Slug Street Scrappers: Beat Em Up (2013) User Reviews

Good, but lacks Bruiser

[dangkoen · 7/10 · 7 May 2013]

Having enjoyed SSS1 & 2, automatically I was pumped at the announcement of a second sequel. I was curious to see where the story & characters would go next.

Now, the story & characters are once again used with intelligence & cleverness. Some very nice touches of humor certainly add to the entertainment level of this movie, nicely filling in the now more clear storyline. I also loved how extradimensionals are being introduced, whom in no doubt will have a very important role in the future sequels.

Still, despite all this & the very well choreographed fight scenes, the film lacked... Bruiser. It's no doubt he is the main character of this series & was featured too little in this installment, not to mention his lack of a real fight scene. Whether this was intentional to give other characters more screen time or it was just how the script was written I don't know, but I'm sure Bruiser will be featured more in the next installments.

All in all, a good follow-up in the SSS-series.

Very Good Movie...Slug Street Scrappers 3 is a lot of fun.

[pdavi25 · 7/10 · 17 May 2013]

"Slug Street Scrappers 3" is the third installment (obviously) of the Slug Street Scrappers series by Whirlwind Action. In Slug Street Scrappers 1 and 2, we are introduced to a number of the characters. Most return in "Slug Street Scrappers 3" including Bruiser, Peaches, Punchy, Ryuken, Knuckles, and Shizuka. Oh, and we can't forget the "Larry, Moe and Curly" of the Slug Street Scrappers - the Slugger Squad OMEGA (with all new color scheme).

SOME SPOILERS BELOW...READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

The story begins about a year before the present time when Peaches was the "Toughest in Town". Her boyfriend, Bruiser Bom-Bash finds out that the holder of the title "Toughest in Town" is in grave danger and will suffer a "fate worse than death". Thus, he decides to take matters into his own hands.

In addition, Ryuken is being hunted by members of the Kazama and Clarke family (including Knuckles) for running out on his engagement. Meanwhile, Punchy, back from Thailand, finds out from her sister, Shizuka, the possible plans the "Revered One" has for the Slug Street Scrappers.

After having watched the movie...four times...let me start with some quibbles I have about this movie:

1. As it is a low-budget "made for YouTube" movie, some of the lines are cumbersome - the script could have used a little more refinement.

2. After the Knuckles/Ryuken fight, I would have liked to seen more of a bonding when both characters confess that they were "falling for each other" or after Knuckles says she's "made her choice". I would have expected her to kiss Ryuken. Oh well.

Those minor quibbles aside, here's what I liked about the movie:

1. The fight scenes - Whirlwind Action is known for their fight scenes and the ones in this movie are of the same standard as the other movies.

2. The back-story for Bruiser/Peaches really sheds light on how Bruiser gained the title "Toughest in Town" from Peaches. The fight scene between them was heart-wrenching as Peaches can't believe Bruiser's "betrayal". Micah Brock does excellently as the conflicted Bruiser in this scene and Katelyn Brooke excels as the heartbroken Peaches.

3. ...and this is where this movie deviates a little from the other Slug Street Scrappers movies. In SSS 1 and 2, Bruiser is a cocky fighter and Peaches is a border-line psycho ex-girlfriend. In SSS3, these two central characters, while retaining some of their original qualities, show their vulnerable side, making them characters you feel sorry for.

4. Ryuken has changed from a caricature of the "typical fan boy" to a full-fledged character. While a little far fetched, I was glad to see his transformation from a "fanboy" to a man.

5. Even though this movie takes on a more serious tone, I was glad to see some of the comedy and campiness show up...especially Venom's failed disappearing act and the final moments of the Knuckles/Slugger Squad Omega fight.

6. There are some low budget movies where I've said, "Well, I want that hour back" - THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. The quality of this movie, while not Hollywood standard, is well done.

7. The hinted story line in SSS2 starts to really take shape in SSS3, as certain characters start to find out about the history of the "Revered One" and the purpose of the Slug Street Scrappers. It has taken the SSS series from cool martial-arts videos to a very interesting story, as nobody knows what's going to happen to the characters in this story.

Um...speaking of which...anybody seen Vain?

All in all, this movie is fun to watch and I can't wait to see the next chapter of the series.

Spoiler Warning!

[boken88 · 10/10 · 23 May 2013]

Film starts with Bruiser Bom Bash narrating the story then we go to the music video style intro that showcases the plethora of characters, this worked extremely well in the previous installment and now it's even longer and you can see just how talented each of the cast members are. There is a generous recap of the previous events updating the viewer to the integral plot of the film. As usual the filming and editing looks top notch, the music is high tempo, witty and funny dialog, fast pace fight scenes, surprisingly solid story, and a host of interesting fighting game style characters. Enter the afro wearing Hopz, fighting style martial acrobatics. Hopz goes toe to toe with Peaches, showcasing some amazing moves with lots of character. Talk about a fun guy to watch. His technique looks stellar too.

There are some very serious dramatic scenes in this film even though it is a martial arts action comedy film. Bruiser and Peaches, Ryuken and Knuckles show some high tension backed with some really good music that will make you hold your breath, meaning everyone did a good job. And you feel for peaches in a Darth Vader meets Ophelia (Hamlet) sort of way.

Don't forget the mega talented siblings, Jimmy Broker and Billy Broker bringing in the Kung Fu styles in full throttle. I thought Billy Broker was absolutely amazing in Slug Street 2 and here we get to see him yet again out in a wide open space against other hyper talented practitioners.

It was interesting to see Ryuken's character suddenly develop in Slug Street 2 making him almost another lead along with Bruiser. His part of the story pretty much concludes in this one, not before a few fights including an eye catcher with the tall and enigmatic Bones who seems perfectly casted for his role. The Drunken Fist Kung Fu displayed by Bones is a nice contrast to the Karate style of Ryuken, and I have to say that the music in this fight scene is exceptional.

If all this wasn't enough, we get to see the glorious return of Punchy who was a jaw stopper in the first Slug Street. She was unfortunately absent in the sequel, but she is back with a fury wearing a sailor moon style outfit that anime and cosplay fans will have to love!

If you like fight scenes you won't be disappointed, because there are tons of fights, including the humorous Slugger Squad Omega versus the girl everyone seems to be talking about, Knuckles, who shows us some new tricks in her arsenal… grappling moves!

The story is actually much more than you might expect from this genre because there is a segment that goes into some interesting anime style mythology done in story board format which was a very nice touch and change of pace. Right when you think it's over, we get to finally see The Revered One and The Demoness, and it ends with once again a great music score as the credit roles. I can't wait to see the next one!

"Because we need an excuse for a fight scene"

[The_Phantom_Projectionist · 4/10 · 1 December 2015]

BEAT EM UP - the third installment of the SLUG STREET SCRAPPER franchise and the only one to exceed an hour of runtime - is a niche martial arts comedy that didn't appeal to me very much. Though Micah Brock's production lacks neither heart nor enthusiasm, it falls short of delivering thrills and a compelling story - leaving you with only an experimental spectacle and a slightly greater-than-average number of fights.

The plot continues to center on the "Toughest in Town" title, but for the most part, the story is all over the place. There are about a dozen colorful characters and not all of their subplots seem to revolve around the central story. I have a feeling that everything - from the rivalries to the bit with the two goddesses - will come to a head in future installments, but as is, the film just feels scatterbrained and completely inaccessible to everyone but established fans.

The filmmakers' intent was to craft a movie that recreated the experience of classic fighting games, and they definitely succeeded. No tongue-in-cheek necessary here: the performers just play it straight for the most part, perfectly replicating the detached, out-of-context emoting heard in bad voice acting, while the screenplay sets up all of the flawed logic and odd priorities that seem so natural in a game. Macho attitudes run rampant and everybody parades around in goofy outfits. One could make a case for this being either homage or satire, but either way, the tone doesn't speak to me. The novelty is good for about ten minutes, then the repetitiveness of the humor and lack of endearing characters left me wishing for a regular old karate flick.

The action content was not all that I had hoped for, though my expectations may have been a little high. Micah Brock is a veteran of the excellent Stunt People team, and I was hopeful that his Whirlwind Action group would retain some of the former's flair. It does, for certain, but the level of choreography and style of presentation leave something to be desired. I love the clashing of distinct martial arts styles and there are at least a couple brawls I give passing marks to, but in general, the nine fights are a little on the slow side and their presentation is very basic. I don't doubt the skills of the performers, but these matches could be a lot more dynamic.

I applaud indie action at every opportunity and hope that Whirlwind Action is far from done producing pictures, but this particular effort of theirs failed to do more than lightly entertain me. It's not worth a second watch, and I cannot recommend it above many other movies.

For you if you are a martial artist

[amnfox · 6/10 · 11 May 2013]

I enjoyed watching the fight scenes. Not Hollywood quality, but the talent is still there regarding the martial artists in the movie. At times there was a "Power Rangerish" feel to the character's clothes, the interaction between some of the actors and the choreography. However, after seeing one and two of SSS, I was impressed and at times touched with the ways the previous episodes/movies tied into this one. Also I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the soundtrack to the movie. Overall, for a amateurish martial action/comedy it was entertaining to watch despite some of the short falls. Can't wait for the next SSS to come out. Great job guys.

Above Average..

[peterkim123 · 6/10 · 17 May 2013]

Fight scenes, and story is a-lot better this time around, evolving from what it was with 1 and 2, made a BIG change.

But, the music and the ending is a bit iffy. When I see an emotional scene between some of the characters, I really don't want to hear blaring dubstep disrupting the mood of the scene. With the large amount of story development, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't that much fights in the movie, but there is a fair amount of fight scenes in this movie. But I assume this is Micah's first time trying to edit and write an emotional scene, but the acting from Katelyn Brooke makes the scene all the better.

also, the "subtle" reference to Hajime no Ippo during the Peaches vs McBritches scene - priceless.

I feel like the dubstep somewhat ruins the emotional scenes, and just deserves to be silent some of the time. Not to mention the over-the-top ending. It feels forced, and the effects there are kinda.. BAD. It leaves you on a cliffhanger, and keeps you guessing - Obviously setting up for a sequel.

Conclusion? This movie is good, but needed to iron out it's flaws. 6/10