Immortal Combat

Overall, this movie wasn't that bad if you judge it for what it was: an action movie with a lot of fight scenes. Both Piper and Chiba were great in the fight scenes, and had the script been a bit better, the overall movie would have been fairly good. The problem was, too many scenes that were unneeded or outright stupid. For instance, the scene where Ms. Keeler is caught trespassing and Piper comes to her rescue was annoyingly badly written and unnecessary overall. The one surprising thing was the supporting acting was fairly good, with the exception of Deron McBee who needs to go back to American Gladiators. The acting by Piper was quite good, with the best example being at the beginning of the movie in the inital fight scene which was well choreographed, and quite comical with the addition of Chiba. Overall, I can't say it's one of the best movies ever made, but, as an action movie it's fairly good.

Roddy Piper and Sonny Chiba as buddy cops tracking down a murderous fight club in Mexico gets the good things right, but can't just keep that going all the way. The pacing after the first 15 minutes drops considerably, act 2 is lead at times when the main characters separate and the tone shifts over and over. Meg Foster hams it up considerably to great effect, while Lara Steinick does her best with a tourist with ulterior motives. Tiny Lister doesn't get quite enough to do, there's too many moving parts in general, but there are enough highs to keep you going until you get to a fun third act.

Some great fights and stunts, some interesting story beats too, and the leads are charismatic with a good rapport.

Immortal Combat (1994) was another direct-to-video film that starred former W.W.F. pro wrestling superstar Roddy Piper. He's the best of the wrestlers-turned-actors. Not a classic thespian mind you, but he's a charismatic guy who makes rubbish worth watching. The movie also marks the U.S. movie return of Sonny Chiba. He hasn't lost a step and the two action stars make a likable duo.

The story isn't that great and the direction is flat out tedious. But the natural charm of the two stars somehow make this run-of-the-mill action film a fun watch. Saturday night, nothing to do? If this movie comes on the tube sit back and relax. Please, take it for what it's worth.

Recommended.

This movie is really rotten, but I think it's worth watching to see Sonny Chiba run up a tree, do a back flip and then kick the guy chasing him. See if you can do that when you turn 55. Also Roddy Piper is a lot better performer than your average wrestler turned actor. He'll never earn an oscar.....or a critical acclaim, but his acting is better than many of the top name action stars.

'Immortal Combat' aka 'Resort To Kill' has all the sights, sounds and feels of a dtv 90's action flick. Capable b-movie leads in pro wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper and 70's martial arts star Sonny Chiba. Plus notable supporting faces & a fun but stupid story that turns boring, convoluted in a heartbeat. Question becomes are the good elements enough to make the rest worth it. The answer is ... not really.

Cop John Keller (Piper) explains the circumstances under which he & partner JJ (Chiba) were at a private party that resulted in the death of a fellow cop. A serial killer (Deron McBee) is on the loose and the owner of a chemical company Quinn (Meg Foster) is behind him. She's created a compound that allows people to be brought back from the dead and has built an army of beefy fighters to do her bidding. Now they must shut 'em down.

Think 'Universal Soldier' or 'Dead Heat' mixed with 'The Most Dangerous Game' and pad it with tropes of low budget flicks. Ninjas & fighting tourneys. The setup is decent, but believe me and everyone else who says things take a progressive dive off a cliff soon after. There's a one note reporter slash love interest (no nudity), a helpful foreigner and some seriously daft pacing issues.

Piper makes for a likable guy and has real chemistry with Chiba. The latter though is saddled with a downright weird subplot involving his stepdaughter. Foster makes for a chewy villain and allows the former 'They Live' stars to share the screen again. Between Piper firing guns, smashing people and Chiba going full blown ninja (at the end) there's some smiles. McBee conducts a masterclass in overacting, grunting and relishing one note dialog, killing folks.

It's cheese thru and thru complete with squibs & blood work plus a few laughs. If you're fond of dtv action or subscribe to the notion that bad movies can be a fun time there's some merit. It's not the best thing I've seen the late Piper in and the start is certainly stronger than the finish. A few small fixes and it might have been a different story.