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Michael Jai White, Kym E. Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman, Byron Minns ... see more see more... , Salli Richardson-Whitfield , Cedric Yarbrough , Mykelti Williamson , Nicole Sullivan , Brian McKnight , Arsenio Hall , Obba Babatundé , Buddy Lewis , Bokeem Woodbine , Miguel A. Núñez Jr. , Tucker Smallwood , Phil Morris , Mike Starr , Richard Edson , Dde Dionne Gipson , John Salley , James McManus , Roger Yuan , Charlotte Stokely , Chris Spencer , Darrell M. Heath

The city streets explode into violence when "The Man" kills Black Dynamite's (Michael Jai White) brother in this seamless recreation of the blaxploitation classics of the 1970s. He was the best agent ... read more read more...that the CIA ever had, but these days Black Dynamite only answers to one boss -- himself. When "The Man" ices Black Dynamite's brother, starts pumping heroin into the local orphanage, and floods the ghetto with a secret weapon disguised as common malt liquor, the car chases, gunfights, and shirtless brawls that follow prove wild enough to make even Dolemite green with envy. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

83% liked it

12,846 ratings

Critics

85% liked it

59 critics

R, 1 hr. 24 min.

Directed by: Scott Sanders

Release Date: October 16, 2009

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DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010

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Flixster Reviews (2,142)

  • jmanard52
    July 5, 2010
    jmanard52
    Kung fu treachery and anaconda malt liquor!! Theres not much more I can say other than I loved this movie!!
  • Callahan441
    April 22, 2012
    Callahan441
    'Black Dynamite' is a brilliant parody of the Blaxploitation genre of the 1970s, most of the time anyway. The intentional glaring continuity errors, fantastically clichà (C)d dialogue, exaggerated action sequences and the catchy little jingles perfectly encapsulate the genre. Mos... read moret of all though, it's the 16mm film it was shot with that made it most authentic, giving the film high contrast and saturation, a characteristic of many original Blaxploitation films.

    Its dry humour draws many parallels to the 'Naked Gun' series, just not quite as wacky. The film is littered with references and homages to its roots, making Black Dynamite a film of much replay value. I can see myself revisiting much of the film, especially the scenes that include my favourite new phrase: 'jive turkey'.
    Kudos goes to Michael Jai White, who brilliantly portrays Black Dynamite; the massive, impenetrable lead character who has women falling at his feet, his feet normally in a pair of generously heeled shoes. This silky smooth kung-fu master is respected by all, many of his actions, chiefly his entrances, assisted by a hilarious jingle that I'll try to convey phonetically: "Dy-No-Mite,Dy-No-Mite!"

    Black Dynamite starts to run out of steam around the hour mark, it slightly loses its edge after that; the plot becomes too big, too repetitive. But the meticulously crafted three quarters of the film make it worthwhile; it is a rewarding for any audience, even those who aren't familiar with Blaxploitation.
  • axadntpron
    April 16, 2012
    axadntpron
    Hysterical. Maybe I was just in a giddy mood, but I watched this over breakfast and spit my coffee out in laughter on more than ten occasions. Michael Jai White of the Never Back Down fame is surprisingly really good. He is DEAD serious, and his subtle glances at wayward micropho... read morenes and other things of that nature are perfectly timed.
    It is filled to the brim with memorable quotes. One of my favorite being:

    Officer: Black Dynamite, we don't need you going around leaving a river of blood.
    Dynamite: Ok. Well just tell me who did it and I'll leave a little bucket.
    Also, the Vietnam monologue was absolutely priceless.
    Whether you are a fan of blaxploitation or just laughter in general, this film will have you laughing your ass off.
  • JonathanHutchings
    February 11, 2012
    JonathanHutchings
    A meticulous and hilarious send up to 70s blaxploitation films. What makes this spoof better than, say, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!, is that Scott Sanders keeps the absurdity confined to where it's just over the top enough without getting into slapstick. Plus, somehow Michael Jai Wh... read moreite is able to say lines like, "you bet your sweet ass and half a titty," "Let's get this dick-shrinking poison out of here" and "First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp-slapped you into that china cabinet" with straight-faced conviction. And speaking of lines, in a genre revered for its stylized dialogue, Black Dynamite, for my money, has the best one ever uttered:

    (when a lounge singer comes on to Black Dynamite):

    Dynamite: I don't have long, but maybe I can throw you a bone real quick.

    Singer: Outta sight! I get off in 15 minutes.

    Dynamite: You right about that shit.
  • fb223580
    December 27, 2011
    fb223580
    That was a lot of jive. Made for great rhymin' one-linin' action timin'. But I'm not sure I dug all of it, it wasn't cohesive or compelling. Got bored and didn't finish it.
  • fb100000145236770
    November 19, 2011
    fb100000145236770
    The title of the movie really says it all. This is a campy(how ya like that Bob?) recreation of the 1970's blaxploitation movies. Michael Jai White stars as "Black Dynamite", an ex CIA agent who is on a mission. He wants to avenge the death of his brother, rid the streets of dr... read moreugs, and stop the white man's evil plan to rid the black men of their big wieners(no, I am not making this up). Along the way he has lots of sex, beats the shit out of a lot of people, and isn't afraid to pimp smack a ho who gets out of line. The movie is very much a slap stick comedy, with lots of "what the fuck?" type laughs. Lots of way, way over the top violence, and comedic fight scenes involving nun chucks. All the performances are good, and do their job well of selling a goofy 0's send up. If your sensitive to racial jokes, hate to laugh, and hate the 70's then don't watch this. Otherwise, you'll have a lot of fun with this. It's very entertaining, and I'd be surprised if they didn't make a sequel sometime.
  • FrizzDrop
    September 17, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    If ever there was an example of a stylized genre being reinvented for the twenty first century, it's this ode to blaxpoitation, full of satire, spoof, and simple wit. Besides the fact that this film uses Super 8 mm before going digital, and there are many instances of stock foota... read morege from 70's films and television shows, every aspect is an imprint of the feel and spirit of blaxpoitation and the 70's in general. The costuming is consistent, the hairstyles are either in keeping with the times or are exaggerated for comedic effect, and the score of the film is directly inspired by greats Curtis Mayfield (Superfly) and Isaac Hayes (Shaft). The film doesn't go overboard with its assessment of the genre, or in making it goofy like a Zuckerman production. Everything added is very subtle, from the boom in the shot, to a set of gangsters forgetting to put their car in park during a shootout, to a very obvious and explicit change in henchmen for a fight scene. The actors chosen were perfect, including comedians Tommy Davidson and Cedric Yarbrough, who stuck out as imperfections compared to the rest of the cast, but probably had the most hilarious parts in the film. Michael Jai White, who also wrote the story and script for the film, has the best elements of cool, crazy, and kung fu master, his skills in the film obvious from his lack of stunt double, and his extensive use of no trick photography. The actual intelligence in the writing and direction really floored me, and the attention to detail couldn't have been more precise and careful. Also they explored a lot of plotlines when it could have easily have been a trailer (much like Machete) but it didn't seem wasteful or inattentive to the audience. For those with a good sense of humor and love of stylized art direction.
  • SirPant
    August 17, 2011
    SirPant
    Black Dynamite took me a little by surprise. It's an intelligent spoof. Not something that comes around very often, but Black Dynamite's humour, script and direction are 100% spot on. At times you'd be forgiven for forgetting that it is a spoof! A real love letter to the classic ... read more70's Blaxspliotation films - Michael Jai White is obviously a huge fan and plays the title role brilliantly. highly reccomended!
  • deano
    July 24, 2011
    deano
    This is my first time to watch a blaxploitation (or blacksploitation) genre film as the story looks very 1970s with fashions and stuffs in this 2009 spoof film.
    The plot is utterly ludicrous, and the acting is cheesy, in fact everything about this movie is cheesy, but it's suppo... read moresed to be and it works. Think Austin Powers meets Shaft with a bit of kung-fu thrown in and you have an idea what this movie feels like. Written and directed by Scott Sanders, with input from musclebound star Michael Jai White, Black Dynamite's success comes from its proximity to what it's satirising; tilt it a few degrees and it could be from the era.
    Jai White is good as the title role and he even emulates Jim Kelly.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    June 18, 2011
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    This movie is beyond ridiculous... fortunately it's just as hilarious and quite genuine in the way it embodies the flavor of blaxploitation. Michael Jai White plays it straight and is the driving force behind most of the pitch-perfect gags and laughs. The cinematography, sets, co... read morestumes, and soundtrack all convey a rare level of authenticity. But it's the abundance of quotable line and lunacy that make the film so satisfying and memorable!

View All Black Dynamite Reviews

Critic Reviews

Cary Darling
January 15, 2010
Cary Darling, Dallas Morning News

Black Dynamite will stir some pleasant memories. Full Review

Bill Goodykoontz
December 16, 2009
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

If the joke is somewhat one-note and eventually told too long and too often, at least it's a good joke. Full Review

Wesley Morris
November 24, 2009
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Before an hour has passed tedium overtakes Black Dynamite -- one corny martial-arts sequence turns out to be plenty -- and all the good jokes dry up. Full Review

Michael Phillips
October 26, 2009
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

Even though it sounds funnier than it plays, between the song and the nun chucks, I was happy. Full Review

Elizabeth Weitzman
October 16, 2009
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

The details are perfect, from the particle-board sets to the porn-ready score. (And dig those polyester suits.) But just like the movies it parodies, this one feels over long before it's actually done. Full Review

Robert Abele
October 16, 2009
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times

An enjoyable celebratory ode to a fiercely entertaining counterculture-inspired genre. Full Review

A.O. Scott
October 16, 2009
A.O. Scott, New York Times

As a five-minute clip on YouTube, this spoof might be a small masterpiece. As a feature film, it's both too much and not nearly enough.

Lou Lumenick
October 16, 2009
Lou Lumenick, New York Post

A cheerfully affectionate if fit fully amusing spoof of '70s blaxpoitation movies, Scott Sanders' Black Dynamite painstakingly nails the cheesy look, music and martial arts moves of the originals. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 15, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

I am happy to say it brings back an element sadly missing in recent movies, gratuitous nudity. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
October 14, 2009
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Black Dynamite blends satire, nostalgia, and cinema deconstruction into a one-of-a-kind comedy high. Full Review

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    • Black Dynamite: I am declaring war, on anybody who sells drugs in our community.
    • Chocolate Giddy-Up: But Black Dynamite, I sell drugs in the community!
    • Black Dynamite: Euphoria, shut the fuck up! I know that was you and I ain't even gotta look! I should send yo ass back to Crenshaw Pete wit his hot ass coat hangers bitch! Would you like that?!
    • Black Dynamite: Err, uhh, hush up little girls. A lot of cats have that name.
    • Black Dynamite: Haha! I threw that shit before I walked in the room!
    • Black Dynamite: Why Black Dynamite, why?
    • Bullhorn: Let everybody know and suckers be warned that this is the outcome when you mess with Bullhorn!
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  • Jared Hess is the writer/director of the rather disappointing "Nacho Libre", starring Jack Black. His first major feature, however, was this quirky comedy classic.  Answer »
  • The 2009 film Black Dynamite makes fun of what genre?  Answer »
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