustrated street dealer.
Like a story from your drunk uncle, you strap in for a ride that is familiar, adventurous, and likely not headed to a conclusion that feels impactful. But dammit, it's a good time.
For all its tossed-off flash, "Superfly" goes beyond the mere intricacy of its audacious plotting to suggest the cruelty, the horror, and the deceit at the heart of the American body politic.
A more seasoned director of narrative features might've figured of how to sustain these high points. But Lutz careens among tones like a chromed-out Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado that's had its brake lines cut.
It's really stylish and has great gloss and energy about it...This definitely has the look and a lot of the very knowing trappings of music video culture.
"Superfly" escapes superficiality thanks largely to strong performances from Jackson; Jason Mitchell as Priest's workmanlike partner, Eddie, and Michael Kenneth Williams as Priest's mentor, Scatter.