You know why 'Black Dynamite' worked? Because it wasn't shot as parody of a "Blaxpolitation" movie; rather, it was shot as if it WAS one, warts and bad cinematography and all. A movie giving us "the same joke" as 'Black Dynamite' isn't 'Undercover Brother', that awful, awful movie starring Eddie Griffin with the same basic premise. A movie doing the same joke as 'Black Dynamite' is any movie that is a mock-up of the very worst of any particular genre, played straight, shot in the style and on the (usually poor) stock one finds B-movies are shot on. 'Black Dynamite' is so good not because it knows all the strengths and weakness of a 70's era B-movie genre, but because it delivers us all of those expected flaws without winking at us or hitting us over the head with them, trusting that the audience is smart enough to get the joke.
So truthfully, 'Black Dynamite' works because it does what all good movies do: it respects its audience.
Tom, as much I as I can see you strongly dislike Undercover Brother, I disagree and think it was a good movie. Even though you think it was bad at poking fun of the "Blaxploitation" films, yours truly disagrees, and thinks Undercover Brother did that. OK, it may not have been that goos, but it got the message across.
ReplyDeleteThis maybe good ol' Joe Just Joe talking, but, I think most people will feel that Undercover Brother, starring Eddie Griffin, was better if you showed them both films.
Joe Just Joe
Dear Joe: You're out of your mind. You can like "Undercover Brother", but it in no way, shape, or form is better or better made than "Black Dynamite". It's not even a comparison.
ReplyDeleteTom, I know I am getting back to this seriously late, but, I honestly feel we should have a Brooklyn (that is where you live now right?)/ Richmond Hill Round table discussion.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that we will both have people who agree with us, I still think that you are, to quote Mel Brooks, N-V-T-S NUTS NUTS NUTS NUTS!
Yours truly,
Joe Just Joe