Scott LeBrun In this 1980s favourite, the likable Taimak stars as "Bruce" Leroy, a very earnest martial arts student. His goal in life is to find a character known as The Master and attain the highest level of martial arts wizardry, otherwise known as The Glow. Along the way, he becomes smitten with a stunning VJ named Laura Charles (Vanity), and is forced to confront villains such as loudmouth gangster Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) and the overbearing "Shogun of Harlem", also known as "Sho'nuff" (Julius Carry), who travels with a flamboyant entourage.It's true enough that "The Last Dragon" would have the most appeal for kids, or people who saw this as kids. It ultimately goes on a little too long and does get pretty tiresome at times; Johnny Yu (Glen Eaton) is a particularly annoying character. But this feature length combination of MA and music video stylings gets by on amiability. A series of showdowns can boast some good action, plus it's a fair deal of fun when levels of cheese get higher as Leroy does battle with Mr. Sho'nuff.The cast gives it some value. Taimak is a decent action hero, and the lovely Ms. Vanity is ideal as his object of affection. Leo O'Brien goes to town on the scenery playing Leroy's lively brother, who is himself strongly yearning to be with the leading lady. Both Murney and Carry are completely over the top as the villains. Faith Prince does alright as Eddies' air headed girlfriend who has ambitions of pop stardom. Also appearing are Mike Starr, Jim Moody, Ernie Reyes Jr., Keshia Knight Pulliam, and William H. Macy. Keep an eye out for Chazz Palminteri, in his film debut, as a mustachioed thug.The non-stop soundtrack is reasonably catchy, and the filmmaking (led by director Michael Schultz) is overall fairly colourful and amusing.Six out of 10.

Fluke_Skywalker Needless to say, this movie is incredibly cheesy. But it's also deceptively clever at times, and if you just go with it, it's a lot of fun.Leads Taimak and Vanity (yes, they each have only one name) are surrounded by a talented and colorful supporting cast, allowing them to do what they do best; look good (and in the case of Taimak) kick a lot of butt.It's sort of a mash-up of two of the most prominent b-movie genres of the 70s; Blaxploitation and Kung-Fu. But it's the 80s, so there's pop music and it has a happy ending.

utgard14 Ah...Bruce Leroy and Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem. Classic '80s greatness. An unforgettable movie for anybody who's seen it. Memorable lines, colorful characters, and cool music. Taimak (who?) has his one big role here. He has an easygoing and likable screen presence. It's somewhat surprising he didn't get another good leading role. '80s goddess Vanity plays the love interest ("You sure look like a master to me"). Great support from Chris Murney as the villain Arkadian, Faith Prince as his girlfriend, Leo O'Brian as Leroy's brother, and Ernie Reyes, Jr. as Tai, the littlest kick-ass. The rest of the cast is fun, as well. But the true star of the show is Julius Carry in the role he was born to play -- Sho'nuff. Carry steals every scene he's in with a wonderfully comic performance as the blowhard kung-fu villain ("Playtime's over, boy"). He's so cheesy but so much fun! It's really a great movie, not just for children of the '80s, but for everybody. It's a fantastic martial arts flick with humor, comedy, romance, and awesome music.

gwnightscream Taimak, Vanity, Julius Carry, Christopher Murney, Mike Starr and Faith Prince star in this 1985 action film. This tells the story of young martial artist, Leroy Green (Taimak) who seeks a master to obtain the final level, "The Glow." On his quest, he faces a fighter, Sho'Nuff (Carry) known as the Showgun of Harlem and his thugs. Leroy also finds romance with a beautiful music DJ, Laura Charles (Vanity) and also faces ruthless businessman, Eddie Arkadian (Murney) after saving her from him. Starr plays Arkadian's right-hand man, Rock, Prince plays Arkadian's former girlfriend & singer, Angela and real-life martial artist, Ernie Reyes, Jr. is also featured as Tai. I grew up watching this film and always liked it. It's got a great cast, especially Carry and Murney and it's another classic of the 80's I recommend.