Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bawdy send-up of Blaxploitation, spaghetti Westerns.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Outlaw Johnny Black
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK follows the titular character (Michael Jai White) as he tracks down Brett Clayton (Chris Browning), the killer of Johnny's trick-shooting and preaching father, Bullseye Black (Glynn Turman). Johnny's journey brings him full circle in his relationship with both his faith and his father's message of forgiveness, as well as his desire to enact justice and save a small town from the clutches of White criminals, including overlord Tom Sheally (Barry Bostwick), who want the town's riches for themselves.
Is It Any Good?
Outlaw Johnny Black is a funny send-up of the spaghetti Westerns and Blaxploitation films of the late 1960s and '70s. Written, produced, and directed by star Michael Jai White, the film is a great follow-up to Jai's 2009 Blaxploitation send-up Black Dynamite. Fans of that film will definitely see some of the same humor and heart in Outlaw Johnny Black, as well as similar racial and social commentary, such as the meta in-joke about Blaxploitation's poor representation of Native Americans. With a cast full of comedic and dramatic actors, as well as pop culture icons, Outlaw Johnny Black thoroughly entertains while presenting a story that has some heft and offering surprisingly thoughtful characterization in its title character.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Outlaw Johnny Black addresses racial and social justice. What commentary is it making on the genres of films it's paying homage to?
How would you describe Johnny Black's spiritual journey? What harmed his relationship with religion? What brings him back?
How does the film critique Hollywood's treatment of people of color?
How do Johnny and the townspeople show courage?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 15, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : November 3, 2023
- Cast : Michael Jai White , Anika Noni Rose , Erica Ash
- Director : Michael Jai White
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Western
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, strong language and some sexual material
- Last updated : September 3, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate