cyrinishad Reviews

Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor (1994)

At least it's better than Kickboxer 3!

[17 October 2002]

After seeing the abomination that was Kickboxer 3, I was glad to see the Kickboxer series get back on track. Once again, Albert Pyun (Kickboxer 2) took over the director's reins and gave us an entertaining sequel to Rick King's horrible addition to the series.

When we catch up with David Sloan in Kickboxer 4, we find him in prison, having been framed for murder by none other than his old nemesis, Tong Po, who has since become one of the most powerful druglords in Mexico. Clearly out of spite for his old rival, Po has kidnapped David's wife, Vicky, and is keeping her locked up in his compound.

When the DEA approaches David with the proposition of infiltrating Po's desert lair, Sloan jumps at the chance. Under the alias 'Jack Jones', David fights his way into Po's exclusive million dollar tournament, bent on paying back his old rival in full.

Sasha Mitchell is much more subdued in this film in coordination with his character, having been hardened from his two years in prison. Although quite a departure from the happy-go-lucky character he's used to portraying, Mitchell handles it very well, coming across as a much more intimidating presence than in the previous two films.

I personally love Albert Pyun's style. His films may be campy, but they're almost always fun. Just relax and enjoy this one.

The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982)

The greatest underrated fantasy film ever!

[10/10 · 16 October 2002]

As the best of all the bad fantasy films produced in the early 80's, The Sword and the Sorcerer was a mild hit at the box office. I've watched this film countless times over the years, and its effect on me is every bit as strong as an adult, as it was when I was a boy.

While not the highest-budgeted fantasy ever made, this movie deserves extra praise for its atmosphere. The filmmakers did the best they could with what they had, and despite the obvious camp factor, the scenery manages to be intriguing and eye-catching all at the same time.

The performances are also more than worthy of note. Richard Lynch, the perennial sci-fi villain, performs beautifully as Cromwell; he simply exudes evil. Lee Horsley does an admirable job of playing the rogue Talon in his first feature film. Kathleen Beller makes a strong, yet sensual heroine in her portrayal of Alana, and Simon MacCorkindale truly shines in one of the movie's best scenes, in the torture chamber with Cromwell. And what more can I say about Xusia? He's awesome. Living proof that sorcery doesn't always have to be flashy to be deadly.

Of course, the swords themselves deserve special mention. They're so outrageous, you just can't help but love them! I tend to think of Albert Pyun as "the mad genius of Hollywood directors", as only he could dream up something so brazen and actually make it appealing to the masses. I love all of his movies.

But above all, the fun factor is what makes this movie most enjoyable. This is the adventure that Conan the Barbarian wishes it could have been! While Conan was a great film on its own, it just didn't entertain me as much as this one did.

While it's definitely not for realists (as if there is such a thing when it comes to fantasy!), those who can manage to suspend their disbelief long enough to be drawn into this magical world should find themselves greatly entertained. Just relax, and have fun with it. You'll like it.