If you walked into Outlaw Johnny Black expecting Black Dynamite 2, you probably walked out feeling a little confused. Maybe even a little blindsided. It’s been about 15 years since Michael Jai White gave us that legendary blaxploitation parody, and honestly, we all thought this was just going to be "Black Dynamite on a horse."
It isn't. Not exactly.
Sure, it has the same DNA. Byron Minns is back, the humor has that dry, "did he really just say that?" vibe, and there are enough kicks to the head to remind you that Michael Jai White is still one of the best martial artists on the planet. But this movie is a weird, sprawling, 135-minute love letter to a very specific kind of cinema. It’s trying to be a comedy, a spaghetti western, a faith-based drama, and a social commentary all at once.
Does it work? Well, that depends on what you're looking for.
✨ Don't miss: Why Colin Firth in Bridget Jones Diary Still Matters (Even After the Heartbreak)
The Plot: More Than Just a Revenge Flick
The basic setup is classic Western 101. Johnny Black, played by White, is a man with a heavy chip on his shoulder. When he was a kid, he watched a nasty bank robber named Brett Clayton (Chris Browning) gun down his father.
Twenty-five years later, Johnny is a wanted man. He’s obsessed with finding Clayton. In a series of events that feel like they were ripped straight out of a 1970s TV show, he ends up assuming the identity of a preacher in a small mining town called Hope Springs.
This is where the movie gets interesting. Instead of just being a series of fight scenes, it settles into this long, slow-burn story about a town under the thumb of a Land Baron (played by the legendary Barry Bostwick). Johnny has to fake being a man of God while trying to figure out how to kill a man without losing his soul.
It’s surprisingly earnest. There’s a sermon scene in this movie—I'm not kidding—that actually feels like a real sermon. It’s not a joke. It’s not a parody. White is actually trying to say something about forgiveness and community.
Why the Runtime is a Big Deal
Let’s be real: two hours and fifteen minutes is a long time for a comedy.
Most comedies today are a tight 90 minutes. They get in, tell the jokes, and get out. Black Dynamite was only 84 minutes long. So, why is Outlaw Johnny Black so much longer?
White has been vocal about this. He wanted to make an "epic." He was inspired by films like Sidney Poitier’s Buck and the Preacher and the sprawling spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone. He isn't just trying to make you laugh; he's trying to build a world.
The problem is that for some people, it feels like there’s a lot of "dead air." There are long stretches where nothing much happens. If you’re a fan of the slow-burn style of 60s and 70s cinema, you’ll love it. If you’re used to the rapid-fire pacing of a modern Marvel movie, you might find yourself checking your watch.
The Cast: A Reunion of Sorts
One of the best things about this film is seeing the "gang" back together.
- Byron Minns: He co-wrote the script and plays Reverend Percy Fairman Jr. His chemistry with White is still the secret sauce.
- Anika Noni Rose: She plays Jessie Lee, and she brings a level of "real acting" that keeps the movie grounded when things get too goofy.
- Erica Ash: This was actually her final film appearance before she passed away in 2024. She’s hilarious as Bessie Lee, and seeing her on screen now feels bittersweet.
- The Cameos: Keep your eyes peeled. There are faces from Black Dynamite everywhere, plus veterans like Glynn Turman who plays Johnny’s dad in the flashbacks.
Is It Actually a Parody?
This is the big question. Most people assume it's a parody like Blazing Saddles.
It’s not.
💡 You might also like: Who Was Actually in Space? The Cast of the Movie Gravity and the Voices You Missed
A parody mocks the genre. Outlaw Johnny Black honors it. It uses the tropes—the zooming camera shots, the over-the-top villains, the dramatic standoffs—because it genuinely loves them.
The humor is "situational." It’s funny because Johnny is a terrible preacher. It’s funny because the townspeople are eccentric. It’s not funny because it’s making fun of Westerns. Honestly, it’s closer to a "faith-based Western with jokes" than a straight-up spoof.
What Google and Critics Got Wrong
If you look at the reviews, the scores are all over the place. Rotten Tomatoes has it at 66%, which is "fresh" but not a knockout.
Critics complained about the "jumbled" tone. They didn't know if they were supposed to be crying during the flashbacks or laughing during the bar fights. But that’s actually the point. Life is jumbled. Michael Jai White made this as an independent film (partially crowd-funded!) because he didn't want a studio executive telling him to "cut the religious stuff" or "make it more like Deadpool."
It’s an authentic vision. Whether that vision is for you is a different story.
Making Sense of the Subtext
There’s a thread in the movie about "Black prosperity" and how it’s often targeted by those in power. It references real history, like the Tulsa Race Massacre, through a fictional lens.
White uses the "Land Baron" trope to talk about how independent communities are often dismantled by corporate or systemic greed. It’s subtle, but it’s there. It gives the movie a weight that most "action comedies" just don't have.
Where to Watch Outlaw Johnny Black
If you missed it during its limited theatrical run in late 2023, you have plenty of options now.
It’s available on most major streaming platforms. You can find it on Starz, DirectTV, and Fubo. If you don't have those, you can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu.
Interestingly, it’s also popped up on Hoopla for free if you have a library card.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to sit down and watch this, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Adjust your expectations: Don't go in looking for Black Dynamite. Think of it as a modern-day Buck and the Preacher.
- Appreciate the Craft: Look at the wide shots. White really leaned into the "Panoramic Western" aesthetic.
- Watch the Credits: There are cameos at the end that serve as a massive reward for longtime fans of Michael Jai White’s work.
- Pay Attention to the Score: The music, composed by Michael Bearden, is a pitch-perfect homage to Ennio Morricone. It’s half the fun.
If you want to support independent Black cinema, this is a prime example of a creator taking his own path. It’s weird, it’s long, and it’s deeply personal. In a world of cookie-cutter blockbusters, that’s actually pretty refreshing.
To dive deeper into the world of Michael Jai White's "Jaigantic Studios" productions, you can follow their official social media channels where they often post behind-the-scenes footage and updates on future "Spiritual Successors" to his cult hits.