Kelleyscope

First off let me just say that this is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. But without Drago the movie would slip from "bad" and into a black hole. Watching this film (did I call it a film) and in particular Drago, I could not help but think he is probably the most committed actor to have ever been filmed ... or at least the most committed since Rod Steiger in the Pawnbroker.

Now does that make it a good performance? I dare not say one way or another, but I did want more Drago because there was no telling where he was going with this character (despite the transparent script) ... surely his own spittle that he had to wipe off his own face was not in the script.

As for the other elements ... there is too much to get into, but I suppose the early warning sign was the change in font of the opening titles. Never Say Die is a sleeper, and by sleeper I mean, unless Drago is yelling out "And God..." then most likely you will fall asleep. I know I did.

So, if you are looking for one of the most over-the -top performances with action to laugh- for, this is the movie for you.

The previous comment has it 99% right. This film works, although maybe it works more for those of us who have seen many films that have not worked (observation: films in this genre all seem to work when Richard Norton is in them).

An added bonus with this film for guys like me, is that it does have a few select moments of "so bad it is good" (such as the acting level of the under-cover CIA agent, Tommy's father and one of Buntao's henchmen) SPOILER ALERT: but fear not, all get killed ...

The one percent that the previous comment fails to mention (although a couple others have, but in an inaccurate way) is the acting of Frances Taumbaun in the role of Buntao (I'm sure I have mis-spelled his name, and I could correct it simply by back-clicking, but alas I am at work and well, just let me get back to the point ...)

At first viewing, Taumbaun may seem as though he were over-acting, maybe first thru 10th viewing ... but trust me when you get to that coveted 11th viewing of any true martial arts movie fan, you will then begin to realize that he is actually a very good actor. In fact, despite being a big Richard Norton fan it is Taumbaun who ALMOST steals this movie 11th-23rd viewings. Dare I say it: I love this guy. Rage and Honor III should be made with Buntao coming back for some revenge.

Seriously, I'll write it. Anybody want to shell out some dough? Lets bring back Norton, Taumbaun and of course Cynthia Rothrock and complete this trilogy!

Steven Segal, pony tail and all, stepped onto the scene somewhere around 1990-ish with Above the Law. About a year or so later Martial Law 2:Undercover comes out ... and I have to tell you a movie with more pony tails has never been made.

But this is not to knock the movie. Trust me there is lots to knock in this movie (like how the biker gang from the opening sequence intended to transport the guns they were trying to purchase back to their homes).

No, I am not going to knock this movie. Why? Because I love this movie. It is over-the-top, well produced (seriously, Kurt Anderson -- the director-- has got some of the best performances out of the cast, good fights, a good look and good editing), comical (both on purpose and not-so-on purpose in scenes).

The replacement of Wincott for Chad McQueen's character from part one gets a better fighter in the male lead (and in my opinion a more diverse actor).

But what is it about this movie that really sets it apart, outside of all the hair and even a yawn by one actor in a scene. It is the acting by uncredited (both on IMDb and in the final credits) as Danny Borelli. I don't know why or how this guy did it, but he plays perhaps the best recovering alcoholic in film history ... well maybe second best to Ray Milland. Don't take my word for it, watch this movie. Watch the way the Borelli character continues to be engaged in conversations and scenes when he is doesn't have lines (yes I realize as an actor that is his job ... but come on, how many actors actually follow through with their jobs.

Charles Taylor is credited for playing Borelli as well as Dobbs, but Dobbs is the character that Borelli was following, and while they list Borelli's wife in the end credits of the film, I did not see the actors' name for Borelli listed ...

I have to disagree with the previous comments, as I in fact both enjoyed the film and laughed. I must say this could be because I went into it expecting nothing and have fallen out of touch of current Japanese movies. So what I am saying with this last point is, maybe this is something (at least in style) that has been made of late.

This aside, I think what really captured me was the blend of visuals, the samurai sequences and soundtrack. I found some of the writing forced, particularly with the Danny character (the nature guy), he seemed too young, or the writing too overdone for part. Perhaps it was the script that was weak, but the performers (particularly the Japanese leads) that were able to gain a greater understanding of the writing. I don't mean to knock the lone-non-Japanese in the film, he did a fine job when compared with other Japanese films written for non-Japanese characters.

But I suppose a movie has to be more than just visual and audio. And while I agree and hour and 50 min. was a little long for this film, there is a spirit or heart that is within it that I think asks (if not demands) the viewer put aside a few of its flaws and give into this artistically-done popcorn film.

Those are my thoughts ... for now.