A 20th Century Fox release, presented by the Movie Group. Produced by Peter E. Strauss, Phillip Rhee. Executive producers, Frank Giustra, Strauss. Directed by Robert Radler. Screenplay, Max Strom, John Allen Nelson, based on characters created by Paul Levine.
Alex Grady - Eric Roberts
Tommy Lee - Phillip Rhee
Travis Brickley - Christopher Penn
Walter Grady - Edan Gross
Brakus - Ralph Moeller
Sue - Meg Foster
James - Sonny Landham
Weldon - Wayne Newton
Grandma - Betty Carvalho
Dae Han - Simon Rhee
Greta - Claire Stansfield
A corny, below-standard martial arts pic, this sequel will barely keep Fox staffers busy for a couple of weeks. Lacking marquee bait or excitement, it's strictly for ancillary markets.
Pic is unusual as a major distrib release of a sequel to an indie pic. The first edition was a 1989 Taurus Entertainment release that did so-so at the B.O. It at least had a point, limning the heroic adventures of the national karate team.
Sequel is merely a vanity film showcasing the martial arts skills of producer Phillip Rhee. He and pal Eric Roberts operate a karate school in Las Vegas but shift into vengeance mode when their third partner, Chris Penn, is murdered in an illegal gladiatorial match held at the Coliseum, heavy Ralph Moeller's secret nightspot.
With Roberts' young son Edan Gross in tow, the deadly dull duo hide out from the gun-wielding heavies at an American Indian ranch owned by the crusty woman who raised Rhee. Her son, Sonny Landham, has become a drunk after having been whupped by Moeller and agrees to train our heroes. Of course, Landham is murdered by Moeller's henchmen to increase the avenging spirit.
Pic takes forever to get to what the fans paid for: Some OK prelim bouts in the final reel in which Rhee struts his stuff. Finale is an anticlimactic match pitting him against Moeller in what plays more like wrestling than martial arts.
Unlike the original, film has an unfortunate vigilante mentality with no police or authorities ever appearing. Instead, Rhee violates the good guy rule and kills Moeller ruthlessly to finish the pic.
Film looks and plays like a drive-in picture of 20 years ago, only less fun. Rhee obviously is a pro but lacks personality to be a screen hero, while Roberts is fairly embarrassing in a role that's many steps down from his promising early career assignments. Penn is miscast as a supposed champion who's apparently never heard the word conditioning.
Shameless imitation of the "Rocky" formula dwells on "Rocky IV," with Moeller a poor imitation of the Aryan superman personified by Dolph Lundgren. Most annoying element is Wayne Newton as the fight emcee, played loathsomely and repetitively.
Camera (Deluxe color), Fred Tammes; editor, Bert Lovitt; music, David Michael Frank; sound (Dolby), Kim Ornitz; production design, Gary Frutkoff; production manager, Steve Brown; second unit camera, Jerry Watson; stunt coordinator, Simon Rhee; co-producers, Marlon Staggs, Deborah Scott; casting, Eliza Rayfiel, Maureen A. Arata. Reviewed at Manhattan 2 theater, N.Y., March 5, 1993. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 100 min.
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Date in print: Tue., Mar. 9, 1993