Karate Tiger 9

SUPERFIGHTS (***** out of *****)

In the history of martial arts cinema, there have been repeating symbols and themes. This is THE movie that employs these symbols and themes to perfection. The fights are stunningly choreographed, and the story compelling.

Many a person has said that this movie resembles The Karate Kid on steroids, but that is a most unfair comment. Superfights is about Jack Cody's growth as a human being.

Do yourself a favor, and SEE IT. RIGHT NOW.

Also Recommended: Bloodmoon

Not Recommended: The Karate Kid, Tigerheart

Tony Leung along with Steve Wang (DRIVE, THE GUYVER II: DARK HERO) are responsible for some of the best direct to video martial arts films since Jackie Chan earlier films began to be released theatrically. SUPERFIGHTS is Tony Leung's American directorial debut followed by the stunning BLOODMOON. If you can excuse the storyline implausibility and Hong Kong-esque ridiculousness (e.g. the running sequence probably intended as a homage to ROCKY with everyone and I do mean everyone acknowledging our hero) then sit back and enjoy the ride martial arts fans because will make you giddy with adrenaline. Newcomer Brandon Gaines plays self trained martial artist Jack Cody, a dead end box boy aspiring to join the SUPERFIGHTERS. SUPERFIGHTS is a pro wrestling type entertainment company promoted by corrupt businessman and martial artist Robert Sawyer (Keith Vitali) whose illicit activities go far beyond that of the training room and fighting ring. Serendipity occurs for Jack one night when his heroics in saving an innocent girl by the name of Sally from a robbery is caught on tape turning him into a hero overnight. His skills also catch the eye of promoter Robert Saywer who makes him an offer he can't refuse. In becoming a superfighter, Jack eventually uncovers the true nature of the business forcing him to take a stand against Mr. Saywer and his army of drug enhanced, mind altered warriors. With the aid of Sally and her tai chi master grandfather, Jack Cody does just that and the results are spectacular. While the in-ring fighting choreography is commendable, the outside fights are dizzying. Brandon Gaines agility is a feast for the eyes along with female trainer Angel's physical prowess. Also worth mentioning are performances by UFC veteran Keith Hackney and ECW regular ROB VAN DAM (also seen in BLOODMOON). Make no mistake about it, Tony Leung can choreograph a fight sequence. I sure hope SEASONAL FILMS has this guy on a multi-film contract.

Have you seen the No Retreat, No Surrender movies and their unofficial sequels? This movie follows in the same tracks. If you enjoyed the former, you will like this. The thing about this is that it's even less serious than the other similar movies, something one didn't think was possible. It' film making at it's very worst (unprofessional, amateurish and extremely goofy) combined with martial arts action at it's very best (or at least close to it). The combination is great really, you shift back and forth from laughing out loud about how bad it is, to actually enjoying and admiring the cool fight scenes. A weird movie that I'll recommend if you enjoy martial arts flicks.

I studied under Master Cliff Lenderman who played one of the major roles in the movie. As a student of his at the time of the release, I was able to attend the local premier showing.

If you like all out, non-stop, fight action, with some incredibly talented fighters, you need to see this movie. If you like a good, solid story line, with plenty of human interest and a good old fashioned, boy-meets-girl story, you also need to see this movie.

I gave it three thumbs up!

Seasonal Films have a reputation of brining newcomers to films and the film makes the star look good. Take SUPERFIGHTS. Karate expert Brandon Gaines makes his film debut and in the beginning alone, he is impressive with his leg hopping a la Tan Tao-Liang. The plot is somewhat what you would hear about the pro wrestling circuit, but it is up to Gaines to solve it his way. Forget the plot and concentrate on the action sequences as they were magnificent. I give SUPERFIGHTS a 8 out of 10.