BLACK DYNAMITE
The city streets explode into violence when "The Man" kills Black Dynamite's (Michael Jai White) brother in this seamless recreation of the blaxploitation classics of the 1970s. He was the best agent that the CIA ever had, but these days Black Dynamite only answers to one boss -- himself. When "The Man" ices Black Dynamite's brother, starts pumping heroin into the local orphanage, and floods the ghetto with a secret weapon disguised as common malt liquor, the car chases, gunfights, and shirtless brawls that follow prove wild enough to make even Dolemite green with envy. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Director: Scott Sanders
Cast: Michael Jai White, Kym E. Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman, Byron Minns.
Release Date: Oct 16, 2009
Rated R for drug content, some violence, sexuality/nudity and language
Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure
Review:
A lovingly faithful satire that feels authentic through and though, Black Dynamite is a fun if slightly uneven trek through this grindhouse genre. Director Scott Sanders hits all the right marks visually and musically throughout making sure the satire is a painfully close to the real McCoy. Washed out worn looking film stock is used, classic 70’s jams pepper the film with hilarious lyrics giving away the plot, all done to great effect. Michael Jai White, also a co writer on film, in the lead role is perfectly built and stoic through out, never showing his hand too much. He plays the role straight and he’s a perfect embodiment of what the character types stood for and all their laughable excesses. The script is fun and purposely sporadic and unfocused. The characters are all big and cartoonish. They all fit perfectly with an outlandish conspiracy plot about “the man’s” fiendish plot again the black man. It’s not perfect and there are a few dead spots which are a bit easier take as Sander’s keeps the movie moving at a brisk pace.
B-
