J.D.'s Revenge

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J.D.'s Revenge

R,

1976,

1h 35m,

Horror

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Watchlist

Watchlist

55%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

61%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Although notorious New Orleans gangster J.D. Walker (David McKnight) is shot and killed in the 1940s, his spirit remains restless for three decades, until a hypnotist's supernatural nightclub act allows him to take over the body of Isaac (Glynn Turman), a mild-mannered law student. After inhabiting Isaac, Walker decides to hunt down the Rev. Elijah Bliss (Louis Gossett Jr.), a former criminal who helped the authorities find and assassinate the mobster years ago.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Oct 23, 2004

2/4

Once we figure out this basic situation, we're on familiar ground; diabolical possessions are as commonplace in the movies these days as love scenes used to be. But J.D.'s Revenge adds a couple of twists.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Jan 1, 2000

As usual, blood flows freely and gratuitously, but you could do worse.

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Sharai Bohannon

Dread Central

Oct 28, 2025

3.5/5

This movie has amazing performances, a complicated and messy plot, and it also challenges viewers to unpack many interesting things. This is easily one of the Blaxploitation titles that should be reevaluated now that criticism is a little less biased.

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Steve Warren

The Barb (Atlanta)

May 9, 2023

The picture is standard blaxploitation fare, heavy on the blood, but Turman makes it worth seeing.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

Oct 8, 2021

2/5

Regardless of how crazy this film was, it draws you in and was very entertaining. There are some problematic elements in this but unfortunately it's par for the course in this genre.

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Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

Oct 8, 2021

2/5

There's some memorable scenes and performances that still stand out 40+ years later. The movie as a whole is a mess but it's so wild that it keeps you engaged throughout.

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Abraham G

Oct 13, 2018

One of the few blaxoplation films that could do with a remake; better special effects would make this story a lot more intense. Great story with great actors, just a lack of technology.

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Arthur Marks

Director

Glynn Turman

Isaac

Louis Gossett Jr.

Rev. Elija Bliss

Joan Pringle

Christella

Carl Crudup

Tony

Julian Christopher

Carl

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Synopsis

Although notorious New Orleans gangster J.D. Walker (David McKnight) is shot and killed in the 1940s, his spirit remains restless for three decades, until a hypnotist's supernatural nightclub act allows him to take over the body of Isaac (Glynn Turman), a mild-mannered law student. After inhabiting Isaac, Walker decides to hunt down the Rev. Elijah Bliss (Louis Gossett Jr.), a former criminal who helped the authorities find and assassinate the mobster years ago.

Director: Arthur Marks
Producer: Arthur Marks
Screenwriter: Jaison Starkes
Production Co: American International Pictures (AIP)
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 25, 1976, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2016
Runtime: 1h 35m

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