Movie: Young martial artist Kurt Sloane (Jean-Claude Van Damme) accompanies kickboxing champion/brother Eric (Dennis Alexio) to Thailand to take on challengers there. The cocky Eric fights the massive, evil Tong Po (Michel Qissi), takes a beating and is subsequently-paralyzed by Tong Po on a whim. Kind spectator and Vietnam-vet Taylor (Haskell Anderson) takes the injured Eric and Kurt to the hospital, where the former must stay for three months. Kurt vows revenge. Taylor warns him of the dangers; apparently, Tong Po is the muscle for the province mob guy, Freddie Lee. Kurt persists, so Taylor takes him to meet mystical martial arts master Xian (comically played by Dennis Chan). After some goading, Xian agrees to train Kurt in the ancient ways of Thai Kickboxing, Kung-Fu and basic ingenuity. Kurt also falls for Xian's pretty niece, Mylee (Rochelle Ashana). Time flies by, as Eric heals, and Kurt trains. Xian challanges Freddie Lee to set up a match between Kurt and Tong Po. It is done. But that bastard Lee has Tong Po rape Mylee in an effort to break Kurt's spirit. They also kidnap Eric and hold him hostage so that Kurt must throw the match. At first, Kurt gets the crap kicked out of him, but when Xian and Taylor rescue Eric, Kurt pumps up the volume. POW...SPLAAT...BANG...ZOOM !!Tong Po is annihilated, and Kurt is surrounded by those he loves dearly!

The Lowdown: I gave this movie 5 stars because it kicks ass!! While the script and acting are not exactly Oscar-caliber, everything else is awesome. Jean-Claude was still in his prime and wasn't getting divorced or getting into barfights at this point in his career. David Worth's handsome cinematography, mixed in with sharp editing and Paul (Bloodsport) Herzog's triumphant score make this one a real treat. While shot for under $1M, the filmmakers did manage to travel to Thailand to shoot there...and it shows on-screen. All in all, a gem of a martial arts flick!

The DVD: HBO has done a fantastic job in putting this disc together. One note of caution: although it is not listed on the box, the movie actually is 1.85:1 WS. Why HBO does not put this verrrry vital info on the box is beyond me. Anyway, the 16X9-enhanced disc looks fabulous, while the Dolby Digital Surround sound is very pleasing to the ear. The extras were just okay; but hey, something's better then nothing! I highly-recommend this DVD as a keeper for the collection. Van Damme has never looked better...and neither has a DVD. Keep on kickin'!!