Black Dynamite

While we’ve reviewed cult films on this blog before, we’ve never reviewed one quite like Black Dynamite. Back in 2009, this parody of, and homage to, 1970s blaxploitation films hit theaters to great reviews, but bombed at the box office, making only $296,557 against a $2.9 million budget, thanks to its rather limited release in a mere 70 theaters over just two weeks. Despite this, however, the Black Dynamite franchise expanded to include a two-season animated series on [adult swim] and a handful of comic book issues. My first exposure to Black Dynamite actually came from the cartoon, which I loved, but never finished watching as other life events got in the way. Once Max started removing even more content, however, with the Black Dynamite cartoon on the chopping block, I started revisiting it and thought that I should finally give the original film its due. Even without having seen any of the blaxploitation films that had inspired it, I’m glad that we can enjoy such an underrated gem.

After his brother Jimmy (Baron Vaughn) is killed by a shady organization, Black Dynamite (Michael Jai White), a Vietnam War veteran and former CIA agent, vows to clean the streets of drug dealers and gangsters. While getting to the bottom of his brother’s death, however, he uncovers a conspiracy involving smack and malt liquor that goes all the way up to the “Honky House.”

Although I can’t speak to Black Dynamite’s accuracy regarding blaxploitation films that it draws from, I can say that it leaves a mark as a brilliant comedy. The different plot elements regarding malt liquor, drugs, the council of pimps and Jimmy’s death all seem unrelated at first, but the script has a very well-thought-out way of tying them all together into one whole. As the film escalates the conflict, everything falls into place and Black Dynamite’s trip to the “Honky House” makes sense. For the most part, the story is also well-paced and the occasional flashback that adds context and depth to Black Dynamite’s character doesn’t overstay its welcome. Even when it throws a curveball with the introduction of Fiendish Dr. Wu (Roger Yuan), a parody of “Yellow Peril” villains, we get enough dialogue that we understand his history with Black Dynamite.

By far the film’s biggest strength, however, is its comedy brought on by a series of deliberate and well-executed choices. Despite the tongue-in-cheek presentation, the characters treat the events of the story like it’s actually happening to them, so while there are a couple subtle meta jokes, none of them imply that the characters are “in” on the joke and instead sell the low budget “one-take” atmosphere the genre was known for. We see everything from a brief shot of a boom mic to an awkward cut around a flub during a fight scene and even actors occasionally reciting a stage direction before the intended line (ex. “Sarcastically, I’m in charge.”). The actors also do a good job of presenting clashing personalities that help make them memorable, like Black Dynamite’s no-nonsense attitude or Bullhorn’s (Byron Minns) propensity for speaking in rhyme, as well as a Doctor’s (Paul Hayes) “square” dialogue. We also hear the occasional song that’s so hilariously specific to the current moment.

Michael Jai White does an incredible job as Black Dynamite.

As a sign of great comedy, Black Dynamite is also very quotable. Just one watch and certain lines or scenes started living rent-free in my head. I’m not sure how many of them I can write down here in the interest of keeping this blog PG-13, as well as keeping this review relatively spoiler-free, though I can say that I did love the specificity in “Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrification is only outmatched by your zest for kung-fu treachery!” One of the funniest scenes is when Black Dynamite figures out what’s going on and as he walks his allies through it, they display an unexpected level of historical and mythological knowledge.

What helps most of all, however, is the attention to detail for period accuracy. Not only did they perfectly capture the look of the 1970s, down to the vehicles and style of dress, they even shot the entire film in Super 16 for that extra “low budget” touch. Then there’s the music, which stays within that time period in terms of sound and helps maintain the specific intended illusion. It doesn’t hurt that “Dynomite” by Sir Charles Hughes is pretty catchy and, if nothing else, the chorus will certainly stick with you.

When there’s a lot of clear passion put into a project like this, you get a parody that does everything right. Even if you know nothing about blaxploitation, I highly recommend Black Dynamite.