What it is, jive turkeys! There’s a new sheriff in town and his name’s Black Dynamite. Ok, technically the lead character of the film Black Dynamite isn’t a sheriff but he sure is a master of taking down bad guys, bedding women and keeping drug dealing fools off the streets. Black Dynamite is a hilarious throwback to film and TV of the 70’s, embracing every cliché in the book as we come to appreciate why every other character in the film either fears or worships Black Dynamite.
Michael Jai White plays Black Dynamite, a badass with a lot of guns, an expertise in kung fu and a knack for getting women into bed (or anywhere else he wants to get them). When his brother is killed, Black Dynamite vows to find out who did it. In his quest to serve up some payback, he uncovers a number of other injustices taking place in his community, including orphans hooked on smack and a secret weapon disguised as Anaconda Malt Liquor. With the help of an old friend from his days in Nam and some other guys with a score to settle, Black Dynamite goes on a rampage to clean the streets up and get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding his brother’s death.
The film is packed with hilarious spoofs and parodies of blacksploitation films and tv shows, some so ridiculous that you really can’t not laugh. From the music, the costumes, the outrageously large afros and blatant sexual harassment, Black Dynamite pulls no punches. What’s more, White’s timing and delivery in every scene is spot on, making the character out to be a true super hero, despite the campiness of it all. On occasion, the plot gets side-tracked but given the style and humor of the movie, that’s to be expected. You’ll probably be too busy laughing during those scenes to wonder what they have to do with anything. I don’t think there’s any in between for this movie however. You’ll either love it and think it’s hilarious, comedic brilliance or you won’t get it at all. I know which side I'm on cats. Black Dynamite’s!
