User reviews

"Outlaw Johnny Black" is the latest movie from Michael Jai White and his team that brought us the amazing "Black Dynamite". (If you have not watched "Black Dynamite" yet, you are missing out on what would be the funniest movie to come out in the last 20 years had "Tropic Thunder" never been made. It is that good.) Being that it is the same crew, you will see many of the same faces returning to the party.

Johnny Black is a man driven by vengeance that leads him on a journey to finding himself. I will leave it at that to not spoil anything as the plot is actually more in depth and with more twists and turns than would be expected from what is a concept that has existed as long as stories have been told.

Where BD was a *chefs kiss* spoof of a Blaxploitation film, OJB is more a comedic western along the lines of "Blazing Saddles". More Mel Brooks than Sergio Leon, MJW does a good job of bringing the laughs while also having a good bit of character growth and life lessons thrown in.

The only issue I had with the movie is that it is fairly long, and some parts are there to expand on the plot and not hit you with the comedy. Whereas BD was nonstop zingers from start to finish, OJB is more spaced out with the comedy at the beginning and picks up a bit in the later half.

Some people make take issues with how some characters are portrayed, but just remember that it is all done deliberately to mimic a style of the past and how things were done then. I could understand what the intent was and thought everything was hilarious.

As this is a *follow up* (for a lack of better term) to BD, you may be wondering if you need to see BD beforehand. The answer is no. This is a completely standalone movie that can be enjoyed by itself. However, you will miss out of several jokes that are direct callbacks to BD (hence my review title).

While I would give BD a solid 10/10 due to the genre it is spoofing and the nonstop comedy from start to finish, I will give OJB a 7/10 for being a little longer, more sparing with the jokes and being of a genre that lends itself less to the full-on belly laughs.

Definitely recommend the watch.

When I stumbled upon this 2023 Western titled "Outlaw Johnny Black" here in 2023, I had never heard about the movie. But seeing that the movie had Michael Jai White on the cast list was more than sufficient to make me stop and take notice. Needless to say that of course I opted to watch the movie solely because Michael Jai White was on the cast list.

Writers Byron Minns and Michael Jai White put together a rather enjoyable and entertaining script and storyline. It is a script that combines both good storytelling, action, comedy, and good old fashioned Western. And I have to admit that I was more than genuinely entertained throughout the course of the 130 minutes that the movie ran for.

The acting performances in "Outlaw Johnny Black" were good, and Michael Jai White definitely carried the movie quite nicely. It was a good cast ensemble, with the likes of Barry Bostwick, Chris Browning and Randy Couture as the only familiar faces for me. But I will say that the likes of Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash and Byron Minns also were great in the movie.

"Outlaw Johnny Black" looked and felt like a Western, and the added light action and comedy elements were sprucing up the movie quite nicely, making it all the more of an enjoyable movie to sit through.

My rating of "Outlaw Johnny Black" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

Lukewarm compared to the non-stop heat of Black Dynamite, but there are still qualities and laughs (just) to be had. Has the same tongue-in-cheek, bawdy humour as BD - just not that much of it. There is barely a joke for the first 20mins (until we see his Wanted poster). Doesn't quite commit itself to being a full on comedy but neither is it a straight Western either, it kinda wanders between the two. Considering the Kung-Fu potential to hand, there is strangely little action but what there is - is fun all the same. The movie is perhaps over long and in some ways under developed, the pace picks up once Johnny meets 'Bullhorn'. Once I accepted this was to be no BD 2, then I could enjoy it for what it is - a leisurely comic Western in that low-key manner common to the 1970s. It's not a parody of Westerns (as Blazing Saddles is) more of a tribute with many moments that reference classic Westerns (Billy Jack, Joshua, Clint movies etc); the final lines given to Fred Williamson and Jim Brown (like Stadler and Waldorf) was a sweet touch. Movie as a whole had a good heart and some warm messaging. 6.5 to be honest, but I love these actors and their world so I'm bumping it up to 7/10.

I remember well when Michael Jai White announced this movie trough crowd funding a few years ago. I must be one of the only guys who never saw Black Dynamite, likely because its not a style i usually have a lot of interest in, but peoples always praise it so at one point ill watch it. Personally im a fan of MJW because of movies like Blood and Bone, Never Back Down and Triple Threat. After Scott Adkins he is likely the best "martial arts actor" in the direct to VOD format, even if he branch a bit more than Scott in term of style. But i digress. I didn't "backed" Outlaw Johnny Black because Westerns never been much of my things even tough i did enjoy Young Guns and a few others in the past, and i didn't expected this to contain martial arts. But the trailer wich i watch recently told me otherwise !

I realize yesterday the movie was on Prime Video, so i had no reason to not give it a shot. Overall i can say i "enjoyed" the movie but i had a fair share of issues with it and thats what im gonna talk about in this review.

First of all the runtime is way too long. The movie would had benefited to be 40 minutes shorter at the very least. There is definately scenes that could had been trimmed, some even removed. The second problem is there is surprisingly little action. Altough there is indeed some martial arts as the trailer suggest, it only happen a few times and you see the most of it in said trailer. I know you gonna tell me "but dude its a western"... And yes it is, but even the gun action was lacking and only happened very sporadically.

What "saved" the movie for me was the humor and jokes. Some of them landed pretty well, and MJW line deliveries and facial expressions at times were pretty hillarious. Supporting cast also had some good scenes and lines. But when the movie tried to get back to the "plot" i wasn't much interested. Its your basic run of the mill plot and the movie try to branch in too many directions with too many different vilains ultmately not giving enough screentime to neither.

When it comes to the Natives in the movie, i know this was done on purpose for the satyre/humor but it just came out weird on screen that they all of various races and portrait in a very spoof kind of way. Even Adam Sandler's The Ridiculous Six Natives look more serious... This is probably the comical aspect that landed the least for me. Thanksfully its not a huge part of it.

MJW also directed the movie and honestly in term of direction, cinematography, music and such, everything was competent and fine, while nothing stand out too much either. I would say for a first movie to direct, he did a fine job.

Ultimately i enjoyed enough of the movie to put it in the "liked" categories and give it a 6 out of 10. But its not one ill watch again or add to my physical collection.

Well... that was a watch that leaves me baffled. And I'm a bit sad...

I hoped this one to be more like Black dynamite, but it really ended up confusing me. I actually really liked the more dramatic and traditional western stuff more and those parts are strong 7-8 to me. And I really liked those over the top hilarious stuff, and they were even higher, strong 8-8.5. But this movie mixed those two together the way I can't really like this as a whole movie. So it ends up 6-6.5 in the end. That's really a shame. This movie should have been more "real" or it should have been a proper spoof, but as it is it does not work.

Outlaw Johnny Black calls itself a "spiritual successor" to the infinitely superior Black Dynamite, but despite having the same creative team, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Despite starting out with potential, Outlaw Johnny Black immediately devolves into mediocre filmmaking which highlights a very cheap look and doesn't capture the visual style of a western movie, whilst its long runtime and slow pace ensures that it drags on. I could forgive all this if the film found the time to be funny in between, but with an obsession on revering in the western films of yesteryear without having the actual knowhow on to make a good western film itself, it seems that the filmmakers actually forgot they were making a comedy this time around. I wasn't laughing, I wasn't excited, I was just downright bored. And despite my best efforts, I couldn't make it past the 40 minute mark and have no intention of returning to do so.

A massive letdown after the brilliance of Black Dynamite.

When I first heard about this film and the creators involved my expectations were immediately set. MJW is one of those creators that truly has the freedom to make the exact films he wants to make but also pay homage to the blaxploitation film era that clearly influences his style. So I knew going in not to take the story too seriously and just appreciate a filmmaker live out his dreams. And honestly getting this film funded and created was a lengthy process so I was happy to see the project created and presented properly. This film in a lot of ways a fresh upgrade and retelling of the film Black Joshua which is referenced multiple times throughout. Personally I'm proud of what the cast and crew were able to put together and I hope MJW continues to push out more films remnant of the classical and sorely missed Blaxploitation era.

Here is a movie that I struggled with. Michael Jai White is a talented actor and martial artist. One thing he is not is a talented writer or director, and it shows with this new film.

On one hand, you have some incredibly funny jokes that even had my small viewing audience busting a gut. Michael Jai White has a great sense of timing when it comes to his delivery and it works in the films favor.

On the other hand, the story is bloated, with about 2 storylines too many. It really bogged the film down and helped contribute to that extremely excessive runtime. Halfway through, I was hoping for the ending, but there was still over an hour of the film left to watch. I, at times, similarly with Black Dynamite. Although that production had much more going on than this film did, but still knew when to cut it and when to let it roll.

As far as his directing talents go, I was vastly more impressed in the first half of the film than I was for the last. It was almost like he gave up on trying to do anything artistic behind the camera and the film just became a strict point and shoot type of production.

The movie is also very racist toward native americans. The lack of respect shown to the culture is jarring, even when presented in a comedic format such as this. The only joke I could get behind was all of the native americans were played by anybody who was not actually native american and this was to parody that fact from the old spaghetti westerns. Very clever, Mr. White. But other than that, it was very racist and not very funny.

Overall, I enjoyed the film in parts. However, it was too long and feature some pretty relaxed racism towards native americans that I'm sure didn't connect in the way that Mr. White had intended. A pity because with some editing and a few tweaks to the screenplay, this could've been comedic gold. I really hope Black Dynamite 2 doesn't turn out like this one did.

2 outlaws out of 5.

Outlaw Johnny Black starring and directed by Michael Jai White is a movie that I enjoyed but was forgettable. In the nearly 2 hours I had a good time in this Western Film but didn't necessarily take it seriously as it was intended this way. Michael Jai White who is known for his martial arts skills and action movies that go straight to DVD does very well here in double duty in front and behind the camera. I wish Hollywood would allow more films like this to be released. The Film Industry needs more of this! If you like Westerns and enjoy a good vengeance tell then look no further then this. Outlaw Johnny Black gets a decent 6 stars out of 10 from me.

Big disappointment compared to Black Dynamite which I adore both the movie and cartoon.i love westerns and was excited to see the team back in action and the cast had many cameos I was also excited about but after 40 minutes I had to switch it off as the jokes were too cringe and the acting stale . It could have been so much more if they'd lent in to the western stereo types but they have already been incredible cowboy spoofs and this one was not in the sane level . Again don't understand why . Maybe I'll attempt to watch it again with lower expectations.

Think I'll just watch the cartoon series again. That is superb.

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.

Michael Jai White's "Outlaw Johnny Black" (2023) attempts to blend martial arts action with Western comedy, but ultimately falls flat, delivering a lukewarm and utterly unmemorable cinematic experience. The film suffers from a severe lack of narrative focus, meandering aimlessly between its action sequences and attempts at humor without ever truly committing to either. The supposed "charming" interactions and comedic timing feel forced and contrived, lacking the genuine spark necessary to engage the audience. Despite Michael Jai White's physical presence, the dialogue often feels clichéd and uninspired, as if the writers simply strung together a series of genre tropes without any regard for natural conversation or compelling comedic timing. Instead of a fresh and energetic take on the Western, it offers a superficial and often irritating spectacle of forced whimsy.

Is it worth watching? No, unless you have an exceptionally high tolerance for formulaic action-comedies and a desire to see a predictable narrative unfold. There are far more engaging and genuinely entertaining Westerns available.

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.

Johnny Black is an outlaw with a heart full of hate...especially for the many racists and bullies in this version of the old west. However, when he is mistaken for a preacher by a town made up mostly of blacks, his nastiness begins to ease and he finds himself caring for the first time in many years.

"Outlaw Johnny Black" is a film directed, co-written and starrng Michael Jai White, the brilliant actor who brought us "Black Dynamite". However, "Outlaw Johnny Black" clearly is NOT "Black Dynamite"...though occasionally it seems a bit like it. But the problem is that it sure looked as if White wasn't sure whether he was making a comedy, a drama, or just a very low-budget film with a bunch of his friends...whereas "Black Dynamite" is a wonderful comedy.

Overall, a film with some nice moments but also some occasionally poor acting (never by White), flat laughs and a cheapness that works against it. Not a great film....and one that left me a bit frustrated because I know how great White can be.

I guess they tried. I love me some MJW and all but the movie was a solid hour too long and had too much padding for a western. Should have been way more lean. The humor was too silly when it would have served the movie better to just dish it dry; making the verbal nods to Black Dynamite and such would have been great and just left it be a serious revenge western, minus all of the church drama and women drama. The thing that worked best about Black Dynamite was that the humor all came from how amateur it was, much like the films it honored...this film should have stuck more to the serious western angle and left out the slapstick.

I am a huge fan of Michael Jai White's BLACK DYNAMITE film and I have been waiting for this film since 2018. At more than two hours it can drag while it sets up all the pieces of its elaborate plot. Jai White manages to blend his martial arts skills into this western with his own signature flare. Michael Jai White and Byron Minns wrote Outlaw Johnny Black and starred in it. Much like Black Dynamite, they bring their sense of humor to the Western genre, but while Black Dynamite was a satire of the blaxploitation, films of yesteryear, Johnny Black is more of a Western with comic relief akin to Blazing Saddles but a bit more restrained. It does have a minimal amount of tongue-in-cheek double entendres. There will be some offended by how the Native Americans are portrayed in the film, even as blatant comic relief but those who understand the satire and humor will chuckle along at the references. Fans of the previous film will notice all of the actors that White and Mimms enjoy working with as repeat faces appear throughout.

I feel at some point while writing this movie, someone said it needs to be more like Black Dynamite. So they took the finished so so western script and put in some blaxploitation tropes, hired the cast of Black Dynamite, and tried really hard to recreate what made Black Dynamite such a great movie. Unfortunately, they missed the mark for the most part. There were a couple glimmers of hope but in the end everything just fell flat. You could almost point out the parts of the movie that seemed to be rewritten specifically for the blaxploitation feel. The movie is definitely worth a watch, but it could have been so much better.

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.

This movie was everything you could want from this man and more! I love that this movie has that certain B movie cheese to it like Black Dynamite, the humor just never ends it seems. The casting was so good I basically laughed every time they introduced another character (even more funny because I had no idea who was in the movie). There's was also a whole lot of references to classic Westerns that were slipped in quite humorously as well, but if you didn't understand the reference then it might not have been as funny. I actually thought there runtime was just fine, I enjoyed the whole cliche show. Again, it's Michael Jai White comedy so it's obviously hilarious.

The intro was slow which was a minor issue but the cast holds the comedy and action well.

The story was funny, light, and engaging once it picked up when Johnny enters the location of majority of the movie.

The time spent with the characters and the way all the actors worked together was amazing you can tell they had fun while also sharing it towards people on screen.

It was a joy to see so many familiar faces, and so many of the cast from black dynamite shows up while seeing new ones.

I'm hard pressed to find someone who didn't deliver, one of my favorite scenes is when the character Jessie lee is introduced.

It had me and others in the theater dying laughing.

I would recommend to anyone who has seen the directors last work like this, and to anyone who enjoys a classic story of a villain turned hero.

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.

Thoroughly enjoyed this wacky western with tons of slap stick comedy and animal humor. A convergence of westerns & comedy I laughed at the slaps, kicks, unexpected weddings, and wholesome message. You and your family will enjoy this comedic western that nods to the past western genre and yet includes a wholesome message that isn't over the top. #MustSee.

Is Outlaw Johnny Black an outlaw or misunderstood? Is he selfish or playing robin hood? Will he kill that man or offer him his right hand of fellowship? Just what will Johnny Black do? Not telling, go see the movie, you won't regret it. Just a fun night of laughs all around.