Blaxploitation Remake ‘Superfly’ is a Streaming Hit on Tubi

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As a connoisseur of action films and someone who has watched more than their fair share of remakes, I must say that Superfly is a movie that has grown on me over time. Initially, I was disappointed when it failed to live up to the original’s nearly perfect reviews back in 2018. However, after revisiting it on Tubi, I can see why it has been climbing the charts recently.

Fans of Tubi particularly enjoy action films, and recently, the 2018 crime thriller has been garnering significant attention, often occupying or hovering near the top of the platform’s chart for the past couple of weeks. Although it has temporarily dropped to second place, being surpassed by Michael Keaton’s film Protégé, the fact that this movie consistently ranks high on the chart underscores how streaming services play a crucial role in introducing older movies to new viewers.

The movie “Superfly” is a contemporary adaptation of the 1972 blaxploitation film “Super Fly,” and it centers around Youngblood Priest, a cocaine dealer based in Atlanta who dreams of escaping his line of work after narrowly surviving an attack by a rival. To leave his past behind, Priest needs to orchestrate one last deal, but he’ll face obstacles like corrupt police officers and hostile gangs along the way. Directed by Director X, “Superfly” features Trevor Jackson portraying Priest, with a talented ensemble that includes Jason Mitchell, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Lex Scott.

Nonetheless, the pressure to match the near-perfect acclaim of the 1972 original was undeniably heavy on the 2013 version of Superfly. Achieving such high praise was always going to be challenging, and it ultimately proved too difficult as the remake garnered a Tomatometer score of only 52%. Additionally, it earned just $20.8 million at the box office, which fell short against its budget ranging from $16-$29 million, resulting in a significant disappointment.

‘Superfly’ Delivered Action and Banging Soundtrack, but Failed in Other Areas

Superfly introduced inventive and fashionable adaptations to the narrative of the initial movie, earning praise from critics who noted its emphasis on trendy attire, lavish homes, and skillfully executed fight scenes. Unfortunately, it fell short in some areas, particularly in not addressing social issues as deeply as the original did. However, it attempted to compensate for this by featuring a remarkable soundtrack, curated by music producer and rapper Future.

Critics often pointed out that Director X’s previous work in music videos may have hindered the movie from becoming more than just an extended hip-hop video. While audiences didn’t seem to mind this aspect, they did express disappointment over the absence of emotional depth between the characters, the plot, and the audience, which ultimately contributed to the film receiving a lukewarm reception overall.

Thanks to Tubi, “Superfly” is now receiving long-overdue recognition, as it takes its spot among a collection of action films that have recently gained renewed interest on free streaming services. With new content consistently added to platforms like Tubi and Freevee, the fact that “Superfly” has held a top position for nearly two weeks indicates that this might be a movie worth revisiting. Don’t miss out on giving it another watch!

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2024-11-29 01:32