Pugno d'acciaio

I just got done watching this movie on Television with my 2 children a boy who is 5 and a girl who is 7, and feel it is a wonderful family movie. My children asked if we could buy it. I remembered watching this movie when it first came out. I was about 17 at the time, and I liked it then too. It is similar to Karate Kid, but I enjoy the twist of the kid daydreaming and overcoming is asthma. This movie sends a wonderful message to children: it shows them that having an illness doesn't mean they can't be "normal", it also teaches them how to gain control of their anger and channel it into something good, and like the Karate kid it shows that being a bully never pays off. Furthermore, it shows kids that it's "normal" to daydream and don't let others tease you and push you around because you are different; all it takes is a little hard work and determination and you can find something you are good at.

I had the pleasure of being a crowd scene extra during the filming of the tournament scenes. Some excellent martial arts technicians showed up to demonstrate their skills.

The movie has been compared to The Karate Kid, but it stands on its own legs. Good acting throughout and a good storyline. I got a kick out of the scenes filmed at Lamar High School - my alma mater.

This movie was just great! Jonathan Brandis was a great actor and will be sadly missed by all of his friends and fans... This movie was about an teenage boy with asthma always getting into trouble because of his vivid fantasies and daydreams of Chuck Norris teaming up with him to rescue his teacher. In order to help the boy (Jonathan Brandis) overcome his daydreaming and his asthma, his teacher's restaurant owning uncle takes the boy under his wing to teach him healing and strengthening techniques.He does so well that the uncle signs him into a martial arts competition.As a surprise, the mentor sees Chuck Norris at the competition and Chuck Norris introduces himself to the boy.In the end he teams up with his the boy to compete in the martial arts competition. A Great Film!

Joe however you spell his last name is funny. I mean real funny. I love the part where he plays these fantasy bad guys. The best part is where he makes a fool out of himself when he fights Chuck in a tournament. The other part I get a laugh out of is the biker and the hot Chinese soup. Well the rest, of it is a bit sappy, but oh well.

The great thing about this film, and yes it is indeed a great thing, is that it knows it is corny. It is well-cast, and it maintains a great sense of humor throughout the story. As far as Barry's dreams being too violent for a kid to be having, are you joking?!? Our society today is becoming so numb to violence,and often it film it is gratuitous. But in this film it's more slap stick humor than anything else. You can't compare this to any other Chuck Norris film. It is a genre all it's own. I saw this film as a kid and recently it was on Encore and I watched it again and had a great time. Taken for what it's worth, this film will make you do a happy dance.