The inherent problem of parodying the blaxploitation genre -- crime films made in the early 1970s featuring African-American protagonists and often peppered with outrageous violence and sex -- is that the original movies still provide entertainment enough. A comedy that mocks the genre's excesses feels redundant.

And redundance is one of the woes that plagues Black Dynamite, an affectionate ode to overacting, camera zooms, drunken boom-mike operators and ghetto crusaders that tries mightily but can't compare to the genuine article.

Michael Jai White, who also co-wrote the screenplay, stars as the title hero, a swaggering, muscle-bound ladykiller and ex-CIA killing machine out to avenge the death of his brother. His investigation, which would have fit right into the Quentin Tarantino-Robert Rodriguez collaboration Grindhouse, involves lots of kung-fu moves, nunchakus and all-around butt-kicking.

There is also the requisite occasional romantic interlude accompanied by porno-ish wah-wah music and gratuitous nudity. White, a gifted martial artist, sells Dynamite's physical prowess and nails the character's self-aggrandizing patter and attitude. When he crosses paths with a Black Panther-like activist, he growls ``I'm blacker than the ace of spades and more militant than you and your whole damn army put together!'' and you believe him.

But despite a plot that hinges on a conspiracy involving malt liquor that reaches all the way to the Honky House and a supporting cast peppered by familiar faces, Black Dynamite lacks the freshness and wit that made the similarly themed Undercover Brother so entertaining. This time, the joke gets old fast.

Cast: Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman, Byron Minns, Mykelti Williamson, Bokeem Woodbine, Arsenio Hall, James McManus.

Director: Scott Sanders.

Screenwriters: Scott Sanders, Michael Jai White, Byron Minns.

Producers: Jon Steingart, Jenny Wiener Steingart.

A Sony Worldwide release. Running time: 90 minutes. Vulgar language, violence, nudity, sexual situations, adult themes. Plays at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 8:15 p.m. Sunday at Cinema Paradiso. Director Scott Sanders and actor Michael Jai White will attend.

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