Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Trouble Man Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 10, 2016

The furious world of blaxploitation takes a breather with 1972’s “Trouble Man,” which offers all the expected attitude and style from the subgenre, but is more interested in dramatic showdowns rather than physical ones. Director Ivan Dixon intends to class up the feature by focusing on the screen presence of star Robert Hooks, and while the actor fills his role with ideal smoothness, he’s not backed by a particularly eventful screenplay by John D.F. Black, who invests almost exclusively in pauses and hard stares, resulting in a strangely uneventful picture.

Hooks portrays T, a known figure in the Los Angeles underworld, commanding respect and inspiring fear with his special ways of intimidation. He’s hired for a security job for a local dice game that’s been plagued by robberies, only to be sucked into a difficult situation when he’s framed for murder, setting out to clear his name and nail the jokers who dared to challenge his authority. Amusement is limited in “Trouble Man,” which is heavy with exposition and unsatisfying confrontation, attempting to lead with character for a change, instead of pure brawn. It doesn’t work, though Hooks admirably commits in full to T’s pure power, growling one-liners and gliding from scene to scene. He’s fun to watch, but “Trouble Man” never works up enough energy to celebrate the performance.

Trouble Man Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation appears sourced from a slight older master, with a mild amount of filtering present to flatten the viewing experience. Detail isn't destroyed, managing highlights as actors pose for the camera, taking in facial textures and costuming. Street encounters retain clear depths. Colors aren't fantastic, but they register with intended hues, best with period ornamentation that cranks yellows and greens. Delineation is acceptable, making sense out of evening encounters. Overt damage isn't found, but scratches and speckling are detected.

Trouble Man Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix never stabilizes to satisfaction, bouncing between hushed interactions and louder musical moods. Again, age is apparent here, with hiss and pops detected. Dialogue exchanges require some volume riding to manage, but nothing is completely lost. Scoring cues retain their jazzy intent, supporting acceptably. Atmospherics preserve echoed interiors and group activity. Sound effects are adequately snappy.

Trouble Man Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:30, SD) is included.

Trouble Man Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While matters eventually explode in the final act, it's too late for "Trouble Man" to revive a snoozy picture. As blaxsploitation escapism goes, the movie is too caught up in performances to really build steam, while the central mystery isn't much of a shocker, with skin color pretty much calling out the bad guys right away. "Trouble Man" has a promising central figure, but it doesn't do enough with him, content to have the original Mr. T engage in staring contests, not fisticuffs.