Michael Jai White’s Trouble Man

His name is Jaxen, so they sometimes call him “Action.” He will also be compared to Jim Kelly, by a new associate, who also drops frequent references to Sweet Sweetback and Superfly. Indeed, it is not hard to figure out what inspired this film. Just look at the title (previously used by Ivan Dixon’s 1972 directorial debut). Jaxen might quote blaxploitation like Remington Steele quotes golden age Hollywood, but he throws down like Black Belt Jones, in Michael Jai White’s Trouble Man, which releases this Friday in theaters and on digital.

Jaxen was a cop, but now he is more or less a fixer. He starts with an abusive doctor, who definitely needs fixing, before moving on to the main event. Swerve Records’ biggest star Jahari has disappeared, presumably returning to her old heroin habit. Since they share history together, Jaxen agrees to find her—for a fee. However, he soon suspects foul play.

So does her new lover, “Money,” who admittedly models himself after blaxploitation anti-heroes, but disavows any involvement with drugs. They suspect label founder Barnes Holland and his predatory partner Yuen Song, especially when people try to kill them. All that trouble comes at an inconvenient time for Jaxen, because he was just starting to rekindle his relationship with Gina, an old flame.

Trouble Man is perfect showcase for White, which rather follows, considering he directed it. Regardless, he gets a lot of laughs with his hip blaxploitation references, while handily taking care of business during the fight scenes. Action directors Angela Jordan, Joey Min, and Stephanie Pham definitely take care of their director and cast. It is also worth noting White and screenwriter Michael Stradford give Jaxen an aversion to firearms, which often forces him to do things the hard (but highly cinematic) way.

White projects a grizzled charm and develops decent buddy chemistry with Cliff “Method Man” Smith, as Money. It is also nice to see White again playing his romantic scenes with his real-life leading lady, Gillian White (portraying Gina), like they did in Take Back which suggests an off-screen commitment to the important things in life. Levy Tran chews the aptly chews the scenery while serving as his foil, villainess Yuen Song. Plus, look out for Vernell “Poppa Snoop” Vernado, Vietnam veteran and father of Snoop Dog, as Jaxen’s ultra-cool doorman.

Trouble Man is gritty and grungy, but it’s also a heck of a lot of fun. The action will satisfy martial arts connoisseurs and White’s one-liners land better than any Schwarzenegger has tried to deliver lately. Highly recommended for fans of White and action movies in general, Trouble Man opens this Friday (8/1) in LA at the Laemmle Town Center 5.