What
can I say about this flick?
First, it stars Michael Dudikoff
and Steve James, the stars of such classics
as AVENGING FORCE, AMERICAN NINJA, BACHELOR
PARTY (Dudikoff) and THE EXTERMINATOR (James).
Second, director Sam Firstenberg is the
same man that brought us NINJA 3: THE DOMINATION,
AVENGING FORCE and the original AMERICAN
NINJA.
Third, and perhaps most important,
the flick features 10 audible bone breaks!
That's right, ten solid bone breaks that
you can hear as clear as a bell. Personally,
I think this is a pretty unheralded action
film statistic and it gives you a fair idea
of the fight-to-dialogue ratio this baby
is packin'!
The story concerns a drug
kingpin known only as "The Lion"
who has set up shop on an island in the
Caribbean. Under his power is a scientist
who has come up with a way of creating genetic
patterns that turn ordinary men into "Super
Ninjas." It should come as no surprise
that "The Lion" plans on using
the "Super Ninjas" to enforce
his drug empire.
Turns out that on paper this
is a good idea but the execution leaves
something to be desired as the US Marines
call in experts when four of their men are
kidnapped... and who do you think the experts
are?
That's right, Curtis Jackson (James) and
Joe Armstrong (Dudikoff) come on in, find
out about the ninjas and decide to kick
some major ass.
AN2 exists for no other reason
than for the stars to show off their talents
and for Firstenberg to stage some incredibly
entertaining action sequences. Dudikoff
and James have great chemistry (which is
what made AMERICAN NINJA and AVENGING FORCE
so much fun) and Firstenberg shows a steadier
hand than in previous efforts.
This was pretty much the height
of Dudikoff's work for 80s action kings
Cannon Group and makes a fine double feature
with the equally entertaining AVENGING FORCE.
