Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 81: "Ain't nothin' in the world get Black Dynamite more mad than some jive-ass sucka' dealin' smack to the kids."

A parody of one of the most ridiculous genres in film history, Black Dynamite mercilessly goes after the "Blaxploitation" films of the early 70's.  Films like Shaft, Cleopatra Jones, Coffy, and The Mack are parodied in one of the funniest "homages" to a genre I've seen in a long time.  Attention was paid to every detail, from the music to the breakaway set pieces, everything is accurate to the time.  Even production goofs, that would normally be edited out are left in.  Lousy, out of focus scenes, boom microphones accidentally in shot, awful dialogue: it's all here, but this time it's intentionally funny.  Shot on, what looks like, film stock from the 70's, it's beautifully grainy.  This would actually suffer going to a high-def format.  Black Dynamite is hysterical from start to finish.  Seeking revenge for his slain brother, Black Dynamite goes on a sex fueled, bloody rampage hunting the killer.  On the way he uncovers a plot to destroy the 'hood through the cunning application of malt liquor.  Like I said, damn funny stuff.

The cast is headed up by Michael Jai White, who takes the role of Black Dynamite so seriously, it's funny on its own merits.  The rest of the cast is a who's who from the urban comedies of the late 80's and early 90's.  These guys were great, taking their roles to such an over-the-top level that no other recent comedies come close in pure laughs.

Rude, crude and absolutely smart, Black Dynamite is a blast to see.  Rated R for good reason, the kids probably won't get most of the jokes.  I had so much fun watching this, other filmmakers need to watch this to see how a parody should be made.  8/10.

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!

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