A Review of the 80s Movie: The Last Dragon

Imagine growing up in the 80s in Harlem as a martial arts master. If you are thinking this sounds like a skit from Mad TV, think again. With a flamboyant, overacting cast that includes characters with names like Bruce Leroy, Eddie Arkadian, and Sho'nuff (The Shogun of Harlem), you can only be imagining Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon.

Leroy Green, played by Taimak, is a young man living in Harlem with his parents and younger brother. Leroy is not your average urban kid. He has been training in martial arts with an accomplished old master, but when the story begins, his master informs him that he has learned all that he can and must find a new master who will take him to the next level.

Leroy begins his quest. But unlike the typical journey of a kung fu disciple that might take him through the country hills of rural China, this journey takes him through the streets of Harlem. While teaching at his own martial arts school for young people, he encounters Sho'nuff, a trash talking martial arts maniac with treasure-troll hair that would put Chaka Khan to shame. Sho'nuff is convinced that he is "the master" and wants Leroy and everyone else in Harlem to kiss his Converse shoes out of respect (both literally and figuratively). That is when things really heat up. Throw in a pretty girl, a crazed music promoter, a few actions scenes, and some classic 80s music, and you have yourself a relatively good movie.

While it is not pinnacle of martial arts movie production and will not make you contemplate the inner meaning of your existence, The Last Dragon succeeds at being a fun, action-packed, and occasionally comedic story with a decent message. At its worst, it is a corny action film. At its best, it can be an enjoyable evening with the family and a trip down memory lane into the break-dancing, jerry curl-juicing, Converse-wearing culture of the 80s.

Pros: Funny, good fight scenes, great 80s music, good self-actualizing message.

Cons: A bit predictable, average B-movie acting.

Overall: A film that is so fun and memorable that you will forget just how ridiculous it is.

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