Cast:

Mark Dacascos

Kadeem Hardison

John Pyper-Ferguson

Brittany Murphy

Action:

Koichi Sakamoto

Alpha Stunt Team

Producer:

Michael Leahy

Director:

Steve Wang

Score:  

DRIVE

AKA:  N/A

Year: 1997    Reviewer: Phil Mills

Mark Dacascos plays Toby Wong, a martial arts master thanks to a bio-energy module implanted in his chest. He is the prototype for a huge corporation’s army of super humans. As of right now, he has escaped and is on the run, trying to sell the module and free himself. Along the way he takes a hostage by the name of Malik (Kadeem Hardison) to drive him to L.A. to meet the buyers. After several encounters with small armies, Wong must face the corporation’s new improved model for a final show-down.

Directed by the little known Steve Wang ('Mutronics' and 'Guyver: Dark Hero'), 'Drive' appeared out of nowhere in 1997 but has now become a cult classic in it's own right.  The main reason behind this is that 'Drive' is basically an action packed extravaganza that takes American martial arts movies to the next level thanks to the talents of the Alpha Stunt Team and lead man Mark Dacascos.  For the first time the choreography is as fast and furious as the action from the East with combinations that bring back memories of the 80s Hong Kong classics that hold a fond memory in all of our hearts.  This formula is also competently mixed with the cheesy American buddy movie which sees Dacascos and Hardison play well off each other whilst avoiding the racial stereotype traps that hindered the likes of 'Rush Hour'.

Obviously there are weak points to 'Drive' (the somewhat lightweight script and hammy bad guys spring to mind) but when it comes to action, it pushes all the right buttons.   If you like martial arts movies and long to see an American movie that does it right for a change then 'Drive' is definitely the movie for you.

Distributor:  Medusa Pictures

Region:  2 (PAL)

Running Time:  117 mins

Video: 

Letterboxed at 2.35:1 with anamorphic availability.   A great print with clear and crisp colours that hold up very well during the darker moments.  Far superior to any other version I've seen.

Audio:

English Dolby Digital 5.1 with removable English subtitles.

Extras:  

- Photo galleries

- Deleted scenes

- Outtakes

- Interviews with cast and crew

- "The Force Behind the Storm" documentary

- Audio commentary with Steve Wang, Koichi Sakamoto, Mark Dacascos and Kadeem Hardison

- Talent files for Mark Dacascos, Kadeem Hardison, Brittany Murphy, Steve Wang and Koichi Sakamoto

- Theatrical trailer for 'Drive' as well as trailers for 'Drunken Master', 'Snake In The Eagle's Shadow', 'The Blacksheep Affair' and 'New Dragon Gate Inn'