Skip to content

DOLEMITE

Written By:

John Higgins
Dolemite

Released to much success in 1975, Dolemite was Rudy Ray Moore’s first foray onto the silver screen. A blacksploitation film which embodied many elements of the genre, Moore was able to finally bring his comic persona to life in colourful fashion. Having started his career as a stand-up comedian, he was also famous for his underground following of comedic records. The self-proclaimed ‘ghetto expressionist’ was able to use the money he made from his albums and finally showcase his skills in full flow, as the foul-mouthed, ass-kicking, martial arts killing pimp who was irresistible to women.

Having been framed by a couple of crooked cops, Dolemite is quickly sent to prison, giving his arch-enemy Willie Green the perfect opportunity to seize most of his assets. After having gained total control of his nightclub, Green quickly becomes a problem for the authorities with his gang terrorizing the streets and killing innocent people. Unaware of his higher connections, they’re left with no other choice than to bargain with Dolemite to take Green down and put a stop to his criminal empire for good. Accompanied by his female army of kung fu killers, Dolemite is an over the top timewarp of blacksploitation madness.

The directing is poor, the editing is shoddily put together and the performances are so wooden they’re enough to make any desk jealous. And yet, Dolemite does have a certain degree of charm. Whether it’s the funky music or the extravagant costumes, Dolemite has its moments that draw you back in. With memorable lines and hilariously over the top fight sequences, one can see the appeal as to why Dolemite has such a strong cult following after all these years. Is it a great blacksploitation film? Well, not exactly. There are moments when the film’s rhythm is disrupted far too often with unnecessary scenes and although they can be comedically out of place it does ultimately bog the whole thing down.

Although to concentrate on the negatives would be going against what makes this film so special. With Black Dynamite spoofing the blacksploitation genre to humorous effect in 2009, you can see why films like Dolomite were a perfect inspiration. Whether it’s seeing a boom mic repeatedly coming into a shot or a spinning kick missing from a mile off its target, they’re moments that make the film fun to watch. Add to that Rudy Ray Moore’s eccentric personality and you’re in for a strangely captivating experience.

Overall, Dolemite is a film that you’ll know whether you will like or not. It’s quirky, bizarre and a little all over the place. With Rudy Ray Moore’s strong legion of admirers, there’s a passionate fanbase out there who’ll be eager to snap this one up. Others, however, will be left bewildered and possibly even bored with his onscreen antics. Fans of bad blacksploitation movies, on the other hand, will have a feast for their eyes and ears.

Do you dig?

DOLEMITE (1975) / DIRECTOR: D’URVILLE MARTIN / SCREENPLAY: JERRY JONES, RUDY RAY MOORE (STORY) / STARRING: RUDY RAY MOORE, D’URVILLE MARTIN, LADY REED, JOHN KERRY, JERRY JONES / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW 

John Higgins

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More