A critically panned 1997 comedy that evolved into a beloved Black cult classic
In short: When B.A.P.S. premiered in 1997, critics savaged it, with Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel awarding it zero stars. Yet, the film endured, eventually finding a devoted audience that recognized its cultural resonance. Today, it is celebrated as a staple of Black Hollywood, proving that audience connection often outweighs critical consensus.
Directed by Robert Townsend and written by Troy Byer, B.A.P.S. follows Nisi and Mickey, two friends from Decatur, Georgia, who dream of opening a combination hair salon and soul food restaurant. Their journey takes them to Los Angeles for a music video audition, leading to a bizarre scheme where they are hired to impersonate the granddaughter of a woman once loved by an aging, wealthy man named Mr. Blakemore, played by Martin Landau. Despite the deception, the women grow fond of Blakemore, ultimately inheriting a portion of his wealth and realizing their entrepreneurial dream.
The film’s initial reception was harsh. It holds a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and prominent critics dismissed it as an embarrassing, humorless production. Byer, the screenwriter, was herself disappointed with the final cut, feeling her original vision was lost. However, the film’s legacy shifted over time. By 2018, commentators like Anne Cohen argued that its lasting impact proved it spoke directly to its intended audience, cementing its status as a cult classic within Black cinema. The film’s influence is such that it has been adapted for the stage, with a production by Je'Caryous Johnson scheduled for 2023.
The production history of the stage adaptation highlights the film's enduring nature. Originally planned for 2020, the play was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project also faced the loss of Natalie Desselle-Reid, who played Mickey in the original film and had intended to reprise her role before her death in 2020. Despite these hurdles, the production moved forward with new casting, including Angela White as Nisi and Inayah Lamis as Mickey, underscoring the story's continued relevance in the cultural landscape more than two decades after its initial, rocky release.
The film remains a point of contrast between critical gatekeeping and audience appreciation. While reviewers like Janet Maslin compared it to a watered-down Pretty Woman, other voices, such as Esther Iverem, defended it as genuinely funny. This divide highlights the unique position of B.A.P.S. as a work that, despite its $7.3 million box office performance and negative reviews, became a touchstone for its fans.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: B.A.P.S.
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