No Retreat, No Surrender is not a true Van Damme movie although he plays a small role in it as the bad guy. It's more of a "Karate Kid"/"Breakin'"/any teen revenge film you've ever seen kind of movie. If you can overlook the horrendous acting on everyone's part, and the things that just sort of happen by coincidence, you'll grow to love this 80's cheese-fest.
This movie is unintentionally hilarious, and is a must see for 80's martial arts fans. Jason, the main character, has a black friend R.J. who is a skateboarder/breakdancer/rapper/Michael Jackson impersonator, truly a one of a kind! The boom mic has almost as much camera time in this film as Van Damme. The playground push-ups scene with R.J. and Jason is a 10 out of 10 on the gay-as-hell meter, you have to see it. And finally the huge main event, martial arts competition, final showdown is held where?... A high school gym!! Love it.
The Australian "Force Video" DVD release is excellent and uncut. Very nice picture quality.
This movie is unintentionally hilarious, and is a must see for 80's martial arts fans. Jason, the main character, has a black friend R.J. who is a skateboarder/breakdancer/rapper/Michael Jackson impersonator, truly a one of a kind! The boom mic has almost as much camera time in this film as Van Damme. The playground push-ups scene with R.J. and Jason is a 10 out of 10 on the gay-as-hell meter, you have to see it. And finally the huge main event, martial arts competition, final showdown is held where?... A high school gym!! Love it.
The Australian "Force Video" DVD release is excellent and uncut. Very nice picture quality.