Watch Afro Ninja

Afro Ninja is a 2009 action-comedy film directed by Mark Hicks and starring James Black, D.T. Carney, Marla Gibbs, and Nick Hermz. The film follows the story of a talented but egotistical martial artist named Reggie Carson (James Black), who dreams of becoming the next big action movie star. Carson is convinced that his skills are unmatched and that he is destined for greatness. However, when he lands his first lead role in a major motion picture, he quickly realizes that his arrogance may be his downfall.

The film kicks off with Reggie Carson's audition for a coveted movie role. His over-the-top and flamboyant moves impress the movie producers and he lands the lead role in a kung-fu movie without any prior acting experience. Carson is ecstatic and overconfident that he will become a big star after the movie's release. However, things quickly go awry when he repeatedly botches the film's action sequences and spends more time rehearsing his lines in front of the mirror than actually practicing his fighting moves.

Carson soon discovers that his lack of discipline and reckless behavior has made him a liability on set. His actions begin to anger the film's director, causing other actors to distance themselves from him, and ultimately threatens to ruin the movie's chances of ever being completed. Enter Master Takeda, played by D.T. Carney, a wise old martial artist who agrees to teach Reggie Carson the art of true kung-fu.

Master Takeda takes Reggie Carson under his wing, and the two begin an intensive training regimen in which Reggie learns respect, discipline, and the true essence of martial arts. Along the way, he becomes friends with Gina (played by Marla Gibbs), a wise-cracking grandmother who owns a local diner, who provides Carson with nuggets of wisdom and moral support. As he grows stronger and humbler, he transforms into a true martial artist, ultimately shedding his Afro Ninja alter ego and earning the respect of all those around him.

Afro Ninja is a lighthearted take on the classic underdog story, complete with comedic disagreements and fight scenes that, at times, border on absurdity. The film has a clear message about the value of hard work, discipline and doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. James Black does a commendable job in his role, displaying a range of emotions from arrogance to humility, and his fight scenes are impressive. The supporting cast of Marla Gibbs, D.T. Carney, and Nick Hermz gives the film a charming personality, making it an entertaining and enjoyable watch.

Overall, Afro Ninja is a fun and uplifting movie that delivers on its promises of comic mayhem and martial arts action. Its endearing portrayal of redemption, determination and the transformative power of self-improvement is an inspiration for all viewers.

Afro Ninja is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.