2
out of 5.00 -
Film:
2
Extras:
2
Video:
2
Audio:
2
-
1/13/2010
Before the Almighty created pay-per-view, DVDs, Tivo, DVRs, and other forms of instant access media, the great unwashed masses had only reruns to keep them entertained. So for years, I enjoyed watching THE JEFFERSONS, a highly successful spin-off of ALL IN THE FAMILY, long after after their prime-time cancellation. While not a stunning masterpiece of comedy, the show had enough the witty lines, likable characters and thoughtful (though not overly preachy) social commentary that spending a half-hour with this "movin' on up"-wardly mobile African-American family was an absolute pleasure.
THE JEFFERSONS: A XXX PARODY, however, doesn't really make an effort in capturing the spirit and timing of the original series. Following a respectable "re-imagination" of the opening theme song, we dive right into an interracial scene between Marie Luv and Jack Lawrence, who play the Jeffersons neighbors and eventual in-laws. Never mind that both performers bear no physical or behavioral resemblance to the television actors; there isn't even an attempt at setting up a plot to follow. The couple do it, and manage to do it rather well despite some awkward edits (a regularity in this film), and amateurish videography (a constant from beginning to end).
Some broad but failed attempts at humor occur when we meet George and Louise (Weezy) Jefferson. Delotta Brown is unconvincing in her role as Mrs. Jefferson, but Ace is fine as Mr. Jefferson. Though not a perfect imitation, his spastic body movements and exasperated rantings keep this video from becoming a total loss. Ace keeps in character even when doing it with antagonistic maid Florence (played by busty Jada Fire), but their otherwise acceptable sex scene is marred by the pseudo-gonzo style direction, and once again, ugly camera work. (The background is a blinding white, which flares off the actors like a failed film student aping the style of JJ Abrams.)
Other scenes include Jessica Bangkok (playing a full-service stripper) getting it on with Tyler Knight (Lionel Jefferson), Delotta Brown doing it with Ace, and Kapri Styles concluding the movie with Mr. Knight. Unless you happen to like Ms. Brown's body type, her scene can be a chore to watch, while Miss Bankok is more than adequate thanks to her skilled oral work. Kapri Styles (easily the most attractive girl) finally gives viewers some much needed eye-candy, which has remained largely absent during the first hour or so. Her ability to contort her body in various fucking positions is impressive, but it's not enough to save this extremely disappointing video.
I have not seen the standard definition version of this film, but I can't imagine it looking that much worse than this Blu-ray presentation. There are no technical faults with the disc itself other than what was carried over from the original source material. Then again, several high definition releases from Metro have been the subject of considerable critical scrutiny as to picture and sound quality. (Spooky's review of ZAZEL on Blu-ray, for instance, struck me as a fair warning, and the studio's release of CINESEX on standard DVD has a badly misframed transfer which makes me long for the original VHS tape.) To make matters worse, it seems that a few bonus materials available on DVD (including excerpts from other - and undoubtedly better - titles, as well as some more Behind The Scenes footage) have been left out on Blu-ray disc. So unless you really, really loved the main feature, it's difficult to see the incentive to pay for the high definition upgrade.
If the actual television show were anywhere as wretched as this title, then it would have been cancelled by the second commercial break. If you're looking for quality sex and a few reasonable laughs from THE JEFFERSONS: A XXX PARODY, then the joke's on you.
By:
Diesel