Bloodsport (1988)

Director: Newt Arnold
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres

Synopsis:
An American martial artist travels to Hong Kong to participate in a brutal tournament known as the Kumite.

Impressions:
Do you like Mortal Kombat? If so, you can thank this movie. No, don't expect any spines being ripped out of people, but if you want a martial arts tournament movie with some pretty good fight scenes and a variety of styles, then you should enjoy yourself. The romantic subplot is weak and the Feds trying to bring Dux in don't add much (but, hey, there's a young Forrest Whitaker), yet I suppose it can't just be the fights. Touching back on the romance bit, honestly, there's more chemistry between Dux and Jackson (as more than a few people have pointed out). Anyway, Bolo Yeung is great as the main antagonist. It's not Shakespeare, but it is a good 80s action film and if you're looking to be entertained, that should be enough. Give it a watch.

Rating:
Watch It