They say the gold standard went away in 1971 and never came back, but nay; for 30 years it was merely hibernating.

Enter Pootie Tang.

An otherwise uneventful year, 2001 will forever be remembered as the year Lance Crouther delivered not only the performance of a lifetime, but of the new millennium.

Portraying the groundbreaking film’s eponymous protagonist (Pootie), Crouther is flanked by a truly star-studded cast, including fellow on-screen titans Wanda Sykes, Robert Vaughn, Bob Costas, Jennifer Coolidge, J.B. Smoove, and Chris Rock.

Sykes, who portrays Pootie’s best friend (Biggie Shorty), astounds viewers with a performance that is nothing short of spectacular, and one that, to this day, has only been bested by her role as Gladys on Comedy Central’s critically-acclaimed series Crank Yankers a year later.

Vaughn, best known previously for his roles in Joe’s Apartment (1996) and BASEketball (1998), delivers a knockout performance as the film’s villain (Dick Lecter), proving once again that he is in no way, shape, or form, a typecast actor.

Costas, also best known for his role in BASEketball, plays himself, which was interesting direction given the wide range he’s demonstrated in his previous roles. It’s just refreshing.

Coolidge, best known for her role as Mary Meh in The Emoji Movie, plays a girl next door type (Ireenie), who is most charming throughout the duration of the flick.

Smoove, revered for his best actor-nominated role in 2009’s Frankenhood, plays the lovable hustler (Trucky), a character that is sure to warm the hearts of millions.

Finally, Rock, previously best known for his role as Joey in Beverly Hills Ninja, really seals the deal as Pootie’s father in the film. It’s frankly hard to articulate just how significant, meaningful, and impactful the father/son dichotomy is in this wonderful film.

Indeed, director Louis C.K. masterfully baited a cast of characters that will go down as one of the finest assembled in the history of film. Pootie Tang IS the gold standard of filmography.

Bravo. 👍👍