David Walker's rough, yet accomplished documentary Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered & Shafted strives to educate rather than just solely entertain. Exploring not only the appeal (or lack there of) along with the social implications these films had (and have), Walker manages to intelligently explore this subgenre of film, most commonly referred to as 'blaxploitation.'

Featuring prominent Black figures in the entertainment industry (then and now) such as Fred Williamson, Rudy Ray Moore, Jim Kelly, Gloria Hendry, Rosanne Katon, Allen & Albert Hughes and the one white man who happens to be responsible for one of my favorites from the genre, Larry Cohen of Black Caesar along with a host of others. It was a commendable (and brave) decision on the part of Walker to leave out the pop culture aspect of these films.

Where Walker succeeds here is in his explorations of the social and political impacts that these films had on society. While these are subjects that we may not want to readily discuss about these films (we tend to want to dwell on the groovy music and fashions etc. - there's that pop culture aspect), it's an important point, in understanding the growth and popularity of the genre. Who made these films? Why did they make them? Who profited from them? And how could the creative minds behind the work have actually taken control instead of allowing the money hungry studios to call all of the shots?

Worth noting is that Walker's feature (as presented here) is a bit rough around the edges. Walker apparently took what he could get at times, so the interviews were shot all over the place with equipment in what appear to be varying degrees of decay. In addition to questionable image quality (at times), audio seems to suffer some as well; with some apparently harsh and hurried interview sessions. Word is that Walker is looking for some financing to 'clean it up' a bit. I'd like that, and I think that this film is definitely deserving of some attention to fine-tuning. Studios, take note.

Walker's refreshing exploration is both interesting and educational. Fans of the genre should seek this one out, while those that are NOT fans should seek it out even harder. While Walker's documentary further solidifies the adoration that so many may have for these films, it also speaks even handedly to those who may dislike or perhaps not even understand the appeal. Recommended.

Thumbs Up Smart, entertaining and educational