Trio mortale

With this once-in-a-lifetime cast (reuniting the four greatest blaxploitation stars of the early seventies), this picture should be more fun than it is. Someone seems to have drained the life out of these performers; Jim Brown, in particular, comes off very badly (judging only from this movie, you'd come to the conclusion that he can't act). The film is also poorly structured, keeping the stars away from each other (and from any enjoyable interaction) for laaaaarge periods of time. And Williamson must have really had it in for Jim Kelly; he barely gives him 1/5 of the screen time devoted to the other leads, and he features him in only two brief fight scenes (he even loses in one of them!). Cool score, though. (*1/2)

One Down, Two to Go (1982) is a movie I recently rewatched on Tubi for the first time in a long time. The storyline follows two police officers whose friend is shot and beat after he discovers a fixed fight tournament. The two cops track him down and also uncover who is behind the fixed fight tournament. Can they crack the case in time to save their friend? This movie is directed by and stars Fred Williamson (The Big Score) and also stars Jim Brown (Dirty Dozen), Jim Kelly (Enter the Dragon), Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Tom Signorelli (Sleepers). The storyline for this is a bit cliché but fun to watch unfold. I really loved the fights and shootouts, even if at times they're a bit clunky and awkward. The acting and charisma by Williamson, Roundtree, Kelly and Brown are all on display in their unique and entertaining way. Overall this isn't the best blaxploitation film from the 70s but it is worth a viewing. I would score this a solid 6/10.

This film begins in New York with a prize of $400,000 being promised to the winner of a competition between a martial arts dojo from California against one from New York. Although the organizer of the event, "Frank Rossi" (Peter Dane) has secretly colluded with a local mobster named "Gabe Mario" (Tom Signorelli) to fix the fight, they are thwarted in their effort when the California dojo manages to prevail against the odds. Not only that, but while the main fight is taking place, Rossi becomes alarmed to discover that the sensei of the California dojo "Chuck Wells" (Jim Kelly) has found out what is going on. So to remedy that problem he sends some thugs to make sure he doesn't tell anyone. One thing leads to another and Chuck ends up being shot. Not long afterward, his good friend "Ralph Dart" (Richard Roundtree) becomes concerned about his absence and takes it upon himself to not only find Chuck but also tries to collect the prize money as well. However, after being severely beaten up for his efforts, he sends for two friends from Los Angeles known simply as "Cal" (Fred Williamson) and "J" (Jim Brown) to help him out-and they are more than willing to take on anybody who gets in their way. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film seemed to rely more on the "star power" of the four main actors than anything else. As a result, the plot seemed to be a secondary consideration. To that effect, unless the viewer is in awe of the cast, there really wasn't much to be impressed about and I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Ralph (Richard Roundtree) and Chuck (Jim Kelly) are two kung fu champions who have set up a tournament to see who is the best.However,they've encountered a problem in the shape of the mob,who are putting pressure on them to rig their tournament.When they instinctively offer resistance,they find themselves the subject of an attack and find themselves relying on pals Cal (Fred Williamson) and J (Jim Brown) to stand up to them and offer retribution.

Throughout the 70s and into the early 80s,the 'blaxploitation' movie was a big thing and enjoyed a huge following as it did it's thing and played a huge part in bringing black culture into mainstream cinema.Two of it's most iconic figures,Jim Kelly,the unforgettable Williams in Enter the Dragon and Shaft himself Richard Roundtree,who added much to the action element of this movement with their baaaad-asssss attitude and hard personas,enjoy prominent billing in this one,but each have only supporting roles and very limited screen-time.

As it is,this movie is carried by two other black players,Jim Brown and Fred Williamson,fairly charismatic guys with a fairly effective rapport and presence between them.

The main problem with the film is the story.It is simplistic as hell and churns on at a robotic pace as the movie rolls on and on.Aside from being one of the lead stars,Williamson also administers directorial duties here and sort of allows his own pet project to meander along at his own comfortable,slumberous pace.The film is simply okay but so nothing special from any other of it's ilk.

Overall,this is,for the most part,a robotic and plodding entry into it's genre.However,if you want to watch a fair bit of 'black attitude' and style,a cool,funky soundtrack,not to mention some okay martial arts here-and-there,this might just fill a hole in your stomach.***

This movie looked like it would be pretty good. I read somewhere that Fred Williamson was part of the 'blaxploitation' genre, but the cast looked good. The movie didn't, though it wasn't terrible. I suppose given the subject matter--karate fighting in a boxing-type ring, with the fights fixed and partners stealing from each other, and killing to prevent their scheme from being found out--it was not a particularly violent movie, but it was more violent than I cared for. I did get the impression that Richard Roundtree, Jim Brown and Fred Williamson gave better performances than the white actors. And given the fact that Williamson directed and was a producer, surely black people would be presented with some dignity. I guess they were, but I couldn't avoid thinking I was seeing my first 'blaxploitation' film. Still, I had to enjoy watching Roundtree's character (or was it Williamson's? I couldn't remember which was which) act tough toward those who weren't being honest with him. I guess it wasn't really so bad, but I wouldn't make a habit of watching other movies like it.