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jokrg
Reviews
Birth of the Dragon (2016)
More Like Abortion of the Dragon
I was not going to see it at all, and that was based on the trailer. I only went because AMC gave me a free popcorn and drink birthday gift and it was about to expire. I could have been happier sitting in the lobby enjoying them instead of trying to make sense of the movie.
But... let me focus on the movie: Acting was lackluster. Story was so full of... And no wonder they did not put Bruce Lee's name in the title. I was wondering who the story was about within the first 15 minutes. I am all for great supporting actors, and even for the occasional actor who steals the show from the headliner(s)... but this was a movie that was given to who should have been just a supporting actor (as it was supposed to be a biopic of sorts.)
Anyway, I think this movie fits into the lower end of the pile of movies that sought to capitalize on Bruce Lee's legend after his death. And the little notation at the end of the movie explaining that Lee was the father of modern MMA contradicted the whole so-called message of the flick pertaining to his idea of there being no rules or limits PERIOD in a fight. And Team Lee & Wong???? That had to be in the alternate earth within the Marvel Universe.
The Last Ninja (1983)
Seen once, impressed forever...
I recall this made-for-television movie from a time when I was only a few years into my martial arts training. I wish I had a VCR at the time, as I still have shows from that period in my collection for posterity. THIS ONE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CROWNING ADDITION to that collection. Although I only saw it that one time, I do remember that I admired Michael Beck from that moment forward, even more than I did when I repeatedly enjoyed "The Warriors". And "Mako" was MADE, in my mind, by his role in this movie. I have searched high and low without success in finding a copy of it. If someone is going to submit a request for re-release of this one, I am on your bandwagon. In the meantime, I will continue to hunt to the ends of the earth for a copy of it. Heck, I was surprised to find ANYone else who remembers this movie.