The Boondocks is
uncompromisingly shocking, potentially offensive, and always more intelligent
than it seems at first glance. Based on Aaron McGruder’s award-winning comic
strip, The Boondocks is about a group
of upper-middle class black families living in a wealthy suburban neighborhood.
Huey and Riley are young brothers living with their grandfather, both with
completely different personalities. Riley is completely absorbed by the hip-hop
lifestyle, while Huey is a more interested in learning and critical thinking
than conforming to the pop culture pit-traps for a young black man. The
neighborhood also includes a black man who is married to a white woman, a
self-deprecating black man, and an assortment of other bit players along the
same lines.
The series has always taken a strong
interest in tearing apart the typical trends in black pop culture, whether it
is the new 50 Cent movie at the movie theater or the latest music video on BET.
This can be humorous, but it is also an easy target at times, and it is the
unexpected layers that make the show so engaging. Creatively altering the
presentation of each episode to some preformed model layers the show with
references outside of the direct references. A perfect example from a previous
season is “Stinkmeaner Strikes Back” which opens with The Shaw Brothers logo.
The Shaw Brothers are well known producers of classic kung-fu movies, and this
obscure reference layers the episode with further meaning and interpretation. This
season blends in this mix of satire, spoof and homage with an episode dedicated
to a “Breaking Bad” type storyline, as well as one which clearly takes its cue
from the Spike Jonze film, Her.
Few shows are as intelligent with the
application of the models, whether it is in the form of a kung-fu movie or a
reality program for BET, but there is a repetition to the dialogue which can be
wearing at times. The ‘N’ word is used excessively and freely, which can often
seem to counter the intelligent ideas buried beneath the dialogue. Moments are
often ridiculous enough to be entertaining while retaining some debatable issue
for ridicule, but part of what makes the show work is the voice actors. The
cast is impressive and diverse, as are the guest stars. This final season has
guest voice appearances from Michael B. Jordon (Chronicle), Dennis Haysbert (“24”) and Edward Asner (Up).
This is the
final season of “The Boondocks,” and all ten of these season four episodes are
included on two discs. The special features are limited, including a featurette
about the show’s always impressive soundtrack and another about the writing for
the show.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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