The Last Dragon (1985)

I recently saw this movie for the first time, and I actually liked it.

I think I enjoyed this movie so much because it was like a time capsule of the 1980s. I remember all those songs on the soundtrack, and I remember how popular Vanity was during that time. Mostly though, I remember the b-boys. *swoon* I can totally see this movie being a hit with kids back in the day because they'd look up to Taimak's character, and breakdancing was the BOMB... I'm sure he was all the rage then. But it's kind of a positive role model type thing for the kids too, and I can see parents really digging that, thinking that this movie is a selection that'll keep the youngstaz outta trouble for an hour and forty-five minutes or whatever.

> This is an action packed movie. There is never a dull minute from the time we see the opening scene of the Tae Kwon Do exercises, to the final "battle" between good and evil, there's something keeping you there and interested. I think Bruce Leroy's little brother almost steals the show, because he's such a scam artist. He's like a very young wisecracking Chris Tucker-type or somebody. That kid is hilarious. He's obviously hip, and aware of what's cool during that time. He's also got a crush on Laura (Vanity)... Who wouldn't? He's a red-blooded American boy!

The most meaningful part of this movie for me was the thing with the brothers... The bridging of the gap between the brothers. That was really special, because Bruce Leroy Green in all his naivete really was very different from his little bro... Like, there's a cultural GAP between them or something!

I'd recommend this movie to anyone who has a passion for the roots of hip-hop, graffiti (and there is a BUNCH to be seen around the sets) or urban culture, martial arts, or just a well told funny story. It is a comedy--it's even a comedy from the eighties, so get ready to see some multi-colored, checkerboard, neon green, and bright orange patterned madness--but know that this movie has its message too. I kinda think movies like this are quite rare. It isn't often you get to see a young man become a hero of his own accord.

But, you know... I couldn't be sure if the Sho'Nuff character wasn't really Busta' Rhymes or somebody... =P

Fmovies: If you like stupid and fun movies, this is for you. Fun action, retarded yet comical performances by the cast, and a stupid but enjoyable plot. The fxs in the movie are so 80s it is insane, the costumes fall along those lines as well. If you don't like stupid fun movies (example: Evil Dead), then do not bother, but if you do like I said before, The Last Dragon is for you.

I've seen the movie about 37 times, and I can recite just about every word in the film, but for some reason, I just can't get enough of it!

For those of you who haven't had the privilege to see the movie yet, imagine a blaxploitation movie mixed with a martial arts movie mixed with a Motown soundtrack. There's 'The Last Dragon' for ya, and there is my favorite movie of all time.

The movie is full of some of the wildest characters, including a very uptight producer, a terrible singer who is so good she's bad, a beautiful dance show host, and one of the most memorable villains ever.

The soundtrack is Motown...'Nuff said.

For the serious moviegoer, 'The Last Dragon' may not be your cup of tea. However, if you're willing to drop your guard for a minute, and just have a bit of campy fun, then 'The Last Dragon' is definitely for you.

The Last Dragon fmovies. Alright, I acknowledge that there are cheezy scenes. I also realize that the "bad" singer is a Cindy Lauper clone, and that Vanity was a protege of Prince. All that aside, I think the filming was great. The scenes were well shot, the music did a terrific job of matching the scenes and setting the mood, and even the comedy helped to keep the show from being too much of a fight flick - in other words it was more real than most shows. The script was easy to follow (alright, predictable) but it's necessary to reach a broad audience. The fight coreography was well done, and Leroy's struggle to believe what everyone is trying to tell him about himself is the real jem of the show - who among us doesn't struggle with such problems at times?

The Last Dragon had everything a kung fu classic should have. As a chlid this was one of my favorite films. Tamiak surpisply never did another movie but it's still a lot of fun. Soon I'll own the DVD. Check this movie out for a good time.

Why have this movie got so long a rating? Probably the most funky martial arts movie ever made. An absolute 80s masterpiece. Full of honour for Bruce Lee and that period as well as containing the spirit of Van Damme and the 80s - and afro-american funk as well as saturday night fever dance movies. This movie definitely got the glow!