Directed by and starring Mario Van Peebles, Baadasssss! chronicles the rough times that Mario's father Melvin had to endure in making his influential 70's film Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song. Originally titled 'How to Keep the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass,' Baadasssss! is a triumphant tale, that is sure to inspire, while lightly tugging at the heartstrings.

Self-financed and with the odds stacked against him, Melvin Van Peebles put everything he had on the line for Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song. Baadasssss! not only chronicles the process of actually getting the film made, but also focuses on the many relationships that were tested along the way, including that of Melvin and son Mario.

Mario does a fantastic job in portraying his father, and he's complimented by a strong supporting cast as well (including Ossie Davis, David Allen Grier, Adam West amd Sally Struthers! To name a few). Easily one of the best indie productions I've seen in quite some time, one would never guess that this film had an even shorter shoot than the indie film that it's based on. While the fact of the matter is that some liberties may have been taken in pushing the inspirational aspect on us a bit hard, it is a well known fact that Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song was a troubled 70's production, in which the underdogs were to ultimately prevail, and Baadasssss! does a tremendous job in capturing that moment in time on film.

With a limited theatrical release pending in May, I can't do anything else but recommend that you give Baadasssss! a proper once over, if given the opportunity. This film is a tremendous effort, and it easily eclipses it's obviously low budget in scope, heart and sheer cinematic amazement. Highly recommended.

Thumbs Up Baadasssss!