Black Dynamite (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  Kung fu treachery and anaconda malt liquor!! Theres not much more I can say other than I loved this movie!!

• Jack H

  
  'Black Dynamite' is a brilliant parody of the Blaxploitation genre of the 1970s, most of the time anyway. The intentional glaring continuity errors, fantastically clichà (C)d dialogue, exaggerated action sequences and the catchy little jingles perfectly encapsulate the… More
  'Black Dynamite' is a brilliant parody of the Blaxploitation genre of the 1970s, most of the time anyway. The intentional glaring continuity errors, fantastically clichà (C)d dialogue, exaggerated action sequences and the catchy little jingles perfectly encapsulate the genre. Most of all though, it's the 16mm film it was shot with that made it most authentic, giving the film high contrast and saturation, a characteristic of many original Blaxploitation films. Its dry humour draws many parallels to the 'Naked Gun' series, just not quite as wacky. The film is littered with references and homages to its roots, making Black Dynamite a film of much replay value. I can see myself revisiting much of the film, especially the scenes that include my favourite new phrase: 'jive turkey'. Kudos goes to Michael Jai White, who brilliantly portrays Black Dynamite; the massive, impenetrable lead character who has women falling at his feet, his feet normally in a pair of generously heeled shoes. This silky smooth kung-fu master is respected by all, many of his actions, chiefly his entrances, assisted by a hilarious jingle that I'll try to convey phonetically: "Dy-No-Mite,Dy-No-Mite!" Black Dynamite starts to run out of steam around the hour mark, it slightly loses its edge after that; the plot becomes too big, too repetitive. But the meticulously crafted three quarters of the film make it worthwhile; it is a rewarding for any audience, even those who aren't familiar with Blaxploitation.

• Reid V

  
  Hysterical. Maybe I was just in a giddy mood, but I watched this over breakfast and spit my coffee out in laughter on more than ten occasions. Michael Jai White of the Never Back Down fame is surprisingly really good. He is DEAD serious, and his subtle glances at wayward microphones… More
  Hysterical. Maybe I was just in a giddy mood, but I watched this over breakfast and spit my coffee out in laughter on more than ten occasions. Michael Jai White of the Never Back Down fame is surprisingly really good. He is DEAD serious, and his subtle glances at wayward microphones and other things of that nature are perfectly timed. It is filled to the brim with memorable quotes. One of my favorite being: Officer: Black Dynamite, we don't need you going around leaving a river of blood. Dynamite: Ok. Well just tell me who did it and I'll leave a little bucket. Also, the Vietnam monologue was absolutely priceless. Whether you are a fan of blaxploitation or just laughter in general, this film will have you laughing your ass off.

• Jonathan H

  
  A meticulous and hilarious send up to 70s blaxploitation films. What makes this spoof better than, say, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!, is that Scott Sanders keeps the absurdity confined to where it's just over the top enough without getting into slapstick. Plus, somehow Michael… More
  A meticulous and hilarious send up to 70s blaxploitation films. What makes this spoof better than, say, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!, is that Scott Sanders keeps the absurdity confined to where it's just over the top enough without getting into slapstick. Plus, somehow Michael Jai White is able to say lines like, "you bet your sweet ass and half a titty," "Let's get this dick-shrinking poison out of here" and "First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp-slapped you into that china cabinet" with straight-faced conviction. And speaking of lines, in a genre revered for its stylized dialogue, Black Dynamite, for my money, has the best one ever uttered: (when a lounge singer comes on to Black Dynamite): Dynamite: I don't have long, but maybe I can throw you a bone real quick. Singer: Outta sight! I get off in 15 minutes. Dynamite: You right about that shit.

• Letitia L

  
  That was a lot of jive. Made for great rhymin' one-linin' action timin'. But I'm not sure I dug all of it, it wasn't cohesive or compelling. Got bored and didn't finish it.

• Everett J

  
  The title of the movie really says it all. This is a campy(how ya like that Bob?) recreation of the 1970's blaxploitation movies. Michael Jai White stars as "Black Dynamite", an ex CIA agent who is on a mission. He wants to avenge the death of his brother, rid the… More
  The title of the movie really says it all. This is a campy(how ya like that Bob?) recreation of the 1970's blaxploitation movies. Michael Jai White stars as "Black Dynamite", an ex CIA agent who is on a mission. He wants to avenge the death of his brother, rid the streets of drugs, and stop the white man's evil plan to rid the black men of their big wieners(no, I am not making this up). Along the way he has lots of sex, beats the shit out of a lot of people, and isn't afraid to pimp smack a ho who gets out of line. The movie is very much a slap stick comedy, with lots of "what the fuck?" type laughs. Lots of way, way over the top violence, and comedic fight scenes involving nun chucks. All the performances are good, and do their job well of selling a goofy 0's send up. If your sensitive to racial jokes, hate to laugh, and hate the 70's then don't watch this. Otherwise, you'll have a lot of fun with this. It's very entertaining, and I'd be surprised if they didn't make a sequel sometime.

• Spencer S

  
  If ever there was an example of a stylized genre being reinvented for the twenty first century, it's this ode to blaxpoitation, full of satire, spoof, and simple wit. Besides the fact that this film uses Super 8 mm before going digital, and there are many instances of stock… More
  If ever there was an example of a stylized genre being reinvented for the twenty first century, it's this ode to blaxpoitation, full of satire, spoof, and simple wit. Besides the fact that this film uses Super 8 mm before going digital, and there are many instances of stock footage from 70's films and television shows, every aspect is an imprint of the feel and spirit of blaxpoitation and the 70's in general. The costuming is consistent, the hairstyles are either in keeping with the times or are exaggerated for comedic effect, and the score of the film is directly inspired by greats Curtis Mayfield (Superfly) and Isaac Hayes (Shaft). The film doesn't go overboard with its assessment of the genre, or in making it goofy like a Zuckerman production. Everything added is very subtle, from the boom in the shot, to a set of gangsters forgetting to put their car in park during a shootout, to a very obvious and explicit change in henchmen for a fight scene. The actors chosen were perfect, including comedians Tommy Davidson and Cedric Yarbrough, who stuck out as imperfections compared to the rest of the cast, but probably had the most hilarious parts in the film. Michael Jai White, who also wrote the story and script for the film, has the best elements of cool, crazy, and kung fu master, his skills in the film obvious from his lack of stunt double, and his extensive use of no trick photography. The actual intelligence in the writing and direction really floored me, and the attention to detail couldn't have been more precise and careful. Also they explored a lot of plotlines when it could have easily have been a trailer (much like Machete) but it didn't seem wasteful or inattentive to the audience. For those with a good sense of humor and love of stylized art direction.

• Anthony L

  
  Black Dynamite took me a little by surprise. It's an intelligent spoof. Not something that comes around very often, but Black Dynamite's humour, script and direction are 100% spot on. At times you'd be forgiven for forgetting that it is a spoof! A real love letter to… More
  Black Dynamite took me a little by surprise. It's an intelligent spoof. Not something that comes around very often, but Black Dynamite's humour, script and direction are 100% spot on. At times you'd be forgiven for forgetting that it is a spoof! A real love letter to the classic 70's Blaxspliotation films - Michael Jai White is obviously a huge fan and plays the title role brilliantly. highly reccomended!

• Dean M

  
  This is my first time to watch a blaxploitation (or blacksploitation) genre film as the story looks very 1970s with fashions and stuffs in this 2009 spoof film. The plot is utterly ludicrous, and the acting is cheesy, in fact everything about this movie is cheesy, but it's… More
  This is my first time to watch a blaxploitation (or blacksploitation) genre film as the story looks very 1970s with fashions and stuffs in this 2009 spoof film. The plot is utterly ludicrous, and the acting is cheesy, in fact everything about this movie is cheesy, but it's supposed to be and it works. Think <i>Austin Powers</i> meets <i>Shaft</i> with a bit of kung-fu thrown in and you have an idea what this movie feels like. Written and directed by Scott Sanders, with input from musclebound star Michael Jai White, <i>Black Dynamite</i>'s success comes from its proximity to what it's satirising; tilt it a few degrees and it could be from the era. Jai White is good as the title role and he even emulates Jim Kelly.

• Michael S

  
  This movie is beyond ridiculous... fortunately it's just as hilarious and quite genuine in the way it embodies the flavor of blaxploitation. Michael Jai White plays it straight and is the driving force behind most of the pitch-perfect gags and laughs. The cinematography, sets,… More
  This movie is beyond ridiculous... fortunately it's just as hilarious and quite genuine in the way it embodies the flavor of blaxploitation. Michael Jai White plays it straight and is the driving force behind most of the pitch-perfect gags and laughs. The cinematography, sets, costumes, and soundtrack all convey a rare level of authenticity. But it's the abundance of quotable line and lunacy that make the film so satisfying and memorable!

• Melvin W

  
  "Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery!" Black Dynamite is very funny and entertaining blaxploitation film. It has all the important elements that make blaxploitation so entertaining. Over the top… More
  "Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery!" Black Dynamite is very funny and entertaining blaxploitation film. It has all the important elements that make blaxploitation so entertaining. Over the top acting and action, funny dialogue, and some nudity. Michael Jai White is perfect in the lead of role of Black Dynamite. I thought the movie had great balance between honoring the old blaxploitation films and making fun of them. I got a lot more than I had expected out of this.

• Thomas B

  
  Ridiculously funny. Full review later.

• Tim S

  
  Brilliant blaxsploitation piss taker while simultaneously adding another ball to the genre cannon. Instantly quotable, funny as hell and a solid story to boot. I love this flick.

• Al S

  
  It's pure comic brilliance from start to finish. It's Shaft meets The Naked Gun. An incredibly hilarious and outrageously entertaining movie, i absolutely loved it. A flat-out great time with lots of laughs to go around. A total blast. A fantastic comic satire on 70's… More
  It's pure comic brilliance from start to finish. It's Shaft meets The Naked Gun. An incredibly hilarious and outrageously entertaining movie, i absolutely loved it. A flat-out great time with lots of laughs to go around. A total blast. A fantastic comic satire on 70's film making and blackploitation. This is one really entertaining and cant beat movie that's not to be taken seriously but just looked at as one hell of a fun ride. Michael Jai White is excellent with great comic ability. A kick-ass comedy. This has cult classic written all over it.

• Michael G

  
  Black Dynamite has to be possibly one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in my life. Anyone who's seen and appreciated their share of shoestring budget blaxploitation movies is going to have an obscene amount of fun with this movie. Black Dynamite plays off of and… More
  Black Dynamite has to be possibly one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in my life. Anyone who's seen and appreciated their share of shoestring budget blaxploitation movies is going to have an obscene amount of fun with this movie. Black Dynamite plays off of and builds upon all the themes of blaxploitation but parodies them so well that it actually winds up being better (for the most part) than the movies it sends up.This movie is stuffed with great one-liners and director Scott Sanders does a brilliant job of capturing the low budget, almost grindhouse spirit with the uh, less than HD look of the movie. The score is dead on and the final fight was... unexpectedly awesome. This movie is an almost guaranteed good time.

• James A

  
  Hilarious satire on Blaxploitation movies at its best. If you enjoy laughing its well worth it. If you are a Nazi devoid of humor don't watch this.

• Tim S

  
  Very funny. The other aspect that I liked about the film was that it was made in the vein of an old school blacksploitation film which really added to the comedy of it. Michael Jai White is amazing in the lead role and I had a great time watching him (it might be his best performance… More
  Very funny. The other aspect that I liked about the film was that it was made in the vein of an old school blacksploitation film which really added to the comedy of it. Michael Jai White is amazing in the lead role and I had a great time watching him (it might be his best performance to date). There are a couple of eye rolling cameos (Brian McKnight and Arsenio Hall hamming it up kind of got on my nerves), but then there are the scene stealing moments by Cedric Yarbrough and Mykelti Williamson (Yarbrough has the best line in the movie and is making a career out of stealing scenes). One film I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel to.

• Drew S

  
  Black Dynamite is a hilarious, observant, uncannily dead-on blaxploitation spoof. Not a single person in the cast betrays it, playing their parts with a rich understanding of the genre, and the action perfectly straddles the line between cheesy and poorly edited and viscerally… More
  Black Dynamite is a hilarious, observant, uncannily dead-on blaxploitation spoof. Not a single person in the cast betrays it, playing their parts with a rich understanding of the genre, and the action perfectly straddles the line between cheesy and poorly edited and viscerally exciting. The awesomely literal soundtrack deserves special mention. This stands to be enjoyed by anyone, whether they've seen a million of the movies this pays homage to or none at all; it's exciting, ridiculous and entirely quotable. The gag may run a bit dry after a while, but it's a very short movie and knows exactly when to call things off. And who can deny the allure of the ending? So perfect.

• Chris W

  
  Damn, this is one of the funniest movies I have seen in quite a long time. It definitely ranks as both one of the funniest and best spoof films ever made. This movie, in it's quest to spoof the blaxploitation genre, goes so far over the top in replicating the look and feel, and… More
  Damn, this is one of the funniest movies I have seen in quite a long time. It definitely ranks as both one of the funniest and best spoof films ever made. This movie, in it's quest to spoof the blaxploitation genre, goes so far over the top in replicating the look and feel, and providing such a sharp attention to detail that, for a while, I thought this movie actually was from 1974 and not 2009. The screenwriters know their stuff, that's to be sure. It may take a few viewings to catch every joke they throw in there, as every scene is overflowing with all types of gags and great lines. I'm not gonna deny that due to it's sincerity, this becomes a bad movie, but it's a bad movie on purpose. It's not perfect though. As great as it is, it does feel a little long and seems to drag, and some of the self-referentialism gets a tad bit old, but it's too well-made (who would have thought it took talent to purposely make things so bad?) and funny and entertaining for me too really look down on it too much. While anyone can see this and appreciate, this is definitely a must-see for those who are fans (or at least very knowledgable ) of actual 1970s blaxploitation films.

• Curtis L

  
  Had its moments. Would have been funnier if it wasn't trying so hard to be cheesy (in other words sometimes I felt like I was watching Mad TV). Even thought it was less than 1.5 hours, it still felt like too long.

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