There were five official American Ninja films.
And here’s how we think they sit, from worst to best.
I wanted to BE Michael Dudikoff and Im sure Im not the only one whod admit to this.
Sorry, Israel!]
Although he sometimes gets blamed by fans for wrecking the franchise, Bradley is not actually bad at all.
Hes got insane muscles, can act well enough for the material and fight as ably as Dudikoff.
Its just a shame hes dropped into the franchise with this particular movie.
In fairness to the script, it shows flashes of inspiration in its dialogue (What is it?
/ Its a urine sample / Dont piss me off!)
Everything plays like a dull TV movie.
The Jar Jar Binks of the franchise.
The fighting choreographed by Mike Stone no less is pedestrian too.
Sadly its performed with such workmanlike drudgery, even that fails to ignite the thrills.
Blood Huntisnt atrocious but it is all woefully mediocre.
When Steve James sighs Ninjas?
you feel like he really, really means it.
This involves flying to Venezula and duffing up a bunch of ninjas, as youd expect.
Theres a lot that doesnt work about this film.
In most of the fights, Bradley will literally knock down three or four ninjas with one non-connecting punch.
Its funny I guess, but not exactly exciting to watch.
That said, its not without its positives and is more watchable thanBlood Hunt, at least.
Mostly its the cast that make it work.
Bradley comes into his own in this.
His performance is charismatic, tender and genuinely likeable and the chemistry with Reyes is great.
You cant watch this and not want him as your own cuddly big brother.
Pat Moritas only onscreen for about 10 minutes but is always a delight.
Its clean and sweet and family-friendly but I found myself craving any edge at all.
Joes an amnesiac off-the-rails lone wolf youth who enlists in the army to avoid jail.
Theyre slick and enjoyable but rarely breathtaking.
This is definitely worth watching, dont get me wrong.
It wouldve been great to see them fight side by side.
That said, theres otherwise a lot to like here.
Have to admit I had a little ninjasm at this point…
While this is definitely in the wrong film, its quite entertaining.
Throw in a bright, colourful setting and a wicked synth score and you cant go wrong.
WhereAmerican Ninja 2shines though is its action.
I couldnt even keep count how many dudes got duffed up in this; it was just constant.
Its basically like having a ninety minute ninjasm and I cant recommend it more highly.
So will we ever see anotherAmerican Ninjamovie?
Its hard to say.
Ah, who am I kidding?
The more ninjas the better… Keep em coming!
you’re free to read more from Craig at his blog,Ninjas All The Way Down.
