Film 35: Black Dynamite (2009)

Directed by: Scott Sanders
Written by: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Scott Sanders
Starring: Michael Jai White, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Arsenio Hall

I love homages to eras of film, and I love parody. Black Dynamite  manages to do both of these things very well.

*Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead*

Black Dynamite (White) is a one man army; the world's greatest Vietnam veteran and former CIA officer, and he's after The Man for killing his only brother and pumping drugs into his community. The film is deliberate in its effort to make every plot point seem silly yet sincere. There's recognition of the ridiculous nature of the film as it continues, but there's also a respect for the tropes that the film is built upon.

The movie's soundtrack and aesthetic suit the style the film is going for perfectly. It looks and sounds straight out of the 70s, with the film grain and constant over-saturated shades of yellow and brown for a sepia look, and a single trumpet, flute or synth running off dulcet or energetic tones as required. The costumes and hair are also completely period-accurate; flared pants and gigantic afros abound.

The comedy is mostly well done deadpan humour. Black Dynamite is actually his name, and nobody blinks an eye. Nor does the film pause even for a second at names like Honey Bee and Cream Corn. The film maintains a straight face even as the plot evolves into a conspiracy about the CIA marketing malt liquor to black men in  order to shrink their dicks. It's a little one note in this style, so much so that it manages to meander a little during its second act. It's strange that a movie manages to feel a little slow in pace despite being very short at 84 minutes. However, as it approaches its finale the film peaks in its ridiculousness, and therefore its entertainment value.

The Verdict: Black Dynamite is a hilarious homage to 70's blaxploitation film. Its music and look fit perfectly, and the slower moments of the film are made more than worthwhile by the final act. Every ridiculous moment is delivered with deadpan humour, in a style similar to The Naked Gun or Airplane! I recommend this to people who want a good laugh that's over quickly, but this movie's content is inappropriate for children.

Rating: 7/10

Published July 19th, 2016