57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor is Definately In!, August 9, 2000
This review is from: Doctor Detroit [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Doctor Detroit" is a comedy that will take many fans back to the glorious days of the early 1980's, when disco was in its' dying stages and comedy stars from television's "Saturday Night Live" were starting to branch off into film projects. Dan Aykroyd in his the best role of his life plays Cliff Skridlow, a nerdy college professor who has a chance encounter with a group of 'professional' ladies.
When Cliff meets a pimp (Howard Hessman) on the run from Chicago's most ruthless crime boss, Mom, he must find a way to fend for the ladies who fear for their lives. Their pimp has fled to Tahiti, and therefore Cliff the college professor becomes Dr. Detroit, pimp extradonaire.
In a series of meetings with Mom, Dr. Detroit becomes the most feared and legendary pimp throughout Chicago. However his professional life is falling apart as the college is in need of dire funds to continue operating. With the help of the girls and their assistant Diablo (T.K. Carter) Cliff balances his professional and social lives. But after being named "Player of the Year," Cliff must make an appearance at the annual "Players Ball" in order to receive this honor. The problem is that he has another engagement for the college on the same night and at the same hotel the ball is being held. With Mom and her goons lurking nearby, the Doctor/Cliff will make this a night you'll never forget.
Featuring a cast full of past and future stars, and a soul-filled soundtrack, 'Doctor Detroit' was a showcase for many talents. Three of the four women playing the 'girls' include a pre-"Nanny" Fran Drescher, Donna Dixon (she later married Dan Aykroyd), and Lynn Whitfield ("Eve's Bayou"). The film also includes a special appearance by soul legend James Brown as the main attraction at the Players Ball.
Full of funny scenes including Aykroyd impersonating a Southern lawyer and his battle with Mom at the junkyard, Doctor Detroit gave Dan Aykroyd a vehicle to extend his comedic skills to the fullest extent. The film's most classic scene is the excellently choreographed opening at the Players Ball where everyone is grooving to the rhythms of James Brown. Pimps, prostitutes, and crime lords all get involved in what has to be an ode to the blaxploitation films of the past.
If you are looking for a clever, funny, and hip film, your search has ended. "Doctor Detroit" still remains as one of the 1980's most memorable comedies.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Doctor Detroit, January 26, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Doctor Detroit [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is a very funny movie. Dan Ankroyd is Hilarious. I wish that they would bring it out on DVD. OLD SCHOOL comedy at its best.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Guilty Pleasure, September 22, 2005
All right, so it's not Shakespeare but it is almost as original. One of my personal favorites. Dan Aykroyd chews up the scenery as an appointed "hero." Some fine cast members like Fran Drescher, Howard Hesseman and the groovy T.K. Carter make this one a guilty pleasure. This finally made it to DVD but sadly, no trailer. Make an appointment.
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