Comeuppance Reviews "Pit Fighter" is a gritty and bloody action movie.Jack (Dominiquie Vandenberg) wakes from a coma after a bullet was put into his brain. All he wants is revenge. But first he needs to climb up the ranks of a corrupt system and that means he has to fight.If you want realistic and well-choreographed fights this is the movie for you. Every move is bone-crunching. One guy gets his eye knocked out! Vandenberg puts in a gruff performance as the anti-hero. Steven Bauer plays his friend and manager. Bauer is always good and he has some interesting lines like: "Well, you ever wanna know what God thinks about money, you look at those to whom he gives it to." The movie is fast-paced and well-directed. Jesse Johnson put a lot of energy and effort into this and it paid off.The climax is amazing in its scope. Jack fights everybody with only a sword and his fists."Pit Fighter" is a hidden gem that's worth uncovering.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

adrenokrome There is so much to this movie it's difficult to know where to begin. Being a martial arts freak, I had been following this film through its production stages and I was not disappointed with the end result.The story is a tale of one mans redemption through violence. It is here where the fun begins – the fight scenes are kept to a more real approach opposed to going for the wire work ballet found in a huge back catalogue of hong kong flicks and many recent Hollywood outings. Favouring a more UFC/ K-1 approach, the fights have a gritty edge and the hero played by an enigmatic 'Dominique Vandenberg' who demonstrates a legit martial arts prowess! Vandenberg plays it very cool as Jack Severino/ El Yanqui and Steven Bauer puts in a very respectable performance as his manager and friend. The shoot-outs are wonderfully brutal, special mention to the end blaze of glory which is an almost tongue in cheek effigy to the high grossing action films of the 80s and a few classic samurai flicks.The tone of the movie is set by a distinct quote."Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And this is exactly what Director 'Jesse Johnson' does with a great passion for action. On a reported budget of $500,000.00 (aka nowt!) he has deftly crafted a intriguing tale of brotherhood, vendetta and redemption through violence.

penanceangel The movie's first scene will give you more of an idea of what I'm talking about. The film opens up to images of a South American underground fight club. The crowd is warmed up to the violence by chained dogs snarling and lashing out, held just out of range by their collars. A feeling of routine is pervasive in something we might find abhorrent. Money exchanges hands. The kind of music you'd expect from a Rodriguez film begins, but the tone instead is slightly mournful. All the while, fleeting scenes of the fighters parading towards the ring, heads covered and bowed, become the primary focus. It's fight night, and the crowd wants blood. The battle is part Ultimate Fighting Championship, part Bloodsport riff, but it's well put together, and well shot. Brutal, violent, and quick. A pile of money goes to victor's trainer, and they walk out as they came in. All in a night's work for a pit fighter.The director didn't have to do that, he could have made a decent fight flick and left it at that. But the quality filming and the unusual little editions is what will keep me watching the people behind this film. I'll be looking up their earlier work as well. I'm afraid the film isn't great, though, just better than average, a garnet in the rough, so to speak. Look it up when you're in the mood for a little hard hitting action but aren't into the Hong Kong style.

larryyates222 I've read the negative comments on this film and agree that there are some things that could have been done to make the movie better. However, Mr. Johnson has made a really good film considering the budget he had to work with. As a recording artist I am well aware of the difference that a big budget makes.The fight scenes were very well done. Dominique Vandenberg is an awesome fighter and looks the part. It's good to see a fight film without the special effects used in today's martial arts movies. A refreshing return to the days when martial artist were only dependent on their own physical skills. Mr. Vandenberg is certainly one to watch for in the future.Steven Bauer and Stephen Graham are great actors and added a lot to this movie. Mr Graham's part was small but so well done. He is one of those great actors that makes it look easy, so natural.From my point of view, Steven Bauer was the star of this film. His character was the thread that tied the story together. Another fine actor that makes the work look easy. Fernando Carrillo is another one to watch for in the future. He is very charismatic.For those of you who are into violence, this film is violent. There are some scenes that are over the top with rage. And there is a lot of killing going on.The theme of a bad guy trying to make up for his past is a good twist.