Cool Breeze (DVD), Warner Archives, Action & Adventure

Gene Corman begins his run of Superfly-era urban actioners with this uptown remake of the heist classic the Asphalt Jungle. Thalmus Rasulala stars as recently released con Sidney Lord Jones who draws together a web of men, some full of earnest conviction some full of explosive desperation, in order to pull off a daring jewel robbery. But nothing fails like criminal success and the gang soon finds itself caught up in a string of unhappy accidents and double crosses. Full of all the verve and flair (and flared pants!) found in the subsequent Hit Man and the Slams Cool Breeze promises a hot time in the big city and delivers the goods. Along the way the film serves up a delicious subtext concerning the quot;culture gapquot; between white and black society. And keep your eyes peeled for an early performance by the always arresting Pam Grier. Written and directed by Barry Pollack.