The Stream: At over 2 hours, it is longer than it needs to be.

The Big Screen: Great comedic performances from the cast with Erica Ash as a standout.

The Final Bill: A fun, surprising movie with great comedy and action throughout.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Michael Jai White
Writers: Michael Jai White and Byron Minns
Stars: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash, Barry Bostwick, Kym Whitley, Glynn Turman
Genre: Action, Comedy, Western
Rating: PG-13 for violence, strong language and some sexual material
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
Production Companies: Jaigantic Studios
Platform: In theaters September 15, 2023

Howdy, Streamers! Here’s one that you may not have heard about. Outlaw Johnny Black was released in select theaters, and if it comes to your area, make the effort to catch this on the big screen. Michael Jai White directed, stars in and co-wrote this Spaghetti Western, Blaxploitation, Action-Comedy mash-up. In Outlaw Johnny Black, White plays Johnny Black, who is on the run from the law as he’s falsely accused of killing a racist Sheriff. Johnny Black has a long standing vendetta against a bank robber who killed his father; and these two men are on a collision course with each other. In the midst of hiding out from the corrupt lawmen chasing him, Johnny Black poses as a preacher in a small mining town that is being taken over by a dastardly Land Baron (Barry Bostwick). Gun-totin’ and fake-preachin’ hijinks ensue.

If you liked Black Dynamite, you should like Outlaw Johnny Black. Michael Jai White is a very talented director, writer and actor. He has a good sense of satire and comedy and he’s brought those talents to this movie. Additionally, he gets to show off his physical prowess in the random martial arts Johnny Black displays and all of the crazy shoot-outs that occur. Furthermore, this movie has such a fun cast. Erica Ash is a standout as the mistaken love interest for Johnny Black. She gets some of the best lines and her delivery is incredible. It is a welcome treat to see her every time her character is on screen. I’ll also shout out Anika Noni Rose and Byron Minns, who each have great moments as well in prominent roles. It seems like everyone understood the assignment.

There are silly sight gags and cameos to keep the audience on its toes. There are very smart satirical elements throughout as well. For a movie that seems to have had a limited budget, White made the most of what he had. There aren’t any dull moments.

Ultimately, Outlaw Johnny Black is an unexpected treat. It is so much fun and quite funny. Despite a runtime that seems too long, it has enough energy to keep the audience invested. Moreover, the cast understood the assignment and brought their “A” games. If this movie comes to a theater near you, grab a big box of popcorn and enjoy the show.