Outlaw Johnny Black

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What happens when you take Black Dynamite, remove 50 percent of the humor and fun, and set it in the old west? You get The Outlaw Johnny Black. I know this is supposed to be a spiritual sequel to BD and not directly related, but even that is a bit of a stretch. This movie is much more grounded. Doesn't feel like the 70's in its style. And takes itself a little too seriously. Now if I'm being fair and not comparing Johnny Black to the previous film, all you're really left with is a light comedy/drama focusing on religion and forgiveness. Its dramatic, heartfelt elements are well done, but not enough material there for a two and a half hour film. Yes, not only is this movie long, but it feels that way too. While it's not shot or directed in any way that seems retroesque, Michael Jai White does a solid job as a first time director while also starring as the lead. Some nice looking wide shots of landscapes, zoom ins and close ups to heighten the drama of tense scenes, and White is often made to look like a million bucks as the character. Nothing mind blowing or anything, but does get the western feel down well enough. Similarly the performances across the board are solid. The cast know the tonal line to draw in not being too silly while making the humor work, while being dramatic enough without taking it too seriously. And while the style fails in that regard, the music is excellent in capturing the old 60's - 70's western feel. Great soundtrack. If you go into The Outlaw Johnny Black, don't expect a sequel to Black Dynamite. That might help temper your expectations and look at the movie more fairly. But even then, it's a pretty average film.

What happens when you take Black Dynamite, remove 50 percent of the humor and fun, and set it in the old west? You get The Outlaw Johnny Black. I know this is supposed to be a spiritual sequel to BD and not directly related, but even that is a bit of a stretch. This movie is much more grounded. Doesn't feel like the 70's in its style. And takes itself a little too seriously. Now if I'm being fair and not comparing Johnny Black to the previous film, all you're really left with is a light comedy/drama focusing on religion and forgiveness. Its dramatic, heartfelt elements are well done, but not enough material there for a two and a half hour film. Yes, not only is this movie long, but it feels that way too. While it's not shot or directed in any that seems retroesque, Michael Jai White does a solid job as a first time director while also starring as the lead. Some nice looking wide shots of landscapes, zoom ins and close ups to heighten the drama of tense scenes, and White is often made to look like a million bucks as the character. Nothing mind blowing or anything, but does get the western feel down well enough. Similarly the performances across the board are solid. The cast knows the tonal line to draw in not being too silly while making the humor work, while being dramatic enough without taking it too seriously. And while the style fails in that regard, the music is excellent in capturing the old 60's - 70's western feel. Great soundtrack. If you go into The Outlaw Johnny Black, don't expect a sequel to Black Dynamite. That might help temper your expectations and look at the movie more fairly. But even then, it's a pretty average film.