Even though it plays more like a TV movie than a theatrical release, this film captures early 70's LA street life inadvertently and entertainingly. Many scenes were shot out in the streets, at local joints, giving a glimpse of life at the time. Enjoyable scene at the nudie bar, and later at the girl's tiny apartment. Moseley is wonderful as the Preacherman, and there are many familiar faces in the cast throughout. It is not blaxploitation in the least, but rather a thought-provoking timestamp of urban black life, with the exploitation coming from the politicians and others involved with "Jason Lee", who quickly warms to his charade role as community and spiritual leader, while still bullying, beating and strong-arming those in his way. The action scenes are a bit stiff, the narrative a little slow moving, but there is much more to look at and be entertained by, like the mad fight in the baptismal font that cements Preacherman's destiny. Def worth watching.
