Uriah43
When a black militant group led by "Scott Gunn" (Herbert Jefferson Jr.) break into a gambling operation and steals cash and some important ledgers from a West Coast syndicate it ignites the possibly of severe racial unrest which then becomes a top concern for the local law enforcement. Since these ledgers are extremely important the mafia orders one of their newly promoted executives by the name of "Capelli" (Martin Landau) to track down whoever stole them and retrieve them by any means necessary. Although Scott downplays the situation his older brother, who operates a nightclub and simply goes by the name of "Gunn" (Jim Brown), realizes the danger and advises Scott to hide out until he can come up with a plan. Unfortunately, the mafia finds out where Scott is hiding and and kills him. And Gunn wants revenge. Anyway, for a "black exploitation" this one wasn't too bad. Jim Brown put on a decent enough performance as did Bruce Glover (as "Ray Kriley") and the aforementioned Martin Landau. I also liked the presence of both Brenda Sykes ("Judith") and Luciana Paluzzi ("Toni Lombardo"). All things considered, I thought this was one of the better films of this genre and I rate it as above average.
ferbs54
On those occasions when I have told people that I am a big fan of Italian actress Lucianna Paluzzi, I've usually been greeted with blank stares. When I add that she is the redheaded bombshell S.P.E.C.T.R.E. agent seen spilling out of her negligee in the James Bond movie "Thunderball" (1965), and also appeared in the sci-fi shlock classick "The Green Slime" (1969), only then do I get nods of recognition. Well, Ms. Paluzzi's role in "Black Gunn" (1972) was my reason for renting this film, and although her part turns out to be a small one, the film did still prove to be a decent night's entertainment. Here, ex-Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown stars as Gunn, an L.A. nightclub owner whose brother steals some money (and, more important, some books) from the Mob, and is later killed as a result. This naturally sets big Jim on the ol' vengeance trail. Whereas Superfly had "a plan to stick it to the Man," you might say that Gunn has a job to stick it to the Mob! He soon runs afoul of a whole slew of nasties, including Martin Landau and Bruce Glover (so memorable as one of the gay assassins in another Bond movie, 1971's "Diamonds Are Forever"). This film is actually pretty standard blaxploitation fare, but is nevertheless well put together and well acted by all. Perhaps the film's single best element is an exciting, funky, kinetic score by one Tony Osborne; what a great soundtrack CD this film should have! On the down side, some of the action scenes (particularly a climactic shoot-out on the L.A. docks) are a bit hard to follow, with overly fast cutting and dark exteriors. If the film offers any message or moral, I suppose it would be that you don't want to get on Jim Brown's bad side. But you probably suspected as much already, right?
thecoworker
The Character listed in the credits as "Ray Kelley" played by Bruce Glover is incorrect. The name of the character in the movie "Black Gunn" is "Ray Kriley". I hated that man and his name will forever be etched into my mind as far as remembrance of this great movie. Kudos to Mr. Jim Brown. This movie was one of a handful of movies that would normally go unnoticed by most, but Jim Brown was involved in projects that were not only "Blaxploitation" films, but sound and solid acting performances such as the legendary "Tick...Tick...Tick". While his acting could never rival his athletic accomplishments, Jim Brown made his mark on those who wanted to see action films. He helped to break down the myth that Black Actors and projects were not viable for the movie industry and he was a part in paving the way for Black Actors of today. Thank you, Mr. Brown.
gridoon
Jim Brown, the personification of coolness, is the nightclub owner who decides to avenge his brother's murder and begins a war against the local Mafia. Familiar but enjoyable, thanks largely to Brown's presence, and to some dynamic action scenes. Two interesting things: the use of wide-angle lenses during a fight scene, and a strong supporting role for the actor who was memorable as one of the two homosexual goons in "Diamonds Are Forever". (**1/2)
AD
