Black Dynamite (2010) Review
Made in the style of the Blaxploitation films of the 70’s but with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, Black Dynamite is less like the spoofs of recent years and more in the vain of Naked Gun and Airplane. Just with more guns and boob action.
When Black Dynamite’s brother, Jimmy, is mysteriously killed, the ex-CIA commando hits the streets with his 44-Magnum and nunchucks to track down the murderer. But when he learns of a plot to put drugs on the streets and sell to the orphanages, he realises this goes all the way to the top. Together with a team of militants, rhyme talking club owner Bullhorn and smooth talking hustler Cream Corn, Black Dynamite starts a campaign to clean up the streets, track down his brother’s killer and still finds time to give the ladies some loving too.
With its fast paced dialogue and at times, dead-pan delivery, Black Dynamite is funny without having to resort to fart gags to pull in the laughs. Its strength is in its perfect comedic timing coupled with an equally funny soundtrack; almost every other line is accompanied by appropriate funk, soul and instrumental guitar and bass r&b. As for Black Dynamite’s one-lines, well, let’s just give you a few examples:
“Who the hell’s interrupting my Kung Fu?!”
“The worst thing about these dealers getting children addicted to this new smack is that these children are ORPHANS…. And orphans don’t have parents.”
“Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery.”
“You diabolical, dick-shrinking motherfucka!”
Shot with Super 16 Colour Reversal Kodak film, the film has an authentic 70’s look; high contrast and super saturation which makes it look older than it is. Unlike many other spoof 70’s films, this one has no fake scratches or digitally generated retro deterioration but looks more like a pristine print of an old movie.
Look out as well for the love scene with Black Dynamite and socially-minded orphan activist Gloria which blends in animated elements in full 70’s style and colour! One of the most outrageous and funniest films you’ll see this year, can you dig it?
Static Mass Rating ★★★★★
Black Dynamite is released by Icon entertainment in the UK on August 13th 2010.
Directed By Scott Sanders
Screenplay by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns & Scott Sanders
Starring Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman, Byron Minns, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Cedric Yarbrough, Mike Starr, Mykelti Williamson, Brian McKnight, Obba Babatunde, Nicole Sullivan, Bokeem Woodbine, Arsenio Hall, John Salley
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