Classics: A Review of The Last Dragon By Lauren Ennis

 From cinema's inception audiences have been enthralled by on-screen action and few films pack the punch of martial arts movies. During the 1970's Hong Kong cinema introduced the world to the films of such film makers and the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest and starts like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. and a new movie genre was born. By the 1980's Hollywood took notice and started making martial arts movies of their own. While dozens of these films were released in the ensuing decades, none were quite as unique or outrageously entertaining as 1985's The Last Dragon. Merging Kung Fu action with Hollywood blaxploitation The Last Dragon is an all-American original.

He's got the glow

The story begins in New York with martial artist Leroy Green (who insists upon going by Bruce Leroy) ending his training and earning the title of "the last dragon". His master then gives him half of a medallion and instructs him to seek out Master Sum Dum Goy to learn to harness the mystical technique known as "the glow". Unfortunately for Leroy, local master, and self-proclaimed 'shogun of Harlem', Sho 'Nuff also covets the title of last dragon and will stop at nothing to gain it. What follows is a by turns thrilling and hysterical love letter to all things martial arts with a decidedly Motown flare.

The film blends Eastern action with Hollywood hijinks to create an all-American cult classic. The film merges the thrills and mysticism of classic Hong Kong action films with Hollywood humor to relate a classic coming of age story. While the plot showcases an array of villains, Leroy's ultimate enemy is his own insecurity. While he demonstrates formidable martial arts skills in his dojo he fails to apply the principles of those arts into other aspects of his life. As a result, he is regularly pushed around by everyone from his younger brother, to local toughs, to Sho 'Nuff. His lack of self-confidence also prevents him from pursuing a romance with glamorous DJ Laura despite her obvious attraction to him. Through its depiction of Leroy's journey to overcome his insecurities the film acts as an inspiring lesson in the importance of believing in yourself. In this way, the story transcends its roots to relate a universal underdog story that audiences from all walks of life can relate to. For an inspirational and kick-ass-pirational viewing experience get the glow with Leroy in The Last Dragon.

The film brings Leroy's action-packed world to life thanks to the work of its cast. Christopher Murney personifies sleaze as local mob boss Eddie Arkadian. Faith Prince blends slapstick humor and ditzy charm as Eddie's unwitting moll, Angela. Leo O'Brien showcases street-wise swag as Leroy's smooth-talking younger brother, Richie. Glen Eaton lends likability and laughs to his role as Leroy's hapless student, Johnny Yu. Vanity offers up sultriness and sass as Leroy's love interest, Laura. Julius Carry is the perfect mix of slapstick and sinister as Sho 'Nuff, leaving little wonder as to how he became the 'shogun of Harlem'. Taimak Guarriello aptly captures Leroy's martial arts prowess and personal insecurity while still showing off boy next door charm.

While it is far from a perfect film The Last Dragon, much like its hero, has heart. The film blends action and humor to create an outrageous adventure like no other. The performances bring the world of Leroy Green to thrilling and uproarious life. For comedy, adventure, and plenty of kick, enter the ring with The Last Dragon.