Freddie Prinze really gave himself too much flack for this movie. Yes NBC should have given the rights to FOX Networks because at least through them it could have been picked up for theatrical release and not Made-For-Televison. Sadly the story was too short and there was not enough given in the rising action nor the climax, but it spawned lots of potential from the women and of course the Prince of Comedy himself, Freddie. Freddie delivers a serious and fustrated side of himself that could easily remove him from his Chico role. If only he was offered better network films than this one that felt like a pilot for a crime show. Fortunately when Prinze plays Muff he gives us a glimpse of a younger Tony Curtis as well as Al Pacino. The best part is that the character of Muff explores the effort of being young and urban with a whole lot of education and street smarts. When a Genius and Street kid mix it throws you off whirlwind question of how can a kid get into so much trouble. Being a boss and leading as the brain is hard to take seriously when it comes from a young latin man, however Freddie Prinze not only sells us this good but he makes an effort to show the audience that nothing can stop you from being a boss.
The Million Dollar Rip-Off
(1976 TV Movie)
A Cult Classic that should have been in theatres not NBC
12 November 2020