Welcome to another episode of the Video Store Podcast. Inspired by a wild kung-fu brawl that recently took place in the street in front of the video store, I decided to recommend four kung-fu style films. None of these will win many points for their creative plots, but all of them are fun to watch with popcorn and friends. An alcoholic beverage or two might not hurt, either.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Big Trouble in Little China is probably the most mainstream movie on this week’s episode. As a teenager this was one of my favorite films (and I still enjoy it today), but as time goes on I find lots of people familiar with the film that haven’t actually seen it from beginning to end.
John Carpenter’s dive into the surreal, magical world of Chinatown introduces us to Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) and his pal Wang as they delve into the dark, underbelly of “little China” This film is often referred to as a “cult classic” today but to me, it’s just good, clean fun.
Mortal Kombat (1995)
In the early 90s, Mortal Kombat set arcades on fire. Riding on the popularity of the game’s arcade sequel and home versions was this film which is based on the game and pretty blatantly rips off the plot of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. Like that film, fighters from different locations travel to a mysterious island to partake in a tournament… to the death! You may not have had “videogame-based movie starring the guy from Highlander, the schoolteacher from Billy Madison, and the voice of Dr. Claw from Inspector Gadget… but here we are.
Some people say this movie is cheesy, some say it’s fun, and I say it’s both. In fact, I’d say it’s a flawless victory.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991)
In the future (2001, in the film), prisons has been privatized and are largely corrupt. Our hero, Riki, has been sent to one of these prisons and the Prison Ward has dispatched the leaders of the Gang of Four to make sure Riki doesn’t get any ideas and start a rebellion. Unfortunately for them, Riki — who also happens to possess superhuman strength — has other plans.
Riki-Oh is based on a Japanese manga series known for its over the top violence and this film is no different, containing lots of gore, all presenting in comic-book style. Riki punches a hole right through one guy and punches the head off of someone else. It’s not for everybody, but if you like your kung-fu campy an dover the top, check this one out immediately.
Police Story (1985)
Police Story was I believe Jackie Chan’s breakout film. The popularity of this film and the sequel led to Chan getting multiple offers from Hollywood, and the third film in the series (Police Story III) was released in America as Supercop.
The plot of this one is relatively thin. Jackie Chan is a police officer who, after busting a drug lord, must protect the criminal’s secretary before she can testify against him in court. The real star of the show are the fight scenes and Chan’s stunts. It’s impossible to watch this film without wondering if people got hurt doing these stunts. Spoiler, they did.
I love all kinds of films, from silent and black and white films to the latest sci-fi blockbusters. One of my guilty pleasures will always be these types of kung-fu films, films you can enjoy without thinking too hard about them.
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