FEATURE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30th EDITION

   As 2016 is about to close, what better way to cap off a year like this one with a very politically-incorrect action film from the 1980s? The 1980s were the last time we saw a social and political pushback against Cultural Marxism---back then it was often reflected in Hollywood films (unlike today).

     Particularly we saw this trend in action films; which, although primarily directed at male audiences, had a strong attraction for women of the more traditional sort. Our feature this week is therefore fitting for a (presumed) re-introduction of common American values. This weekend we recommend an action-packed feature from 1987, The Black Cobra. It starred Fred Williamson and Eva Grimaldi.

     The Black Cobra was interesting because it was something of a remake of a Sylvester Stallone film produced about two years earlier. However, this is one the rare instances where the remake was actually better, in a lot of people's opinion. Except for the similar plot, the remake was really a lot more realistic---with believable characters and situations, for example. The remake was also a lot less 'glitzy'; without the usual extreme special effects or irritating pop-music.

      The storyline centers around a tough, maverick Chicago police detective, Robert Malone (played by Fred Williamson). The city is being plagued by a series of violent crimes, carried out by a weird gang of left-wing anarchist-types. A fashion photographer, Elys Trumbo (played by Eva Grimaldi) witnesses them in the act of a murder. Malone is assigned to protect her and bring the gang to justice.

     Unlike the earlier Stallone version, Williamson's character is not a superman. Malone, we learn in the film, actually has a past. As a child, he witnessed his parents' murder and he seems to be a driven---sometimes abrasive--- personality determined to fight crime and wipe out the memory. In one scene, one of the Police Captains tells him that nobody in the upper ranks likes him. Malone replies, "I don't like myself sometimes. It's all a matter of opinion."

    His driven personality leads into the romantic angle of the film in which Eva Grimaldi gives a great, though underrated performance. As the photographer Elys, she's only to Malone another witness needing protection. Elys' character actually displays a fairly good concept of feminine romantic psychology. She's at first curious about Malone; then she grows fond of him, interested and empathetic. She doesn't try to win Malone through her sex appeal (which is considerable); but gradually softens him with her caring and understanding heart. Her character is really a charming display of traditional femininity---open and understanding; willing to trust and be vulnerable.

      This type of relationship depicts actual dynamics as to what is commonly taught in the so-called Manosphere: and even worse for them, this is an interracial relationship to boot. One of the other aspects of this film is that the leader of the criminal gang is about as close to a Red-Pill 'Alpha' type as ever depicted on film. He's a tall, rather handsome character who flashes a charming, boyish smile---usually right before he kills somebody. In one scene he confronts Elys and says smiling, "What's the matter, little girl? Don't like the sight of blood?" One can imagine a modern Red Pill speaking exactly like that.

    All of his followers look up to him too, as an Alpha leader---this portrayal really illustrates what people just a generation ago actually thought of such characters.

      Like any film starring Fred Williamson, there are plenty of fist and gunfights; and a good car-chase or two. This is another difference from the Stallone version: the fight scenes actually look realistic. Malone is not a one-man army; but he gets the job done when and where it counts.

     As of this writing, The Black Cobra is available free on Youtube. The film actually spawned an impressive three sequels---quite a feat for a remake---which are sometimes included in DVD sets.