Watch Black Dynamite
- R
- 2009
- 1 hr 24 min
-
7.4 (52,388)
Black Dynamite is a 2009 action-comedy film directed by Scott Sanders and stars Michael Jai White in the titular role. It is an homage to the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, with a script that recreates that aesthetics of the genre in every detail, from the dialogue to the music to the costumes. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, and it has become a cult classic in the years since its release.
The plot of the film revolves around the titular character Black Dynamite, a Vietnam veteran and former CIA agent who takes on the criminal underworld of Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Black Dynamite is a classic example of the blaxploitation archetype, a tough and suave hero who is a master of martial arts and always has a quick-witted one-liner at the ready.
The film opens with Black Dynamite getting a call from his old girlfriend, informing him that his brother has been killed. This sets him off on a mission to find out who is responsible and to take them down. As he investigates, he discovers a sinister conspiracy involving drugs, prostitution, and a secret government agency known as The Man.
Along the way, Black Dynamite is joined by a colorful cast of characters, including a fellow veteran named O'Leary (played by Arsenio Hall), a street-smart kid named Bullhorn (played by Byron Minns), and a prostitute-turned-revolutionary named Honey Bee (played by Salli Richardson). Together, they face off against an army of henchmen, including a villainous politician (played by Kevin Chapman) and a kung-fu master (played by Tommy Davidson).
One of the standout features of Black Dynamite is its attention to detail. Everything about the film, from the costumes to the sets to the music, is designed to capture the vibe of the blaxploitation era. The film even includes a number of intentionally cheesy special effects and continuity errors, which add to the overall charm and humor of the movie. The jokes come fast and furious, with references to everything from 1970s television shows to James Brown album covers.
The action scenes in Black Dynamite are also a highlight. Michael Jai White, who is a skilled martial artist in real life, does an excellent job of bringing the fight scenes to life. The fight choreography is fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of bone-crunching hits and over-the-top stunts.
Another aspect of the film that has received praise is its cast. Michael Jai White embodies the role of Black Dynamite, bringing both humor and intensity to the character. Arsenio Hall is also a standout, playing the role of O'Leary with a combination of humor and heart. The supporting cast is equally strong, with each actor bringing their own unique energy to their roles.
Overall, Black Dynamite is a loving homage to a bygone era of cinema. It is a film that manages to capture the essence of the blaxploitation genre while also adding its own unique charm and humor. The film is filled with memorable characters, hilarious jokes, and exciting action scenes, making it a must-see for fans of both the genre and comedy in general.
Black Dynamite is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 65.