Hammer (1972) User Reviews

Despite a horribly low IMDb score, this is a good film

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 19 July 2008]

Fred Williamson was unusual for a "blaxploitation" star because in real life, he was just as tough and good looking as the people he played--having been an NFL star and multiple black belt! And, having been a Playgirl centerfold, he was studly enough to play the part as well.

Here, tough but decent guy Williamson plays the title character. Hammer is discovered by a boxing promoter and offers to train him. However, Hammer is naive enough not to realize that the promoter (Charles Lumpkin) and his sidekick (William Smith) are evil--and you NEVER disappoint or cross them...or else! When the mysterious "Mr. Big" (who Lumpkin works for) demands that Williamson takes a dive, Williamson's trainer refuses--and nearly is beaten to death. So, now it's "Hammer Time"!

This film is a bit different from some, in that the cops are NOT the bad guys and the detective on the case is a Black man. Also, there's very little not to like or respect about Hammer--he's a stand-up guy. However, like the average blaxploitation film, "the Man" is White and controls many of the Black men in the film--a theme that resonated with Black audiences of the day. Plus, like other similar films, there is a sprinkling of sex to spice things up--though a little less than usual.

Technically speaking, this is a pretty well made film. The acting is pretty good, the story is predictable and familiar (there have been many boxing films like it) but it's still very engaging and the film is entertaining throughout and better than the average blaxploitation film. In fact, I'm not even sure I'd consider it exactly this genre--as it's a decent film regardless and a little less violent and packs a positive message. Pretty good stuff.

Nailed it

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 10 July 2016]

Hammer is former NHL star Fred Williamson's first blaxploitation film. Hard to believe that Blaxploitation gave more former black athletes work than Dancing with the Stars!

Williamson plays Hammer a decent guy, a dock worker in LA who gets into boxing but the promoter is crooked and wants him to take a dive or else there would be consequences for his girlfriend. People who cross the local Mr Big be it former boxers or trainers get to feel the full force of his henchman Brenner (William Smith) and he likes to dish out pain.

Unusually for a blaxploitation film the lead detective is played by a black man (Bernie Hamilton of Starsky & Hutch fame) who advises and helps out Hammer. The lack of antagonistic relationship between our hero and the police is refreshing.

Hammer is not a great film, rather formulaic but it is a well made film with good production values. It has its share of violence, nudity and sex. Williamson tones it down here, more of an ordinary Joe swiftly rising to the top.

Smith as the slimy, sleazy, racist villain steals the show. He was one of the best villains in the 1970s, the guy audiences loved to hate.

Decent

[dworldeater · 6/10 · 20 January 2019]

Hammer is an early film vehicle for Fred Williamson. I would not regard this as his best(or worst) film work, but he shows lots of natural charisma and has a good screen presence. He has some ultra stylish pork chop side burns to boot. He is a boxer that gets mixed up with a crooked manager, which goes good for a while, but when Hammer won't take a dive ,the fight between Fred and the syndicate is on. The film looks real good and has some good action and a good supporting cast with blaxsploitation regulars D'Urville Martin and William Smith, who is very tough and a great villain. This film is not one of the all time best but should please most fans of the genre as a decent time passer.

A Quite Entertaining Blaxploitaion Movie, Not The Best But Still Good.

[kitie7 · 24 April 2005]

This Blaxploitation film may not be considered as one of the best, but it's still a good one and very entertaining.The action and fight scenes are good in a realistic way, the acting is not bad, and the story is easy to follow.

Good action, excitement, nudity, a funky soundtrack and cool dialogs,

the fans of Blaxploitation will enjoy it.

Fred Williamson does a fine job,

he's one bad dude.

Its Hammer time.

7/10

It's fun watching the bad guys getting nailed.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 19 February 2024]

Fred Williamson is a fighter trying to outwit the mob, having women throwing themselves at him (or throwing things at him as evidenced by the angry woman he's walking out on), and dealing with some pretty ruthless characters. The opening scene has him fighting one of the most vile looking street critters, and as he rises to the top of the prize fighting world, forced by the mob to take a dive.

The lovely Vonetta McKee is his extremely loyal girlfriend, threatened with violence if Williamson doesn't comply. While this was made before "Rocky", the viewer will recognize certain similarities especially the Burgess Meredith like Charles Lampkin. As the angry ex, Nawana Davis is funny without trying to be, sassy and forceful. Chase scenes are well shot and a scene where someone is shot up with drugs against their will is scary. My only issue is that I don't think this flowed very well, and overall, the story is rather unpleasant.

Solid blaxploitation fare.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 30 April 2017]

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.

Lifeless and Boring, for Genre Fans Only

[goods116 · 4/10 · 24 September 2017]

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.

Helped Launch Fred Williamson's Transition from Football to Acting

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 28 August 2017]

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.

Enjoyable Fred Williamson blaxploitation vehicle

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 14 February 2012]

Rugged dock worker turned champion boxer B.J. Hammer (the almighty Fred Williamson in prime macho form) excels in the ring and rises to the top. However, things go sour when the local syndicate tells Hammer to take a dive in his next major fight. Director Bruce D. Clark, working from a compact script by Charles Johnson, maintains a constant brisk pace and makes neat use of the gritty urban locations while delivering plenty of rousing rough'n'ready fisticuffs and a generous sprinkling of tasty female nudity. Of course, Fred's smooth charisma and easygoing personality holds the picture together. The sturdy cast of familiar B-pic faces helps a lot: the lovely Vonetta McGhee as B.J.'s smart and loyal girlfriend Lois, the ever-reliable William Smith as vicious enforcer Brenner, Bernie Hamilton as helpful detective Davis, Charles Lampkin as slick top hood Big Sid, Elizabeth Harding as Sid's cheap floozy main squeeze Rhoda, Mel Stewart as tough venerable trainer Professor, D'Urville Martin as hip pool player Sonny, Stack Pierce as warehouse foreman Roughhouse, and John Quade as belligerent jerk Riley. The gorgeous Marilyn Joi burns up the screen in her film debut as a foxy exotic dancer. Robert Steadman's sharp cinematography makes cool and exciting occasional use of a hand-held camera. Soulman Solomon Burke's funky score hits the get-down groovy spot. Recommended viewing for fans of the Hammer.

Boxers. Detectives. Vonetta McGee; Watch this. Now.

[paul vincent zecchino · 11 October 2010]

You like films about boxers, and like them guys? Then 'Hammer' sometimes promoted as 'B.J. Hammer' is for you. It's got boxers. The kind with the gloves what whale the snot out of one another while mob guys who wear them tinted 'psycho shades' all the time hang in the back and get rich, placing bets.

But Hammer, adroitly played by Fred Williamson, transcends to boxing genre to make this film worth watching again and again. Forget Rocky I through XVII. Stick with Hammer. He kicks the snot out of the competition.

You like Detectives? Well, you got plenty detectives and cops walking around this film. They offer advice to Hammer. He takes it. Look, pal, when detectives see fit to convey to you advice based upon their decades of experience, knowledge, and instinct forged in the crucible of streetwork, you graciously accept it and comply. Right? Am I right. You know I'm right. So quit contradicting me, already.

Now, a visual treat. The late Vonetta McGee in an early role. Yeah, you remember her as the mysterious repo secretary and double agent for the sinister Hermanos Rodriguez in 1984's 'repo man'. But here, she plays a great role as loyal mate to the protagonist, and a real beauty at that.

Saw "Hammer" over the weekend on THIS TV, so it likely will be airing again shortly.

Don't miss it, or else the detectives will have some questions to ask you. And you don't answer them right, Hammer might just wail the snot out of you.

So get straight. B.J. Hammer is the man.

Paul Vincent Zecchino Manasota Key, Florida 11 October, 2010

it's not Hammer time

[movieman_kev · 16 June 2004]

Fred Williamson is B.J. Hammer, a cool cat who gets involved in a shady boxing career in one of his lesser blacksploitation movies. Williamson fans will still like it though as it moves at a fairly fast pace. Also stars Marilyn Joi (here billed as Tracey King) in her first film role. I guess if i could sum it up, it would be servicable enough, but instantly forgetable like Chinese food.

My Grade:C-

Where I saw it: Showtime Extreme

Eye Candy: Nawana Davis (Mary/Breasts), Elizabeth Harding (Rhonda/full frontal), Marilyn Joi ("black magic" woman/breasts), Vonetta McGee (Lois/buns)

i guess this is, sort of, blaxploitation...

[KGB-Greece-Patras · 5 September 2003]

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