Black Dynamite (2009)
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A former CIA agent turned pimp must avenge his brother's death while dismantling a government-led drug conspiracy.
The story
In the early 1970s, Black Dynamite, a Vietnam War veteran and former CIA officer skilled in kung fu, vows to clean up the streets of drug dealers and gangsters after his younger brother Jimmy is killed by a shady organization. His former partner, O'Leary, reinstates him into the agency to prevent him from seeking independent vengeance. While investigating Jimmy's murder, Black Dynamite discovers his brother was working undercover and that the organization is filling black orphanages with heroin. He declares war on local drug dealers, earning the affection of Gloria, a Black Power activist.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In the early 1970s, Black Dynamite, a Vietnam War veteran and former CIA officer skilled in kung fu, vows to clean up the streets of drug dealers and gangsters after his younger brother Jimmy is killed by a shady organization. His former partner, O'Leary, reinstates him into the agency to prevent him from seeking independent vengeance. While investigating Jimmy's murder, Black Dynamite discovers his brother was working undercover and that the organization is filling black orphanages with heroin. He declares war on local drug dealers, earning the affection of Gloria, a Black Power activist. After discovering government involvement, Black Dynamite steals a ledger from corrupt Congressman James detailing illegal shipments. He and his team storm a warehouse, discovering a top-secret operation called 'Code Kansas'—a plan to emasculate African-American men through 'Anaconda' brand malt liquor. After killing his partner O'Leary, who was following orders, Black Dynamite travels to Kung Fu Island. There, he discovers his old nemesis, Fiendish Dr. Wu, created the formula. In a battle that kills several allies, Black Dynamite learns the mastermind is the White House. He travels to the White House and confronts President Richard Nixon in a kung-fu battle. After the ghost of Abraham Lincoln helps disarm Nixon, Black Dynamite defeats him and threatens to expose Nixon's secret bondage and cross-dressing photographs. The film ends with Black Dynamite's monologue on justice.
- First release year
- 2009
- Runtime (minutes)
- 84
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Scott Sanders
- Writers
- Michael Jai White · screenplay; Scott Sanders · screenplay; Byron Minns · screenplay; Michael Jai White · story; Byron Minns · story
- Cast and characters
- Michael Jai White · Black Dynamite; Tommy Davidson; Salli Richardson
- Genres
- blaxploitation; action; comedy
- Themes
- justice; anti-racism; parody; revenge
- Tone and mood
- satirical; nostalgic; comedic
- Premise and plot tags
- blaxploitation parody; martial arts comedy; political satire; vigilante justice
- Franchise connections
- Black Dynamite
- Content notes
- BDSM; nudity
- Reception
- The film was well received by critics, described as a meticulous send-up of 1970s blaxploitation that is both funny and clever.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 83% · review count: 63; Metacritic · score: 65 · scale: 100 · review count: 14
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Space Needle Audience Award for Best Film · Best Film · win
- Production trivia
- The film was shot in 20 days in Super 16 format.; The original trailer was recorded even before the film went into production to raise money.; The film was originally intended to be named Super Bad after the James Brown song.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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