Hammer (1972)

Weaker entry in the Blaxploitation genre, but still one of the earlier films and has genre staple Fred Williamson. Has the same generic scenes with mobsters, people beating each other up, nudity and the general genre clichés. But story line is simply boring. Boxing scenes add a bit of color and interest. Not worth watching unless you are a student of the Blaxploitation genre.

After being fired due to an altercation at the shipyard docks, "B. J. Hammer" (Fred Williamson) accepts employment as a boxer for a manager by the name of "Big Sid" (Charles Lampkin). What he doesn't know is that Big Sid is connected to the mafia and is not only involved in illegal gambling but has recently branched out into drugs as well. Yet, even after being warned about Big Sid, Hammer ignores this bit of unwelcome news and chooses to concentrate on his training while at the same time becoming better acquainted with a woman who works with Big Sid named "Lois" (Vonetta McGee). Unfortunately, the longer he remains in this environment the more certain he becomes that things aren't necessarily as they seem. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a pretty good "blaxploitation film" which helped launch Fred Williamson's transition from football to acting. Of course, having a nice-looking actress like Vonetta McGee certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, those interested in a film of this type might enjoy this particular movie and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Former football player Fred Williamson does well in his earliest starring vehicle, playing B.J. Hammer, fired from his job as a dock worker but soon finding success as a pugilist. He shrugs off suggestions that the local mob is playing a large part in his success, although the writing is on the wall. His sleazy manager, Big Sid (Charles Lampkin), IS a crime figure who also dabbles in drugs. Eventually, the mob will order him to take a fall in a fight, and abduct his girlfriend Lois (Vonetta McGee) to ensure his participation.All in all, "Hammer" shows its audience a pretty good time. The director is Bruce D. Clark ("The Ski Bum", "Galaxy of Terror"), who utilizes some good camera angles and some quick cutting. The action scenes are fine, and there are effective doses of sex and violence to please an exploitation loving crowd. The story by Charles Eric Johnson is straightforward, and uses weary detective Davis (Bernie Hamilton ('Starsky and Hutch')), and the love interest Lois, to function as moral centres for our hero.The violence may be somewhat hard to take for some viewers, but it's hard to be that upset when that typically bright red movie blood just looks so fake. An undeniable highlight is in seeing foxy exploitation starlet Marilyn Joi (in her film debut) do an incredibly erotic dance.Fred brings all his athleticism and charisma to the starring role, and receives strong support from Hamilton, Lampkin, McGee, the eternally bad ass William Smith as an incredibly rotten thug, Mel Stewart as a trainer, D'Urville Martin as a pool hall regular, Stack Pierce as a guy named "Roughhouse", and John Quade as a goon. Leon Isaac Kennedy (the "Penitentiary" series) also makes his film debut as a kid named Bobby.Set to a pulsing soul score by Solomon Burke, "Hammer" is decent (if predictable) fun that does leave you with a smile on your face.Seven out of 10.

Let's be honest about this one. Only reason I watched this is because it's from the director of the notorious "Galaxy of Terror" (1981, a horror/sci-fi B-movie with LOTS of fun!!!!).Not being a fan of exploitation, even though I love extreme cinema, I have seen none or few blaxploitation films. Anyway, I think this could be characterized as such. It is a boxing/crime film with violence, nudity, boxing, lots of black people and fight-action. Soundtrack is mostly funky 70's stuff which I normally hate, but fit well in here and builds cozy atmosphere. Anyway, this movie is NO good, but it's got one single good thing in common with "Galaxy of Terror" : fast pace. Maybe after all its a decent film for a cheap genre, I don't know.recommended to blaxploitation fans and/or completists