I first wrote this review without realizing that one of my fellow dashing fellows (ugh, I know...) had already covered this film, so I shelved it. But, since the dvd is presently getting some advertising and, because some time has passed since the original review, I figured now would be a good time to post my take on the 2009 sleeper.
I first saw Michael Jai White in the 1997 big-screen adaptation of the Spawn comic book series. While it certainly wasn’t a terrible movie it just wasn’t that good either. Nothing indicated to me that he would be capable of something like Black Dynamite, a 2009 blaxploitation spoof in which he both stars and shares a co-writing credit.
For the sake of disclosure, let me say that I’m a pretty jaded individual. Going in I thought I’d have some fun with this movie and ultimately the schtick would get old, but, what I didn’t anticipate is that this would be my favourite movie of 2009. This may sound like overly high praise, but, let me assure you, it is entirely warranted; Black Dynamite gave me a much needed reminder of the sheer joy I used to get from watching a great movie.
You know the story already without even watching a single frame: Black Dynamite (White) is on a one-man mission to clean up the streets after his brother is killed in a drug deal gone bad. To the surprise of no one, things are not as simple as they seem and our hero is soon drawn deeper and deeper into a rabbit hole of heartbreak, revenge, lust, love, and martial arts showdowns.
The predictable nature of the movie is clearly intentional, and it is here where the movie shines: it celebrates the clichés, overacting, and outright absurdity of the genre and, as a result, everybody just has a good time.
The film is funny enough on its own for the average viewer, but film buffs will really get their money’s worth. There are more film references present than you can a shake a proverbial stick at, ranging from the obvious – Salli Richardson doing her best Pam Grier impression, for example – to neatly tucked away nods to classic movies like Enter the Dragon.
The undeniable wittiness of script took me by surprise. At one point Dynamite says, "at long last, our friendship bonded by the struggle against the man has been brought to an end by kung fu treachery!" I don’t care who you are, that’s just good writing.
Michael Jai White is pitch-perfect in the lead role, channelling Richard Roundtree with approximately 75 percent more martial arts ass-kickery. For the most part, White plays the lead character as if he has no idea that this is a comedy movie. His dead pan delivery is hilariously juxtaposed with the other actors and actresses clearly revelling in the ridiculousness of their roles.
The aesthetic of the film itself is dead on as well; the saturated, high contrast look of the film is nearly indistinguishable from the 70s stock footage generously cut in throughout the movie.
Black Dynamite skirts the line between parody and satire; while the movie plays up the outrageous, there is clearly more to it than that. Consider, for example, that it clearly references the Powermaster malt liquor controversy of the early 90s.
Unfortunately, this is the kind of movie which struggles to find a place for itself in the industry. Instead of intelligent, well written comedies such as this we are more often than not having formulaic tripe - cough, Epic/Disaster/Scary/etc. Movie, cough - jammed down our collective throats.
In the capitalist marketplace we vote with our dollar, and, if I haven’t made it clear already, you should be voting for Black Dynamite you jive motherfuckers.
"I am smiling"