When I say "exploitation," I of course refer to the academic parlance of Quentin Tarantino, Sam Raimi and Russ Meyer, who have launched -- and sustained -- careers from low-budget celebrations of gore, girls and racial stereotypes. Now I'm no film buff, but frankly, I am increasingly convinced that a well-done exploitation film can fulfill artistic license like no other genre. There are just no rules... the cinematic universe is 100% a work of creative whimsy. As when "Django Unchained's" Jamie Foxx goads his horse into a triumphant crip-walk after blowing the hell out of Candyland, the absurdity of these films channels genuine genius, and commentary. As ridiculous as the Rick Ross song was in the middle of "Django," is there really any more appropriate soundtrack for a slavery revenge flick then a 21st-century, 300-pound Miami "drug bawse," dripping in gold?
To the same extent, James' Franco's incarnation of RiFF RAFF -- of whom I have long been a fan -- in the upcoming "Spring Breakers" movie is pitch-perfect. For media-addicted rap nerds such as myself, the persona RiFF RAFF has constructed is at once a send-up and a genuine indictment of pop culture -- he's damn impossible to stop watching, not to mention that he can croon a real nice hook. As L.A. Times' Jeff Weiss notes: "In a novelty-thirsty, camera-happy world, it was inevitable that a Riff Raff would emerge."
So seeing Franco gleefully embody RiFF as a villain -- or he is the hero? -- of "Spring Breakers" makes the movie worth watching in my book. "You can change who you are..." Franco cum RiFF shouts on stage in the above trailer...a bald-faced declaration for cut-and-paste 2013 verge culture, to be sure. And then there's Gucci Mane as drug lord -- "Ya'all wanna die tonight?!" O yeah, I'm definitely seeing this movie.
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