Runtime: 97 minutes
Directed by: Michael Schultz
Starring: A LOT of people, as I'll mention below
From: Universal
It was about time I returned to the blaxploitation world and see a movie I've known of for years and heard more than just the iconic title song from its soundtrack yet it took a TCM airing last night (hosted by Jacqueline Stewart & Questlove) for me to finally watch it in full. Last night, some laughs were needed; while the movie had a few serious moments, the main focus was comedy and thankfully I did laugh, chuckle, and a few times, even smirk.
It's a day in the life/a slice of life look as one work day at the titular car wash is shown. There is no shortage of little stories that are shown throughout as we see the white boss, the buxom white cashier, and the mainly minority staff occasionally do their job but more often goof off, play pranks, and in general chat w/ each other. Running through much of the film is the pretty stellar soundtrack from Rose Royce; it's not just the title song. Naturally, the humor at times is rather off-color and full of stereotype. Yet, there's also Antonio Fargas as Lindy; I'll use the pronoun she as she likes to wear women's clothing and otherwise act feminine. Most of the staff seem accepting of her sexuality. The one time where there's rampant homophobia, that is rebuffed rather quickly. It wasn't the most nuanced character but it could have been FAR more offensive for a 70's picture.
What a cast this has; heck, Danny DeVito and Brooke Adams only appear in the edited for TV version when they needed extra footage to make up for what was excised. There's:
Richard Pryor for a few minutes
George Carlin, again briefly
Franklin Ajaye
Garrett Morris
Melanie Mayron
That Guy actor Sully Boyar
Irwin Corey
Tim Thomerson
DeWayne Jessie before he became best known for Otis Day
Lorraine Gary
Leonard Jackson
Bill Duke as a radicalized Muslim
Many characters only have small roles. That said, it was quite the intoxicating mix viewing all those wacky personalities interact w/ each other. The names not listed also did a fine job; it was a swell ensemble overall. The entire soundtrack was pretty awesome, in addition.
It's a loud movie where a lot happens; that isn't always my bag but thankfully I found Car Wash to be rather entertaining. Amazing that JOEL SCHUMACHER was credited w/ the script. How much of what was on screen came from what he wrote on page is a mystery... perhaps I should give him more credit, as this does easily compare with the much more vulgar D.C. Cab.
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