The Outlaw Johnny Black

The Outlaw Johnny Black

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.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 130 minutes
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Western
  • Stars: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Anika Noni Rose, Kym Whitley, Erica Ash, Glynn Turman, Barry Bostwick, Tyler Bryan, Kevin Chapman, Paul Logan, Tommy Davidson, Buddy Lewis, Chris Browning, Gary Anthony Williams, Tony Baker
  • Director: Michael Jai White
 Comments
  • adfitz-85841 - 22 June 2024
    Hilarious!
    This movie borrows so much from old westerns from the '50's and '60's, even from Buck and The Preacher (look it up, y'all). Even borrows from an iconic commercial from the early '70's regarding pollution. It's a very well-written comedic-western, with very good acting. Anyone looking for a straight up MJW action movie will be disappointed. But, he IS capable of more, you know. It has a good story line, some messages and a good cast. I've watched his movies since he came on the scene...and this is REALLY good movie. If you've seen movies like Blazing Saddles, you'll like this! Grab some grub, kick back and ENJOY! Nuff said.
  • EndlessUniverse - 25 November 2023
    An Average Western
    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.