evanston_dad When his partner is killed by an Australian crime syndicate, a studly undercover agent goes vigilante to avenge her death while the Australian authorities try to keep him on a leash so that they can nab the syndicate's ringleader."Day of the Panther" is a Van Damme rip off that looks like it was filmed on someone's video camera, but it does have its merits, chiefly among them that it's never boring. It's a hoot to see the 1980s revived in all their pastel splendor, and there's enough unintentional hilarity to keep lovers of bad movies watching.The fight scenes are choreographed competently if unmemorably and will most likely satisfy your craving for some martial arts sleight of hand. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a little skin, you won't find it in this movie, unless you count that of our hero, who spends much of his screen time shirtless. The rest of us have to make do with a couple of aerobic dance numbers performed by the female lead, one of them, a seductive dance done in a gym while our hero works out and looks on, a real howler.Grade: B-

lastliberal So what does a hot blond (Linda Megier) do when a pig is harassing you? Well, if you are a martial arts master, you take him out, especially if he is just some scumbag in a pig mask. This kinds of humorous things make this Australian chop sockey movie bearable.Blade (Edward John Stazak) is trying to find out who killed his partner and break up a drug operation. He is using his considerable skills to provide several entertaining bouts against multiple bad guys. Two bumbling cops are tailing him and providing more humor.Now, it is time for more humor as Blade works out while Paris Jefferson dances around the gym. Soon they are dancing under the sheets.Blade manages to take out another group using a broom handle. Ouch, that has to hurt.Of course, you have to have the final battle between Blade and the drug lord's (Michael Carman) henchman (Jim Richards).There will be a part 2 (IT was filmed at the same time.).

chamilton-10 I had zero preconceived notions about this one - just picked it at random from my Mill Creek "Drive-In Movie Classics" 50 movie DVD set. I'd never seen an Australian martial arts flick before. Now I know why.The lead character is so untalented as an actor that he hardly is given anything to say. I was starting to wonder if he'd ever speak. Then he did, and I can't remember anything he said. He's got just THAT much charisma! As a fighter, he's top-notch, but he doesn't get to do much, nor does anyone else. I found myself quite bored watching this, which is probably the worst thing you can say for an "action" movie.The pig-mask guy was certainly unexpected, but one left turn doesn't make an otherwise cliché-filled snoozer any better.

Mark Salter Standard story of a martial arts expert out to nail a gangster boss and his right hand man who were responsible for the death of his partner. This film however benefits from excellent fight sequences staged by Eddie Stazak (the star of the film) and Jim Richards who plays the lead heavy. With minimal use of fast editing and slow motion, which hinder the flow of fights in some other martial arts movies, where the same perfectly executed side kick is shown from 10 different angles, the fights are exciting and almost balletic. A small number of obviously accomplished stuntmen / martial artists are used as opponents throughout the film, sometimes wearing masks to hid their numbers. Don't worry about the story just enjoy the fight sequences, particularly the one in the boat show room.