Super Smooth

Movie: Black Dynamite

My Rating: 2 stars

I was turned on to this movie by the lovely gentlemen from the Nerdist Podcast.  It’s a super hilarious show.  (I listen to the podcast at work, and I sometimes can’t help myself from laughing aloud).  The hosts have pretty similar tastes to mine when it comes to pop culture, and they all gave this film rave reviews, so I thought I should definitely check it out right away.  Unfortunately, the movie just didn’t appeal to me.  I totally agree with all the arguments the Nerdists guys have made in favor of the movie.  For example, all the jokes are presented in perfect deadpan.  The director expertly recreates the look and tone of one of those unintentionally cheesy 70s Blackspoitation films, and the whole cast and crew accomplished this feat on a shoestring budget.  But, you know what? It just didn’t hit my funny bone the way I was expecting it to.

I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to enjoy this movie as much as Chris Hardwick and pals, because normally I love just about everything they recommend.  Plus, they bring it up on the show A LOT.  They even had one whole episode that was exclusively dedicated to the movie.  I feel like I’m missing out on some of the fun.  However, I don’t think a person necessarily needs to respond to the humor in a film to appreciate its merits.  I can recognize that this one does everything right (especially the tone).  The movie manages to simultaneously lampoon as well as pay homage to all the outrageous Blackspoitation films from the past.  Director, Scott Sanders, does this by creating a “lost” episode in all its ridiculous glory.  The best part is that everyone plays the humor totally straight.  There’s no winking or mugging for the camera, so it doesn’t come off as trying too hard.  The movie features the super tough, oversexed protagonist, the ludicrous jumps in logic that drive the story forward, and the signature ultra low-budget look that fans have come to know and love.  But, I never really got into this genre myself, so I don’t think I can really appreciate this tribute.  But, I don’t mean for this fact to detract from the quality of the film.

It’s pretty clear that the filmmakers had a really fun time making this movie.  The whole mood is just so goofy and wacky.  You should definitely check out this one if this genre appeals to you at all.  There are so many crazy, new details that you are guaranteed to spot each time you watch it.  It wasn’t for me, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it.