Something that Micheal Jai White does better than Marshal Arts is making Blaxpolation films. Although, I believe White would rather I refer to this as a western, but he can't deny at the end of the day he was paying homage to the likes of Fred Willimson and the late great Jim Brown.
Some big shoes to fill but he filled them and almost busted out of them. It was action packed and humorous and still drove in a valuable message for the masses. It seems he also sneaked in some of his own value system as well without kicking us in the chest with it.
But of course, he does some kicking. Not a lot of moves but some real good ones. White is shining in this movie and the whole cast is impressive.
Left the theatre just wanted so much more.
Brillant film.
Outlaw Johnny Black
2023
Action / Comedy / Western
Outlaw Johnny Black
2023
Action / Comedy / Western
Plot summary
Hell bent on avenging the death of his father, Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton and becomes a wanted man in the process while posing as a preacher in a small mining town that's been taken over by a notorious Land Baron.
November 10, 2023 at 11:23 PM
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Excellent!! (but still waiting for Black Dynamite 2!)
Screening Last Night
Expecting this to be amusing and watchable, but shocked to find myself unable to stop laughing on scene after scene. Somehow, this shifts from an emotional journey of discovery and wisdom to an action-packed Western to brilliant comedic rug pulls where the level of anarchy rivals the best Monty Python and Mel Brooks. Every actor in this is great at comedy and has brilliant moments: even the despicable villains played by Barry Bostwick and Chris Browning. One bit with Erica Ash has the audience still laughing 20 seconds after they've moved on to the next scene. The loving message underlying this is grounded in scripture, yet with so many twists and turnarounds it all feels the opposite of preachy. For Western fans, every trope gets twisted. The score parodies Morricone and Elmer Bernstein, but with inspired music from legendary Michael Beardon, who is also brilliant as a sadistically demented piano player in a saloon scene. If you don't catch in theaters, just watch the first 5 minutes: you'll either be totally hooked or you'll know it's not for you. The most I've laughed in a theater in a decade.
Worth the 2 hour watch
I really enjoyed this 70 vibe. The running joke almost flew over my head. I plan on watching it again just to play What movie is this from? I laughed and laughed. I reached foe my remote twice, I was in a movie theater, because I laughed so hard I mixed the next joke.
I don't want to say anything that would ruin it. But it is funny, well written and well directed. I wold like to see a director's commentary pointing out what movie each scene is playing homage to.
Well it was funny it also had a message. The casting was good. Story line flowed.
I think there might be a few movies Mr. White played homage to he isn't aware of.
@IPhoneX he's a gunfighter or gunslinger but not a cowboy.
PSA black cowboys are a myth. It never happen in the 1800's or 1900's