Kickboxer: Vengeance

Memories! I'm reminded of staying up late in the summer when I was 10 years old for HBO's "Best Summer Ever".

It was during this time that I was introduced a flick and its star in what was pretty much his second film. That star would go on to be known as "The Muscles from Brussels" aka Jean Claude Van Damme.

The film that I am referring to of course is Kickboxer which was by the looks of it was intended to be a Star vehicle for Van Damme who was fresh off the success of Bloodsport and was being built as the next Sly or Arnold.

Following Kurt Sloan (Van Damme) who while serving as corner man to his USA Kickboxing Champion brother Eric travels to Thailand to face their champion Tong Po, Tragically Eric is quickly defeated by the massive brute and to add insult to injury is paralyzed and left for dead with Kurt vowing revenge.

Taking the tutelage of Master Xian (Dennis Chan) Kurt learns Maui Thai and works his way to a face off against Tong Po and his corrupt handlers in the "Ancient Way".

Needless to say Van Damme enjoyed his success and Kickboxer spawned 4 sequels.

Penned by David S Goyer Kickboxer 2 was produced and was in fact a success.

Van Damme at this point would not return for the second film and it was explained that his character was gunned down by Tong Po after his defeat in an act of Rage.

Taking over for Jean Claude was Sasha Mitchell who remained for 3 films with Dennis Chan returning for 2 and 3.

Despite the killing off of characters many of the sequels were pretty good flicks though I admit that I stopped at 4 as Mitchell's character was killed in the opening credits using a body double.

The original flick has enjoyed its own following and has had the jokes of memorial scenes such as Van Damm's Bar Room Dance.

Recently Kickboxer received the full remake treatment and clearly with a bigger budget and cast.

Helmed by genre veteran and Director John Stockwell who you may all remember from Christine and Top Gun and director of Turistas and Into the Blue, Kickboxer: Vengeance is basically the same story as the original with a few brief subplots dealing with corrupt officials.

Van Damme also returns to the Franchise in the Dennis Chan role as Master Durand. While maintaining some of the quirks still keeps his status as action star.

Where in the original you briefly saw Xian take action with Van Damme it happens often.

Van Damme also serves as Executive Producer alongside he man who takes on the role of Tong Po is taken on by former WWE Champion Dave Batista who I already knew would make a great villain as I am familiar with his work and presence that would be required for the role.

Also joining the cast is female MMA Star Gina Carano in a villain role.

That brings us to lead actor and stuntman Alain Moussi in the role of Kurt Sloan. I have to say I was impressed with him. Not only taking on the role but to play the role opposite the actor who played the original.

All in all I enjoyed the flick. As a matter of fact I watched again soon after my original watching and I just learned of a planned sequel which I am looking forward to.

2 Dead Bodies

4 Breasts

5 Street Fights

Elephant Chase

Dance Parody

3 Stars

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