lost-in-limbo Morgan Freeman has a commanding presence and he does it with such little ease. Here is no different in a pimp role, as you could say outside the fittingly gritty and authentic urban location work that really puts you there. He is the best thing about this movie. Giving his character plenty of personality with weight, but an underlining edginess that sees him playing it rough when he "had" too. That's not taking anything away from the likes of Christopher Reeve, Kathy Baker and Mimi Rogers. Reeves is rather accomplished as the reporter who finds himself in a difficult position --- career and personal life, but his morals are really put to the test. The ladies are the ones who come off being the ones you care for. New York journalist Jonathan Fisher is not getting anywhere in his attempt to write an article on prostitution, so he writes a fictional expose on a pimp, that ends up seeing him gather numerous praise for its realism. However this fake piece seems to resemble that of a real life pimp; "Fast Black" who's on trail for murder. As things become unstuck, Fisher now finds himself caught in a dangerous predicament with the distract attorney on one side wanting these notes and Fast Black on the other trying to get him on his side by showing him in the real life of a pimp. How one little lie can escalate into something much more. This smoky dramatic thriller doesn't exploit the glamorous nature, but gets dirty as things spiral out of control and circumstances are manipulated to suit one's own favour. This leads to some dangerous consequences for both sides. The interplay between Freeman and Reeves' characters are always gripping and at times quite intense and spontaneous. The rigid narrative does have some questionable details, but remains digestible and cleverly explosive up until its sudden ending of street justice that the courts couldn't supply. Also memorable is the swaying jazz flavour to the music soundtrack and Baker as one of Fast Black's hookers. This enterprise was produced by Cannon."We don't like to lose."

moonspinner55 The production team of Golan-Globus didn't turn out many theatrical features which set awards season on fire, but "Street Smart" garnered great acclaim for Morgan Freeman as a tough New York pimp who takes exception to a seamy journalistic expose by writer Christopher Reeve which seems to be based on the pimp's operation; unfortunately (in the long run) for Reeve, he has made the entire story up. Unattractively foul-mouthed, and filmed in brackish color, the movie does manage to give Freeman a chance at exploring a dark, dangerous side that he rarely returned to again. Kathy Baker as a prostitute is also quite good, but Reeve (open-mouthed and vacuous) never loosens up. Not especially well-directed by Jerry Schatzberg, as Freeman looks like he can take care of himself. *1/2 from ****

Scarecrow-88 A reporter, Jonathan Fisher(Christopher Reeve) who creates a story about a pimp to get himself out of a rut and into the prestige of the New Yorker magazine, becomes a hot commodity, and finds himself in hot water as a Harvard district attorney believes he has personal inside information on a real pimp being prepared for trial over a heinous murder(he kicked someone's face in). Fisher becomes immersed(more like embroiled, for lack of a better term) in the nightmarish world of Fast Black's life, discovering first hand his violent temper and short fuse for anyone(including/especially his working girls)who crosses him the wrong way. Fisher's involvement with Fast Black is the heart of this movie, what he endures for a fabrication and how his life evolves into a tumultuous state of affairs. Fast Black wants Fisher to cook up another story about how they were together when the murder took place. Threats from Fast Money are serious business and when Fisher says he will not comply with his demands, danger awaits the reporter..his career rises as he hits the streets exposing corruption and the city's welfare/plight.How a work of fiction, pinned out of desperation, can send a reporter into the doldrums is the film's emotional arc and as is seeing how Fisher climbs himself out of the bleakest of situations, not to mention his getting even for the stabbing of his girlfriend Alison(Mimi Rogers). Boy, does the plot sure put Fisher in a bind..that, to me, is part of what makes Street Smart such an intriguing crime drama.The electric Morgan Freeman, at times charismatic, charming, and other times ferocious and explosive, blows poor Christopher Reeve right off the screen, but the parts are really arranged this way. Reeve was picked on by critics for a supposed "non-performance" which I feel is unfair, because the other members of the cast, like Kathy Baker(..as Fast Money's foxy streetwalker, Punchy) and Freeman, have such colorful characters to portray. Seeing a nervy Reeve riding along with the unpredictable Freeman who could turn crazy any moment is particularly effective. Certainly a highlight is Fast Black(and Punchy)being introduced to the big money crowd, a party hosted by Fisher's editor Ted(Andre Gregory; A DINNER WITH ANDRE) commingling with the New York elite, trying to score some new talent(!). Probably the most frightening scene has Punchy asking Fast Black to relieve her of duties for a while, sticking up for herself when he will not hear of it, scissors pulled as a tool to remind her of who's boss. Seeing Fisher turn the tables on Fast Black through manipulation in regards to Reggie(Black's enforcer)is quite gratifying, even though we must accept that this whole scenario grew from a fictional expose written out of a desire to find success. I imagine this had to be a relief for Reeve, a way of escape the shadow of the Man of Steele..this may very well be one of the Cannon group's most quality films.

aa4353 I recently rented this movie and was pleasantly surprised. Good plot and great acting. Morgan Freeman shows how versatile he has always been as an actor. It is no wonder his career has lasted so long. Christipher Reeves should be remembered for this movie along with the hyped Superman exploits. For me it was the first time I had viewed him as a serious actor. The soundtrack featuring Miles Davis is treat to the listener of such things. The action and resulting end are as applicable today as they were when the movie was released. The protected right of journalists is always under fire by the government and has been exploited in other movies as well. But not as realistically as in this movie. Thumbs up!