Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Miami Connection (U.S.A/ Hong Kong; Richard Park, 1987)


     It's hard to believe that just 25 years ago films like these were still being released on the big screen; thank God they did. Technically, this movie is a failure on all fronts: the actors are beyond bad and give an brand new meaning to over-acting , the script is as cheesy as it gets, the editing constantly missing a beat and the fighting choreography laughable (including victims holding back punches, just waiting in line to get their asses kicked); everything one might come to expect of a movie produced, written, (uncredited) directed by, and starring Y.K. Kim, a Tae Kwon Do champion with only one film to his credit (this one!). However, like many  forgotten cult films of the 80s, its technical shortcomings are its strongest appealing assets.
     The main story line follows Y.K. Kim and his martial arts rock band (that's right), named Dragon Sound, as they deal with violent pressure from the band whose gig they stole and the jealous, cocaine-dealing brother of one of the band member's new girlfriend. As everyone in the band (or in the whole movie) seems to be trained in some kind of martial art, every confrontation, beginning with an exaggerated yelling match, culminates in a fight of some kind, usually including stereotypical black or white ninja uniforms. The violence, hilariously graphic at times (made me think of Story of Ricky), is accompanied by attempts at drama that mark the film's funniest moments. The perfect films to watch drunk (or whatever else) with friends, Miami Connection is another great bad classic that lives up to high expectations of welcomed mediocrity.

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