[First production for David Hung's Hong Kong/Philippines company]
Director/Producer David “Hunt”/Hung Executive Producer Anjantre “Hunt”/Hung Cinematography Arnold “Adams”/Alvaro Editor John Williams 1st Assistant Director Andy "Anderson"/Andico 2nd Assistant Director Jeff Griffith Production Manager Vic Chapman Art Director Andy Vasquez Production Assistant Vivian "Anderson"/Andico Special Effects Jun Thompson Stunt Coordinator Jack Morgan Makeup Sally Kernochan, Mary Brenton Casting Director Philip Gordon Wardrobe Bruce Skerritt Set Dresser Kevin Singer, Nick Michell Camera Operator Jim Scott 1st Assistant Cameraman Keith Kleiser 2nd Assistant Cameraman Jimmy Nitzsche Gaffer John Williams Film Loader Antony Isaacs Production SoundmanPhilip Lyne Boom Man Alexander Kleiser Chief Electrician Ron Mitchell Electricians Jack Jones, William White, John Fox Key Grip Bill Morris Grips Neil Bozzone, Fred Turman Utility Larry Solomon, Gary Sanders Schedule Master Marco Baker Location Manager Sammy Interno Stills Joey Crame
Cast Jack Gilbert (John Branigan), Andrea Lamatsch (Sylvia Smith), Corwyn Paul Sperry (David Stone), Jim Moss (Mike Branigan), Buddy Norton (Luvack), Edward Burnett (Ivan), Albert Bronsky (1st Contact Man), Mike Mills (2nd Contact Man) KGB Agents Jeff Griffith, Philip Gordon, Henry "Stakaowsky"/Strzalkowsky, Nick Nicholson, Joe Fisher, Tim Timan, Miguel Romero, David Gibberson, Gerald Silvester, Helmut Brunner, John Reborra, Wolfgang Holbring, John Mosher, Gunther Wilke CIA Agent Jim Dixon
NOTE: Many of the names have been Anglicized, original names unknown
[NOTE: Most of the production credits have been Anglicized]
Director/Producer David “Hunt”/Hung Screenplay Steve Rogers Executive Producer Anjantre “Hunt”/Hung Associate Producers Andy Andico, Vivian Andico Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Music “Jimmy”/Jaime Fabregas 1st Assistant Director Andy Anderson 2nd Assistant Director Jeff Griffith Production Manager Vic Chapman Art Direction Andy Vasquez Production Assistant Vivian Andersson Location Manager Sammy Interno Stills Joey Crame Special Effects Jun Thompson Schedule Master Marco Baker Makeup Sally Kernochan, Mary Brenton Casting Director Philip Gordon Wardrobe Bruce Skerritt Set Dressers Kevin Singer, Antony Smith PropsmenWalter Winter, Nick Michell Camera Operator Jim Scott 1st Assistant Camerman Keith Kleiser 2nd Assistant Cameraman Jimmy Nitzsche Gaffer John Williams Film Loader Antony Isaacs Production Soundman Philip Lyne Boom Man Alexander Kleiser Chief Electrician Ron Mitchell Electricians Jack Jones, William White, John Mox Key Grip Bill Morris Grips Neil Bozzone, Fred Turman Utility Larry Solomon, Gary Sanders Stunt Coordinator Jack Morgan [IMDB also lists John Ladalski as Action Director]
Cast Andrea Lamatsch (Patricia Merrill), “Corwyn”/Corwin Sperry(Tom Blackburd), James Paolleli (Tony Macchio), Ernie Santana (Jack Reed), Ned Hourani (Max Byrd), Robert Marius, Antony East, Edward Burnett (Alfredo Strocssner), Albert Bronsky (Mayor Brown), Mike Monty (Mike Gray), Jeff Griffith (Jake Stokes), Curtis Carter (Earl Watson), Henry “Stakowsky”/Strzalkowski (Harvey Scruggs), Nick Nicholson (Disco Manager), Joe Fisher (Drug Dealer), Janet Price (Waitress) Mayor's Goons Tim Timan, David “Gibberson”/Giberson, Gerald Silvester, Helmut Brunner Strocssner's Soldiers John Reborra, Wolfgang Holbring, John Mosher, Gunther Wilke, Jim Dixon
Director/Producer David “Hunt”/Hung [Writer credited on IMDB as Steve Rogers] Executive Producer Anjantre Hunt Associate Producers Andy Andico, Vivian Andico Cinematography/Technical Advisor Arnold Alvaro Music Marita Manuel Editor John Landas Production Design MBC Movie Specialist Casting Nick Nicholson Production Manager Manuel Leonardo 1st Assistant Director/Fight Supervisor Fred Esplana 2ndAssistant Director Mando Pangilinan Production Assistant Mannix Leonardo Script Girl Mia Calangi Wardrobe Master Ron Heri Tan Field Cashier Glenn Tanada Post-Production Manager Ago Maiscotes Location Manager Fred Sta. Ana Makeup Artist Flora Mendoza Stunt Co-ordinator Manny Samson Stills Jun Agravante Wardrobe Assistant Mayette Sabco, Eleanor Salazar Assistant Makeup Esther de Leon Propsman Al Mecer Special Effects Jun Marbella Armoury Roger Pacion Setmen Julio Tapaz, Junjun Salazar Carpenter Boy David Utility Philip Sy, Christopher Cruz, Ramil Balarosa Production Drivers Johnny Koa, Fernando Attenza, Virgilio Olaira, Jimmy Abalos Field Soundman Bert de Santos 1st Assistant Cameraman Rodel Quijano 2nd Assistant Cameraman Lito Lapara Gaffer Arnie Alvaro Boom Man Mike Curran Clapper Alfredo Garcia Chief Electrician Joselito Remedios Electrician Jamie Juson Focus Puller Rogelio Linda Jr Key Grip Rey Trinidad Best Boy Grip Roger Lorista Grips Maning Cabides, Roel Dona, Rudy Alvaro, Eden Pobe Camera Crew Rogelio Linda Jr, Nanding Botther HMI Caretaker Peping Magallanes Generatorman Jimmy Abalos
Cast Dale “Apollo” Cook (Dave Masters), Ron Hall (James Stokes), Bridgett “Baby Doll” Riley (Julie Webb), Robert Marius (Sergeant Adams), Steve Rogers (Captain Burroughs), Nick Nicholson (McMann), Ned Hourani (Karl), Tom Seal (Russo), Sheila “Lentin”/Lintan (Toi), Mike “Cobra” Cole (Cobra Cole), Barbara Dougan (Mabel), Andie Anderson (Thai Pilot), Gie Gayoma (Thai Girl Fighter), Ernie David (Thai Fighter) William Romero (Pit Fighter) Cristy Portugal (Julie's Woman Fighter), Johnny Koa (Thai Bartender), Teddy East (Rugged Man) McMann's Bodyguards Philip Gordon, Santi Laurenti, James Brewer, Paul Jones, John Brouse, David Davis Mercenaries Richard Olney, Anders Karlsonn, Hassan Saber, Greg Rocero, Manny Samson, Al Nanca, Bong Vergas American Soldiers Larry Caravajal, Franco Wagner, Jeff Pierce, Charlie Vincent, Mark Morgan, Abdul Raza Drug Runners Chris Ocampo, Jackie Tan, Elpie Sy, Philip Sy, Rod Martin, Edgar Enoc, Fred Garcia, Fredie Atienza, Nards Berz, Gerry Hardy
Dale "Apollo" Cook started out in tae kwon do at the age of 15, tested for his black belt at 17 and started his own school soon there after.
He is now a 7th Degree Black Belt and is belted and well versed in several different martial arts. He has trained extensively all over the world and that is the knowledge he imparts to all of his students.
As a Teacher:
Since 1980, Apollo has seen his school grow four thriving martial arts academies in Tulsa, OK and the surrounding area accommodating over 2,200 active students ranging in ages from 4 all the way up to 70.
He has touched thousands of lives, teaching life skills, instilling honor, integrity, self-discipline and perseverance in the hearts of his students.
As a Fighter:
Dale began his career in full-contact fighting in the early 70's and retired in 1996 with over 150 professional kick boxing and boxing matches, 5 World Championship Kick Boxing Titles and World Shootboxing.
As a Promoter:
Dale Cook promoted his first fighting even 1977 and has been training and promoting professional fighters ever since. Dale helped to promote the popularity of kick boxing and expanded the interest all across the nation, as a kick boxer, boxer, promoter and martial artist, Apollo has helped opened doors for the education and recognition of professional combat sports. Due to his hard work and dedication, kick boxing and mixed martial arts are rapidly becoming a widely acknowledge as legitimate sports in the United States.
He promotes eXtreme Fighting and has an hour long television show featuring his popular matches several times a year.
Cast Dale “Apollo” Cook (Jake Reynolds), Maurice Smith (James Lee), Robert Marius(Max Gunther), Bob Larson (Mad Dog Dugan), Eric Hahn (O’Leary), “Chris”/Kris Aguilar (Leung Ta), Tony Cooper (Fixit), Engel Wilson (Ducmai), Geno Bolda (Nichols), Tonichi Fructuoso (Sparky), Jim Moss (Daniels), Joe Fischer (Lester), Ernie Santana (Marty) Fighters Ernie David, Caloy David, Jon Johansen, Ned Hourani, Israel Ong Vietcongs Fred Esplana, Gil Bandong, Nelson Tan, Chito Fulliman Bodyguards Keith Nielsen, Philip Gordon, Willy Romero, Raymond James, Andy Joseph Dancers Cherrie Fernández, Mylene Flores Knife Fighter Jay Rames Ring Announcer Peter Ching Black Skull Guys Judd Craig, Joseph Al, Mike Anton Merchant “Ed Gaerland”/Eddie Gaerlan High Rollers Evertus Franceis, Dave Allen, Dieter Gruenberg, Kit Williams, Johnnny White, Tom Folks, Dave Davis, Lou Degg Mad Dog’s Guards Roland Belaro, “Nas Espinoza”/Nash Espinosa, Die Guerrero, Johnny Koa
Director “Irvin Johnson”/Teddy Chiu Writer Ron Davies Producer David “Hunt”/Hung Executive Producer Anjantre Hunt Associate Producers Andy Andico, Vivian Andico Music William Yusi Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Stunt Coordinator Manny Scott Stunts Wayne Alexander, Henry Hutton, Oliver Nesbitt, Steve Robertson, Keith Young Technical Equipment Coordinator Oli Laperal Jr
Cast Dale Cook (Max Rivers), Andrea Lamatsch (Susan Dalton), Don Nakaya Neilsen (Don Carlio), Steve Tartalia (Philip Dalton), James E. Gaines (Stevens), Ned Hourani (Madigan), Norman Howard (Dingo), Nick Nicholson (Mr Gordon), Richard Olney (Rodrigo), “Cris”/Kris Aguilar (D'Excutioner), Louie Katana (Opponent), Dave Davis (Ring Announcer) Carlio's Goons Ramon Jiminez, James Brewer, Darwin Combs, Joseph Al, Philip Gordon, Larry Caravajal, Sanit Larrauri, Ommar Saad Dingo's Men William Romero, Charles Vincent, El Helw Atef, John Innab, Bernard Huggins, Anton Aguas, Adam Phillips Stevens' Goons Geno Bolda, Craig Judd, Saifan Atef, Vic Saad Guards Lou Degg, Eric Van Heddigan, Frank Massuer, Tony Wilson, John Crocker Punks Steve Rogers, Jim Moss, Adrian Felix, Peter Rattin, Didi Holster Pre-Fighters Allan Kahl, Isham Zamel
1981 - Commander Lawin(Bathala Productions, distributed by Sunny Films/Davian International Ltd)
[Philippines release date unknown, original title "Renato Solidum…Kumander Lawin"; also released in the Netherlands as "American Commando" ]
Director Eddie Nicart Story/Screenplay Bonnie Paredes Executive Producer Naty A. Almanza Production Manager Baby Alvarez Director of Photography Bhal Dauz Editor Nap Montebon Assistant Director Mando Pangilinan
Cast Dante Varona, Bonafe Estrella, Danny Rojo, Rommel Valdez, Robert Miller, Usman Hassim, Maritess Castillo, Rene Romero, Bobby Oreo, Mando Pangilinan, Dardo Lungsod, Joe “Kaka” Balagtas, Rene Salvador, Bert Cayanan, Rico Mercado, Tom Alindogan, Mike Kirkwood, John Nigger, Digos Anderson, Manny Doria, Ryan Singson
1985 - The Day They Robbed America(Vanguard Films/Davian International Ltd/Sunny Films)
[Philippines release date 14th November 1985; original Philippinestitle "The Sangley Point Robbery"]
Director Manuel 'Fyke' CincoStory Roger Saulog Screenplay Jose N. Carreon Producer Charo Santos-Concio Executive Producer Simon C. Ongpin Associate Producer [Atty.] Rizal Guerrero Cinematography Ely Cruz Music Jaime Fabregas Musical Arranger Nonong Buencamino Supervising Editor Augusto Salvador Production Design Ricky Brioso Associate Director Jojo M. Lapus Sound Supervision Gaudencio Barredo, Rudy Baldovino Production Manager Hernan Robles Stunt Coordinator Baldo Marro Special Effects Mariano Garcia Technical Consultant David Anderson Art Director Randy Gamier Associate Art Director Bert Habal Set Man Jose “Pipoy” Reyes Jr Propsman Blandino Habal Wardrobe Master Rome Gonzales Wardrobe Assistants Dannie Lopez, Gener Brioso Makeup Artist Amparo Carolina Assistant Cameraman Culie Suriao Gaffers Edgardo Cruz, Leni Beltran Second Unit Cameramen Edmund Cupcupin, Pablo Bautista Field Soundman Willy Antonio Film Editor Toto Natividad Dubbing Editors Ben Salvador, Eddie Hucom Assistant Editor Danny Gloria Sound Effects Editor Danny Sanchez Production Assistant Kess Burias Field Accountant Beth Ajardo Schedule Master/Post-Production Coordinator Boy Dionisio Utility Edgar Almazan, Jun Villarama Service Drivers Adrian Abelino, Jo Vitacion Stills Nilo Odiaman Titles/Opticals Manoling Buencamino, Bonnie Austria
Cast Rudy Fernandez (Ruben Martirez), Rio Locsin (Rose), Donna Villa (Carol), Robert Arevalo (Martin), George Estregan (Putol), Edu Manzano (Bobby), “Deborrah”/Deborah Sun (Marissa), Arnold Mendoza (Eddie), Bomber Moran (Ambo), Jimmy Santos (Zosing), Ernie Forte (Elyong), Abbo dela Cruz (Doming), Roger Saulog (Dodong), Ruben Rustia (Mang Terio), Jose Romulo (Hepe), Johnny Vicar (Tenyente), James Acheson (Duke Carson), Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia (Dolfo), Robert Talabis (Junior), Dick Israel (Bungo), Dave Brodette (Cardo), David Anderson (Marine Captain), Willy Williams (Ensign Smith), Tony Tacorda (Kabo), Alma Lerma (Ruben’s Mother), Rose Ann Gonzales (Ruben’s Daughter), Boy Soriano Jr (Ruben’s Son), David Light (Carson’s Friend), Bill James (Base Commander) Martin’s Men Fred Moro, Nonoy de Guzman, Ben Datu, Ding Mendoza, Big Boy Gomez, Roger Moring, Ding Sibal Bobby’s Men Belo Borja, Joey Padilla Cardo’s Men Boy Padilla, Pilo Puruganan Holduppers Tikboy Fernandez, Pempe Padilla III, Raul Armea Hostage Adora Avila Informer Jojo Lapus Investigators Nigel Hogge, Nick Nicholson US Servicemen Philip Gordon, David Doe, Ramon Jimenez, Henry Baynes, George Maxwell Policemen Vic Belaro, Edgar Santiago, Pol Lopez, Boy Salvador, Buddy de Leon, Jolly Jugueta, Nemie Gutierrez, Ver Sagum, Manny Montalbo, Gil Mandong, Paquito Marcate Gate Guards Arthur Nieto, Rafael Nunez, Mamo Burgos Banktellers Randy Gamier, Melinda Villa del Rey
Outlandish Philippines-lensed production that's pretty hard to categorize. It's part war film, part heist film and 100% off-the-wall. The film opens up with soldier Duke Carson (James Acheson) watching VC soldiers shoot his nurse girlfriend when he refuses to answer their questions (He screams out a long "Nooooooo!"). The film then switches to a hostage situation at a restaurant where cop Robbie (Rudy Fernandez) shoots and kills hostage taker Junior. Junior's father Martin (Robert Arevalo), a local crime lord, retaliates and sends his men to kill Robbie, but they mistakenly shoot and seriously injure his father instead. Robbie quits the force and decides to go after Martin on his own. Meanwhile, Duke is reassigned to an American military base as an MP, close to where Robbie lives. Robbie's friends plan to rob the Bank of American Express on the military base and they want Robbie to join them, but he declines. Duke gets into a fight with local gunrunners at a bar where Robbie is having a drink. Robbie notices Duke's fighting abilities and compliments him on them. When Robbie learns his father is going to need an expensive operation, he has no choice but to join in on the bank robbery, but he brings in friends Boiler (a marksman) and Sausage (the brawny muscle) for extra insurance. Martin has his men burn down Robbie's house, nearly killing his wife and kids. Robbie grabs a machine gun and systematically begins gunning down Martin's men, nearly missing the robbery start time. They finally perform the robbery, sneaking into the military base disquising themselves as sandwich men. As they are robbing the bank, they are caught off-guard by Duke and the MPs, which leads to a shootout (Boiler, the marksman, is the first to die) and a hostage situation. Duke's new girlfriend Carol (Donna Villa), a bank teller, is taken hostage by Ronnie, which leads to a short car chase and another shootout. Duke rescues Carol as Ronnie and his gang disappear into the jungle. Robbie buries the money and disappears, as Duke goes commando and begins killing all the robbers one-by-one. The finale finds Duke and Robbie shooting it out and neither one comes out unscathed.
More plot-heavy than most Filippino action films, this flick (set in 1971) still has it's share of violent action setpieces, once the robbery starts. Until then, we are treated to Duke's numerous flashbacks to his dead girlfriend (he usually has them while trying to romance his new girlfriend!), various subplots involving gun runners trying to kill Duke and Martin trying to kill Robbie (who is credited as "Ruben" in the final credits). The funniest scene happens when Robbie's father is shot. Robbie stops a Jeep containing three American soldiers and asks for help, but they refuse! There are plenty of shootouts (lots and lots of bullet squibs), outrageous dubbing ("If he talks now, we're all in the shit!") and very unflattering depictions of the American military complex. I also love how Robbie has a mistress and the film seems to imply that there's nothing wrong with it. Another funny (and shocking) scene comes near the finale as Robbie is trying to drive to safety with his mistress in the car. With the sound of sirens and the glare of flashing lights in the background, she says, "Robbie, someone is following us! Maybe it's the police!", just before she gets shot in the back and dies immediately! While lacking the sheer lunacy of FINAL SCORE (1986) or the non-stop gunplay of other Philippines-lensed action flicks, THE DAY THEY ROBBED AMERICA still contains enough head-scratching action to get my recommendation. Directed by Manuel 'fyke' Cinco (REVENGE FOR JUSTICE - 1985). Also starring Rio Locsin, Edu Manzano, Bomber Moran and appearances by such Filippino mainstays as George Estregan, Nigel Hogge, Nick Nicholson, Willy Williams and Rudolfo 'Boy' Garcia. Available on DVD from Eastwest DVD as a double feature disc, with the film FINAL ASSIGNMENT (1980).
1980 - Raiders Of The Paradise (Agrix Productions)
[Philippines release date 28th March 1980, original title "Palawan"; export version retitled "Raiders Of The Paradise" and released internationally by Sunny Films/Davian International]
Director/Story Romy Suzara Screenplay Avelino Zapanta Producer Francisco C. Salinas Executive Producer Sofronio M. Blando Cinematography Ernesto de la Paz Music Ernani Cuenco Editor Ike Jarlego Jr Assistant Director Joel B. Apuyan Production Manager Manny Esguerra In Charge Of Production Ed Santillan ? Manager Rolando A. Vergel de Dios Second Unit Cameraman Pablo Bautista Publicity/Public Relations Bibsy M. Carballo In Charge of Publicity Manny Fernandez, Glenda N. Garcia Sound Effects Supervision Tony Gosalvez Sound Effects Editor Greg Torres Dialogue Director Juan Antonio Routine Instructor Baldo Marro Production Co-ordinator Flor Valmonte Field Cashiers Manny Bacani, Osbourn Borgona Art Director Cornelio Ramirez Field Soundman Godofredo de Leon Assistant Cameraman Nilo Calpe Sound Supervision Rolly Ruta Sound Engineers Vic Macamay, Armando Reyes Special Effects Rolly Sto. Domingo Sound Effects Supervision Antonio Gozalvez Dubbing Supervisor Arman Reyes Assistant Editors George Jarlego, Ning de Leon, Danny Jarlego, Ren de Leon Post Production Supervisors Joel Apuvan, Jose Aguilar Jr, Greg Carandang Assistant In Charge Of Production Nelson Bartolome JE Personnel Pepito Mirador, Alfredo Sabile, Fortunato Reyes, Mike Vega, Eddie Pajarillo, Ben Zacarias, Prisiano Olaez, Enrique Sabile, Ernesto Escofield Stills Rolly Manuba Talent Co-ordinator Peping Dominguez Make-Up Artists Andrea Manahan, Ziony Manahan Propsman Mario Tulod Setmen Ernesto Ramirez, Alfredo Sanchez Utilities Rolando Reyes, Jess Santiago, Rommel Amaranto, Ven Dacanay Caterer Tessie del Mundo
Cast Vic Vargas, Eddie Garcia, Josephine Estrada, Roel Vergel de Dios, Raul Aragon, Julie Ann Fortich, Connie Angeles, Renato Robles, Dick Israel, Franco Rivero, Mitos del Mundo, Margie Braza, Francis Montilla, Dennis Roldan, Chito Ponce Enrile (Hercules Perlas), Jose Romulo, Arturo Moran, Baldo Marro, Juan Rodrigo, Eric Sandoval, S.M. Blando (Commodore Celso Romano), Rosemarie de Vera, Jasmin Sales, Anna Marie Buhain, Agnes Bello, Maritess Feliciano, Lilian Liang, Virginia Montes, Bella Flores, Lucita Soriano, Nenita Jana, Charmie Benavidez, Boy Alano, Jess Ramos, Pons de Guzman, Luis Benedicto, Alex Donna, Cesar Esguerra, Joey Padilla, Arthur Cervantes, Vic Santos, Tony Concepcion, Rolly Montes, Efren Lapid, Boy Ybanez, Bobby Oreo, Efren Baron, Kent Gonzales, Avelino Reyes, Dimple Ortega, Daylin Rica, Betchie Pasgui, Marivic Buenafe, Josie Pumar, Frocy Burns, Norma Magrusao, Ricky Davao, Jun Vital, Andres Primero, Eutemio Sio, SOS Daredevils
Very OBSCURE Phillipine action-sleaze flick, with rich young girls held captive by terrorists for ransom on an isolated island. Lots of machine-gun fights, stabbings, beatings, rapes, catfights, etc. Stars Eddie Garcia as one of the girl's fathers who tries to rescue them. Fun stuff!
1985 - Wild Force (Davian International Ltd/Sunny Films/Tee-Jay)
[Philippines release date 2nd May 1985]
Director /Story/Screenplay Francis “Jun” Posadas Executive Producer Lita T. Buenaseda Cinematography Arnold Alvaro Editor Oscar Dugtong Associate Director Ruben de Guzman General Manager Hildo Jose Production Consultant in Mindanao Billy Yu
Cast “Yusuf”/Yusif Salim, Robert Talby, Danny Riel, Ben Morro, Nick Alladin, Hasmin Hassan, Roy Flores, Mike Cohen, Barbara Peers
To paraphrase Johnny Carson, there's an exciting 30 minutes of plot spread over an hour and a half. A group of commando's, including one female, are recruited for a mission to rescue Professor (doesn't-have-to-call-him) Johnson and his secretary from rebel dirtbags. Unfortunately, the soldier's monotonous trek across rugged mountain terrain wastes about two-thirds of the running time. Still, there are some nuggets of bad movie gold along the way. Typical of low rent Asian action movies, many of the Filipino soldiers have accents like the Bowery Boys. Moments of inspired stupidity, some Ed Wood Hall of Fame dialogue, and several sequences of bullet ballet virtuosity rescue Wild Force from the fast forward/eject button.
There are some terrifically terrible moments that clumsily cloy at the heartstrings. For example: In a skirmish with rebels, one of the commando's takes a bullet to the kneecap. Rather then bog down the mission, he most graciously agrees to kill himself. While holding the other soldiers at gunpoint, he engages in a hysterical suicidal rant. He can end it all with a short n' sweet bullet to the brain, but why waste ammo? Instead, he makes a decision to go for maximum entertainment value, and tosses himself off a jagged cliff. He bounces his way to an agonizing death, and much to his chagrin, is still breathing at the bottom. A few moments later the tortured soul succumbs. The other soldiers share a few moments of grief and vow to complete the mission in his honor. There's no cracking wise about the dearly departed idiot.
The staging of the final gun battle is commendable. Even minor characters and extras eat lead with a James Cagney bravado. (I really miss the ham handed flourish of old school movies in this regard. Chop-chop editing has largely eliminated the art of playing dead with gusto).
1985 – The Lethal Hunt(Cine Suerte Inc/Davian International Ltd)
[Philippines release date 21st November 1985, original title “Partida”]
Director/Story Ben G. Yalung Screenplay Tony Blacksmith Producers “Horace”/Haracio G. Yalung, Roman G. Yalung Editor Augusto Salvador Assistant Director Santiago Garcia Art Director Ann Maria Campbell Cinematography Sergio Antonyo Production Designer Bobby Jensen Production Manager Lito Lopez
Cast Fernando Poe Jr (Ben Serrano), Miguel Rodriguez, Eddie Arenas, Bing Davao, Alex Leviste, Michael St. James, George Estregan (Mayor Ledesma), Bomber “Morgan”/Moran, Amay Bisaya, Alan Bautista, Armida Siguion-Reyna (Dona Lucila), Paquito Diaz, Greggy Liwag (Greggy), King Guitierrez, Fred Moro, Shalimar Alcantara, Candy Crisotomo, Jeffrey Picar (Rico) [other sources list Romy Diaz, Marilyn Bautista]
Here's a little-seen Filipino actioner that's bloody as hell. Police detective Ben Serrano (Fernando Poe, Jr.) and his partner break up a robbery in progress, which results in Ben's partner being killed when he takes a shotgun blast to the face (Just before he dies, he says, "Ben, I'm not feeling good. I'm so badly wounded! Well, tonight I will not be able...to taste your wife's cooking!"). Ben gets even by shooting all the bad guys in the head, but he gets shot in the arm when one bad guy turns out to be not as dead as he thought. As he is recuperating at home (where his nagging pregnant wife begs him to quit the force), he is attacked by some more bad guys dressed as garbage men (When Ben asks one of the guys why he is knocking on his front door to collect the garbage, the bad guy replies, "We've improved our service!). Ben manages to shoot all the bad guys (one even takes a bullet to the groin) as his wife cries uncontrollably. Back on the force, Ben gets into a car chase/shootout with a bunch of robbery suspects, which results in Ben crashing into a Mercedes Benz containing rich bitch (and Mob connected) Dona Lucila (Armida Siguion-Reyna) and her daughter Leslie, who is killed in the crash (Dona Lucila orders her driver to run a red light, by saying, "It's only a foolish old red light!", so the crash is really her fault).
Dona Lucila uses her money, family and influence to exact revenge on Ben, paying off a top cop to lie in court so Ben gets convicted of vehicular homicide and is sentenced to twelve years in prison. To cover her tracks, Dona Lucila has the lying cop killed after the trial is over so he can't recant his testimony. While in prison, Ben's wife dies while giving birth to a baby boy. Two years later, Ben is paroled from prison for good behavior, which doesn't sit too well with Dona Lucila. After firing her lawyer, Dona orders her people (including her sons) to kill Ben, but he has moved from busy Manila to his brother's farm in a small town in the mountains, where he hopes to raise his young son, Rico (Jeffrey Picar), in peace. As you can probably tell, that's not going to happen. Not only does Ben have to deal with Dona Lucila and her goons, he must now contend with evil Mayor Ledesma (George Estregan), since Ben's brother is running against him for mayor in the upcoming election. When Ben's brother and dozens of his supporters are viciously gunned-down in an ambush, Ben puts away his newly-acquired pacifist ideals and straps on the guns again, looking for some well-deserved revenge.By making the chief villian in this film a woman, director/co-scripter Ben G. Yalung (ZUMA 2: HELL SERPENT - 1987) has crafted a memorable, if ludicrous, action flick that contains plenty of bloody violence (mostly of the bullet kind, although one guy gets a spear through his neck and another gets one in the gut) and even more badly-dubbed hilarious dialogue. Dona Lucila is a bloodthirsty broad who holds grudges for life, even though she's chiefly responsible for her daughter's death. She has no problem putting her own sons in harm's way to achieve her revenge.
Long-time Filipino film star Fernando Poe Jr. (LANGIT AT LUPA - 1967; ANG ALAMAT - 1971; LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE - 1977; ANG PADRINO - 1984; MUSLIM MAGNUM .357 - 1986) spends a good portion of his screen time shooting people in the legs or head (some bad guys get both) or grieving over the loss of loved ones, but he does have a screen presence that can't be denied. I can see why he was one of the Philippines' most beloved actors (where he was affectionately nicknamed "Da King") for over forty years until his death in 2004, the same year he ran for President of the Philippines and lost in a highly controversial election that brought a public outcry of fraud. This film's best and most tense scene comes when a drunk Greggy (Greggy Liwag), Dona Lucila's son, tortures a tied-up Ben by playing a game of Russian Roulette with Ben's son, Rico. Since this is the Philippines, you don't know what the outcome will be (they have no problem showing kids being killed on-screen), which makes the following few minutes a nail-biter. Thankfully, things turn out for the best (Ben breaks free and puts a bullet into Greggy's forehead) but, a few minutes later, Rico's life is threatened again, this time by a (real) cobra as he and Ben escape into the jungle. Pushing the limits of plausibility, Ben then finds a plane that has crashed into the jungle years earlier and uses various items on-board to fashion boobytraps and molotov cocktails to kill the throngs of Dona Lucila's men out to kill him and his son. One of the bad guys uses a three barreled machine gun/rocket launcher that must be seen to be believed (and you just know it's going to end up in Ben's possession before the film is done).
THE LETHAL HUNT (original title: PARTIDA) is the type of low-budget Filipino action film that's low on logic (Ben has only been in prison for two years, but when he gets out, his son looks to be at least four years old!) but more than makes up for with mindless violence and a high bodycount. Also starring Michael St. James, Miguel Rodriguez, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Shalimar Alcantara, Candy Crisotomo, Eddie Arenas, Bing Davao and King Guitierrez. The print I viewed came from a Greek-subtitled VHS tape. Not Rated.
1993 - American Kickboxer 2(Davian International Ltd)
Director Jenö Hodi Writers Jenö Hodi, Paul Wolansky Additional Dialogue Greg Lewis, [uncredited] Dan Mirvish Producer David “Hunt”/Hung Cinematography Blain Brown Editors Lawrence A. Maddox, Tim Spring, Paul Wolansky Second Assistant Director Dan Mirvish Prop Master Matt Rochlin Stunts: Fighter Zak Lee Apprentice Editor Adam Hyman Crew & Equipment Coordinator Oli Laperal Jr.
Cast Dale Cook (Mike Clark), Evan Lurie (David), Kathy Shower (Lillian), Ted Markland (Xavier), David Graf (Howard), Jeff Iorio (Hammer), Greg Lewis (Uncle Francis), Jeno Hodi (Attila), Jim Moss (Sheriff), Nick Nicholson (Rental Manager), [uncredited] Jim Gaines (warehouse worker)
Five-time world kickboxing champion Dale "Apollo" Cook and kung fu expert Evan Lurie team up in this so-called "sequel" that has absolutely nothing to do with the 1991 John Barrett film. Instead, it is a typical B-grade buddy action film that barely has highs and a series of lows.
Mike Clark (Cook) is a policeman trained in the martial arts. His ex-wife, Lillian (Kathy Shower), and her new husband Howard (David Graf) have informed Mike that Lillian's daughter Susie has been kidnapped by the evil Xavier (Ted Markland), who is asking for a ransom of two million dollars. Mike's world is upside down when he learns that someone else has learned of the kidnapping. Enter David (Lurie), a martial arts instructor who is the reason why Mike and Lillian ended their marriage. When Mike confronts David, the two come to blows at a local parking lot.
Disguising themselves at first as gardeners for Lillian, the rivalry between David and Mike continues to escalate until Lillian finally puts her foot down and tells the two they have to stop their fighting. There is one little twist to the story: Mike or David is actually Susie's father. The two bicker about who is the father, but as they get closer to Xavier and his goons, they soon realize that they must put aside their differences and work together if they ever hope to get Susie back to Lillian.
We've all the seen the buddy action film before, like LETHAL WEAPON (1987), TANGO AND CASH (1989), and THE LAST BOY SCOUT (1991) to name a few. This standard B-grade film is nothing out of the ordinary, but our two heroes both were involved with the same woman. One is a hot-headed cop who seems to be more about busting the bad guys with his fists and feet and even at one point, admits to beating his wife when he learned of her affair with hero number two, a suave martial arts instructor. These two bicker more than a married couple, even when they do actually work together and despite this trying to be some comic relief, it just looks pretty bad.
To be perfectly honest, there is no reason why this film should have been called AMERICAN KICKBOXER 2. First of all, it has nothing to do with the original film that starred John Barrett as a former kickboxing champion on a road to redemption. Most likely, the filmmakers wanted to cash in on the AMERICAN KICKBOXER name but the fact that this is nothing more than a low-grade buddy action film with some okay (and I say that loosely) martial arts fights, but more firepower if anything.
Don't get me wrong. Dale "Apollo" Cook was a five-time world kickboxing champion who got his start in Hong Kong with DEADEND OF BESIEGERS in a small fight against Yu Rong-Guang but definitely compared to that film, this film has cheap fights as if the stunt coordinator figured to let the two leads just go for it. Evan Lurie, an expert in various styles of kung fu, looks like he has better moves than Cook but his role of a playboy seems to somehow make him feel a little "cheap" at times.
Overall, the movie is just pretty bland and standard. Even the action isn't satisfying enough despite the appearances of Dale Cook and Evan Lurie. AMERICAN KICKBOXER 2 is definitely not an anticipated sequel. For the real sequel to the original AMERICAN KICKBOXER, see another film that came out in 1993, TO THE DEATH
There are inspirational movies that come across only one time in your life and truly define your existance for being. A movie that answers all the essential questions to what the meaning of life is, very few films have tapped such a nerve but American Kickboxer 2 offers a thesis of what brilliant is all about, starting with the world's greastest actor. The man who's charisma and acting talent stunningly recalls a potentional that even oscar talent cannot establish. In other words the performance of Dale "Apollo" Cook is truly what defines the measure of a thespian. Why just sample his opening sequence. Which starts with Dale running in a pink shirt, with a pistol. He quickly gets his gun knocked out of his hands but he thankfully he knows how to kickbox and therefore he beats up three Filipino thugs who are supposed to pass for American. The Apollo's sparkling conversation is only the tip of the iceberg as he says to his partner.
"What's wrong, the hard work's over!" (Obviously not given that he's going to have to file paper work for beating the crap out of three suspects when they were pursuing only one) The partner's reply is equal in astonishment.
"You're not Dirty Goddamn Harry, and you're not making my goddamn day! You pull this lone ranger shit again and you can say goodbye to Tonto!"
"Alright Tonto calm down, me and dickhead are going for a little walk!" This clearly defines that 'The Apollo' is a plays by his own rules cop and given that he wears pink shirts, he's obviously got something to prove. And before you can say Macho Man, just remember one of the Village People was a cop. Anyway this is our first kickboxing protagonists in this greek mythology that is depicted in the 90 minutes of American Kickboxer 2.
When we are introduced to the second kickboxing protagonist, we learn that he is a true lady's man and I believe him, any man who can score dates with that grotesque mullet, is someone who indeed has game. We witness the man's entrance as he rides a motorcycle and then we meet him as teaches karate to a slew of students. And how does he conduct his class? By beating up everything that moves except for the shorthaired hot chick (Well I think she's hot, I was pretty drunk when I saw this) because he plans on fucking her, and we all know that bruised women aren't as fun to screw as the non-bruised. Although Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal and Sasha Mitchell would argue different. We witness how brilliant this man is because he uses "Chinese balls" to relax and it's here we witness more excellent dialog.
Woman:What are you doing?
The Maleviolent Mullet: Chinese Balls it's very relaxing. Woman I know what's also relaxing. (She gets naked, cue the saxaphone score)
This is our other kickboxing protagonist.
So what brings our two high kicking protagonists together? Well it all happens like this. It's another day in paradise as Porn star, irritating moppet (who is porn star's daughter) and Tackleberry are by the poolside. Porn star is in a tight bathing suit jumping in a pool, while Tackleberry watches, then Tackleberry goes in the house to make a drink. (Always a good idea, no matter what time it is) and here Porn Star follows him and tells him how great of a father he is, Tackleberry turns on the blender and starts making out with Porn Star while the moppet goes into the pool to get her artwork, then all of a sudden a helicopter sneaks in (Because after all Helicopters make no noise whatsoever) and a Fillipino jumps down and snatches the irritating moppet, while her horrified parents start screaming. It goes something like this.
Porn Star:SUZIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tackleberry: Call the police (but not Steve Guttenberg...)
Genre favorite according to the screener: She's been just been kidnapped (I don't think anyone debates that) so you have time for me now!
Tackleberry: Tell him you can't talk, we have to call the police.
Porn Star: Who are you?
Genre favorite: Put me on a speakphone, and tell your husband to SHUT UP! I want two million dollars, call the police or don't pay and you'll get Suzie back in little pieces, have a nice day!
So the our two kickboxing protagonists, The Apollo and Maleviolent Mullet team up to save our irritating moppet. Oh and one of them is the father. We by the way never find out who the father is, so we'll have to wait for the sequel which has Apollo and Maleviolent Mullet on the Maury show. However even though everything here is pretty much straight forward there are some brilliant scenes that require further analysis.
Prison sequence: The Maleviolent mullet finds himself in prison for impersonating The Apollo, he also pisses off the arresting officer so the A.O leaves the maleviolent mullet is still handcuffed in the prison, thus we meet the most hilarious sequence. An obvious Fillipino who is passing for Mexican talking in a very bad Mexican accent starts this sequence off with energetic greatness. The guy's name is Pollo Loco This is what is said...
Pollo Loco: BUBBA!!! HA HA HA HA HA, You turn me on homes, you even make my beard hard. (Looks over at a couple old white fat guys) You want to take his place! I'm so hard and I don't care who I stick it to, i'd rather have you my glorious machaco, Call to your mother!"
Old fat guys: "Your crazy Willy!"
Pollo Loco: That's me! I'm Pollo Loco, and my pollo is going up you collo! (To the maleviolent mullet) Bubba!
Another Fillipino thug: Hey dude you got bigger tits than girlfriend!
Random Black guy: He's got a real nice butt!
A fight sequence occurs with Maleviolent mullet kicking everyone's ass and then coming after Pollo Loco, who is so scared that he runs himself into a wall. (On purpose) Suffice to say this guarantees that this is the best thing ever.
More silliness occurs but I really don't want to give it away. Let me end it by saying American Kickboxer 2 is, well I can't because no language or science can describe such a movie. It simply is the pinnacle of greatness, I mean what can be said about other nuggets of dialog like To Wit:
"Your ass is grass, yeah and we're the lawnmowers!"
"The only peace you care about is the one swinging between your legs!"
"You fucked my wife, you think it would've hurt me any less if you would've kicked the shit out of me!"
"I don't change, and my little phoebe don't change!" (Oh yeah I forgot about the gay uncle)
"What is this shit? Professional wrestling!"
...and Ted "Genre favorite" Markland who beats a guy to death with a tonfa, with an expression of such hilarity that it just begs to be seen.
By the way, our Porn Star mom, comes up with the money to pay the ransom by paying 20 million dollars to her gay uncle, who only has to put in 1 million dollars. There are many ways to raise money for ransoms, this is the only one I never would've thought of. And two kickboxing heroes who constantly take time out and kick each other's asses. American Kickboxer 2 is grotesquely, insanely, relentlessly surreal. With moments of true epic genius. If you want to laugh your ass off for 90 minutes straight, grab this sucker, get drunk, get high and let the laughter flow.
1989 - The Hunted (Davian International Ltd)
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