Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: ``True'' story of the Kumite, a no-holds-barred illegal Hong Kong fighting game, with Van Damme as real-life Frank Dux, one of its champions.
Biased, pithy comments: For all its hype about being a true story, this reads like a very standard karate (or even ``Karate Kid'') movie, with passion for the fight, honor for the young champion's master, and the evil contestant that fights for the thrill of Ares without the honor (and, of course, cheats). Most of the first half of the movie, where Dux's character is developed, can be largely skipped---I've seen it once and found it like the salad course with an uninspiring dressing; edible, but not what you came for. During the last third of the movie at the Kumite the action takes off, with some really nice fight scenes between all the different contestants. It reminded me why I used to think Van Damme was pretty cool; here he has the grace of a ballet dancer combined with the power and intensity of a young Bruce Lee (inexperienced but lots of raw energy). With solid backup from Gibb (a standard in these sorts of films), a thinner Forest Whiaker and Mr. Yeung's impressive pectorals and excellent stunt acting, this movie deserves a spot in the archives of the fight-movie enthusiast. At the same time, the weak surrounding story, Ayres' emotionless performance, and the hackneyed plot drag it away from being among the best of the genre. So, if you're watching this on TBS, tune in at the end.
Other Notes: Follwed by two sequels, including one with Pat Morita! Yeung was in ``Enter the Dragon'' as well.
How many times I have seen it: x3
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Norman Burton, Forest Whitaker, Bolo Yeung.
Directed by: Newt Arnold