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Cast:
Daniel
Bernhardt
John
Rhys-Davies
James
Hong
Pat
Morita
Amber
van Lynt
Nicholas
R. Oleson
Action:
Steven
Ito
Writer:
Steve
Tymon
James
Williams
Producer:
Alan
Mehrez
Director:
Alan
Mehrez
Score:
  
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BLOODSPORT
3
AKA:
Blood Sport III
Year:
1997 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
A
year after his relatively decent follow-up to Jean Claude Van
Damme's cult hit 'Bloodsport',
Daniel Bernhardt was asked back to reprise his role as Alex
Cardo in this low budget affair. In this instalment, Cardo is
telling his son how he is the Kumite champion, and how he went
about defending his title. This allows for a number of
flashback fight sequences, and the all important tournament
scenario we have come to expect. Unfortunately, this sequel is
a par below the previous 2 films.
There
is no denying that the original 'Bloodsport' is no great
cinematic masterpiece, but has gained much success since its
initial video run, making a name for Van Damme. The action
sequences are very dated by today's standards, but it still
holds a camp charm. The sequel, starring Daniel Bernhardt, is
equally deficient in cinematic value, but makes up for this by
filling the majority of its running time with numerous fight
scenes of varying styles. Unfortunately, this 3rd instalment
does not move the series on in any way. The story is poor, and
as ever, just an excuse to show us the action. With this in
mind, the action itself is dull, lifeless and unimaginative.
Bernhardt
puts in another solid performance, proving his abilities as a
screen fighter with a certain charisma. Unfortunately,
everything else is totally forgettable. His opponents are all
slow and bland, while the choreography is typically American
and stilted. Bizarrely enough, the producers of this feature
did not learn their lesson, and went on to make another
addition, which I will undoubtedly be foolish enough to sit
through in the near future. At least in doing so, I may save
some of you from the same fate!
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