Superfights

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 found this video in a bargain bin for $1. That's about the real value of it. I only bought it because I wanted to see Keith Hackney, a former UFC fighter, try his hand at acting. His role is so small that he isn't given much of a chance to fail. Lucky for him because the others fail miserably. This movie is even worse than Ken Shamrock's 'Champions' if that means anything to you. The fights scenes are flashy but embarrassingly bad. They have some young guy wearing a long white wig and beard pretending to be an old Chinese Martial Arts master and it's hilarious.

I first watched this movie in the late 90's because one of the stars, Cliff Lenderman as "No Mercy Budokai", was my martial arts instructor. After watching it I immediately bought a copy. It is downright hilarious! I don't think the movie is supposed to be a comedy but it is seriously funny. The movie has some good fight scenes and the star is quite skilled at martial arts. Overall it's a decent movie despite the bad acting. The acting isn't so bad that it makes it painful to watch though. It has some good action, some hilarious and highly quotable lines, and it makes me laugh till I'm in tears. All my friends and family enjoyed this movie and we've watched it more than once. It does have a B-movie style and seems 1980's but it's definitely worth watching. One of the funniest martial arts movies I've seen, at least out of the ones that aren't supposed to be funny!

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.