Outlaw Johnny Black is a western action-comedy film co-written and directed by Michael Jai White. The Western film follows the story of Johnny Black, a man who has sworn to gun down Brett Clayton in order to get revenge for his father’s death. In the process of getting his revenge, he becomes a wanted man while posing as a preacher in a small mining town that’s been taken over by a notorious Land Baron.
The film also stars Jai White in the lead role of Johnny Black. In the supporting cast, we see Anika Noni Rose as Jessie Lee, Erica Ash as Bessie Lee, Byron Minns as Reverend Percy, Chris Browning as Brett Clayton, Barry Bostwick as Tom Sheally, Kevin Chapman as U.S. Marshall Cove, Randy Couture as Bill Basset, Kim Whitley as Sister Betty, and Tommy Davidson as Clancy.
While the reviews are mixed for the film, Outlaw Johnny Black could be a worthwhile watch for some Western fans. So let’s find out what the critics are saying about the Western action-comedy film. Check out the review quotes from different publications lifted by Rotten Tomatoes below:
White has offered a jumbled array of all-too-well-trod tropes and stereotypes that, all in all, can’t seem to hit the mark in terms of finding the sweet spot of being “so bad it’s good.”
– Sarah-Tai Black, Los Angeles Times
Showcases a fine cast of actors dedicated to both the silliness and the seriousness of the enterprise.
– Joe Leydon, Variety
Though it takes too long to get his gun out, “Outlaw Johnny Black” is a well-crafted and funny Spaghetti Western comedy with a refreshing goofiness and a delightful lead.
– Rendy Jones, RogerEbert.com
The laughs are lost within an overly long, meandering plot and scenes that miss visual polish or comedic concision.
– Brandon Yu, New York Times
Is the film a parody or revitalizing the canon? I’m not sure White ever cracks his own film’s code, but you can tell he’s passionate about whatever Outlaw Johnny Black becomes.
– Matt Donato, Paster Magazine
Michael Jai White’s best film yet is one of this year’s biggest surprises: a smart and wild Western comedy with something to say.
– Ej Moreno, Flickering Myth
So, Outlaw Johnny Black isn’t exactly a critic pleaser but it is no doubt impressing the audience. The film has an impressive 94% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes while it has only 64% on the Tomatometer. But if you were waiting for a Western comedy just like this you should get a ticket for Outlaw Johnny Black and enjoy the film in theaters. Check out the official trailer for the film below: