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American Shaolin: King of Kickboxers 2 [1992] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
so first off before the review there is another film which also goes under the title KING OF THE KICKBOXERS 2 which does actually star Loren Avedon but please do not confuse it with this film because the actual title of that film is FIGHTING SPIRIT but of course from a production point of view it makes more sense to call it a sequel for profit reasons. Back to the film in question if you are expecting a bit of Loren Avedon early 90's outstanding display of tae kwon do then please know that this is not the film you are going to get it from. If thats what you want then you need to be looking at films like NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER 2/3 or even the original KING OF THE KICKBOXERS. But it is fair to say that AMERICAN SHAOLIN is in the spirit of the for mentioned films as its director, Lucas Lowe or Lucas Lo as he is sometimes credited, is the director of the majority of these films. Expect the same top notch fight scenes, choreography and fast pased action from this seasonal instalment that you have seen before (if you have)but remember that this is a Martial Arts film so as can sometimes be with the lower budget Martial Arts flicks the story is second place to the action, but then if you sit there through the film analyzing the story and breaking the plot down piece by piece looking for representation and meaning then your not consentraiting on the action!!!! The story starts with a Kickboxer who is humiliated in the ring by another fighter who pulls down his shorts!! Mid fight no less!! Our hero then desides that his Martial Art skills are low grade and goes to China to study under the Shaolin monks from there it kind of viersof into a KARATE KID type of scenario but this is not a down-fall in thr film as it does fit with was is actually going on. There are some gimmiky Americanisms in the film such as teaching the monks Rock & Roll by using broomsticks and our hero does seem like your typical cocca cola kid,but the fine display of Shaolin Kung Fu overshadows this. Also the fact that the lead is actually a non Martial Artist is impressive for he holds up well on screen. Without spoiling the film it can be said that it does reach an obvious conclusion but one that shouldnt really hamper ones enjoyment of what is up on screen in front of you. My verdict is: keep the faith
Our Price: £103.65 (subject to change)
king of the kickboxers 2 but no Loren Avedon???
Review date: 2004-05-03 Rating: 6 out of 10
Well yes American Shaolin is hailed as King of the Kickboxers 2 but is of course a totally seperarte story with different characters, but this does not stop it from being a movie in its own right.
Take this film for what it is a lower budjet Martial Arts Film with a story line that keeps it moving along evenly with some fine displays of Martial Arts Style and skill. Worth a watch if you like good action and sure worth having in your collection if you are a Martial Arts Movie fan.
Dragon
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Trent Bushey
Reese Madigan
Billy Chang
Cliff Lenderman
Daniel Dae Kim
Creators:
Reese Madigan (Primary Contributor)
Trent Bushey (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Platinum Disc
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
EAN: 0096009044893
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC,
Release date: 2002-04-30
Universal product code (UPC): 096009044893
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1992
Language: English (Original Language)