5 comments about Knock Off.

1. This movie is a dog, pure and simple. We ended up with two of these are the freebie give aways for the last few DVD players we bought. They can't sell it, so they're giving them away. Hide ...fast !



2. First saw this movie on HBO in the late '90's and as a connoisseur of "le bad cinema" I knew I'd found something special. My theory is that when a film is made there are roughly 3 million decision points, encompassing everything like dialog, blocking, acting, lighting, editing, make-up, etc.
   
   A near perfect film (like 'Saving Private Ryan') has made roughly 2.85 million of these decisions correctly, but if you look at this from the other side, then a wonderfully awful film like 'Knock Off' got about 2.85 million of these decisions wrong.
   
   That's what makes truly horrible films so good, you can't intentionally make a film like this (you couldn't consciously make that many decisions incorrect).
   
   So if you appreciate a movie with bad special effects, nonsensical plotting, a character who seems to die 3 different times but keeps coming back with no explanation at all, random zooms that convey no information or emotion...oh and a rickshaw race featuring a pair of imploding shoes, and of course the Laurence Olivier like acting of Jean-Claude Van Damme (he's just too van-damme good) then this is a movie for you.



3. I urge anyone who like Asian Cinema and/or Jean Claude Van Damme to watch this movie. Brilliant fast paced camera work topped with an epic quality makes this film a visual treat for fans of fast paced action films (especially those of Asian Cinema). This movie is so well balanced with the action, story and quirky moments and thrills that you'll be wanting more.
   Also I must mention that this movie is directed by Tsui Hark, so just buy this if you like his work (I do).
   This is one of those films that just leaves you feeling really good once it ends.



4. You gotta hand it to a guy who can make essentially the same entertaining movie over and over without shame, and then go so far as to title one of them "Knock Off". I give him big time credit for this. Unlike some people who go away from their comfort zone and core audience (talking to you Vin Diesel, ahem, Pacifier), Jean Claude Van Damme (JCVD) continuously knocks'em out.
   
   In this film, JCVD takes the lead of director Tsui Hark and provides a new glimpse into his repertoire. Not only can JCVD provide viewers with great action in a corny movie, he can also provide us with great Hong Kong style action in a corny movie. Is there no limit to this guy's talents? It actually is a small step away from his norm, as there is more of a Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon vibe with the gravity and physics defying movements, but it's still a fighting movie at heart.
   
   Essentially it's a story about Marcus Ray (JCVD), a guy whose specialty is selling knock off jeans. When he finds out that an evil villan has plans to plant puny explosives in the pants of patrons, Ray decides that enough is enough.
   
   Yeah, you read that right; a villian plans to take over the world via the knock off jean market. If that's not absurd enough, two somewhat respectable actors (Paul Sorvino & Lela Rochon) are involved in this B-flick, for what I suspect is a hefty check and an extra line on their IMDB page. Notice that Rob Schneider was not included in the "respectable actors" group, mostly because of the fact that he increases the moron-quotient in this move threefold.
   
   There are kicks and punches, great fights and great gun action, all sorts of lackeys getting hammered time and time again, and one guy even pulls a Lazarus and dies more than once. Oh, and JCVD does the splits.
   
   Great movie. Lots of fun.



5. This is my all time favorite in the Van Damme library. The first time I saw it in the theater I wasn't really into it. But it wasn't because the movie was poor. My tastes simply hadn't evolved to the point where I could truly appreciate what this film is (I'm serious).
   
   This is a great role for the man. Finally he gets to play against type and do a cocky, fun-loving, anti-hero. His character kinda makes me feel like this is what it would be like to hang with the guy in real life.
   
   Tsui Hark brings a new visual dynamic to a VD movie that wasn't there in previous VD films. Hark is so good that he makes me cool with Rob Schneider, whom I have never been able to stand with the exception of some SNL skits. That right there makes it solid.
   
   Hark also pushed Van Damme to expand into some more physical action, not just punching and kicking. You really only see him do this in Hard Target and Double Team (of course, a Woo film and another Hark film). HK director's know how to make the stars get physical outside the realm of just taking swings at other guys.
   
   VD is cool and confident in this role. He pushes his action in a much more physical and stylized direction. The story is a fun little journey with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. It's a good movie.
   
   If you think VD is just cheesy and you've never liked him, this probably won't change your mind. If you're on the fence or are a fan, this is one of his best (my personal favorite). But it's VD with a HK sensibility and style here. My guess is that this will appeal more to VD fans than to HK action buffs. Some HK fanboys will call this film sacrilege. It really is the kind of movie that only a small handful of people will really enjoy. Despite being filmed in asia and having and all asian crew, VD keeps it from being a true HK film. He is still an American actor with a Tae Kwon Do background. So not much wire work or gymnastic kung fu. But it's the best you'll see him and that's more than enough for me.
   
   It's got more life and charisma than some of his stale US projects where his characters were more or less the same guy (except Street Fighter, but we don't talk about that). This is far more unique and fresh. The real question is-are you sophisticated enough to truly appreciate the genius that is this film? That is the true challenge.

No comments about Wake of Death.

5 comments about Double Team.

1. NOW I COULD EASYLY SAY THIS WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE GRATEST MOVE EVER MADE IN THE WORLD THAT IS SO FOR SHORE & THAT IS PUTTING IT LIGHTLY



2. the only good part of this movie is mickey rourke he is great in it.



3. Double Team is one of those films that had more bashing than there are actual viewers of the film.
   The film, starring actionstar Jean-Claude van Damme and basketbal pro Dennis Rodman, is directed by Hong Kong FilmLegend Tsui Hark. Even though the film has had so many negative words, it is stil a pretty fun ride to experience. I myself also had mixed feelings when seeying it for the first time, but that changed with a second viewing.
   
   The first things that comes to mind when watching the film is that it stars two men who aren't known for topnotch acting. Van Damme is good on action but is most of the time considered average with his acting skills. In Double Team this is no difference: his acting is ok but not great. But when it comes to action, he is on the right spot.
   Then there is Dennis Rodman, a probasketball player next to Van Damme. Now he is clearly not a born actor and this shows. Still, his attitide and one-liners are enjoyable and him teaming up with Van Damme is all part of the fun. Seeying them annoy each other and both (Yes, also Rodman) kicking around bad guys is, admit it, an ok way to kill some time. Rodman also plays around with his reallife basketball image, all good fun.
   
   Then we have the story: Easy and pretty Cheesy.
   But hey, there are hunderds of films with this kind of plot. But even though it is cliche sometimes, who cares, it works and entertains fine doesn't it? The same is with this film: just put your mind and zero and simply enjoy.
   
   Tsui Hark is known for his actionpacked Hong Kong films and shows his talent with this American film. The way the action is filmed and edited is sometimes true Hong Kong action cinema style. The action is therefor well shot and on a good level. Some good fighting, big explosions and running around.
   
   So, don't think to hard when watching this film, sit back and just let it entertain you. Cause even though the characters haven't got that much backround written for them, the story isn't difficult or highly original, it still has some fun aspects that actionfans can enjoy.



4. A group of drunken, coke-obsessed urangutangs would have made a better cast then these phelonious hams. My unborn child has felt the pain that this movie inflicted on humanity as a whole. I would rather see my family brutally tortured then hit by 2 oncoming trains simulataneously whilst being molested by Moroccan circus freaks then watch this film. Special not to the creators: I hope you lose your eye-sight in a freak mountain climbing accident involving a billy-goat and a snail...you would think this is the end of the review...but oh no...we've only just begun. You will pay dearly for this crime against humanity. You and only you are to blame for all that is wrong and evil in this world. I wanted to beat Jean Claud Van Damme with a stale baguette and throw Dennis Rodman's limp,lifeless body against a wall then through a flaming basketball hoop when I saw this movie. The meteor in Armageddon made me feel better then watching these two proverbial "actors" walk aimlessly through this maniacal tyrade of a film...OK...I'm done.



5. Why? Van Damme has soooooo many good movies and this is the third one they decide to put in HD? Uhh..Universal Soldier, Cyborg, Death Warrant, Kickboxer, Hard Target, The Quest, Double Impact, In Hell, Wake of Death and of course BLOODSPORT! Come on now! I mean, sure, I'll buy this one only because I have every one of his movies on DVD and hope they release them all again in HD, but damn. I was really hoping for a better release :(
   
   I give this 1 star..

5 comments about Kickboxer:The Fighter the Winner.

1. This has always been a favorite movie of mine. I was disappointed that I had picked a movie that was the wrong region. I put it in one DVD and it came up wrong region. Then I put it in another DVD player and beauty away it went. The picture quality was exellent. Like I said before one of my favourite Van Damme movies and there where no hic ups with the recording.
   Thanks Amazon you came through for me again when I couldn't find it in the shops here in Australia.Kickboxer



2. Excellent martial arts movies a bit corney but my girlfriend loved van damme body. guess i got my work cut out for me.



3. On the heels of Bloodsport and the weird sci-fi flick Cyborg came Kickboxer. Here, Jean Claude Van Damne plays Kurt Sloane, the manager and younger brother of kickboxing champion Eric Sloane (played by real-life fighter Dennis Alexio).
   
   While fighting a Thai fighter named Tong Po, Eric gets injured and Kurt vows revenge on him. To this end, he meets a former fighter named Xian Chow and falls in love with his niece Miley.
   
   While much of the film is corny/cheesy but there are some funny parts too. The most funny (to me) is when Xian gets Kurt (Van Damne) drunk in a bar, has him dance (which is one of the funniest things that I have ever seen) and then fight some guys in that bar! Its priceless!
   
   Also, some of the training made me cringe, especially when he made him kick the tree with his injured shin! My friends thought when he did get the tree down and fell to the ground, that was the funniest thing! Even I chuckled a bit because basically he was trying to show Xian he wasn't weak! That's what "machismo" will get you!
   
   Overall, not a bad film!



4. The Jean Claude Van Damme Review Matrix (JCVD-RM)
   
   1.Who is he? Kurt Sloane, hapless corner man for his brother Eric Sloan, hapless kickboxer
   2.Which family member/friend must be avenged? His brother gets pummeled into a paraplegic, and his new girlfriend gets raped...both by the same guy
   3.Does he take his shirt off? He's topless throughout nearly the entire movie.
   4.Does he have sex with a C-List actress? I'm not even sure if she's C-List, and I'm not totally sure JCVD got past first-base
   5.Is there a tournament? Yes, but JCVD makes it straight into the championship match.
   6.Is training needed for this tournament? Training constitutes the majority of this movie. He kicks a defenseless bamboo tree to somehow strengthen (and not fracture) his leg, and does calisthenics with a backdrop of historic ruins, screaming eagles, and warrior spirits. The majority of the training, however, well...
   7.Does he do the splits in training or in the tournament? Not only does he do the splits, but he's involved in some sort of sadomasochistic, palm tree pulley system of groin torture that goes beyond actual splits. Such an important concept to this movie, I think "The Splits" is listed as a co-star on the official DVD.
   8.Does he punch someone in the balls? No, but his heel goes Achilles tendon deep into Tong Po's colon - that's enough.
   9.Does he do a series of flying or 360 kicks? Only at every possible opportunity.
   10.Is his enemy unbeatable? Tong Po is not only unbeatable, but his shin bones have been surgically replaced with iron rods.
   11.Does he overcome an injury or other hindrance? Yes, his brother is held hostage by Tong Po's people, and Kurt is told to enter the fight without defending himself. On top of that, he learns mid-fight from Tong Po raped his girl.
   12.Does he win? Through sheer willpower, and the most telegraphed collection of blows in fighting history, he somehow prevails.
   
   This is the funniest of all JCVD movies. The stretching torture, the underwater kicking scene during training, the German Sheppard, the hokey choreography, the pointless jive-talking black guy, the absolutely hysterical lack of defense from Tong Po during the final battle, laughable acting, and a genius dancing scene reminiscent of his appearance in Breakin' all make for a gem. If you like JCVD, cheesy martial arts movies, or a good night of MST3K, pick this one up for an entertaining night.



5. Kickboxer figures as one of the most exciting and legendary martial films of a very young by then Van Damme.
   
   His elder brother travel to Thailand for defending the title, being the Western champion in this category. But what both ignore is what the will find in that arena. His brother will have to face a sadistic and ruthless fighter who will play dirty, leaving him crippled.
   
   This dramatic fact will make Van Damme encourages and trains with all the rigorousness and maxim discipline with a curious old master, an exotic and sympathetic shaman who will prepare him with wise lessons of life too.
   
   The arresting landscapes of Thailand conform an additional frame of reference, although the predictability of the script. Because the fact twenty years have elapsed it's time to set this entertained and dynamic film in its right place and bringing it back its status cult. It deserves it.
   
   Don't miss it!.

5 comments about Kickboxer (1989).

1. This has always been a favorite movie of mine. I was disappointed that I had picked a movie that was the wrong region. I put it in one DVD and it came up wrong region. Then I put it in another DVD player and beauty away it went. The picture quality was exellent. Like I said before one of my favourite Van Damme movies and there where no hic ups with the recording.
   Thanks Amazon you came through for me again when I couldn't find it in the shops here in Australia.Kickboxer



2. Excellent martial arts movies a bit corney but my girlfriend loved van damme body. guess i got my work cut out for me.



3. On the heels of Bloodsport and the weird sci-fi flick Cyborg came Kickboxer. Here, Jean Claude Van Damne plays Kurt Sloane, the manager and younger brother of kickboxing champion Eric Sloane (played by real-life fighter Dennis Alexio).
   
   While fighting a Thai fighter named Tong Po, Eric gets injured and Kurt vows revenge on him. To this end, he meets a former fighter named Xian Chow and falls in love with his niece Miley.
   
   While much of the film is corny/cheesy but there are some funny parts too. The most funny (to me) is when Xian gets Kurt (Van Damne) drunk in a bar, has him dance (which is one of the funniest things that I have ever seen) and then fight some guys in that bar! Its priceless!
   
   Also, some of the training made me cringe, especially when he made him kick the tree with his injured shin! My friends thought when he did get the tree down and fell to the ground, that was the funniest thing! Even I chuckled a bit because basically he was trying to show Xian he wasn't weak! That's what "machismo" will get you!
   
   Overall, not a bad film!



4. The Jean Claude Van Damme Review Matrix (JCVD-RM)
   
   1.Who is he? Kurt Sloane, hapless corner man for his brother Eric Sloan, hapless kickboxer
   2.Which family member/friend must be avenged? His brother gets pummeled into a paraplegic, and his new girlfriend gets raped...both by the same guy
   3.Does he take his shirt off? He's topless throughout nearly the entire movie.
   4.Does he have sex with a C-List actress? I'm not even sure if she's C-List, and I'm not totally sure JCVD got past first-base
   5.Is there a tournament? Yes, but JCVD makes it straight into the championship match.
   6.Is training needed for this tournament? Training constitutes the majority of this movie. He kicks a defenseless bamboo tree to somehow strengthen (and not fracture) his leg, and does calisthenics with a backdrop of historic ruins, screaming eagles, and warrior spirits. The majority of the training, however, well...
   7.Does he do the splits in training or in the tournament? Not only does he do the splits, but he's involved in some sort of sadomasochistic, palm tree pulley system of groin torture that goes beyond actual splits. Such an important concept to this movie, I think "The Splits" is listed as a co-star on the official DVD.
   8.Does he punch someone in the balls? No, but his heel goes Achilles tendon deep into Tong Po's colon - that's enough.
   9.Does he do a series of flying or 360 kicks? Only at every possible opportunity.
   10.Is his enemy unbeatable? Tong Po is not only unbeatable, but his shin bones have been surgically replaced with iron rods.
   11.Does he overcome an injury or other hindrance? Yes, his brother is held hostage by Tong Po's people, and Kurt is told to enter the fight without defending himself. On top of that, he learns mid-fight from Tong Po raped his girl.
   12.Does he win? Through sheer willpower, and the most telegraphed collection of blows in fighting history, he somehow prevails.
   
   This is the funniest of all JCVD movies. The stretching torture, the underwater kicking scene during training, the German Sheppard, the hokey choreography, the pointless jive-talking black guy, the absolutely hysterical lack of defense from Tong Po during the final battle, laughable acting, and a genius dancing scene reminiscent of his appearance in Breakin' all make for a gem. If you like JCVD, cheesy martial arts movies, or a good night of MST3K, pick this one up for an entertaining night.



5. Kickboxer figures as one of the most exciting and legendary martial films of a very young by then Van Damme.
   
   His elder brother travel to Thailand for defending the title, being the Western champion in this category. But what both ignore is what the will find in that arena. His brother will have to face a sadistic and ruthless fighter who will play dirty, leaving him crippled.
   
   This dramatic fact will make Van Damme encourages and trains with all the rigorousness and maxim discipline with a curious old master, an exotic and sympathetic shaman who will prepare him with wise lessons of life too.
   
   The arresting landscapes of Thailand conform an additional frame of reference, although the predictability of the script. Because the fact twenty years have elapsed it's time to set this entertained and dynamic film in its right place and bringing it back its status cult. It deserves it.
   
   Don't miss it!.

5 comments about Double Team.

1. NOW I COULD EASYLY SAY THIS WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE GRATEST MOVE EVER MADE IN THE WORLD THAT IS SO FOR SHORE & THAT IS PUTTING IT LIGHTLY



2. the only good part of this movie is mickey rourke he is great in it.



3. Double Team is one of those films that had more bashing than there are actual viewers of the film.
   The film, starring actionstar Jean-Claude van Damme and basketbal pro Dennis Rodman, is directed by Hong Kong FilmLegend Tsui Hark. Even though the film has had so many negative words, it is stil a pretty fun ride to experience. I myself also had mixed feelings when seeying it for the first time, but that changed with a second viewing.
   
   The first things that comes to mind when watching the film is that it stars two men who aren't known for topnotch acting. Van Damme is good on action but is most of the time considered average with his acting skills. In Double Team this is no difference: his acting is ok but not great. But when it comes to action, he is on the right spot.
   Then there is Dennis Rodman, a probasketball player next to Van Damme. Now he is clearly not a born actor and this shows. Still, his attitide and one-liners are enjoyable and him teaming up with Van Damme is all part of the fun. Seeying them annoy each other and both (Yes, also Rodman) kicking around bad guys is, admit it, an ok way to kill some time. Rodman also plays around with his reallife basketball image, all good fun.
   
   Then we have the story: Easy and pretty Cheesy.
   But hey, there are hunderds of films with this kind of plot. But even though it is cliche sometimes, who cares, it works and entertains fine doesn't it? The same is with this film: just put your mind and zero and simply enjoy.
   
   Tsui Hark is known for his actionpacked Hong Kong films and shows his talent with this American film. The way the action is filmed and edited is sometimes true Hong Kong action cinema style. The action is therefor well shot and on a good level. Some good fighting, big explosions and running around.
   
   So, don't think to hard when watching this film, sit back and just let it entertain you. Cause even though the characters haven't got that much backround written for them, the story isn't difficult or highly original, it still has some fun aspects that actionfans can enjoy.



4. A group of drunken, coke-obsessed urangutangs would have made a better cast then these phelonious hams. My unborn child has felt the pain that this movie inflicted on humanity as a whole. I would rather see my family brutally tortured then hit by 2 oncoming trains simulataneously whilst being molested by Moroccan circus freaks then watch this film. Special not to the creators: I hope you lose your eye-sight in a freak mountain climbing accident involving a billy-goat and a snail...you would think this is the end of the review...but oh no...we've only just begun. You will pay dearly for this crime against humanity. You and only you are to blame for all that is wrong and evil in this world. I wanted to beat Jean Claud Van Damme with a stale baguette and throw Dennis Rodman's limp,lifeless body against a wall then through a flaming basketball hoop when I saw this movie. The meteor in Armageddon made me feel better then watching these two proverbial "actors" walk aimlessly through this maniacal tyrade of a film...OK...I'm done.



5. Why? Van Damme has soooooo many good movies and this is the third one they decide to put in HD? Uhh..Universal Soldier, Cyborg, Death Warrant, Kickboxer, Hard Target, The Quest, Double Impact, In Hell, Wake of Death and of course BLOODSPORT! Come on now! I mean, sure, I'll buy this one only because I have every one of his movies on DVD and hope they release them all again in HD, but damn. I was really hoping for a better release :(
   
   I give this 1 star..

5 comments about Kickboxer.

1. This has always been a favorite movie of mine. I was disappointed that I had picked a movie that was the wrong region. I put it in one DVD and it came up wrong region. Then I put it in another DVD player and beauty away it went. The picture quality was exellent. Like I said before one of my favourite Van Damme movies and there where no hic ups with the recording.
   Thanks Amazon you came through for me again when I couldn't find it in the shops here in Australia.Kickboxer



2. Excellent martial arts movies a bit corney but my girlfriend loved van damme body. guess i got my work cut out for me.



3. On the heels of Bloodsport and the weird sci-fi flick Cyborg came Kickboxer. Here, Jean Claude Van Damne plays Kurt Sloane, the manager and younger brother of kickboxing champion Eric Sloane (played by real-life fighter Dennis Alexio).
   
   While fighting a Thai fighter named Tong Po, Eric gets injured and Kurt vows revenge on him. To this end, he meets a former fighter named Xian Chow and falls in love with his niece Miley.
   
   While much of the film is corny/cheesy but there are some funny parts too. The most funny (to me) is when Xian gets Kurt (Van Damne) drunk in a bar, has him dance (which is one of the funniest things that I have ever seen) and then fight some guys in that bar! Its priceless!
   
   Also, some of the training made me cringe, especially when he made him kick the tree with his injured shin! My friends thought when he did get the tree down and fell to the ground, that was the funniest thing! Even I chuckled a bit because basically he was trying to show Xian he wasn't weak! That's what "machismo" will get you!
   
   Overall, not a bad film!



4. The Jean Claude Van Damme Review Matrix (JCVD-RM)
   
   1.Who is he? Kurt Sloane, hapless corner man for his brother Eric Sloan, hapless kickboxer
   2.Which family member/friend must be avenged? His brother gets pummeled into a paraplegic, and his new girlfriend gets raped...both by the same guy
   3.Does he take his shirt off? He's topless throughout nearly the entire movie.
   4.Does he have sex with a C-List actress? I'm not even sure if she's C-List, and I'm not totally sure JCVD got past first-base
   5.Is there a tournament? Yes, but JCVD makes it straight into the championship match.
   6.Is training needed for this tournament? Training constitutes the majority of this movie. He kicks a defenseless bamboo tree to somehow strengthen (and not fracture) his leg, and does calisthenics with a backdrop of historic ruins, screaming eagles, and warrior spirits. The majority of the training, however, well...
   7.Does he do the splits in training or in the tournament? Not only does he do the splits, but he's involved in some sort of sadomasochistic, palm tree pulley system of groin torture that goes beyond actual splits. Such an important concept to this movie, I think "The Splits" is listed as a co-star on the official DVD.
   8.Does he punch someone in the balls? No, but his heel goes Achilles tendon deep into Tong Po's colon - that's enough.
   9.Does he do a series of flying or 360 kicks? Only at every possible opportunity.
   10.Is his enemy unbeatable? Tong Po is not only unbeatable, but his shin bones have been surgically replaced with iron rods.
   11.Does he overcome an injury or other hindrance? Yes, his brother is held hostage by Tong Po's people, and Kurt is told to enter the fight without defending himself. On top of that, he learns mid-fight from Tong Po raped his girl.
   12.Does he win? Through sheer willpower, and the most telegraphed collection of blows in fighting history, he somehow prevails.
   
   This is the funniest of all JCVD movies. The stretching torture, the underwater kicking scene during training, the German Sheppard, the hokey choreography, the pointless jive-talking black guy, the absolutely hysterical lack of defense from Tong Po during the final battle, laughable acting, and a genius dancing scene reminiscent of his appearance in Breakin' all make for a gem. If you like JCVD, cheesy martial arts movies, or a good night of MST3K, pick this one up for an entertaining night.



5. Kickboxer figures as one of the most exciting and legendary martial films of a very young by then Van Damme.
   
   His elder brother travel to Thailand for defending the title, being the Western champion in this category. But what both ignore is what the will find in that arena. His brother will have to face a sadistic and ruthless fighter who will play dirty, leaving him crippled.
   
   This dramatic fact will make Van Damme encourages and trains with all the rigorousness and maxim discipline with a curious old master, an exotic and sympathetic shaman who will prepare him with wise lessons of life too.
   
   The arresting landscapes of Thailand conform an additional frame of reference, although the predictability of the script. Because the fact twenty years have elapsed it's time to set this entertained and dynamic film in its right place and bringing it back its status cult. It deserves it.
   
   Don't miss it!.

5 comments about Street Fighter.

1. By no means is this a good movie, but for a mindless action flick it is not too bad. There is a bunch of over action and groan outloud lines, but at the end of the movie you don't feel robbed in anyway. There are some really fun moments, on-liners, and some of the fighting is not done that bad.
   
   Sad note this is still a bare-bones DVD, just the movie and nothing else. You wished for maybe getting Van Dam to do some commentary or something by now.



2. man i tell you.i see alot of problems in this movie.
   i can make a better street figher.thats to whoever produced this movie and directed this movie.



3. This is an entertaining live-action comic book and based on the source material, the cast is borderline good. Raul Julia, Wes Studi and Van Damme were all casted well. It has good sets, exotic locales and comedy. The film is more of an action comedy than anything. May I add that I liked Guile more here than I did in the game. Not quite up to the funny entertainment or quality par of say Live & Let Die or It's a Mad Mad Mad World but it was better then some claimed, and some people just should not watch these types of films. I feel sorry for film based some of these public judgements of the film so i'm adding another star. Its refreshing to see these older types of adventure/comic book serials without the use of dreaded CGI (I'll take Street Fighter over Spiderman any day). Van Damme is the man but not quite on Chuck Norris' caliber in terms of hip factor, skill and gritty manliness. I got to add that I do like this film more than I did when I first saw it as a lad. One of the few movies that seems better now than it did.



4. I still think they should have stuck more to the video game. Some of the costumes are off but it was still an Okay flick. Would recommend but only to those that can enjoy the concept of the game.



5. I used to watch this movie a lot. In 1994, I was thirteen years old. And you know what that means. To paraphrase Christopher Walken, that means I had a fever. And the only prescription... was Street Fighter II (the video game, not the movie; durr). While I was truthfully more in the Mortal Kombat camp, I did love Street Fighter II and played it regularly. I knew all the characters, their background stories, the moves, etc. Then it was announced that a movie would be made. Totally awesome, dude!
   
   "Worker ants scurrying about with their pitiful weapons! Afraid of the purity of un-armed combat!"
   
   I'm pretty sure the only video game based movie made before this was Super Mario Bros. in '93; Double Dragon was released a year later (along with this one). Video game movies weren't off to what the common man would call a great start. But it's Street Fighter, man! It's gonna rule! And I still think the trailer makes it look like a tasty action flick.
   
   So, I went to see it. Came out of the theater and didn't really feel one way or the other about it. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. Bad guys were good guys and good guys were bad guys. Bison was a wimp. This guy didn't do this move and that guy didn't do that move. Whatever. Came out on video and I watched it a few times just because it was Street Fighter. It was something for my 13-year-old self to watch. Nothing more, really. I eventually kind of forgot about it and didn't watch it for years (due to what Tibetan monks refer to as "growing up").
   
   Last week, I was feeling nostalgic and ordered it off Amazon for the heck of it. Good price and it's a Collector's Edition. Why not? Watched it earlier and I find myself more critical than I was fourteen years ago. Bad lines. REALLY bad dubbing in spots. Some of the fights are kind of lame. Bison's still a wimp. Overall a fairly amateur movie (though few movies will ever de-throne Mortal Kombat Annihilation for all-time most amateur). But by God, whether intentional or not, this movie is kind of funny! How over the top is Raul Julia here? He's a blast to watch.
   
   "This? This is merely super conductor electromagnetism. Surely you've heard of it. It levitates bullet trains from Tokyo to Osaka. It levitates my desk where I ride the saddle of the world. And it levitates... me. NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!"
   
   Right on, Raul. Despite the critical bashings this movie got, you were the diamond in the rough. RIP, dude.
   
   Van Damme's okay as Guile. "Are you mon enough to faaight vith me?" Yeah, he's American to the core (or should I say Corps?). Guile is the main hero, but Chun Li is my favorite good guy here.
   
   "That's great news, General! Congratulations!"
   "On the contrary, I mourn him."
   "Okay."
   
   My peers thought this movie was corny in 1994 and they were right. But, if you're in my age bracket and liked Street Fighter, it's worth watching again for the nostalgia factor and Raul Julia.
   
   "General Bison is a bad guy? If you know this, then why do you serve him?"
   "Because he payed me a freaking FORTUNE, you moron!"
   "... You got... paid?"
   
   Recommended.

5 comments about Kickboxer (Spanish).

1. This has always been a favorite movie of mine. I was disappointed that I had picked a movie that was the wrong region. I put it in one DVD and it came up wrong region. Then I put it in another DVD player and beauty away it went. The picture quality was exellent. Like I said before one of my favourite Van Damme movies and there where no hic ups with the recording.
   Thanks Amazon you came through for me again when I couldn't find it in the shops here in Australia.Kickboxer



2. Excellent martial arts movies a bit corney but my girlfriend loved van damme body. guess i got my work cut out for me.



3. On the heels of Bloodsport and the weird sci-fi flick Cyborg came Kickboxer. Here, Jean Claude Van Damne plays Kurt Sloane, the manager and younger brother of kickboxing champion Eric Sloane (played by real-life fighter Dennis Alexio).
   
   While fighting a Thai fighter named Tong Po, Eric gets injured and Kurt vows revenge on him. To this end, he meets a former fighter named Xian Chow and falls in love with his niece Miley.
   
   While much of the film is corny/cheesy but there are some funny parts too. The most funny (to me) is when Xian gets Kurt (Van Damne) drunk in a bar, has him dance (which is one of the funniest things that I have ever seen) and then fight some guys in that bar! Its priceless!
   
   Also, some of the training made me cringe, especially when he made him kick the tree with his injured shin! My friends thought when he did get the tree down and fell to the ground, that was the funniest thing! Even I chuckled a bit because basically he was trying to show Xian he wasn't weak! That's what "machismo" will get you!
   
   Overall, not a bad film!



4. The Jean Claude Van Damme Review Matrix (JCVD-RM)
   
   1.Who is he? Kurt Sloane, hapless corner man for his brother Eric Sloan, hapless kickboxer
   2.Which family member/friend must be avenged? His brother gets pummeled into a paraplegic, and his new girlfriend gets raped...both by the same guy
   3.Does he take his shirt off? He's topless throughout nearly the entire movie.
   4.Does he have sex with a C-List actress? I'm not even sure if she's C-List, and I'm not totally sure JCVD got past first-base
   5.Is there a tournament? Yes, but JCVD makes it straight into the championship match.
   6.Is training needed for this tournament? Training constitutes the majority of this movie. He kicks a defenseless bamboo tree to somehow strengthen (and not fracture) his leg, and does calisthenics with a backdrop of historic ruins, screaming eagles, and warrior spirits. The majority of the training, however, well...
   7.Does he do the splits in training or in the tournament? Not only does he do the splits, but he's involved in some sort of sadomasochistic, palm tree pulley system of groin torture that goes beyond actual splits. Such an important concept to this movie, I think "The Splits" is listed as a co-star on the official DVD.
   8.Does he punch someone in the balls? No, but his heel goes Achilles tendon deep into Tong Po's colon - that's enough.
   9.Does he do a series of flying or 360 kicks? Only at every possible opportunity.
   10.Is his enemy unbeatable? Tong Po is not only unbeatable, but his shin bones have been surgically replaced with iron rods.
   11.Does he overcome an injury or other hindrance? Yes, his brother is held hostage by Tong Po's people, and Kurt is told to enter the fight without defending himself. On top of that, he learns mid-fight from Tong Po raped his girl.
   12.Does he win? Through sheer willpower, and the most telegraphed collection of blows in fighting history, he somehow prevails.
   
   This is the funniest of all JCVD movies. The stretching torture, the underwater kicking scene during training, the German Sheppard, the hokey choreography, the pointless jive-talking black guy, the absolutely hysterical lack of defense from Tong Po during the final battle, laughable acting, and a genius dancing scene reminiscent of his appearance in Breakin' all make for a gem. If you like JCVD, cheesy martial arts movies, or a good night of MST3K, pick this one up for an entertaining night.



5. Kickboxer figures as one of the most exciting and legendary martial films of a very young by then Van Damme.
   
   His elder brother travel to Thailand for defending the title, being the Western champion in this category. But what both ignore is what the will find in that arena. His brother will have to face a sadistic and ruthless fighter who will play dirty, leaving him crippled.
   
   This dramatic fact will make Van Damme encourages and trains with all the rigorousness and maxim discipline with a curious old master, an exotic and sympathetic shaman who will prepare him with wise lessons of life too.
   
   The arresting landscapes of Thailand conform an additional frame of reference, although the predictability of the script. Because the fact twenty years have elapsed it's time to set this entertained and dynamic film in its right place and bringing it back its status cult. It deserves it.
   
   Don't miss it!.

5 comments about No Retreat, No Surrender.

1. How can Van Damm be the star of the movie, when he's only in it for about 10 minutes??? Kurt is in most of it. Kurt is the main character and makes the movie along with RJ, The Fat Burger Kid and the other young guys and girls in it. Van Damm is nothing more than a guest role at best. Yes, he went on to become a bigger star, but McKinney has also done well since, appearing in a wide range of TV shows and making a couple more movies since, right up to the present day. He also won an award for his acting in the 1990s. Kurt is #1.



2. Some people might think the movie was too cheesy or whatever but I personally think it is good and quite interesting, another reason why 1980s were good, at least for me



3. We got this movie in 1980-somehting when I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. We had five kids who were raised watching this movie as Okinawa had no US TV and we had to get Videotapes for our entertainment. As the kids grew, they remade this movie several times using their own equipment. They had the lines and acting down pat - just like the original - it was so easy to imitate. Anyway, as I get older, I wouldn't trade my original copy of this movie with my kids remakes for anything in the world. To this day, we take this stuff out and watch it every Christmas. Ah the memories it brings back is so sweet and all the grown kids still get the biggest "kick" out of it. What fun! Try and start your own memories with this and your own small kids.



4. No Retreat No Surrender is a classic martial arts movie from the 80s. It's classic because it follows the 80s formula of "screw it, put it in there, people will enjoy it regardless of how unbelievable it is".
   
   The movie "stars" a runt named Jason (Kurt McKinney), who looks like the guy perpetually gets his lunch money stolen. All is well in his sheltered life until one day he skips into his father's dojo just in time to see his father getting a beatdown from a Russian mobster henchman named Ivan (Jean Claude Van Damme). Evidently, the Sherman Oaks Karate School is prime gangster real estate, and the Russian syndicate simply must have it.
   
   After his dad gets a can of ***-whoopin' from Ivan, and a broken leg, the family is forced to move to Seattle to regain any semblance of pride. It's in Seattle that Jason meets RJ, a black guy who wears a jheri curl to distract others from seeing how lame he really is. But, hey! He can breakdance, and he sure can dribble a basketball while riding a bicycle like it's nobody's business!
   
   Anyway, Jason and RJ get bullied by karate thugs, and afterwards Jason is visited by Bruce Lee's ghost. (seriously) Lucky for Jason, it's just in time to meet up with Ivan, who is yet again applying a beating to an unprepared opponent. This time, however, Jason has had a few months of training behind him and is more than prepared for the final battle.
   
   The final battle is classic. And by classic I mean most atrocious choreography for a fight scene in movie history. There is one bright side, and that is the fact that we get to see the genesis of Jean Claude Van Damme's patented move: the splits. Jason uses it on him during the fight with deadly effectiveness, and JCVD hasn't forgotten the lesson to this day.
   
   I can't recommend this movie highly enough. Watch it for the laughs, the bad acting, and the beginning of the phenomenon known as Jean Claude Van Damme.



5. Not a great movie but that's good for see JCVD yesterday. When you see this movie, you understand JCVD is today a very best actor.