Prismark10 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.

MartinHafer 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.

kitie7 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

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