DVD Mini Review - Street Smart

Street Smart is an oldie but goodie. Directed by Jerry Schatzberg it is about a hotshot reporter named Jonathan Fisher (Christopher Reeve) who needs to write a good story. He decides to focus on the life of a pimp but when he goes to "the hood" no one tell him a thing. So he makes up the whole thing. It is a big hit but before you can say boo Fisher is in trouble. It seems that a real pimp known Fast Black (Morgan Freeman) believes that the story is about him. Or rather, he wants others to believe that the story is about him because he is on trial for murder and wants Jonathan to be his alibi.

The film is a very entertaining story about a man caught in a world where he doesn't belong. And it is also makes a point about getting famous in a dishonest way. Reeve is fine but the film belongs to Freeman and Kathy Baker, who plays a prostitute named Punchy. There is a scene in the film between Freeman, Baker and a scissors that is absolutely chilling. Also in the mix are Mimi Rogers as Jonathan's partner Allison, Andre Gregory as his boss Ted Avery and Anna Maria Horsford as another prostitute named Harriet.

If you want a good, solid film with some terrific performances Street Smart is the way to go.