Search - Street Smart on DVD

Great Morgan Freeman, Good Movie

C. O. DeRiemer | San Antonio, Texas, USA | 02/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a movie that comes so close to being a first-rate thriller that it's disappointing when it misses. It still is a good, hard-edged story, thanks to Morgan Freeman as Leo Smalls, Jr., aka Fast Black, a domineering, charismatic and vicious New York pimp.

Christopher Reeve stars as Jonathan Fisher, a magazine writer who to meet a deadline fakes a story about tough street life and the women and pimps who work it. His main character is just as phoney as the rest of the story, but the article creates a sensation. The DA thinks the pimp in the story is really Fast Black, who is on trial for murder. He wants Fisher's notes, but, of course, Fisher doesn't have any. And then Fast Black, out on bail, sees an opportunity. At first he thinks someone has been talking about him to Fisher and wants to know who. But then he'll show Fisher real street life and verify that he was the character, saving Fisher from journalistic disgrace...but Fisher has to give him an alibi. The story plays out partly through Fisher's squirming attempts to get out of his fix and partly through Fast Black's ruthlessness.

The movie is dominated by Freeman's performance as Fast Black. Fast is a product of the streets, who has survived and flourished because he is ruthless and smart. He can turn violent in an instant, but you're never sure if he's actually lost control. He can be charming and even fascinating. Part of Fisher's problem is that being accepted by Fast Black is a little like being on a drug.

Morgan Freeman over the last few years seems to be the one directors go to when they want world-weary wisdom (Unforgiven, Shawshank, Million Dollar Baby, many others). He can do this kind of stuff with his eyes shut. His turn as a completely believeable, charming, vicious pimp is something to see.

The movie feaures some other strong performances. Kathy Baker plays Punchy, one of Fast Black's prostitutes who befriends Fisher. She still has a few ounces of self respect, and seeing Fast Black terrorize her is not pretty. Andre Gregory plays Fisher's magazine publisher and steals every scene he's in. Shari Hilton as Darlene, another of Fast Black's women, and Erik King as Reggie, Fast Black's muscle and go-fer, make strong impressions.

However, the movie has two weaknesses. Fast Black's story and Fisher's story never quite come together. And Reeve simply doesn't dominate the movie the way his character should. His moral conflict seems more yuppie angst.

Even so, this is a good movie with a first-rate performance. The DVD transfer looks good and there are no extras to speak of."

Matt Kocik, Parker Ford, Pa. "Street Smart" is a must see"

mk79year@aol.com | PA | 08/02/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Christopher Reeve was great in this film. Morgan Freeman was even better and more serious, this film will somewhat hold your attention because of the pimp state of mind. But never the less it's more hope taken, "Baker" is a superb woman looking for her own modern sex experience, with men or without men. The first hour is "GREAT" but the last half-hour is kind of boring, but it has a reasonable ending, with "LAUGHS AND TEARS""

Ordinary film but Morgan FreeMan takes it up a notch

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 05/30/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"saw this film years ago&thought it was fairly hit&miss at best. this was when Christopher Reeve was still a A-list Actor.but Morgan Freeman [was really good]here.He has gone on to become one of the Greatest Actors Ever.the Guy continues to take His craft further&adds so much depth to His roles.this film was a step along the road to Greater things."

Morgan Freeman's favorite role

Annie1 | Dallas, TX | 03/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchase this movie because Morgan Freeman stated on "Oprah" that the role he played in this movie was his favorite role. I had never heard of the movie, but being a Morgan Freeman fan, I had to search it out. The movie was enjoyable, had a good storyline and is a must-see for Morgan Freeman fans and Christopher Reeve fans."