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Cast:
Gary
Daniels
Chuck
Jeffreys
Darren
Shahlavi
Brandie
Rocci
Frank
Gorshin
Action:
Tony
Leung Siu Hung
Chiu
Yau Tang
Chun
Kang Wang
Producer:
Keith
W. Strandberg
Ng
See Yuen
Director:
Tony
Leung Siu Hung
Score:
 
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BLOODMOON
AKA:
Blood Moon
Year:
1997 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
For
those with a taste for high-octane B-movies, Gary Daniels will
be a familiar name. This is definitely one of his more
satisfying outings, thanks to the experience and quality of
the Hong Kong team behind the camera.
Keith
W. Strandberg, who wrote this film, also wrote a number of
other American/Hong Kong crossover fight flicks such as 'No
Retreat, No Surrender' and 'King
of the Kickboxers'. This movie follows very much in the
same vein, being highly violent and with a heavy emphasis on
Eastern style choreography. The plot itself follows the
characters of Gary Daniels and Chuck Jeffreys as New York cops
on the trail of a serial killer who is hunting down martial
arts champions. Essentially, a very transparent excuse for a
string of fight sequences, but I'm not complaining, as this is
what anyone who bought the movie really wants!
In
terms of choreography and action, there are a number of fight
sequences, almost all involving the talented Darren Shahlavi
as the unnamed killer. He is an extremely talented performer
and anyone keen on the genre will have seen him before. This,
like Daniels, is probably his best on-screen performance.
Again, this is due to the HK choreography team who forego
realism for the sake of fluid moves and acrobatic kicks.
Wirework is evident, but kept to a minimum to keep the fights
grounded. As mentioned, if you’ve already seen a 'No
Retreat, No Surrender' film, then you'll know what to expect.
Overall
the film itself is not of the highest quality. The script is
typically stilted and clichéd, and the performances are of
the usual B-movie cheese variety. However, this is not
supposed to be a dramatic exercise, and it's all about the
action. Thankfully, for an American produced film, the action
is of a high standard. It's no 'Police
Story', but it holds up well against the likes of the 'In
the Line of Duty' series from the HK golden age.
Recommended
to all fans of Gary Daniels, and those who like their hands
free action violent and acrobatic. Genre fans will also notice
a few in-jokes, as well as cameos from some "famous"
faces including Rob Van Dam and Keith Vitali; what greater
recommendation is there!
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