FlyBoyDC

There are two sides to every war. There are the chivalrous heroes and the treacherous villains. The honorable heroes include Burt Roth (the late Lee Van Cleef), and his sons, Vietnam Vets Jim (David Carradine), Tommy (Brent Huff), and Private Eye Clay Roth (David Goss). This close-knit family will either go down fighting or stand together in victory.

Now, meet the worthy adversaries. The ringleader is Akira Tanaka (Mako), the insidious mob boss who controls the Japanese Yakuza in Los Angeles. This antagonist gives new meaning to the word "evil." Then, there is F.C. (Michael Berryman, star of THE HILLS HAVE EYES), a gigantic bodyguard who is seemingly unstoppable. When this guy gives you a fortune cookie, be afraid...be very afraid. Get ready to panic, for that is just a sign of heinous things to come...

The setting is the mean streets of Los Angeles's Chinatown. The object of affection is a priceless Jade statue. The Yakuza has intended to use this statue as a "gift" of reconciliation aimed towards the Chinese mob. However, after murdering one of his own perfidious men, Tanaka realizes that the statue is in the hands of someone else. Tanaka wants this Jade statue back...and he is willing to torture any soul just to obtain that prized possession...

The Roth family realizes that after one of their own kin unwittingly clutches the Jade statue in his hands, Tanaka is targeting them for termination. They have no choice. The Roth family has only one option: WAR. The forces of good and evil will clash in a fists-and-firepower battle. The Roth family is prepared...for an ARMED RESPONSE...

One of the best characteristics of ARMED RESPONSE is its all-star cast. With favorites including David Carradine, Lee Van Cleef, Mako, Michael Berryman, et. al., ARMED RESPONSE is armed with a terrific cast. The cast is glooming with talented character actors and actresses. Both David Carradine and Lee Van Cleef are capable as a father-and-son fighting duo who are bonded by courage, strength, and honor. Carradine may not portray the most poignant Vietnam Veteran, but at least his character still has intermittent flashbacks of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Mako is great as the sadistically evil bad guy who is a master of torture! He may be an intelligent nemesis, but sadism is his true forte. Ross Hagen is cool as a back-stabbing con artist who is posing as a detective. This guy is only interested in making a profit. Laurene Landon (MANIAC COP) and Dick Miller (GREMLINS) are amusing as a couple of thieves who are also weapons experts, mind you. Michael Berryman plays it straight as Tanaka's right-hand henchman. ARMED RESPONSE features some of the best exploitation veterans in this particular genre.

ARMED RESPONSE is not bad for a B-movie. For a mere budget of probably no more then a million dollars, this film features a lot of explosive car crashes and high caliber thrills. ARMED RESPONSE is reasonably fast-paced with a few expertly directed action scenes and stunts. Another redeeming factor is the film's fatuous sense of humor. In a way, ARMED RESPONSE satirizes on the action genre itself, poking fun at certain types of characters, behavioral characteristics, and character stereotypes. This film also benefits by having a few interesting one-liners...

Though ARMED RESPONSE is much better than some of the competition, it is still, nonetheless, a low budget film with its defects. Though the cast is excellent, the material and plot are very simplistic. This movie is nothing more then a simple tale of "heroes with a vengeance." There are a few twisted deviations, but those are nothing exceptional. If only the characters and story-line had more insight, then maybe this movie could have been an outstanding thriller. I also kind of resent the Asian stereotypes. Not since "Fu Manchu" has there been such a negative portrayal of Asians. "Here we go once again...the evil yellow man torturing the valiant white hero." That quote is a classic example of the villain pointing out the jingoistic attitudes of some Americans.

If you want to see an enjoyable B-movie, then look no further. Your search has ended here! This is one of Fred Olen Ray's first and foremost action films. ARMED RESPONSE is definitely worth a Saturday night rental. Granted, some people may detest this movie's blatant jingoism, but the overall permeating silliness of this movie makes you glad that it was made strictly for fun. This movie does not demand to be taken seriously at all!

Overall, the production values of ARMED RESPONSE are adequately adept, especially for a low budget film. This film is almost worth **1/2, but sadly, the film's ethic biases bring this film down a notch.

ARMED RESPONSE is an unrealized action flick that did not deserve to be ignored by critics. Though this movie may fall short of being an ambitious thriller, it works perfectly as a perfunctory, crowd-pleasing lunacy for action fans. ARMED RESPONSE may be junk food, but it is certainly delicious.

RATING: ** out of ****.

The "Coldfire" is a lethal new designer-drug with destructive capabilities. Its origins are unknown...and its effects are irreversible. This drug promises the "ultimate high." However, what does the user acquire instead? The ultimate way to die...

The main purpose of the "Coldfire" drug is to help the enemy cripple the United States. This drug feeds on the decadence of society. The consequences are only too severe if this drug goes "mainstream." An epidemic is imminent if the use of this drug spreads everywhere...

It turns out that the culprit who designed the "Coldfire" drug is someone who plans to destroy America "internally" through corruption and consummate pandemonium. America needs a prayer...

Will the prayers be answered? Well, entering the scene are Nick (Kamar De Los Reyes), and Jake Edwards (Michael Easton), two young but audacious police officers. They may lack age, but they certainly have attitude. These Generation-X cops hope to show some of the veteran members of the police force a trick or to. These two officers will be working with a company of experienced pros including the seasoned Lars (Wings Hauser), and the short-tempered Dix (Asher Brauner). Their assignment is to track down who or what is responsible for the distribution of this virulent drug substance...

Frankly, the introductory sequence in COLDFIRE is simply hilarious. Basically, flashing lights begin illuminating while a guy is trapped inside a chamber. The guy gradually goes berserk...then he begins to bleed. Eventually, this guy decides to take the plunge. It was probably the most entertaining segment in the whole movie! If only we had more inspired moments like the beginning here in COLDFIRE, this movie could have at least clicked as an entertaining albeit no-nonsense thriller. Instead, COLDFIRE is a listless film, especially for one belonging to the action genre. COLDFIRE is yet another film that deals with the subject of drugs. It tries to insert some moral relevance. While this movie does have its noble intentions, for the most part, it is a slack movie. COLDFIRE seems intent on being preachy and indeed that could hold true. For the majority of this film, it is rather ponderous and tiresome as it tries to deliver its message to "stay cool and never lose faith." There is of course, the anti-drug message too (though it is rarely mentioned). COLDFIRE is a misfire.

The fact that COLDFIRE is boring is only one of my main concerns. Another flaw that really distracted me was this film's inanity. Sometimes, you have to wonder whether these characters in this movie actually think about whether their decisions will have substantial consequences or not. They always have a proclivity to behave so irrationally. For example, notice how most of the police officers always communicate with guns. It is quite scary how this movie portrays cops as either inept, reckless, or both. Some of these cops (such as Lars) can even be seen as "lazy." Also, the villains in this movie are inane. They too are excessively illogical. The worst character of all is the main villain. He has such an obnoxious voice! Now, do not get me started on the plot holes. They proliferate as much as the bullet wounds on certain characters. (I.e. You would think that the Police Department would have cared knowing that two of their own cops are declared missing in action). Finally, there are times when this film just seems to be a parody of itself...

Despite the problems galore that I found in this movie, I will consider this: The two leading cast members (Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton) are both proficient and promising. Although Wings Hauser (who is also the director) is top-billed, the spotlights belong to rising stars Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton. Though these two actors are tyros, they have already begun to show a lot of enthusiasm and alacrity for their roles. I am confident that these two guys will find success in show business. In addition, Darcy DeMoss (LIVING TO DIE) is a fine and gorgeous actress too. As for Wings Hauser, his role is, at best, a tenuous supporting character.

COLDFIRE is a tragedy. It could have been a low-budget but first-rate thriller. Instead, COLDFIRE is a contrived, ridiculously ludicrous film with haphazard characters, a conventional and predictable plot, and languid action scenes. Still, COLDFIRE does have its attributes. An ambitious premise somewhat compensates for a dearth of ingenuity. Also, Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton are capable performers. These two actors single-handedly save COLDFIRE from complete oblivion. Last, the denouncement is appropriately action-packed. It highlights the pinnacle of the whole movie... Unfortunately, most of this film's few attributes are overshadowed by its shortcomings.

I guess that my biggest complaint would be the fact that this film was so superficially made. It does not have enough depth to be considered a decent crime drama and there is little zest in this movie to help make this film truly exhilarating. If they could only quicken the pace, throw a curve ball for a plot twist, and perhaps add some excitement, COLDFIRE would have worked.

RATING: *1/2 out of ****.

The setting is in Vietnam, the year is 1969. Amid the explosive violence and the frenzied chaos, America begins to withdraw its troops from the Vietnam conflict. Two soldiers and long time buddies, Nick Parker (Rutger Hauer) and Frank Devereaux (Terry O'Quinn, star of THE STEPFATHER) are ready to go home. However, the mission of utmost importance to take down the enemy has been bestowed upon the two volunteers. As the heroes begin to take their toll, Parker succumbs to the fiasco in Vietnam. He fights with all his might...but the devastation is simply too much for any one man to handle...

Parker falls behind the rest of the troops. He inevitably is lost within the fiery situation... Without warning, Parker is blindsided by the enemy...and left for dead. Waking up several hours later, Parker realizes that he can no longer see...he is permanently blind.

He has no where to go. He cannot see the lurid horrors of his fallen comrades. Parker is lucky to be alive... Now, hell-bent on getting out of this nightmare and returning home...Parker must find a way to survive out in the jungles before the Vietcong arrive...

Seeking refuge in a small village, Parker is aided by friendly natives. He then learns the esoteric art of fighting without relying on what he observes. He learns the hard way that there is more to the scenario than what the eyes are allowed to witness. Without his ability to see, Parker must rely on his remaining senses to guide him out of dangerous perils. As he perfects his martial arts skills...Parker knows that he must return back to America in order to complete one last mission...

The action fast forwards twenty years later. This is when Parker is assigned to track down an old buddy of his from Vietnam. Little does he know that his old friend is in deep debt with the mob. As well, Frank Devereaux is now forced to create a new designer drug to be distributed into the streets...

Under duress, Frank must either accede to the mob's requests...or else suffer the unthinkable consequences. Meanwhile, Parker decides to take care of Devereaux's obstinate son (Brandon Call), taking him on a cross country trip to Reno, Nevada, where Frank Devereaux was last seen. The invidious mob, aware that there is a vigilante out there cleaning up their acts...decides to deploy vicious mobsters and rednecks in order to eradicate him...

BLIND FURY is a surprisingly serviceable action film. This flick is a fast paced and fun adventure with raging fury. What gives BLIND FURY merit though is its uncommon valor. Admittedly, it is kind of amazing how a vision-impaired person can be so proficient in martial arts. He certainly slices up the competition! Criminals ought to beware! He may as blind as a bat, but this swordsman has the reflexes of a jaguar, the sharp acuity of an owl, the ferocity of a lion, and the perspicacity of an eagle. His courage is as unlimited as his fighting ability. Yet, Parker can also be humble at the appropriate times.

BLIND FURY contains impressively choreographed fighting sequences and a great, tongue-in cheek sense of humor. There is plenty of violence in this film to appease action fans, but the stunts and action sequences are certainly directed with flair and verve. The way the hero perforates through the villains with his steel blade is eye-catching. The comical tones in BLIND FURY also remind the audience that this film, though full of bellicose characteristics, is good natured and harmless. The thrills in this film are abundant, and even if the violence in this film is a bit excessive, the tension and humor keep this film from straying towards sadism. Also, one of the best features is the climax, culminating to an earth shattering confrontation between the blind hero and one of the greatest ninja masters ever known...

Another interesting aspect in the story involves the humorous chemistry between Nick Parker and his friend's son. The two share a "love-hate" relationship. Although the boy may detest Parker for being overly attentive and pedantic, and Parker himself is annoyed by the boy's stubborn attitude, they both still care about each other like an uncle and nephew.

As for the villains, Randall 'Tex' Cobb (UNCOMMON VALOR) is a nice addition as a wonderfully sinister, antagonistic philistine. Sho Kosugi also performs a dazzling, show-stealing act. He happens to be a professional assassin with a vendetta against Parker.

Also, BLIND FURY is a nice revision of the ancient Japanese martial arts films. BLIND FURY captures the spirit of the "Zatoichi" movies (for which the premise of this motion picture is based on). For example, the imagery of the hero running through a cornfield evokes a reminiscence of the classic Japanese samurai films. The way this scenery was shot was haunting and surreal. That one moment was extremely well photographed. BLIND FURY is a nice tribute to such Japanese classics as the films of Akira Kurosawa or the movies featuring Toshio Mifune.

BLIND FURY is a commendable adventure with an unconventional hero. Exquisite sword-fighting, a great amount of dynamite action, a favorable lead, and an amusing albeit subtle sense of humor all add up to an enjoyable experience. BLIND FURY is definitely better than your typical action fanfare with plenty of chances to root for the good guys! BLIND FURY is cutting edge entertainment which is good natured fun. Overall, it is a smoothly crafted film.

RATING: **1/2 out of ****.