Review of Black Dynamite (2009) by Jamie T — 20 Jul 2010

Not being familiar with blaxploitation cinema, I was forced to take BLACK DYNAMITE at face value (and on the recommendations of Adrian Cade and Rayyan Kamal). Luckily, on that score, it makes for great fun.

The director himself said that the film's humor comes from it being a "little too badass"; for my money, the film is just badass enough. Joyously over-the-top dialogue and action, hilarious performances from all, delightfull retro visuals and music, all combine to make for a film that's just pure fun.

At 84 minutes, it occasionally feels a bit protracted, and there are a few lulls here and there, but Sanders and Michael Jai White (whose brainchild the film was) always produce another flourish in the nick of time.

White is perfect as Black Dynamite, nailing the character's comic-book-hero nature while making him likable and keeping him from becoming a re-enacted stereotype. In the large supporting cast, stand-outs include co-writer Byron Minns as B.

D.'s champion and companion, Bullhorn; Kym Whitley as the motherly madam, Honey Bee; Tommy Davidson as Cream Corn; and Scott McManus' vicious Richard Nixon (although the makeup artists neglected to lengthen his nose).

But, good as the acting is, it's the film's comic exuberance which makes it great; how can you not love a film where Abraham Lincoln's ghost punches out Richard Nixon, or an assassin wears a donut suit?