Black Belt Jones

Jim Kelly may not be in the class of Bruce Lee, but he does show some impressive martial-arts moves; his co-star, Gloria Hendry, more than holds her own. This flick is half blaxploitation actioner and half Bond movie; in both fields, you could do much worse. The plot is minimal, to say the least, and the silly sound effects used to "enhance" the various kicks and punches do date the film, but it's still very fast-paced, playful and thoroughly enjoyable. (**1/2)

Pop (Scatman Crothers) is a womanizing, gambling caricature, but he has a piece of property the Mob wants. He and his friends, win the first battle, but the Mob and their henchmen are persistent.

Jim Kelly Enter the Dragon, Three the Hard Way) is Black Belt Jones, and the action sequences certainly make up for the lack of acting ability.

Ah, but it is Florida Seminole Gloria Hendry (Across 110th Street, Black Caesar, Slaughter's Big Rip-Off) that attracts me to the film, and she doesn't disappoint.

Malik Carter (Cobra, Pervert!) as Pinky, the tool for the Mob was hilarious. he is the quintessential caricature of blaxploitation.

This has got to be one of the most funky and hilarious movies of all time. The sheer amount of celery used is phenomenal. I especially enjoy Pinky's rhyme about bread, his groin, and coins. Some of the acting is poor and lack luster, notably BB's girlfriend. However, this adds a kind of camp or kitsch making the movie that much more enjoyable. Jim Kelley is by far one of the coolest brothers ever. This is definitely Blaxploitation at its finest.

When you have a 70's kung-fu flick full of polyester suits and afro's, along with such choice dialogue as "Ouch! You shot me!", "I'm Gonna turn you into fudge", or "Tuna who?", you know you're in for the time of your life!

Definitely to be watched with a group of friends, this is a one-of-a-kind gem among all movies. The action is often so badly choreagraphed and timed that it's F'N good!

Plot is the same as any basic old-school chop-socky... martial arts school fights from being taken over, master is killed, and main character must avenge the master. Think "Chinese Connection" (Bruce Lee), but 70's ghetto style!

The sound track itself is a reason enough to see BLACK BELT JONES! Jim Kelly ROCKS!

How can you not love Black Belt Jones. Jim Kelly is an icon of the 1970's, most notably for his work in bruce's Lee's Enter The Dragon. He is great in this B-grade, self aware Blaxploitation film. It is kelly, sticking up for his friends trying to save a Karate school from being pushed out by the Mob as part of a redevelopment project. It is hokey. It is funny. It is way too politically incorrect to be made today. It is low budget but it is fun. The fight scenes and action and campy music all make the time pass quickly. The characters are all intentionally steriotypical. I Loved it for what it is.