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Black Dynamite embodies everything that was great about the blaxploitation 1970's cinema. However, it also relishes all the flaws of 1970's cinema, and laughs with us all the way till the end. The film was released on October 16, 2009, in the United States, for only two weeks, and was released on home video on February 16, 2010.
Michael Jai White wrote and stars in this movie as Black Dynamite (a Vietnam veteran, former CIA agent, and professional bad ass) who vows to clean up the streets after his brother Jimmy is killed by a shady organization. The film's director, Scott Sanders, describes the movie as "It’s just a little too badass. That’s the tone of the movie. Our humor comes from the fact that the movie is just a little too badass." It's one cheesy quote ("Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrifications is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery.") and crazy scene after another in this well done spoof.
There's really no good way to describe Black Dynamite, it's really something you need to experience on your own. The plot description on Wikipedia is probably one of the shortest I've ever seen. Be prepared for a lot of language and unexpected nudity, but really, that all has to be in there for it to be true blaxploitation. There's so many scenes that leave you simply asking what they must've been thinking when they filmed it, and that's really what makes it so great.
Keep in mind that this movie is rated R, and with good reason, it's definitely not suited for kids. The runtime is only 84 minutes, so the action is steady and the lines keep flying. It's a movie that you will either instantly love or you'll find it mind-numbingly stupid, probably nothing in the middle. But if you can shut your brain off and not expect too much, you'll have plenty of opportunities for ridiculous laughs.
Dave's Quick Hits: I love cheesy movies that know what they are, and don't try to be too much, this one had a ton of great quotes and hilarious scenes, 8 out of 10.
Thoughts From The Better Half: This movie was ridiculous, parts were funny here and there, definitely not a kid's movie (too much language and boobies and penises), it made me laugh a couple times though, 3 out of 10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83% - A loving and meticulous send-up of 1970s blaxsploitation movies, Black Dynamite is funny enough for the frat house and clever enough for film buffs.
