68 reviews
This 1987 sequel to the 1985 "American Ninja" movie is essentially the same as the first movie, just with a different villain and location. But the rest of the story and movie was pretty much the same.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, that depends on if you liked the first movie or not. If you did like it, then you will like part two as well. And if you didn't like part one, then you will not like part two either.
Again, you got all the campy ingredients; cheesy storyline, generic characters, stereotypical villain, worthless henchmen, wonderful dialogue (you see the irony here, right?), action, martial arts, explosions and, of course, ninjas! Lots and lots of ninjas.
The acting was every bit as strained and wooden as in part one, but isn't that just part of the charm of these movies? One of my favorite things in "American Ninja 2: The Confrontation" was this particular piece of dialogue delivered by the commanding officer who requested the help of the US rangers: "I don't know who you are, what you are, or why you are here". Wait, what? Didn't he himself request the help?
Story-wise, well with little deviation from part one, it is about American ninja Joe Armstrong who is on a Caribbean island to solve the mysterious disappearances of US marine personnel, when he is confronted by a ninja syndicate.
While not a masterpiece, "American Ninja 2: The Confrontation" is as enjoyable as the previous movie. Equally campy, cheesy and requires little brain activity from the audience.
So is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, that depends on if you liked the first movie or not. If you did like it, then you will like part two as well. And if you didn't like part one, then you will not like part two either.
Again, you got all the campy ingredients; cheesy storyline, generic characters, stereotypical villain, worthless henchmen, wonderful dialogue (you see the irony here, right?), action, martial arts, explosions and, of course, ninjas! Lots and lots of ninjas.
The acting was every bit as strained and wooden as in part one, but isn't that just part of the charm of these movies? One of my favorite things in "American Ninja 2: The Confrontation" was this particular piece of dialogue delivered by the commanding officer who requested the help of the US rangers: "I don't know who you are, what you are, or why you are here". Wait, what? Didn't he himself request the help?
Story-wise, well with little deviation from part one, it is about American ninja Joe Armstrong who is on a Caribbean island to solve the mysterious disappearances of US marine personnel, when he is confronted by a ninja syndicate.
While not a masterpiece, "American Ninja 2: The Confrontation" is as enjoyable as the previous movie. Equally campy, cheesy and requires little brain activity from the audience.
- paul_haakonsen
- Dec 29, 2015
- Permalink
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation is more of the same as in the first film. The smooth pimps Armstrong and Jackson to do more ass whuppin in this ok sequel. This time around the fight scenes are better and so is the plot. All in all a decent film.
- DunnDeeDaGreat
- Mar 12, 2003
- Permalink
This violent art-martial film is the second entry about our heroes, the Rangers duo, Sergeant Armstrong(Michel Dudikoff)along with his proficient sidekick, Sergeant Jackson(Steve James) who are assigned a difficult mission at Caribbean Island( at the original film was Philipines). Five marines have disappeared and must investigate their location, being helped by marines captain(Jeff Weston). The prime suspect is a villain, drugs dealer named Lion(Gary Conway, also screenwriter), he has abducted a scientific who manufactures mass-produced an army of violent Ninjas by means of genetic engineering. The super-Nijas dressed in black, hooded, a blade on the back and using Shinkaisen, a metallized star they throw. Our protagonist go to Barbarroja island where take on the heinous nasty, the biggest heroin dealer of the planet. There they'll wipe out a passel of violent Ninjas.
This is plenty of action,adventures, fights,suspense in a comic book style. Dudikoff who is beefy as ever plays a two-fisted ranger utilizing efficiently his deadly skills. The movie is co-starred by Steve James(1952-1993), a corpulent fighter, he usually acted partner to tough stars, Michael Dudikoff(three times), Chuck Norris and David Carradine, but sadly he early deceased.Besides appear a flashbacks scenes with John Fujioka, the coach who trained Dudikoff on the art-martial world. Atmospheric musical score composed by synthesizer is made by George S Clinton. As always the film is produced in middling budget by Yoran Globus and Menahem Golan, Cannon Productions.The film is professionally directed by Sam Firstemberg, he's a low-grade expert about art-martial and Ninjas sub-genre and in Delta Force rip-offs. Followed by several sequels, starred by Dudikoff substituted by David Bradley and Steve James and mostly directed by Firstemberg and Cedric Sundstrom; such as ¨American Ninja 3 Blood Hunt¨, 'American Ninja: Annihilation¨ and American Ninja V.
This is plenty of action,adventures, fights,suspense in a comic book style. Dudikoff who is beefy as ever plays a two-fisted ranger utilizing efficiently his deadly skills. The movie is co-starred by Steve James(1952-1993), a corpulent fighter, he usually acted partner to tough stars, Michael Dudikoff(three times), Chuck Norris and David Carradine, but sadly he early deceased.Besides appear a flashbacks scenes with John Fujioka, the coach who trained Dudikoff on the art-martial world. Atmospheric musical score composed by synthesizer is made by George S Clinton. As always the film is produced in middling budget by Yoran Globus and Menahem Golan, Cannon Productions.The film is professionally directed by Sam Firstemberg, he's a low-grade expert about art-martial and Ninjas sub-genre and in Delta Force rip-offs. Followed by several sequels, starred by Dudikoff substituted by David Bradley and Steve James and mostly directed by Firstemberg and Cedric Sundstrom; such as ¨American Ninja 3 Blood Hunt¨, 'American Ninja: Annihilation¨ and American Ninja V.
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation is the best movie in the whole series and one of the best action movies I have ever seen. It has everything and what's more important: it has NINJAS! Tons of ninjas. In fact, there are so many ninjas in this movie that people got used to them. Ninjas wander around freely, shopping in supermarkets, hiding on roofs, driving cars, taking the sun on secluded beaches. This movie taught me one important lesson: ninjas are one of us and we should respect them. After seeing this great movie I say hello to ninjas on the street and I'm not afraid anymore to look under my bed in case a ninja is hiding there. We shouldn't be afraid of ninjas, ninjas are our friends! But back to the movie. It has three elements that make it so great: it has Michael Dudikoff, an exotic location, and a truck load of ninjas. The plot is simple, Dudikoff (himself being an invincible ninja) kicks some ninja ass then kicks some more and finally destroys the villain's master plan (sell clone-ninjas to other villains). But what makes this movie great is the unbelievable amount of action: ninja fights on a beach, bar fights, car chases, explosions, more explosions, sword fights. And if you think that ninjas perform only two basic functions: spying and killing, you're wrong. Because ninjas in American ninja 2 evolved, now they are also: bodyguards, sentinels, inept killers, car drivers, butlers, guards, human statues, decorations, extras, stunts, martial artists, masters of disguise and masters in ridiculing themselves. But why would a villain hire them instead of a conventional army? Because ninjas look cool and have three main characteristics that common soldiers don't have: they are FAST (the quickness with which their ass gets kicked is just amazing), they are SILENT (maybe they're silent, but that doesn't help them when they wander around in their black suits in broad daylight!) and they are DEADLY (I don't think they managed to kill anyone in the movie let alone even scratching Dudikoff). And the potential buyers are all a brilliant assortment of stereotyped villains: from the street pimp and the drug lord to the south-American dictator and the Arabian prince. And the main base of the villain is even more stereotyped, it has everything a villain dreams of: a representative logo (a lion with a shuriken in his head), a lab (with scientists and all), an arena (where ninjas can perform) and an office (from where the villain can dominate the world). And the most amazing thing is that if you are dressed like a ninja you can easily enter this heavily guarded complex and wander around freely. Ninjas walk the halls, buy coffees, take the elevators, go on cigarette breaks. They are just like us, but dressed like ninjas! Black ones, blue ones, red ones, it doesn't matter. The more the merrier. I learned the lesson and I'm sure you'll all learn it too after seeing this movie: ninjas are one of us. And remember, ninjas are EVERYWHERE!
As great drama or even great action films the American Ninja series will never be up there with Rambo or Dirty Harry. Yet it's All American hero Michael Dudikoff was a popular favorite in the 80s and 90s and found a winning formula for quite a stretch. Just don't take this seriously folks.
The second of the American Ninja series has Dudikoff and Steve James sent as army rangers on a case to discover why some Marines are disappearing on a Caribbean tropic island country where these Marines are most informal. They don't even go around in uniform except on special occasions.
Who's behind all this villainy is the island's leading citizen Gary Conway best known in his salad days as Gene Barry's young lieutenant sidekick in Burke's Law. Conway who wrote the story and cast himself as villain is creating a new version of mutant Ninjas. Like Moose Malloy Conway is trying to burn the fear out of them. This in order to help with his drug smuggling enterprises, the source of his wealth. He looks like he's having a ball.
And raking in the money I'll bet.
Lots of martial arts for fans of same.
The second of the American Ninja series has Dudikoff and Steve James sent as army rangers on a case to discover why some Marines are disappearing on a Caribbean tropic island country where these Marines are most informal. They don't even go around in uniform except on special occasions.
Who's behind all this villainy is the island's leading citizen Gary Conway best known in his salad days as Gene Barry's young lieutenant sidekick in Burke's Law. Conway who wrote the story and cast himself as villain is creating a new version of mutant Ninjas. Like Moose Malloy Conway is trying to burn the fear out of them. This in order to help with his drug smuggling enterprises, the source of his wealth. He looks like he's having a ball.
And raking in the money I'll bet.
Lots of martial arts for fans of same.
- bkoganbing
- Jan 15, 2017
- Permalink
"American Ninja 2" continues exactly in the same way the first movie ended. It's the same thing all over again: Cheesy story, tons of ninjas, fighting scenes and standard mediocre b-action movie acting. I'll have to criticize the plot this time, because it was much worse than the plot in the first movie (and that wasn't a particularly good plot, either). They try to flirt with science-fiction elements in this one, and that is just so stupid. Steve James does a terrific job in this one. The bar-fight and the last scene are especially great, he shows that he is THE KING himself in this movie-series. Dudikoff also does what he's paid to do, and that means fight scenes who are OK at the best.
Michael Dudikoff and Steve James return as Joe Armstrong and Curtis Jackson two martial arts experts who hunt a drug lord who is geneticly altering soldiers in this slightly improved yet still ultimately mediocre sequel. Michael Dudikoff still remains the strong and silent type, but his sidekick Steve James is the one who really provides the fun here, some creative actionscenes, but that's about it.
- bronsonskull72
- Jul 9, 2003
- Permalink
Joining Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff) is Curtis Jackson ( Steve James) who, like Joe, is promoted to the Army Rangers and sent on a mission to the Caribbean in search of missing Marines. Quicker than you can say déjà vu, Joe and Curtis are battling scientifically-engineered Super Ninjas in an attempt to bring down a dreaded drug lord known as The Lion (Gary Conway).
American Ninja 2 is a lively sequel to the excellent American Ninja that has wall to wall action - exciting fight scenes courtesy of Mike Stone's choreography and endless inventive and OTT sequences. The story as well as the plot is simple, yet it's quite eyegrabbing and fun. It's not meant to be taken seriously and viewers who haven't lost the child in them would appreciate it. Michael Dudikoff and Steve James shine with their chemistry, with one being quiet and contemplative and the other (Steve James) being loud and gagging for a fight.
American Ninja 2 is a lively sequel to the excellent American Ninja that has wall to wall action - exciting fight scenes courtesy of Mike Stone's choreography and endless inventive and OTT sequences. The story as well as the plot is simple, yet it's quite eyegrabbing and fun. It's not meant to be taken seriously and viewers who haven't lost the child in them would appreciate it. Michael Dudikoff and Steve James shine with their chemistry, with one being quiet and contemplative and the other (Steve James) being loud and gagging for a fight.
Plot
Michael Dudikoff and Steve James are back as Army Ranger buddies sent to an island where some Marines have disappeared. The reason? Witnesses saw guys in black outfits, hoods, and swords carrying them away.
What I Liked The movie jumps from fight scene to fight scene so the action rarely slows down. And there is a great scene with Steve James using fairly large knives in an epic battle. Overall, most of the secondary fight scenes are much better done than in the first movie.
What I Didn't Like The plot is almost non-existent (super soldiers, meh), almost all of the acting is hammy, and the ultimate battle is a let down compared to a big car chase scene doing a bit of a take-off of the first movie's opening scene (person being dragged behind a vehicle).
What I Liked The movie jumps from fight scene to fight scene so the action rarely slows down. And there is a great scene with Steve James using fairly large knives in an epic battle. Overall, most of the secondary fight scenes are much better done than in the first movie.
What I Didn't Like The plot is almost non-existent (super soldiers, meh), almost all of the acting is hammy, and the ultimate battle is a let down compared to a big car chase scene doing a bit of a take-off of the first movie's opening scene (person being dragged behind a vehicle).
- thepolyblog
- Feb 24, 2019
- Permalink
When I first saw American Ninja 2, I thought it was amazing and maybe even better than the first film. But today I watched them both since long time and was surprised that the sequel wasn't as great as I remembered.
The plot is even thinner, and the tone is lighter and has more comedic moments. But the amount of crazy ninja action is doubled. There are ninjas indoors, ninjas outdoors, ninjas on the beach, ninjas on the road, and ninjas on a battle arena. As a plain and simple "cheesy ninja movie" it is very entertaining.
If American Ninja was the Lethal Weapon of ninja movies, then The Confrontation is the Beverly Hills Cop of ninja movies. This is the second and last time to feature both Michael Dudikoff and Steve James at the same time. (They would return in more sequels but not together.) And also the only other American Ninja film directed by Sam Firstenberg. So you could say it's the most genuine sequel because it had all the right people involved. Check it out if you want...ninjas.
The plot is even thinner, and the tone is lighter and has more comedic moments. But the amount of crazy ninja action is doubled. There are ninjas indoors, ninjas outdoors, ninjas on the beach, ninjas on the road, and ninjas on a battle arena. As a plain and simple "cheesy ninja movie" it is very entertaining.
If American Ninja was the Lethal Weapon of ninja movies, then The Confrontation is the Beverly Hills Cop of ninja movies. This is the second and last time to feature both Michael Dudikoff and Steve James at the same time. (They would return in more sequels but not together.) And also the only other American Ninja film directed by Sam Firstenberg. So you could say it's the most genuine sequel because it had all the right people involved. Check it out if you want...ninjas.
- SkullScreamerReturns
- May 15, 2020
- Permalink
- Scarecrow-88
- Jan 26, 2007
- Permalink
- tarbosh22000
- Jan 10, 2012
- Permalink
Forget Leonard part 6, forget Air Bud 2. This is the worst. I must admit I did laugh out loud at some of the ridiculous fight stunts and scenes (which would be good if it was a comedy). They are so badly done. A 2 year old could have done just as well. I almost want people to see this just to witness such an awful movie.
It's cheesy as all hell, but I actually prefer AMERICAN NINJA 2 to the original. The story moves quicker and there's more action. Dudikoff and Steve James return as karate-kicking Army soldiers, this time investigating a mysterious Caribbean island where soldiers have been disappearing. The bad guy there is creating genetically-enhanced super Ninjas or something like that, using the work of a kidnapped doctor, who's daughter informs Dudikoff about his abduction and imprisonment on the island. There's a wild truck chase and a fun bar fight, and an all-out action-packed climax on the island between an army of Ninja and the Army. Another typical "chop socky" flick, but a slight improvement over first, and my favorite of the series.
- MichaelM24
- Apr 10, 2002
- Permalink
The kindest thing that can be said of this movie is that they did not intend for American Ninja 2 to be so homo-erotic. Not since Top Gun has as much man-chest and man-thigh been so wantonly on display in an action movie. Clearly the producers were hoping to make a much different sort of action film, and when you watch it you see two visions at war with each other, one force wanting to make a ninja movie and the other force wanting to make gay porn. Whatever children through-out history whom have seen this movie hoping for just a ninja related action movie must have been sorely mistaken, oh God the hilarity, I mean man those kids must have really thought 'hey yeah a ninja movie this can't go wrong' then they watch this oddity play out. Yeah good luck kids!
- jessegehrig
- Jul 11, 2013
- Permalink
- Skater1331
- Mar 30, 2023
- Permalink
What's worse the fact that there are 5 American Ninja movies OR that I have watched all 5???
- damianphelps
- Jan 27, 2021
- Permalink
Welcome back to another edition of Adam's Reviews!! **queue in intro music**
Today's movie review is American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987), where there are ninjas literally everywhere!! Ninjas on the beach, ninjas at bars, ninjas, ninjas!! One thing this flick has taught me is that ninjas are just like you and me and should be respected. But seriously, lame but cool as fight scenes in this flick where Michael Dudikoff and Steve James return as Joe and Jackson to another exotic island location where they investigate the disappearance of American marine soldiers. Soon they find out that a millionaire and his science doctor bloke is trying to cook up some super soldiers in the science lab, with the intention of selling clone-ninjas to other villains. If you are an action junkie who like it over the top then this film is for you, ninja fights on a beach, ninja bar fights, ninja car chases, ninja explosions, and an awesome ninja sword fight towards the end of the film. This film is focused on better action sequences rather than pure stunt work. Jackson's does more action scenes here and who doesn't love 80's cheesey lines. Obviously the story structure is lacking but who cares, look into this film and the franchise if you want to laugh and pretend that you can be a ninja one day 6.2/10
Today's movie review is American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987), where there are ninjas literally everywhere!! Ninjas on the beach, ninjas at bars, ninjas, ninjas!! One thing this flick has taught me is that ninjas are just like you and me and should be respected. But seriously, lame but cool as fight scenes in this flick where Michael Dudikoff and Steve James return as Joe and Jackson to another exotic island location where they investigate the disappearance of American marine soldiers. Soon they find out that a millionaire and his science doctor bloke is trying to cook up some super soldiers in the science lab, with the intention of selling clone-ninjas to other villains. If you are an action junkie who like it over the top then this film is for you, ninja fights on a beach, ninja bar fights, ninja car chases, ninja explosions, and an awesome ninja sword fight towards the end of the film. This film is focused on better action sequences rather than pure stunt work. Jackson's does more action scenes here and who doesn't love 80's cheesey lines. Obviously the story structure is lacking but who cares, look into this film and the franchise if you want to laugh and pretend that you can be a ninja one day 6.2/10
- rollernerd
- Feb 4, 2021
- Permalink
Story: 1.00/2 - Direction & Pace: 1.00 & 1.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Entertainment: 1.25/2
Total - 5.50/10
In the timeless annals of cinema, where the noble craftsmanship of storytelling meets the visceral thrill of martial arts, there exists a gem that teeters precariously between genius and absolute absurdity. Behold, dear cinephiles, the symphony of madness that is "American Ninja 2 - The Confrontation."
Picture this: genetically enhanced ninja clones sprouting like mushrooms in a villain's secret garden. Yes. You heard that right: The scriptwriter seems to have stumbled upon a whimsical idea during a vivid dream and decided, "Oh, what the heck, let's roll with it!" Kudos for bravado, but the plot is as coherent as a jigsaw puzzle missing half its pieces.
However, in a delightful paradox, amidst the ludicrous premise lies a surprising oasis of decent characters and setups. It's almost commendable how the cast manages to navigate this sea of preposterousness with a straight face. One can't help but admire their commitment to the cause, even if it appears to be acing "How to Perform in a Ridiculous Martial Arts Flick 101."
The direction and pacing are standard issues. The camera work is sadly lacking in creative ambition. Sure, the fight scenes muster some adrenaline, but they woefully lack the zest that typically comes from various camera tricks. No shaky-cam chaos, though, so hurray for small mercies!
Let's talk about satisfactory performances. They're there, like the seasoning on an otherwise bland dish - Not Oscar-worthy by any stretch, but hey, it's an '80s martial arts movie! You're not watching "American Ninja" for Shakespearean soliloquies.
Now, the martial arts: They're the delicious bread and butter in Kung-Fu Flicks. But alas, they hover somewhere between "meh" and "could've been better." Choreography and filming squandered an excellent opportunity to shine fiercely, forsaking us with a middle-of-the-road spectacle of feety-cuffs.
Verdict time: "American Ninja 2" represents a movie that demands you surrender your critical faculties at the entrance. The mad movie might tickle your fancy if you're a connoisseur of so-bad-it's-good B-movies or have a penchant for the absurd. Newbies to the martial arts genre? Look to the ever-reliable Jackie Chan for your initiation.
Total - 5.50/10
In the timeless annals of cinema, where the noble craftsmanship of storytelling meets the visceral thrill of martial arts, there exists a gem that teeters precariously between genius and absolute absurdity. Behold, dear cinephiles, the symphony of madness that is "American Ninja 2 - The Confrontation."
Picture this: genetically enhanced ninja clones sprouting like mushrooms in a villain's secret garden. Yes. You heard that right: The scriptwriter seems to have stumbled upon a whimsical idea during a vivid dream and decided, "Oh, what the heck, let's roll with it!" Kudos for bravado, but the plot is as coherent as a jigsaw puzzle missing half its pieces.
However, in a delightful paradox, amidst the ludicrous premise lies a surprising oasis of decent characters and setups. It's almost commendable how the cast manages to navigate this sea of preposterousness with a straight face. One can't help but admire their commitment to the cause, even if it appears to be acing "How to Perform in a Ridiculous Martial Arts Flick 101."
The direction and pacing are standard issues. The camera work is sadly lacking in creative ambition. Sure, the fight scenes muster some adrenaline, but they woefully lack the zest that typically comes from various camera tricks. No shaky-cam chaos, though, so hurray for small mercies!
Let's talk about satisfactory performances. They're there, like the seasoning on an otherwise bland dish - Not Oscar-worthy by any stretch, but hey, it's an '80s martial arts movie! You're not watching "American Ninja" for Shakespearean soliloquies.
Now, the martial arts: They're the delicious bread and butter in Kung-Fu Flicks. But alas, they hover somewhere between "meh" and "could've been better." Choreography and filming squandered an excellent opportunity to shine fiercely, forsaking us with a middle-of-the-road spectacle of feety-cuffs.
Verdict time: "American Ninja 2" represents a movie that demands you surrender your critical faculties at the entrance. The mad movie might tickle your fancy if you're a connoisseur of so-bad-it's-good B-movies or have a penchant for the absurd. Newbies to the martial arts genre? Look to the ever-reliable Jackie Chan for your initiation.
- P3n-E-W1s3
- Nov 16, 2023
- Permalink
The second installment of the "American Ninja" series isn't very good, but is made watchable thanks tho Steve James. Besides from his awesome hair, he spouts out one-liners and is the person in the film who can do that thing where lots of people jumps on him and he can throw them all off at once and get them to sound like someone has just got a strike bowling. The premise is pure comic book and this may be a Cannon movie, but the production values seem pretty good and I think non-martial artist Dudikoff's fighting is a bit better than it was in the jokey original.
This isn't actually a bad effort for a film of this genre. I know the acting is shocking, the script is full of gaping holes and the plot is bordering on farcial. A mad bloke has built a lab on a tropical island (why not) to grow his own super ninjas from American soldiers, so the American Government send more American soldiers to try to stop him. The movie itself is 80's corny. As a stand alone film, it is passe.
This isn't actually a bad effort for a film of this genre. I know the acting is shocking, the script is full of gaping holes and the plot is bordering on farcial. A mad bloke has built a lab on a tropical island (why not) to grow his own super ninjas from American soldiers, so the American Government send more American soldiers to try to stop him. The movie itself is 80's corny. As a stand alone film, it is passe.
- PredragReviews
- May 11, 2016
- Permalink
Holy CRAP is the editing here bad? It's almost like I edited it on a Nokia 3310! The acting is on par with the first movie, but the sound design is a step down. At least the story has a bit more meat to it, though? Meaning there's an actual story, rather than just Michael Dudikoff running around throwing 'ninjas' badly. It also loses a point for not including Judie Aronson OR addressing her absence...
It's not a great deal better, though, because this time they're not just inept regular ninjas, they're inept *mutant* ninjas! Created and lead by a guy who looks like what you'd get if you ordered David Leisure from TEMU, no less.
Honestly, this movie was a test of endurance to get through, but did that stop me from watching the whole thing? And is that gonna stop me from watching the rest of the franchise? No, and no.
Onward and...downward?
It's not a great deal better, though, because this time they're not just inept regular ninjas, they're inept *mutant* ninjas! Created and lead by a guy who looks like what you'd get if you ordered David Leisure from TEMU, no less.
Honestly, this movie was a test of endurance to get through, but did that stop me from watching the whole thing? And is that gonna stop me from watching the rest of the franchise? No, and no.
Onward and...downward?
- GregTheStopSign95
- Aug 4, 2024
- Permalink
Crapped out of the minds of the people who brought us: NINJA III: THE DOMINATION, CYBORG COP II, SPIDERS II: BREEDING GROUND, and +sigh+ the amazing BREAKIN' II: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO comes American NINJA III...I mean II. Whatever...
Joe Armstrong and Joe Jackson go to some island paradise, which of course in infested with ninjas. Good guys meet bad guys. Bad guys go dead. All is well in the land.
But THANK YOU GOLAN/GLOBUS for bringing us this trash...it might surpass DEATH WISH III as the funniest film of all time. It is perhaps one of those rare instances where every single person involved in any way with this film, was doing the most mediocre job possible. Truly some events like this only come along once in a lifetime. The fight choreography in this film is beyond comparison to anything in the modern world. It took three people to write this script, they probably thought it was clever that the first name of the bad guy "THE LION", is actually "LEO". HMMMMMM FORESHADOWING. Remember this word class....FORE SHA DOW ING.
One day I will buy the rights to this movie and re-dub it to my taste.
If you play with GI JOES and eat PASTE, this is probably you're favorite movie. If you're a 10 year old boy, you are forgiven. The rest of you FOR SHAME.
Steal this movie if you have to...it's worth it. American NINJA II **** stars.comedy.1987
Joe Armstrong and Joe Jackson go to some island paradise, which of course in infested with ninjas. Good guys meet bad guys. Bad guys go dead. All is well in the land.
But THANK YOU GOLAN/GLOBUS for bringing us this trash...it might surpass DEATH WISH III as the funniest film of all time. It is perhaps one of those rare instances where every single person involved in any way with this film, was doing the most mediocre job possible. Truly some events like this only come along once in a lifetime. The fight choreography in this film is beyond comparison to anything in the modern world. It took three people to write this script, they probably thought it was clever that the first name of the bad guy "THE LION", is actually "LEO". HMMMMMM FORESHADOWING. Remember this word class....FORE SHA DOW ING.
One day I will buy the rights to this movie and re-dub it to my taste.
If you play with GI JOES and eat PASTE, this is probably you're favorite movie. If you're a 10 year old boy, you are forgiven. The rest of you FOR SHAME.
Steal this movie if you have to...it's worth it. American NINJA II **** stars.comedy.1987
- cannibalelvis
- Jul 20, 2005
- Permalink
More cheesy ninja hi-jinks this time set in the Caribbean, a regular ninja hot-spot!
American Ninja 2 is a stupid as the rest of them, (probably more so with the addition of the so-called 'mutant-ninja-wariors'), but much definitely an improvement on the first. While the fights may be slightly better, they're still hilariously bad which lends itself to much entertainment, and the film does offer a bit of an upgrade in the stunt department. Fight choreographer Mike Stone, gets to play the big bad ninja this time, and actually plays his role quite well - proving to be the best mover of the cast.
Saying that, the bar fight was ridiculous! With the length of time it took Dudikoff to get upstairs to save the girl, Jackie Chan had already released 3 movies and took down about 200 guys!
And don't get me started on that end battle...
The highlights for me were Dudikoff's legs, Steve James getting to kick ass, and a better looking production overall. The addition of actor, Larry Poindexter (who has arguably been the more successful of the lot in his career to date), is there to bring a bit more comic-relief to the show, with much of it falling flat. James is much funnier! To be honest, I think the film should be re-edited as a comedy. It would be a huge hit!
Overall: Insanely stupid, but a great laugh and funny ninja action!
American Ninja 2 is a stupid as the rest of them, (probably more so with the addition of the so-called 'mutant-ninja-wariors'), but much definitely an improvement on the first. While the fights may be slightly better, they're still hilariously bad which lends itself to much entertainment, and the film does offer a bit of an upgrade in the stunt department. Fight choreographer Mike Stone, gets to play the big bad ninja this time, and actually plays his role quite well - proving to be the best mover of the cast.
Saying that, the bar fight was ridiculous! With the length of time it took Dudikoff to get upstairs to save the girl, Jackie Chan had already released 3 movies and took down about 200 guys!
And don't get me started on that end battle...
The highlights for me were Dudikoff's legs, Steve James getting to kick ass, and a better looking production overall. The addition of actor, Larry Poindexter (who has arguably been the more successful of the lot in his career to date), is there to bring a bit more comic-relief to the show, with much of it falling flat. James is much funnier! To be honest, I think the film should be re-edited as a comedy. It would be a huge hit!
Overall: Insanely stupid, but a great laugh and funny ninja action!
- Movie-Misfit
- Apr 19, 2020
- Permalink
As 80s martial arts action films go, this has to be somewhere near the bottom of the pile. That doesn't mean it isnt fun. A ridiculous story, where two Marines go undercover to locate their missing brethren. Battles ensue, along with a nefarious arch-villain. Appears like a quick and dirty production, with little care to the quality of shots or set design. Still, when the battles rage, the marital arts are pretty exciting. Steve James and Jeff Weston make the best of the situation, and Michael Dudikoff has a reasonably solid tongue in cheek performance. This is the film you watch with your buddies, after youve already watched a better, but still awful, similar film. If you love 80s cheese, this will be essential, but won't occupy much of your platter.
- sgmi-53579
- Oct 1, 2022
- Permalink