Flip Out Ninja (American Ninja 2: The Confrontation / American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (DVD))

Member Name: The Polar One

Product:	American Ninja 2: The Confrontation / American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (DVD)
Date:	05/02/08 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap and cheerful

Disadvantages: Silly plots, weak acting

Face it. Bad movies will always be around. For every Atonement, you get a Transformers. Or should that be the other way around? That's the point, isn't it. One persons Champagne is anothers Special Brew. But since it's there, why not give it a try once in a while. You might be surprised. The American Ninja series is most definitely cheese. You can smell it a mile off. Somewhere between Miami Vice and Street Fighter you'll find this low budget beat 'em up series. After the modestly successful first installment, director Sam Firstenberg returned with Michael Dudikoff and Steve James for some more high kicking action.

American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987) is set on an idyllic Caribbean island, amongst the marines posted to defend the American Embassy. Two minutes in and we have an old school bar-room brawl, acting as a cover for masked ninjas to kidnap some marines. Four marines have mysteriously disappeared so far. The baffled Americans send replacements, including army rangers Joe (Dudikoff) and Jackson (James) to covertly investigate. What they find is a party island of negligent marines, and a whole buncha ninjas.

First and foremost this is an action flick, so expect a lot of excessive fight scenes of varying quality. Being an old budget movie, don't expect anything like The Borne Supremacy. Some of the choreography is poorly filmed, and the use of weapons often looks fake, with no attempts at make-up effects for blood or wounds. Although there is a lot of bone crunching - ouch. If the fight scenes don't do it for you, there's the odd car chase chucked in for good measure. It's uber cheesy, with the focus on escapism rather than realism. That's the key to whether these films will find favour.

Dudikoff and James make a likable pair, a real buddies act, as was very popular in the 80s (think Lethal Weapon). Whilst the backstory of Joe being raised as a ninja, and the films videogame plot of genetically altered super ninjas are highly improbable, both stars inject plenty of energy to keep things afloat. Unfortunately the same can't be said for Marine Commander 'Wild Bill'. Embodying all the cliches of the outraged boss. He struts about with flatly delieverd lines like, "You've got one week, but I don't like it!", and "This is really beginning to get on my tits!" At least it's funny.

After American Ninja 2's nemesis 'The Lion' is dealt with, they move on to 'The Cobra', in American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (1989). However, with some big cast and crew changes. Dudikoff has left, requiring a new lead character to be written in. Sean Dadivson, played by former karate champion David Bradley, happens to be another American raised in the arts of the ninja. Told in a remarkable flashback full of dry ice. He also happens to be an old friend of Powerhouse Jackson (from the previous movie), and bumps into him at a Karate Championship. Despite the contrivances, Bradley makes for an equally good (read alright) lead.

The other big change is in the form of a new, and arguably better, director Cedric Sundstrom. American Ninja 2 had a very point and shoot feel about it. Whereas now there's a stronger emphasis on lighting and shadows. The overall feel is more in line with modern standards, so easier on the eye. The action scenes also have a little more urgency and realism about them, with less weapons than before; getting back to martial arts basics.

It still can't escape the general dumbness of a muddled plot full of rehashed ideas. As Sean searches for his kidnapped Ninja Master (kidnapped by ninjas as usual) he discovers 'The Cobra'. A ruthless businessman researching germ warfare to sell to terrorists. It's a simple linear story of investigation, but certainly moodier and with more mystery. One of American Ninja 2's biggest mistakes was revealing a double crossing bad guy very early on to the audience. However, it's still dogged by some fairly flat dialogue, and the supporting cast is again very weak, leading to some interminably dull scenes. Good job they threw in some random microlite action to spice things up. There's even a very prominant bit of 'Kilroy was here' graffiti for those that remember such things. Chuck in some personal tragedy and leave to fester.

As a double bill these two work together mostly because of the different styles, cast and crew. It helps make them more distinct, when ultimately there's no real difference. Although you may find yourself somewhat desensitized to ninjas by the end of it. Throughout both films they are literally wall to wall, appearing from thin air. Neither plot addresses why all these ninja are working for these nutters. Where do they come from? Is there a discount for buying in bulk? Another unfortunate side effect is that after seeing so many ninjas taken down by two guys, they start to lose their reputation. Maybe the next American Ninja will be a young Macauley Culkin. aka 'The Stoat'?

When I bought this DVD American Ninja 3 was in the IMDB bottom 100. Sitting at number 83, with an average score of 2.6 out of 10, from 1,184 votes. American Ninja 2 had escaped that embarrassment, but when I compare the two, I can't help but think part 3 is the better made movie. A little dryer perhaps, and with a slower pace, but on the whole stronger. There's not much in it though, and the general consensus is that 2 is better, and I'm a contrarian. Regardless, I still wouldn't part with much cash for them. It's throwaway entertainment, and not to be taken seriously.

It would be very easy for me to deride these movies for their lack of originality; the flying into the sunset shots, catching arrows with their bare hands, that last second burst of energy just at the brink of losing everything. The synthy soundtrack is also better left alone. I think the makers knew their limitations and simply decided to make a few bucks. A bit cynical, but there you go. The end product is a reflection of all the excesses of that era, done on the cheap. If your a fan of the 80s (as I am) then it's actually quite fun. Amongst the wooden acting, video game plots, mindless fighting, endless ninjas, and Curtis Jackson's quips, there is enough schoolboy charm and sillyness to keep me watching and amused. Fans of films like Roadhouse would probably find this hammier, but a laugh. It sure ain't art, but what the heck.


Rated: UK:18 / USA:R
Total Running Time: 179 mins

Ninja Series:
American Ninja (1985)
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987)
American Ninja 3:Blood Hunt (1989)
American Ninja 4: The Annihilator (1990)
American Ninja V (1993)


For those wondering what happened to number 84 on my list, it was Bloodrayne (again), sinking even further down the chart. One review was enough.

Summary: Big Dumb Fun.