BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Kamila Bell This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Scott LeBrun The first starring vehicle for martial artist Jeff Speakman is overall a very routine affair, utilizing a tried-and-true theme of vengeance for its story. The good thing is that the action is effective, with Speakman delivering the goods in a great many fight scenes. He may be a little bland in terms of personality and acting talent, but as we can see here he is definitely very good at what is known as Kenpo. (The movie is dedicated to the legendary Ed Parker and the "spirit of Kenpo".) Director Mark DiSalle ("Kickboxer") does a decent job, telling a tight little story that clocks in at a respectable 85 minute run time. A supporting cast full of familiar faces also helps matters a lot.Speakman plays a guy named Jeff, a loner estranged from his family who decides to give his old mentor and friend Kim (Mako) a call. Unfortunately, Kim is currently being harassed by meanies representing the Korean mob. When Kim is murdered, Jeff's ripe for revenge, although he will have to deal with the presence of his younger brother Adam (John Dye), who's now a police detective.You do know you're in for some fun with a group of actors that includes James Hong, Beau Starr, Professor Toru Tanaka, Clyde Kusatsu, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Hong is great as always and the massive Professor, one of the most recognizable faces in the whole action genre, is typically amusing as a muscle man. Dante Basco is engaging as live wire kid Jimmy Ho, but if you're watching this because you learned that future 'Law & Order' actress Mariska Hargitay is in it, be warned that while she does *look* great, she basically has nothing to do. Mako is endearing for the duration of his role.The big finish is naturally the best part, with Jeff going one on one against the Professor.Good entertainment overall.Seven out of 10.

gwnightscream Jeff Speakman, John Dye, Mako, Toru "Professor" Tanaka and James Hong star in this 1991 action film. Jeff Sanders (Speakman) is a martial artist/drifter who returns home to visit his long-time family friend and mentor, Kim (Mako). He learns that Kim is threatened daily by the Korean mafia and is soon murdered by the syndicate's right-hand assassin, Tanaka (Tanaka). Jeff seeks revenge reuniting with his brother, Adam (Dye) who's a cop to catch Kim's killer and find the man responsible. Jeff soon meets Yung (Hong) who claims to be a friend of Kim, but is really the man who ordered his death. Jeff must choose between abiding by the law or his own code of honor when facing both men in a final showdown. I've always liked this film and Speakman is good in it. I recommend this good action flick.

almostmetal ..But that's not to say the movie is all-around great. It's a very typical low-budget action flick. The story is pretty cookie-cutter as far as action movies go. It isn't Shakespeare believe me. And the acting is substandard at best. But Jeff Speakman to his enormous credit is a very accomplished martial artist. And having studied Kenpo for many years I can safely say that it's one of the most faithful films to capture the art. And what is even more impressive is the way the film portrays how Kenpo works when compared to different styles (like Tae Kwon Do).So despite some minor inadequacies it's pretty awesome in many other respects. So for that I give it major credit. And to be honest it's a fun, feel good flick. I would recommend it to any martial arts fan. It's a good time.

Segal is Past His Prime Another great, B level action film. Speakman is a great martial artist. He can really rip up a group of Koreans in a club or on their own turf at their gyms. He uses a lot of punches which I like cause after a while guys look pretty silly flipping through the air with gravity defying kicks that level small country sides. It had a few plot twists which is rare for the caliber of movie it was, a deep history that needed resolution and a club scene with exotic Asians. Who could ask for more? Well OK maybe you could, but still this movie is pretty sweet. Especially when they bring in Tanaka, that really big guy that seems to dip his hand in every little karate or bond movie to come around his olfactory senses. The ending was a bit anti-climactic but Ill let you decide that.