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.
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.