This serviceable action flick from karate man Norris has a better plot than usual for his films, once which draws in politics and hidden agendas and a government conspiracy going right to the top. This makes a refreshing change from the typical "gang of bad guys" out hunting the heroes in these kind of films, but sadly there is also a drawback with this movie: it's one of the most action-free action movies out there. There are only three or four major action scenes in this movie, ones which are quite well done, it has to be said, but the majority of the film consists of talking or people going from location to location in search of the truth.The slightly-above-average running time for a Norris flick also drags this film down, too, although it just avoids becoming too boring thanks to a number of supporting characters and a range of locations, from a car racing track to snowy ski slopes. The cast is also pretty good too. Norris here is very young-looking and has odd blond hair; however he is as wooden as ever and has no cause to do any kind of acting aside from the straight-laced hard man routine of most of his films. Archer makes for a forthright love interest, while Lloyd Haynes seems to be left over from the blaxploitation days and his role is a good supporting one. The chief villain is a miscast James Franciscus who fails to be threatening or scary. Also a surprise is the appearance of an aged Dana Andrews in a minor supporting role, and he puts in another fun turn.The action scenes, when they do come, are stylish yet brief. A highlight sees Norris kicking a baddie off his motorbike as he drives past, a trick which John Woo would later steal for the Van Damme epic HARD TARGET. There are a couple of shoot-outs and some fun martial arts fights, but one scene in particular stays in the mind long after the credits have run. This jaw-dropping moment sees Norris leap feet-first into the windscreen of an oncoming car, thus crushing the driver inside and saving himself. It may be far-fetched but it makes for great cinema. While not a great film at all, GOOD GUYS WEAR BLACK is entertainment that passes the time and is pretty good for a Norris flick.

Only Chuck Norris could overcome the horrible dialogue and his own stunning lack of acting ability to make this film entertaining. I loved this movie, proving love is blind, deaf and not necessarily based on logic or good judgement. And please.... Will somebody tell me why Jim Backus made an appearance? Was it really necessary to put him in that ridiculous doorman's outfit? Chuck's facial expressions were worth the 99 cents I spent to rent Good Guys Wear Black. He tries so hard to convince the audience he is really an actor, and I believe such effort is admirable despite the abysmal results. His fight scenes are almost identical to the dozens of fight scenes he's filmed over the past thirty years, yet somehow it looks cooler in 1977 clothing.

It might not have been Norris' breakout film, but he was on its way and a good stepping stone for things to come. Well he had appeared in a few films before hand, but not so much as a leading role and this was an attempt to create a new Bruce Lee for the American market. It's quite a routine vehicle for Norris, which while captivating it never truly capitalizes on the martial art skills that he bestows. Sure he gets time to hand out a beating or two, but in the end there's just not enough to go around. Most of the time Norris as ex-commando John T. Booker is racing around the clock trying to figure out a political conspiracy involving the extermination of his special-op team the "Black Tigers", and then maybe … that's when angry or tested he decides to beat the pulp out of someone. Sadly when that happens the sock 'em activity doesn't last all that long… by building up a punishing rhythm to only be over in a matter of seconds. Might be impressive to watch when in action (although the camera at times gets a little too close not allowing the space), but you feel short-changed hoping for more or at least some competition. The material could've seen any actor take the lead role, as it seems to ask more from as an establish actor, but then we probably wouldn't have seen the trademark stunt of Norris' stirring jump-kick through car windshield. This one sequence alone (along with a three on one car park showdown) shows what he could bring to the table.So far I guess it sounds like I didn't get much from it, but that's not particularly true. What surprised more than anything was that his earlier features had somewhat heavily written plots, despite the forced dialogues. "Good Guys Wear Black" had quite a pessimistically knotty narrative; where it builds upon the mystery and strangely it's devious plotting of political corruption and lingering suspicion of things are not quite what they seem was compellingly fleshed out. Also the ending has nice touch of irony to it. Norris continuing to hand out justice… Norris justice.Ted Post (who helm Eastwood in "Hang 'Em High" and "Magnum Force") has a competent steadiness to his serviceable direction, but does lack the flair and excitement in the favour of grinding out the tough dramatics and lean action caught behind raw, but scenic locations. This is obvious, and it does seem to hold Norris back. He tries his best, but while his delivery might not always be the greatest (acting that is) he does have likability and certain charisma (not just the golden-blonde hair and moustache) that eventually shines through. The rest of performances do fair up a lot better. Anne Archer is bitingly good across Norris and James Franciscus likewise with his smarmy portrayal. Lloyd Haynes and Dana Andrews chime in with solid offerings. Jim Backus has a neat cameo too. Craig Safan's distinguishable jazz score crackles along.Simply middle ground, as Norris would go onto better things.

1st watched 3/31/2001 - 3 out of 10 (Dir-Ted Post): Dull badly acted 90 minute early attempt at Chuck Norris trying to start a movie career. Believe it or not it continued for quite some time. Many mistakes were made in this movie(starting with why it was made in the 1st place.) It turns into a mystery that keeps your interest until the final supposed heart-felt Norris monologue that lasts too long and shows his inability to do what he was called to do(act.) Too bad he didn't start in Television first.