How Jean-Claude Van Damme Kickstarted the Mortal Kombat Franchise

By
Jack Beresford
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From Bloodsport to Mortal Kombat – Jean Claude Van Damme’s Video Game Legacy Explored!

Jean-Claude Van Damme may be more commonly associated with the Street Fighter gaming franchise but he actually had a surprising amount of influence on Mortal Kombat.

Star of the ill-fated Street Fighter movie, an oral history of Mortal Kombat published by Mel Magazine details how JCVD proved to be the jump-off point for the super-violent fighting game franchise fans know and love.

When video game developer John Tobias first pitched his idea for Mortal Kombat to Ed Boon, the head of Midway, he was hoping to hit upon an idea to rival the super-successful Street Fighter II arcade game.

Hitting upon the idea of a “mystical kung-fu game’, Tobias enlisted his childhood friends to put together a demo. Daniel Pesina, who would go on to play Johnny Cage, Sub Zero, Scorpion and Reptile tells Mel Magazine: “I’d been doing martial arts my whole life, so he called me up and he’s like, “Hey, I have an idea for a fighting game, and I wanted to know if you can help me out to pitch an idea to my boss Ed Boon.””

The 10 Best Jean-Claude Van Damme Action Movies Of All Time

A Van Damme Mortal Kombat

But when Tobias showed his demo to Boon, his boss had other ideas. Ideas that involved Van Damme. “Everyone at Midway rejected it,” Pesina recalled.

“Ed said our idea would never work but liked the idea of a fighting game, so they cancelled ours and pursued a mainstream game with Jean-Claude Van Damme because it would make more money. I was pissed, because I gave a bunch of great kung fu ideas, and they were now going to give them all to Jean-Claude Van Damme.”

However, luck was on their side as Rich Divizio, another martial artist enlisted by Tobias to star in the demo, told Mel Magazine: “Van Damme didn’t wanna do this game, probably because he was already doing, like, Universal Soldier, and he wasn’t going to come down to do a video game.”

With Van Damme out of the picture, Boon proved more receptive to Tobias’ original idea and work on the game began.

UAMC News: ‘John Wick’ Directors Looking to Helm ‘Bloodsport’ Reboot

Creating Mortal Kombat

One of the key selling points of Mortal Kombat was that it featured real actors, filmed and included in the game. These actors came from all walks of life with Pesina and Divizio both best known for playing extras in the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. The filming process proved gruelling too.

“We experimented with every martial art move for about three days, eight hours a day, filming and trying to figure it out,” Pesina said.

“Any sort of sophisticated video game animation technology wasn’t around. What you see is videotaped footage of us doing the actual moves.” Van Damme’s indirect influence didn’t end with his rejection though.

Is The Game of ‘Street Fighter: The Movie’ starring Jean-Claude Van Damme Being Re-Released?

Van Damme’s Signature Moves

While Pesina is adamant that the character of Johnny Cage is based on Marvel’s Iron Fist Danny Rand, one move was borrowed from JCVD: the nut-punch fatality.

As Pesina explains: ”My original idea for his fatality was to punch the guy so hard that his head goes flying off. But then John [Tobias] was like, because Van Damme had said no, “You want to poke a little bit of fun at Van Damme?”

“And I was like, “Uh, what do you got in mind?” He was like, “You can do the splits, and we’ll have him punch people in the nuts.” So I did that.”

The Top 100 Ultimate Action Movies of All Time

Was the game’s familiar “Finish Him” fatalities inspired, in part, by the JCVD classic Bloodsport? Apparently not. That came while working out a way that allowed players to “wail” on an opponent just prior to victory.

As Divizio notes: “Ed [Boon] coined this, he’s like, “Somehow you gotta finish this guy off!” And right there in the room, it was like, Ding! “Oh! That’s a cool thing to say! FINISH HIM!” That’s how shit gets created.”

Van Damme never wanted to be part of Mortal Kombat but in turning it down, he became a bigger part of it than he ever could have imagined.

What are your fond memories of the Van Damme inspired Mortal Kombat? Let us know in the comments!

Kickboxer: Retaliation — The Ultimate Action Movie Reboot Sequel of All Time?

By
John Acquavita
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Van Damme’s Kickboxing Legacy Lives on with Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018)

Earlier this year, the action movie gods smiled upon us when Kickboxer: Retaliation was announced (here was our first look article back in January). Alain Moussi returns in the updated version and story of Kurt Sloane, a character Jean-Claude Van Damme (JCVD) and Cannon Films immortalized in the original Kickboxer (1989).

Now, JCVD returns as Master Durand, Sloane’s trainer. Was Kickboxer: Retaliation as good as the original Kickboxer? Was it as good as 2016’s Kickboxer: Vengeance, Moussi’s first attempt at revitalizing the franchise?

Bonus: Read 3 ULTIMATELY OUTRAGEOUS reason Kickboxer 2 is better than the original Kickboxer here!

How Kickboxer: Retaliation Stacks Up

The answer to both questions: UNEQUIVOCALLY YES.

Hollywood as a whole has suffered an increasing amount of criticism from fans all over the world in recent years for its reliance upon sequels, prequels and reboots. The industry feels half of their work is complete by opting to green-light these films, because the audience for them is already established. Who among us hasn’t heard of Kickboxer or seen it multiple times? Well, then surely you know who Kurt Sloane is and care about the character!

However, the audience’s counterargument to sequels, prequels and reboots is simple: Why should I watch them when I can rewatch the original — especially if it was done well? Therein lies the dilemma for Hollywood. But for direct to video (DTV) producers with smaller budgets than the typical Hollywood behemoth (aka Marvel), they need to rely somewhat on shortcuts when releasing their product because they lack both the marketing and advertising budgets to differentiate their film from the scores of DTV movies released every month on streaming services.

Having said that, if you exclude comic book movies, there are very, very few action movie reboots (and sequels) worthy of praise, especially compared to their predecessors. For me, the list used to begin and end with Creed and Creed II.

But after recently viewing it, make room for Kickboxer: Retaliation.

NOW.

Yes, it’s that good.

Kickboxer: Retaliating Vengeance

The 2016 Kickboxer: Vengeance reboot established a new canon for Kurt Sloane (albeit an updated version of the 1989 story), wherein he fights Tong Po, who had paralyzed his older brother Eric. By defeating Tong Po, Kurt hence got his vengeance for what happened to his brother. The original movie was followed by three sequels starring Sasha Mitchell as David Sloane (JCVD’s character Kurt was supposedly killed off-screen, thus making David the new Sloane protagonist, if you got all that). However, the reboot opted to keep Kurt alive, but increase the difficulty level (and decrease the viewer’s believability) of his new challenges.

I mentioned how Kickboxer: Vengeance was a reboot done very well. Part of the reason for that was not only did it manage to make Kurt Sloane’s story fresh, but it wisely used JCVD (the original actor who played Kurt Sloane) — this time in a role as Master Durand, Kurt’s trainer.

Jean Claude Van Damme Still Kickboxing

In Kickboxer: Retaliation, JCVD continues his career resurgence with a new wrinkle in Durand’s story, one which I — and I suspect many an audience member — did not see coming. In addition, the movie uses the legendary Christopher Lambert as the film’s primary villain who controls Sloane’s fate. (Oh, and by the way, he happens to have an affinity for sword fighting, an obvious homage to his role as Connor MacLeod in multiple Highlander films – read UAMC’s review of the ultimately awful Highlander 2 here!)

Casting Mike Tyson as an incarcerated former boxer was inspired; few would argue when I say he is not the world’s greatest thespian. But all in all, he moved well on-screen and didn’t hinder the movie at all; in fact, he more than helped it.

Now to quote many a late-night infomercial voice-over: “But wait! There’s more!”

I appreciated the fact the writers, director and producers involved in the creation of Kickboxer: Retaliation seemed to be fans of action movies. How do I know this? Upon one viewing, I spotted references and homages within the film to the following heavyweights of the genre:

  • Bloodsport
  • Kickboxer
  • Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor
  • American Samurai
  • Rocky II
  • Rocky IV
  • Highlander
  • Enter the Dragon

Talk about respecting the source material!

Where Retaliation Ranks in the Kickboxer Franchise

The three Sasha Mitchell-starring Kickboxer sequels were fine choices for rainy Saturday afternoon DTV movies, but don’t do much to add to the original JCVD movie, which I feel remains superb on its own. In my opinion, it’s an uphill battle for a reboot production to breathe new life into a well-respected franchise and succeed. But I feel Kickboxer: Retaliation not only meets the challenge, I may be so bold as to say in two movies it and 2016’s Kickboxer: Vengeance surpass the collective quality of the original four Kickboxer films.

Anyone else here see Kickboxer: Retaliation? What’d you think? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

UAMC Reviews Sylvester Stallone’s Rock Solid Action Classic – Cliffhanger (1993)

By
Emily Stephan
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Not Rocky, Rambo or Cobra; but Cliffhanger is another solid Stallone action classic!

Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) works as a ranger in the Rocky Mountains. Informed fellow ranger Hal Tucker (Michael Rooker) and his girlfriend Sarah (Michelle Joyner) are stranded on a mountaintop after Hal sustains a knee injury, Hal and his helicopter pilot girlfriend Jessie (Janine Turner) rush out for an aerial rescue. However, during the attempted rescue, Sarah’s harness proves defective and despite Gabe’s best efforts, she plummets to her death.

Eight months pass. Wracked with guilt, Gabe intends to leave his ranger position behind forever, intent on having Jessie come with him. His plans are interrupted when the rangers receive a distress call, where victims of a plane crash remain stranded in the snow, close to perishing. Though Hal is still bitter about Gabe’s fatal blundering, the two men decide to share one last mission.

Stallone’s ‘Cliffhanger’ is Set to Get Reboot with Female-led Cast

Stallone’s Cliffhanger (1993)

However, the call turns out to be a ruse from a group of ruthless criminals headed by ex-military intelligence officer Eric Qualen (John Lithgow) whose plane crashed when they botched a mid-air transfer of money stolen from the US Treasury. Three suitcases packed with millions of dollars each disappeared onto the mountains below. Despite their high-tech gadgetry, the criminals need expert help in recovering it from the harsh terrain.

Gabe and Hal answer the call, only to be taken hostage and forced to aid Qualen’s gang. However, when Qualen decides having one guide will be less trouble then two, Gabe escapes the criminals’ attempt on his life. Hal is left captive, while Gabe joins the recently airlifted-in Jessie on their quest to find the other suitcases before the criminals do and rescue their friend before he ends up with a bullet to the brain.

Not Just a ‘Die Hard knockoff’

Cliffhanger has often been lumped together with all the Die Hard knockoffs released in the wake of that perennial 1980s favorite, but as far as Die Hard knockoffs go, this is one of the best. Combining breathtaking action, a great sense of setting, and brutal suspense, Cliffhanger is still an enjoyable ride for devotees of 1990s action.

The film is often praised for its sense of realism in the mountain setting and stunts (even if many have pointed out the technicalities of rock-climbing as shown in the movie are often inaccurate). I admit many scenes make my palms sweat just thinking about them. Director Renny Harlin keeps the vertigo strong throughout, emphasizing the sheer scale of the mountains.

In a movie full of intense stunt work, the mid-air money exchange at the beginning of the movie is the most praised by fans and critics. Reportedly the most expensive aerial stunt in movie history, it is so impressive that one can say it was certainly worth the money!

7 Examples That Prove Stallone’s ‘Cliffhanger’ is Just ‘Die Hard’ on a Mountain

The ‘Rocky’ Mountain Cliffs

Though set in the Rocky Mountains, the film’s climbing scenes were often shot on the Tofane cliffs in Dolomites, Italy. They are gorgeous to behold. However, not every scene was shot on-location. There are some clever uses of front projection and miniatures, which have aged well for the most part. Alas, some scenes were shot on very obvious sets, but overall, the film does a great job in making you believe in the situation and setting, keeping the pacing and suspense at a high pitch throughout.

Stallone’s Gabe Walker is an appealing everyman hero and one of the actor’s best roles of the 1990s. He isn’t a superman, but a normal dude who triumphs through cleverness and knowledge of the mountains just as much as with a good punch. Gabe is opposed by the harshness of the natural world and the ill-will of a truly nasty crew of thieves, and though he isn’t invulnerable, he more than proves worthy of the challenge.

Though relegated to the role of Dude in Distress, Rooker’s spunky Hal is also a fun character and his amusing one-liners are a wonder. When one of Qualen’s thugs starts cracking soccer-related puns while beating Hal to a pulp, Hal eventually fights back, quipping “Season’s over, asshole!” as he sends the guy plummeting over the edge of the mountain. (My favorite scene in the movie, bar none!)

John Lithgow steals the show!

While Christopher Walken was originally approached to play the lead villain, the honors went to Lithgow in the end. I’ve seen some accuse Lithgow’s villain of being too hammy, but let’s be real: this is not a somber drama, it’s a fun action movie, and Lithgow’s histrionic performance is a delight. He’s ably supported by Rex Linn, Caroline Goodall, Leon Robinson, Craig Fairbrass, Gregory Scott Cummins, and Denis Forrest as his menacing batch of cronies.

Cliffhanger remains a solid, memorable action thriller. It doesn’t necessarily break new ground as its critics often point out, but not every movie needs to in order to be memorable or effective. A worthy addition to your action movie collection and one I would love to get the chance to see on a big, big screen, just to enhance the thrills. Hang on!

What are your thoughts on Stallone’s Cliffhanger? Let us know in the comments!

Kevin Bernhardt Shines in the MMA-Actioner ‘Shiner’ (2018)

By
Robb Antequera
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UAMC reviews ‘Shiner’ – a solid MMA action flick starring Kevin Bernhardt

Shiner is directed by Seo Mutarevic and stars Kevin Bernhardt (who also scripted), Seya Hug and Shannon Staller in this story of Happy McBride (Bernhardt), a down on his luck former MMA champion who begrudgingly takes a young fighter named Matt (Hug) under his wing while simultaneously trying to book a new fight for himself and reclaim his past glory.

Under his tutelage, Matt quickly fights his way to the top, catching the eye of Happy’s former manager Larry (Brian T. Finney) which generates some jealousy from Happy.

Things become further complicated when Matt begins a romantic relationship with Happy’s beloved daughter Nikki (Staller), whom Happy retired from fighting for to raise her after his wife took her own life. In the midst of this, Larry offers a fight to both men. A fight that will change their relationship, and both of their lives, forever…

A Real MMA Actioner

As an avid MMA fan, I jumped at the chance to review this new take on the world of MMA, and I’m glad I did, because I was pleasantly surprised by this film, mainly the commanding performance from star/writer Kevin Bernhardt. Truth be told, Bernhardt is simply terrific. An actor I admire back from when I saw him in an old favorite of mine called Kick or Die as well as Hellraiser III, it was so great seeing him again. His performance as Happy is such a tour de force of raw emotion and charm. He perfectly plays Happy as someone with a heart, but it’s been buried beneath a cold exterior after years of pain and resentment. The only thing keeping him sane is his love for his daughter and his goal of once again becoming champion, but his past indiscretions make those goals difficult to achieve.

Kevin Bernhardt and a Solid Cast

The character of Happy is at times such an egotistical jerk that if played by anybody else, I don’t think the movie would’ve worked. But with Bernhardt, he is so charismatic that you can’t help but love Happy, even if he gives you every reason not to. And believe me, you’ll have every reason not to. Bernhardt’s script pulls no punches when it comes to portraying the kind of guy Happy is. It doesn’t ask you to like him, painting him in an unflattering light many times. But Bernhardt’s charisma, plus the flashbacks to Happy’s life before with his wife and the love Nikki has for him make you see that he’s truly not a bad guy.

Supporting him are young co-stars Seya Hug and Shannon Staller in admirable performances. The son of K-1 kickboxing legend Andy Hug, Hug does well as the young and naive fighter from out of town with dreams of making it as an MMA fighter. He has a natural presence to him and shows a lot of potential for a young actor. Staller is also very natural in her role as Happy’s daughter. She plays off both Hug and Bernhardt very nicely. Especially Bernhardt. One scene where they discuss her fear of inheriting her mother’s mental illness is very compelling, with both actors conveying a genuine sense of sorrow. I was impressed. Those moments in the script are what resonated with me the most.

Some Ultimate MMA Fighting

Speaking of the script, I also liked the portrayal of the lower level side of MMA fighting that you don’t often get to see in mainstream media. Fighters struggling to get by while competing with each other for a smoker bout was refreshing to see.

In these times where we are blinded by the circus level theatrics of big money fights, we often forget about the guys on the bottom who are basically fighting for peanuts because they have a passionate love for the sport. So lots of respect to Bernhardt and the filmmakers for focusing on the little guys. It is very appreciated.

Now, onto the fighting. All the actors portraying fighters have a great stance and style to them during the fight sequences, especially Hug. He just looks so authentic as a fighter. So natural. So legit. In looking him up, I found no evidence of him being an actual fighter. Could’ve fooled me. I’m guessing that he either trained his butt off for this, or that was just something he inherited from his father. Either way, kudos to him for looking like the real mccoy.

UAMC Recommended

If I had any nitpicks, it would be that the fight sequences were a bit on the short side. I understand why, as the fighting would’ve bogged down the story, and the most important thing here are the characters. But you still could’ve let the fights go on for a liiiittle longer. All I’m saying.

All in all, I was impressed by this. It had a deep, genuine story to tell, and it told it well enough. Hopefully, this will lead to more movies starring Kevin Bernhardt in the future. The man is filled to the brim with untapped potential as a star and writer, and I’ll be here patiently waiting for his next movie. Bring it on!

Interested in checking out Shiner? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Check out Robert Rodriguez’ “Virtual Reality Action Movie” in the first person

By
Jack Beresford
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Robert Rodriguez has made a first-person virtual reality action movie you can watch now

Robert Rodriguez is taking the action movie genre to exciting new heights with his latest effort: a 20-minute virtual reality short that puts the viewer in the heart of the action.

The Limit sees stars Michelle Rodriguez and Norman Reedus and can only be viewed via virtual reality headset with all the action taking place from the viewer’s perspective. An all-action affair, the film follows in the footsteps of the 2015 Russian-American sci-fi actioner Hardcore Henry, which featured Shalto Copley.

Taking it to “The Limit”

The only real difference this time around is that the action has been captured using “a new cinematic VR format wider than 180 degrees, that bridges the gap between large-format movies and 360-degree video,” according to the distributor’s YouTube page.

Viewers will find themselves immersed in the role of an unnamed rogue agent who teams up with “enhanced super-assassin” M-13 (Michelle Rodriguez) to retrieve their/your identity and take on deadly organization that created them/you.

A Virtual Reality Action Movie

The Limit can be enjoyed on pretty much any VR headset, including the Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR,iOS, Google Daydream View and Windows Mixed Reality.

Best of all, it can be purchased right now from the film’s official website at the special price of just $5 (around £3.90 / AU$6.90). The film comes as 2D and 3D versions while there are also special bonus features and a making of featurette.

Check it Out Here!

A non-VR trailer for The Limit can be viewed below and it looks absolutely bonkers.

What are your thoughts on this Virtual Reality Action future? Let us know in the comments!

How Florian ‘Big Nasty’ Munteanu Became Viktor Drago for Creed II

By
Jack Beresford
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A look at the man who plays Viktor Drago in Creed 2 – Florian Munteanu!

Like his on-screen father before him, Florian ‘Big Nasty’ Munteanu, the MMA-star cast as Ivan Drago’s son Viktor in Creed II, has revealed the intense preparations that went into the role. A budding fighter-turned-actor, Munteanu first made his name the Superkombat Fighting Championship after being discovered by Bucharest businessman Eduard Irimia.

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Meet the ‘Big Nasty’

He quickly earned the moniker ‘Big Nasty’ thanks to his sizeable frame and habit of scowling on demand – but that’s all part of his in-the-ring persona, apparently.

Speaking to Men’s Health, Munteanu revealed himself to be a surprisingly friendly and somewhat less intimidating presence in real life. In fact, the interview saw the Romanian grappler lift the lid on the intensive preparations that went into the role of Viktor Drago – a terrifying fighter born into hate.

Dolph Lundgren and Florian Munteanu Trade Blows in ‘Creed 2’ Workout

Drawing from Anger and Hate

This was something the film’s director Steven Caple Jr. helped foster long before the cameras started rolling. Prior to filming, Caple Jr. had Munteanu sit down with an acting coach and reveal every painful moment he could recall from his life.

“I had to tell all the dark and deep moments I was living in my whole life. He knew everything,” Munteanu tells Men’s Health.

Once filming began, Caple Jr. would regularly reference these incidents in an attempt at triggering a response from Munteanu – one in keeping with his character, Viktor. On top of this, Munteanu would endure grueling 14-hour days of anger and fight choreography. It came at a cost.

Dolph Lundgren Came Dangerously Close to Turning Down Creed 2

Florian Munteanu Becomes Viktor Drago

Munteanu claims that, once production wrapped, he had “a little breakdown”.

“It took me a month to be Florian again. I was telling Dolph: We never smiled once in that movie.”

Having Lundgren on hand as his vengeful on-screen father Ivan helped – he needed only look at the Big Swede for further inspiration.

“I was looking into his eyes. I could read the pain on his face. And so it was easy for me to deliver the pain,” Munteanu claims.

Munteanu has now set his sights on becoming a bona fide action movie star in his own right and is hoping to emulate the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Seagal, and Dolph Lundgren, of course.

How do you feel about Florian Munteanu as Viktor Drago? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

7 Ways Highlander 2 is the Most Ultimately Awful Action Movie of All Time

By
Jourdan Aldredge
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UAMC loves Highlander II despite pretty much everything about it… So ultimately awful!

Highlander II: The Quickening, starring a mostly-dead Christopher Lambert and regretful Sean Connery is one of only a few Ultimate Action Movies to have the dubious distinction of owning a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. But, unlike its ultimate action movie father film – Highlander – this sequel might very well be the most ultimately AWFUL action movie of all time!

Christopher Lambert’s Acting

There might not be a more memorably awful acting performance in existence. While Lambert wasn’t any Oscar winner in the original Highlander, his skills were better hid in the Scottish Highlands than in Highlander 2’s future hellscape. Most notably awful in the beginning when Lambert has to play a highly prosthetic-ized older version of Connor MacLeod, Lambert’s choice of delivery is quite… unique… and amazing.

The Non-Ultimate Action

You’d think for a movie with as much hype and budget as Highlander 2, you’d at least get some major ultimate action out of it. While the sets are just about comparable to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and Tim Burton’s Batman in terms of detail and function, the action falls absolutely flat time and time again. If you think thousands of pounds of firework explosives can make a fight scene, then maybe you don’t mind the sword fights basically just consist of very slow moving lunges that look like they were taken from a children’s theater production.

The “Fairytale” Ending

We’ll get to the extra-terrestrial elements in a bit, but one big point of contention for Highlander 2 comes from its rough-and-tumble production which apparently stems from excessive interference from the film’s bonding company – and very well never reached fruition.

The “Fairytale” ending was only shown in Europe and apparently offers a different ending which returns MacLeod to the planet Zeist. However, this really wouldn’t help clear much up was apparently rushed itself with a hasty production build-out.

Roger Ebert’s UAMC-worthy Quote

“Highlander II: The Quickening is the most hilariously incomprehensible movie I’ve seen in many a long day—a movie almost awesome in its badness. Wherever science fiction fans gather, in decades and generations to come, this film will be remembered in hushed tones as one of the immortal low points of the genre.”

If I have one hope in the world, it’s that if the great Roger Ebert was still around today, that he’d be a fan of the Ultimate Action Movie Club. While he may be the best film critic of all time, his finger-on-the-pulse lens for what makes movies entertaining or boring, good or bad, was spot on. If he were a UAMC member, his original write up would be absolutely perfect.

John C. McGinley’s Terrible Orson Welles Impression

John C. McGinley has a way of popping up time and time again throughout the Ultimate Action Movie Club extended universe. (FBI Agent Ben Harp in Point Break anyone!?) While his role as David Blake another solid contribution for the volatile actor, his odd choice of taking on an Orson Welles-esque voice impression was arguably a terrible decision by even his own admission.

Is it Really a Sequel?

Throughout Highlander’s long and storied history of film and television, much non-continuity has been followed as to who the highlander immortals are and how they exist. Save for being “immortal” and only being able to die from having their heads cut off, everything else is apparently up for interpretation. Most awfully side-stepped in Highlander 2 is the direct contradictions to the original Highlander where MacLead on Sean Connery’s Ramirez first meeting in Scotland in 1541. In Highlander 2, it shows that they’re actually both from the planet Zeist and have known each other for 500 years already.

Aliens? ALIENS??

Which again, is an absolutely awfully awesome ultimate way to start a DIRECT SEQUEL to one of the most badass action movies (with a killer Queen soundtrack to boot!) by revealing that everything in the first one doesn’t matter because actually… their aliens. Aliens!

What are your thoughts on Highlander II: The Quickening? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Turtle Power! UAMC Reviews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

By
Emily Stephan
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May the original live-action ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ still hold an ultimate place in all our hearts!

The original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film is still considered a nostalgic favorite by 80s and 90s kids alike. Much attention has been given to the film’s faithfulness to the darker tone of the original TMNT comics, but rarely discussed is how well the film works as a 1990s action movie. In that context, thanks to excellent choreography and a seemingly blasé willingness to brutalize expensive rubber costumes, it actually holds up quite well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

The story is simple: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael (voiced by Brian Tochi, Corey Feldman, Robbie Rist, and Josh Pais respectively) are four radioactive, crime-fighting turtles.

Taught all they know by their mutated rat sensei Master Splinter (voiced by Kevin Clash), they spend their days combating criminals, cracking one-liners, and dwelling in the New York City sewers. However, a crime wave conducted by a ninja organization known as the Foot Clan is sweeping across NYC, headed by the mysterious Shredder (James Saito).

Investigative reporter April O’Neil (Judith Hoag) looks into the Foot, only to be shut down by her boss and targeted by Shredder for her trouble. After being rescued from an attack by Raphael, she becomes the Turtles’s link to the topside world. When their sewer home is invaded by the Foot and Master Splinter kidnapped, the Turtles and April resolve to take down Shredder with the additional help of street vigilante Casey Jones (Elias Koteas) and troubled Foot recruit Danny Pennington (Michael Turney).

More Than a Cartoon or Comic

One distinguishing mark of the movie is its dark and gritty aesthetic. The set design and art direction are phenomenal, going for a sense of urban squalor. Everything looks lived in, grimy, even the more whimsical sets. The Foot Lair in particular looks like a 1990s riff on the Pleasure Island of Disney’s Pinocchio, complete with skateboard ramps, neon lights, and arcade games.

I hesitate to say the tone is dark and gritty too, since there are corny jokes and moments of slapstick aplenty, but the story takes itself seriously when it needs to. The script is tight and focused, never dragging out the plot and giving the viewer tons of memorably staged fight scenes in which stunt performers in rubber turtle suits work martial arts miracles.

Jim Henson’s Finest Work

Aside from being fun, the action scenes move the story forward, dragging the Turtles into ever more treacherous territory—so treacherous that some parents felt the movie was too violent for children.

The violence was also decried some of the crew: both Hoag and Jim Henson (whose Creature Shop provided the still-effective Turtle costume and Splinter puppet) were put off by the amount of aggression in the finished product, finding it excessive.

But the violence isn’t excessive—it’s made clear that fights with ninja weapons tend to have major physical consequences, even if you are a giant talking turtle. The best example of this is the rooftop fight sequence, where an outmatched Raphael attempts to fend off a swarm of Foot soldiers before they invade April’s apartment. The choreography is excellent there, imaginatively staged and fluid, which is the case throughout the entire movie.

Fun and Violence – Turtle style!

In fact, the apartment fight scene might encapsulate so much of what makes the original TMNT movie appealing: its heady mix of action, humor, and genuine emotional weight. The fight choreography is great, shot and edited with real verve, infused with some slapstick but not so much that it takes away from the menace of the enemy forces (something woefully lacking from the sanitized, parent-friendly action scenes in the two TMNT sequels).

The first half of the scene cuts between Raphael fending off the ninja army on the roof and April showing her late father’s junk shop to the other three turtles, bonding with them over the loss of a father.

Actually, TMNT has a few pivotal quiet scenes in the same vein which give the audience time to breathe between the major action set-pieces. The script gives the audience time to get to know the turtles, and flesh out their relationships with each other and their human friends, lending the action scenes more weight when we realize just what is at stake. These slower scenes give the film character development which make it a far more satisfying experience than the shallow exercise in money-grubbing it could have been.

TMNT: UAMC Approved

I won’t say every criticism of this film is unfounded. The ending confrontation is rather anti-climactic, especially after the excitement and imagination of the previous fight scenes. There are times when you can see through the seams of the turtle costumes (including one horrifying moment where Donatello opens his mouth wide and you can see the actor’s face inside the back of his throat!). These are minor quibbles though.

For those seeking a 1980s/1990s nostalgia fix, TMNT 1990 satisfies. However, if you weren’t raised on turtle power and all you want is a good, unpretentious action flick as exciting as it is hilarious, it works just as well.

Do you remember TMNT (1990)? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page!

What Ever Happened to the Planned Rambo TV Series?

By
Jack Beresford
-

A Rambo TV Show? Yes, please! Let’s make it happen Stallone!

Sylvester Stallone may be gearing up for a fifth outing as John Rambo in Rambo V: Last Blood (here’s everything we currently know about Rambo 5!) but there was a time when a TV spin-off was being seriously considered.

Back in December 2015, Deadline broke the news that a Rambo TV series titled Rambo: New Blood, was in the works. Die Hard writer Jeb Stuart was set to write the series, which would have explored the complex relationship between Rambo and a new protagonist, his son, J.R., a former US Navy Seal.

The Rambo TV Show

Unlike the short-lived Beverly Hills Cop series that centered on the son of Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley, Rambo: New Blood would have featured Rambo as a key character.

Those initial reports suggested Stallone would take a starring role in the show, which was being developed by Entertainment One and Avi Lerner’s Millennium. Then everything went quiet. Until now, that is.

New Life for Rambo: New Blood

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy, David Morrell, the author behind the 1972 novel First Blood which formed the basis of the first Rambo film revealed what happened to those plans for a Rambo TV series.

According to Morrell work had indeed begun on a TV spin-off with the author working closely with Miramax on the proposed project. But Morrell wasn’t happy with the way the project was taking shape.

According to the First Blood author while Stallone would have been present on the show, his role had been scaled back to a supporting one, with the focus instead falling on J.R. The main problem was they just couldn’t agree on how it would work.

So Who’s the new Rambo?

“Rambo would be in his early ’70s now, as Sylvester is,” Morrell told the website. “So you’re not going to have a television series with a man of that age as the star. It’s just not currently what people watch.

“So what they were going to do was have Rambo have a child. And this child was in one of the Gulf Wars, and had returned, and now he was coming back from war the way Rambo had come back [from Vietnam]. Never mind that the whole point is that Rambo had been so traumatised by the war that he couldn’t bring himself to have a meaningful relationship, let alone have a child. But we’ll just forget about all that.

“Basically, [Rambo’s son] was going to be someone in civilian life with military skills who did… what? Right wrongs? Was he going to be a version of The Equaliser? I couldn’t figure it out. So to my knowledge, that never went anywhere.”

RIP the Rambo Show

Rambo makes no mention of a son in the films and, from the looks of it, J.R. isn’t going to be popping up in the fifth and potentially final Rambo outing.

It’s fun to imagine who could have ended up playing Rambo’s offspring. Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles perhaps? Just an idea. In any case, J.R. died the minute plans for Rambo: New Blood ended up on the scrapheap. R.I.P.

What are your thoughts on the forlorn Rambo TV Show? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page! 

Rocky 3: The Introduction of Mr. T as an Ultimate Action Movie Icon

By
Ian Young
-

Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky III is great for many reason, but mostly for Mr. T.

Rocky III (1982) is a powerhouse of a movie, although maybe not as culturally or cinematically important as the first two in the franchise it’s maybe the first truly iconic Rocky movie. The Rocky that’s remembered in the popular imagination. It’s one of the first movies of that glorious decade to really shape the genre of action movies to come. It’s full of style with another top quality script and direction, once again written and directed by Sylvester Stallone.

How Sylvester Stallone Shaped the History of Action Movies with Rocky (1976)

The Eye of the Tiger

The movie has one of the most impressive opening sequences in all of action movies, a sequence that introduced us to one of the greatest pop songs of all time, The Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor. The cast’s performances are of the highest standard and the family saga element of the franchise is played brilliantly, especially the heart-breaking performance of Burgess Meredith.

The cast was further enhanced with that special brand of 80s Machismo by an appearance from the legend Hulk Hogan himself. Rocky III is a movie about the perils of success and the dangers of forgetting where you have come from as well as themes of rivalry, friendship and equality as well as fantastic action sequences.

Many parts of the internet are dedicated to discussing this but here at the Ultimate Action Movie Club there is a much more noble task at hand and that’s to highlight the brilliance of the one, the only, Mr. T.

Rocky 2: When Sylvester Stallone Became an Action Movie Director

UAMC Loves Mr. T

For people in the generation of the golden age of action movies it’s almost impossible to believe there was a time before Mr. T. One of the world’s first real multimedia stars came from humble beginnings. Having distinguished himself in the U.S Army, worked as a Bouncer and bodyguard for the rich and famous including boxing personalities such as Ali, Leon Spinks and Joe Frasier.

Mr. T first came to Stallone’s attention in the T.V show Games People Play where T appeared on a segment as America’s toughest bouncer. After a long casting process in which Morgan Freeman was considered for the role of Clubber Lang Mr. T was cast. Originally a role with just a few lines, Lang’s part was expanded on and it’s just as well as it was because Mr. T’s performance as Lang did not only make him one of the most memorable antagonists in the franchise but also in the history of action films.

Sylvester Stallone Reveals his one Major Regret From Rocky IV

The Pugilist Vs The Brutalist

One of the most compelling elements of Rocky III is the contrast between the supporting characters of the film. Apollo Creed who, in the Ali style, was portrayed in the franchise as the gentleman pugilist. Creed’s character arc developed from him being Balboa’s most challenging opponent to his friend and coach.

Creed is clearly drawn from a school of boxing which is all about discipline, honour and sportsmanship whereas Mr. T’s Performance as Clubber Lang comes from a very different place. It’s easy to see in Clubber Lang the inspiration of boxers such as Sonny Liston, Larry Holmes and George Foreman. Fighters who came across as heels if you will, aloof and aggressive. Fighters who had superior confidence and were so media aware that they knew that actions in the ring spoke louder than interviews.

10 Reasons Why ‘Rocky IV’ is the Most Underrated Christmas Movie of All-Time

The Ultimate Boxing Movie

The boxers that make up the DNA of Lang’s character were brawlers who could take a hit and then give it back tenfold. OK – maybe we hadn’t quite reached the era of the dirty fighter but the performance of Lang and the real life figures that inspired his creation gave brutal performances that would shape the future of boxing.

One of the defining legacies of the the Rocky films is that they are a commentary on the world of boxing at the time the movies were made.

Mr. T’s performance is absolutely outstanding, he comes across as a real credible threat and is right up there in the highest ranks of legendary movie villains. Every second he is on screen is memorable, thrilling and electric.

Sylvester Stallone on ‘Rocky II’ Sparring Partner Roberto Duran

The Rocky 3 Legacy

Mr. T’s career in the public eye absolutely skyrocketed after Rocky III, “I pity the fool” is, to this day, a quote that goes down in action movie history. (And was never actually used in the A-Team) Mr. T would become beloved by children the world over for his no nonsense attitude, aspirational moral code and huge presence on screen. Rocky III may have cemented the legend of the Rocky franchise but it gave birth to the myth that is Mr. T.

Where does Rocky 3 stack up on your ultimate franchise list? Let us know in the comments!

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