Title: Black Dynamite (2009)Starring: Michael Jai White, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Tommy Davidson
Directed By: Scott Sanders
If you have ever seen and enjoyed a blaxploitation film, you kind of owe it to yourself to watch this. Black Dynamite is a fantastic tribute to the over-the-top ideas and under-sized budget production values that are the true staples of the genre. And it's HILARIOUS.
Michael Jai White (who also co-wrote) is pitch-perfect as our hero Black Dynamite. He nailed all of the little quirks that are essential to bringing a 70's blaxploitation hero to life. He's mad, he's bad, he's smooth, and he knows kung-fu. The supporting cast here is great as well. Even though most only appear in a cameo capacity, they do deserve to be recognized. You really can't go wrong when doing this type of film and finding creative ways to include Arsenio Hall, Brian McKnight, Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley, Obba Babatunde, John Salley, Mykelti Williamson, Roger Yuan, Nicole Ari Parker, Phil Morris, Bokeem Woodbine, Miguel A Nunez Jr., Nicole Sullivan, Cedric Yarbrough and more.
And when it comes to the look and feel and sound of a 70's blaxploitation movie, they are flawlessly duplicated here. Everything on the screen is done with a wink to the viewer, but it still captures the mood perfectly. I couldn't help but be reminded of movies like Coffy, Willie Dynamite, Super Fly, Dolemite, or Shaft. For a while there, I almost forgot this was made last year. The film looks grainy, the soundtrack is bassy and distorted at times, the costumes are authentic. It's not the first time a parody like this has been done, but it's easily the best I've seen (sorry, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka).
I cannot stress enough how much fun I had with this film. It was spot-on from top to bottom!
Highly recommended.
Score: 9/10
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