3 NINJAS: KNUCKLE UP (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

3 Ninjas: Knuckle Up—good, children’s martial arts movie—could employ better fight stunt scenes as it is obvious that the adult stuntmen are ‘helping’ the children fight them by deliberately falling and manipulating flips. But, it gets the entertainment job done and minimizes violence as this creates a softer approach. The story is simple and follows a straightforward approach to right wrongs to accomplish justice, a good message that echoes throughout the movie. This movie is the sequel to the first film, 3 Ninjas. Oddly, the third movie in the series, 3 Ninjas: Kick Back, appears before the second movie due to distribution complications, but the series can now be watched in order.  Adults will prefer the more sophisticated martial arts films such as those presented by Jackie Chan while this film absolutely works as a good children’s entertainment piece.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A businessman uses reservation lands to illegally dump trash which causes health hazards for Native Americans. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Shin Sang-ok for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martha Chang and James Kang for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Grandpa Mori Tanaka (Victor Wong), Samuel Douglas (Michael Treanor), Jeffrey Douglas (Max Elliott Slade), Michael Douglas (Chad Power), Jo (Crystle Lightning),  Jack Harding (Charles Napier), J.J. (Patrick Kilpatrick), Jimmy (Donal Logue), Eddy (Scott MacDonald), Charlie (Don Shanks), Lee (Sheldon Peters Wolfchild), Chief Roundcreek (Nick Ramus), and The Mayor (Vincent Schiavelli). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It works for children, but adults will find Jackie Chan martial arts films better than this film. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers