DVD Review: Black Dynamite

If there is one way to describe Black Dynamite, I would have to call it ridiculously bad ass. Seriously. This movie is so goofy and over the top, yet played so completely straight, that you can't help but laugh. Think of Austin Powers if it was played straight and was made to look more authentic. Take the spoofy nature of the Mike Myers film and blend it with the sensibilities of Grindhouse, particularly Tarantino's Death Proof, and you will have an idea of what Black Dynamite is all about.

Now, what I know about blaxpoitation films you could fit in a thimble. However, even without that knowledge, Black Dynamite is hilarious. It has that '70s grindhouse vibe. It has an authentic look and feel that hearkens back to low budget films of the era. The screenplay is intentionally corny, the cuts do not always match, background actors appear in many different roles throughout the film. It is crafted with an eye for the details (well, maybe not) to totally nail the feel of the era while simultaneously paying it homage and poking fun at it.

Michael Jai White stars as the title character, a Vietnam veteran and retired bad ass CIA operative. He is dragged back into the game when he learns that his little brother was killed while dealing drugs. Combine that with the fact that drugs are being dealt at the local orphanage and it is too much for our hero. He is a man of action and he gets back in the game to settle the score.

The plot is patently ridiculous. I mean, it starts off seriously enough, but then the fun comes as we watch it completely fly off the rails, leading to a climactic face-off that is utterly ridiculous and totally awesome at the same time. I am not going to get into any of the plot specifics, you really need to see them for yourself. Besides, I don't want to be the guy that ruins the jokes for you. Don't worry about getting the blaxploitation references, you will still laugh at the super serious delivery of corny lines, clothes that look like drapes, awesomely bad staged action, and some of the biggest Afros you'll ever see!

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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