Fear of a Black Hat

Fear of a Black Hat, a Rusty Cundieff film, is one of my all-time favorite movies when I need to laugh. We’re talking Kentucky-Fried Movie territory. You want the uncut version, otherwise you don’t get the Ice Froggy Frog video (below) at the beginning or the discussion about artistic integrity in Cleveland. I own the cut version (😥)—couldn’t find the uncut version at that time, no extra money for it right now, but you aren’t me, so buy the uncut version.

In a nutshell, this is Spinal Rap—it’s a mockumentary about a rising hip hop band, NWH (Niggas with Hats), and its three members, Ice Cold, Tasty Taste, and Tone Def, while they’re on the road, framed as a documentary Nina Blackburn is making with a sociological thesis. Naturally, they have a rival band, the Jam Boys.

I don’t want to spoil it, but you’ll find yourself using phrases like FYM and “it ain’t that kinda party” after you’ve seen it (or we should never hang out).

It’s full of spoof videos, an MTV Rocks segment with Kurt Loder. If you’re easily offended (why are you reading my posts?), it’s not for you, especially the titles of the songs and albums, particularly “Booty Juice.”

I’m not going to dissect the acting, directing, plot, set, conflict, denouement, or any of that. It ain’t that kind of party. That’s for films like The Unbearable Lightness of Being, where the cinematography is so engaging it’s practically a character.

Pop some popcorn, crack open a cold one, twist a blunt, and enjoy. Laughter is the best medicine. FYM