Although the DVD cover and plot synopsis tries to promote "Bloodmoon" as a serial-killer thriller, that part of the film is the least successful one. It works much better as a "buddy movie" and a martial arts flick. Gary Daniels and Chuck Jeffreys have a surprising amount of chemistry: Jeffreys is obviously the better actor of the two, and perhaps working with him inspired Daniels to work a little on his acting as well. And Darren Shahlavi is truly spectacular as the villain - how can this guy move so fast? The action choreography in this movie is terrific; not one fight scene is bad, but the final showdown in particular is about as good as it gets. Do you remember Jackie Chan's fight against that deaf-mute guy at the end of "Police Story 2"? That's the level of combat I'm talking about. The Hong Kong influence can be clearly seen in the speed of the fighting, the occasional (don't worry, it's very occasional) use of wires, and the crazy, over-the-top stunts. In short, if you're a fan of the genre, "Bloodmoon" is at least worth seeing, if not owning. (***)
30 Reviews
Great quality fights and many funny moments are the name of the game for Bloodmoon!
tarbosh2200017 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
In New York City, a serial killer with a very silly costume (Shahlavi) is going around beating up/killing all the meatheads in town. Chief Hutchins (Gorshin) assigns police detective Chuck Baker (Jeffreys) to the case. Aside from being an avid martial artist and cop, Baker also enjoys magic tricks. But when the man known only as "the killer" ramps up his evil doings by taunting the NYPD via his mastery of the newly-formed "internet", a serial killer expert, Ken O'Hara (Daniels) is brought in to assist Baker. O'Hara is a good-natured divorced man with a young daughter, Lauren (Jones). Of course, he is also a highly skilled martial artist. When it is discovered that The Killer has murdered O'Hara's beloved, elderly, mustachioed Kendo instructor, and is now after his cousin Kelly (Rocci), O'Hara finally gets angry and wants revenge. Naturally, at first O'Hara and Baker don't get along, but they must team up to stop the mysterious killer with the detachable metal fingers.
Bloodmoon is a very entertaining movie, and has a pretty insane, off-kilter vibe. Sure, it's a bit overlong at 100-plus minutes, and some of the more repetitive aspects of the movie could have been trimmed, but the excellent fights make up for any other minor flaws. It's all Hong-Kong style fast-paced, creative moves meant to please fans of this genre. No doubt this was due to the fact that this is a Seasonal Films production directed by Kuang Hsiung, who recently served as one of the action directors for Ip Man. And the writer, Keith Strandberg, is responsible for penning the No Retreat No Surrender and American Shaolin series. So that should give you some idea of what to expect here.
Chuck Jeffreys has charisma and humor coming out of every pore of his body, and even his magic tricks come complete with wacky sound effects. His resemblance to Eddie Murphy/Robert Townsend is uncanny.
Gary Daniels is, as always, extremely likable as the "mind hunter", or profiler. He really gives Richard Norton a run for his money in the "white guy with an accent who is an excellent martial artist but is also very personable and likable" department. The legendary Frank Gorshin is awesome as the stereotypical angry chief. It was nice to see him, especially in a role like that. Let's not forget Jeffrey Pillars as the classic computer geek Justice, and there's even an early appearance from wrestler Rob Van Dam. Brandie Rocci is nice as the spunky Kelly in a role that will remind you of Cynthia Rothrock. Shahlavi as the baddie, complete with metal shoes that make for painful kicking, was a cross between impressive martial arts and out-and-out silliness. Kind of like the movie itself, really.
Add to that the nostalgic 90's computers (and surely some of the earliest references to the Internet, GPS, and texting ever seen on film - movies like this never get credit for being ahead of their time) and you have a rollicking good time.
Great quality fights and many funny moments are the name of the game for Bloodmoon.
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
Bloodmoon is a very entertaining movie, and has a pretty insane, off-kilter vibe. Sure, it's a bit overlong at 100-plus minutes, and some of the more repetitive aspects of the movie could have been trimmed, but the excellent fights make up for any other minor flaws. It's all Hong-Kong style fast-paced, creative moves meant to please fans of this genre. No doubt this was due to the fact that this is a Seasonal Films production directed by Kuang Hsiung, who recently served as one of the action directors for Ip Man. And the writer, Keith Strandberg, is responsible for penning the No Retreat No Surrender and American Shaolin series. So that should give you some idea of what to expect here.
Chuck Jeffreys has charisma and humor coming out of every pore of his body, and even his magic tricks come complete with wacky sound effects. His resemblance to Eddie Murphy/Robert Townsend is uncanny.
Gary Daniels is, as always, extremely likable as the "mind hunter", or profiler. He really gives Richard Norton a run for his money in the "white guy with an accent who is an excellent martial artist but is also very personable and likable" department. The legendary Frank Gorshin is awesome as the stereotypical angry chief. It was nice to see him, especially in a role like that. Let's not forget Jeffrey Pillars as the classic computer geek Justice, and there's even an early appearance from wrestler Rob Van Dam. Brandie Rocci is nice as the spunky Kelly in a role that will remind you of Cynthia Rothrock. Shahlavi as the baddie, complete with metal shoes that make for painful kicking, was a cross between impressive martial arts and out-and-out silliness. Kind of like the movie itself, really.
Add to that the nostalgic 90's computers (and surely some of the earliest references to the Internet, GPS, and texting ever seen on film - movies like this never get credit for being ahead of their time) and you have a rollicking good time.
Great quality fights and many funny moments are the name of the game for Bloodmoon.
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
Despite limitations, kick serious butt
michael-320414 October 2016
Low-budget and above-average action from director Tony Leung, who also did the fight choreography. Top-billing goes to martial artist Gary Daniels, who was still very much in his on-the-job training phase trying to learn how to act (ten years into his acting career). The guy has the moves, the build and the looks, but he is stiff as a board when it comes to delivering anything but a well-placed punch or kick. He plays a semi-retired NYC cop with PTSD whose Australian accent is never explained, but probably stems from Daniels being unable to speak with an American accent.
Much better are the triple threat of Chuck Jeffreys as a cop who reluctantly drags Daniels out of retirement, gone-too-soon Darren Shahlavi as the martial artist killer the two are hunting, and Frank Gorshin as a stereotypical police chief. Gorshin embraces the type with so such relish that he elevates the pedestrian material and makes a character with no surprises fun to watch. Jeffreys brings a similar, if slightly more understated energy to his role and makes him likable even when he's doing magic tricks at a murder scene. Shahlavi, in an early English-language role that is more substantial than stunt double in Hong Kong action films, is dynamic and wonderfully unhinged as a fighter who is systematically taking out former champions. You never know quite what he's going to do next, especially with his maniacal laugh, and he gets some of the best lines (not that there are many gems). After beating one opponent to a pulp, he exclaims in frustration "Why aren't you better?!," and you get exactly what makes this guy tick. He and Daniels tangle quite a bit as the film progresses and both are skilled enough to make the action come alive.
The story and screenplay by Keith W. Strandberg isn't much to write home about, but it moves pretty swiftly. Leung, as a director, adds some nice touches, like the dissolve from a red moon to a red stoplight or the way the reflection from Shahlavi's blade lights the face of one of his victims, and he films 1990s ungentrified Manhattan with sufficient grime and grit to make one long for the old days. It's not exactly "Taxi Driver," but it's nice to see. (Only a few scenes take place in NYC, much of the film was shot in Wilmington and it is obvious and jarring when the locations change, but Leung still makes the most of the limited screen time NYC gets.) Mainly, though, it is Leung as action choreographer who shines here, packing the film with impressive sequences that take full advantage of his casts' athleticism. Despite clunky exposition and a leading man with some severe limitations, this is a solidly entertaining watch.
Much better are the triple threat of Chuck Jeffreys as a cop who reluctantly drags Daniels out of retirement, gone-too-soon Darren Shahlavi as the martial artist killer the two are hunting, and Frank Gorshin as a stereotypical police chief. Gorshin embraces the type with so such relish that he elevates the pedestrian material and makes a character with no surprises fun to watch. Jeffreys brings a similar, if slightly more understated energy to his role and makes him likable even when he's doing magic tricks at a murder scene. Shahlavi, in an early English-language role that is more substantial than stunt double in Hong Kong action films, is dynamic and wonderfully unhinged as a fighter who is systematically taking out former champions. You never know quite what he's going to do next, especially with his maniacal laugh, and he gets some of the best lines (not that there are many gems). After beating one opponent to a pulp, he exclaims in frustration "Why aren't you better?!," and you get exactly what makes this guy tick. He and Daniels tangle quite a bit as the film progresses and both are skilled enough to make the action come alive.
The story and screenplay by Keith W. Strandberg isn't much to write home about, but it moves pretty swiftly. Leung, as a director, adds some nice touches, like the dissolve from a red moon to a red stoplight or the way the reflection from Shahlavi's blade lights the face of one of his victims, and he films 1990s ungentrified Manhattan with sufficient grime and grit to make one long for the old days. It's not exactly "Taxi Driver," but it's nice to see. (Only a few scenes take place in NYC, much of the film was shot in Wilmington and it is obvious and jarring when the locations change, but Leung still makes the most of the limited screen time NYC gets.) Mainly, though, it is Leung as action choreographer who shines here, packing the film with impressive sequences that take full advantage of his casts' athleticism. Despite clunky exposition and a leading man with some severe limitations, this is a solidly entertaining watch.
Finally, a Decent Martial Arts Movie
oxblood29 November 2004
This is Gary Daniels' best action flick since "White Tiger". He plays Ken O'Hara, a former police detective/profiler who is called back into action to partner with another detective and investigate a string of murders of world fighting champions. The villain challenges the victims to a seemingly fair fight then kills each one during the battle. There's a subplot involving O'Hara and his ex-wife that slows the movie a little.
Daniels is in fine form here, as usual. His acting still sucks but he's still got the moves. His final fight scene in the warehouse is quite a workout. Chuck Jeffreys is an excellent foil as the hotshot detective who reluctantly teams with Daniels at the police chief's request. His martial arts skills are just as impressive and he shows more emotion. Jeffrey's does a lot of film choreography on other movies ("Blade") and stunt work most likely for Eddie Murphy who he resembles a lot. Villain Darren Shavi is no slouch either. He's fighting legitimate ass-kickers, so he'd better know his stuff.
The fight scenes are some of the best I've seen in a straight-to-video release with American stars. The choreography in each scene is elaborate and well staged, especially the scene with O'Hara's old martial arts teacher, fighting Kendo style. The punches don't look as fake as in some of Daniels' other movies ("Black Friday" yechhh!!!!). The wire work is better though sometimes a bit annoying. Look for WWE wrestler Rob Van Dam as one of the battle victims.
Daniels is in fine form here, as usual. His acting still sucks but he's still got the moves. His final fight scene in the warehouse is quite a workout. Chuck Jeffreys is an excellent foil as the hotshot detective who reluctantly teams with Daniels at the police chief's request. His martial arts skills are just as impressive and he shows more emotion. Jeffrey's does a lot of film choreography on other movies ("Blade") and stunt work most likely for Eddie Murphy who he resembles a lot. Villain Darren Shavi is no slouch either. He's fighting legitimate ass-kickers, so he'd better know his stuff.
The fight scenes are some of the best I've seen in a straight-to-video release with American stars. The choreography in each scene is elaborate and well staged, especially the scene with O'Hara's old martial arts teacher, fighting Kendo style. The punches don't look as fake as in some of Daniels' other movies ("Black Friday" yechhh!!!!). The wire work is better though sometimes a bit annoying. Look for WWE wrestler Rob Van Dam as one of the battle victims.
There's blood on the moon tonight
sveknu5 February 2006
This is clearly one of the best movies starring Gary Daniels. There are two reasons for that. The fight scenes in this movie are just great! Well choreographed, really exciting and WAY better than some of the other crap that Daniels has taken part in ("American Streetfighter" or "Capital Punishment", anyone?). It's a shame that Daniels hasn't gotten more good directors to work with, because it's really great when it finally happens. The second reason why I like this movie, is because of the cool buddy cop-feel between Daniels and Jeffreys. There haven't been enough of this kind of movies for a while. The story is also OK, although everyone should watch this movie for the action, and only for the action!
BLOODMOON vs. KUNG FU JUNGLE
dangermatt19 March 2020
Did anyone else notice how similar these two films are? They both involve a crippled kung fu stylist who has gone nuts and is tracking down fighting masters and beating them in duels to the death. The police in both have to call upon a martial artist with a troubled history in order to catch the killer. Both feature fights with different styles of martial arts on display, including a sword duel. It's surprising to realize BLOODMOON beat Donnie Yen to the punch (pun intended) by nearly 20 years.
Better than average martial arts film.
zimmermk6 May 2000
The film contains some stereotypical heroes and villians but the martial arts content is better than average. Wrestling fans will enjoy the fight sequence with Mr. PPV, Rob Van Dam. I would recommend this film over many of the other martial arts films available.
Good for once !
Phroggy23 March 1999
Most US martial-arts flicks are direct-to-video dreck, but this one has a real director and real visual flair. The storyline - a martial-arts psychopatic fighter terminates other champions in one-to-one fights - is classical, but this movie has good fights and production value closer to the best Hong Kong movies. If you're tired of boring stuff like the endless "Bloodfist" series, check this one out.
Good movie, good fights
dasa10822 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film is a great demonstration that when the choreography and the direction of action is made by Chinese the level of the film is optimal. On the one hand the story brings us a figure known as Gary Daniels, who should have deserved better luck in action cinema. We have adam West's old Batman Riddle, and a cute police character who's jealous, funny and who likes magic tricks. Darren Shahlavi, who plays a villain, begins his film career with a curious character, who, because he lacks sufficient self-esteem, has to defeat whatever teacher is in front of him, and who is also an expert systems engineer. Finally, the fights are of great quality, and the final duel tastes bittersweet. While the quality of the choreography is good, a more spectacular finish would be much better.
Worthwhile for fans of the genre
bodine-124 December 2002
Australian kick boxing champ Gary Daniels headlines this action pic, which features several protracted fight sequences, the best being the climax between Daniels and the killer (Shahlavi). Skimpy on plot and loaded with wooden acting--not totally unexpected given the large number of kickboxers in the cast. However, Daniels has some charisma and director Leung does a serviceable job with the fight choreography. Gorshin chews the scenery in a small part as the head of detectives. Worthwhile for fans of the genre.
The definative B movie fight flick
juliastaller17 April 2002
This film Is actually quite good, More explination of why the killer (Darren Shahlavi) wants (gary daniels) is needed. but the fight scenes make up for the lack of story. Shahlavi kicks ass in a major way and looks great too he makes this film worth watching. It's definatly the best that Daniels has done and Chuck Jeffreys is actually very funny. The fights are really well done but the idea deserves more time on the script. for fight fans this is one of the best film you could wish to see,I'd love to see Shahlavi take on Jet Li or Jackie Chan. and yes the Bloodmoon needs more work.
Watch Out Jackie Chan!
magilvilla14 November 1999
Good Martial Arts movie. Gary Daniels makes a good hero. Chuck Jefferys really surprised me. The fights range from decent to excellent. None of them are slow or boring. The fight in the apartment with 4 people would make Jackie Chan proud! What a showstopper! The last fight was good, but not even close to the one in the apartment. That should have been the climax.
Pretty Negative
Valek-52 November 1999
Wow! If there is one word to describe this film, it would probably be "cr@p".
I sat throught this film from beginning to end in the hope that it would get better, but it didn't. I think that the worst part was the end. REALLY! People rigged to a bomb which turns out to be a tape recorder saying "I don't kill women and children - no slaughter of the innocent - hahaha" and it "exploded" letting loose a mirage of colourful ribbons.
And the hero rescuing them after falling 4 storeys with no support other than a rope tied around his waist. Sorry. He should've been dead after that. In fact, that would have been the highlight of the film.
I didn't rate this film. There isn't a score low enough for it.
I sat throught this film from beginning to end in the hope that it would get better, but it didn't. I think that the worst part was the end. REALLY! People rigged to a bomb which turns out to be a tape recorder saying "I don't kill women and children - no slaughter of the innocent - hahaha" and it "exploded" letting loose a mirage of colourful ribbons.
And the hero rescuing them after falling 4 storeys with no support other than a rope tied around his waist. Sorry. He should've been dead after that. In fact, that would have been the highlight of the film.
I didn't rate this film. There isn't a score low enough for it.
A great film
Masta_Ruthless22 September 2004
This is one of those films you see and go tell your friends all about it. The action is well done and Chuck and Gary both have terrific martial arts abilities. Although I do think both men should have fought Darren at the end it was still a great film. It was rather fun to point out the obvious stunt doubles, but the action is in the same category as such films like Drive, Super Fighter, and No Retreat No Surrender 3. I hope I'm not offending anyone when I say this, but this proves that Asian choreography is much better than most American choreography. Darren kicks really good but I still am a big fan of Donnie Yen's (Iron Monkey Ballistic Kiss) kicks by far. This movie scores high in my words so check this one out. You will not regret it.
Eddie Murphie wannabe karate cop!!! Wait ! What ?
Sevket_Erhat18 May 2012
I have heard many things about this movie for many many years but never had the chance to watch it. I guess I would have liked it more if I had watched in 1997 or something.
During the first part of the 1990s Gary Daniels was my favorite martial arts movie star ever since he fought Don "the Dragon" Wilson in Ring of Fire. And I have tried to watch all of his movies whenever I can find them.
This movie was produced by Seasonal Films which produced my favorite western martial arts film The King of Kickboxers so it was a winner before I began watching it.
I cannot say that it was a bad movie but it did not turn out to be as good as I expected it to be.
Story of Bloodmoon is much better than most of the martial arts movies that has oh you killed my (insert relative or master) I will get my revenge storyline only. There is certainly revenge at certain points of the story but it is always refreshing to see movies borrowing from other genres to enrich the experience.
This movie has more horror and nudity than I ever bargained for so thank God my son was not around while I was watching. It did not add or subtract much from the overall enjoyment so I did not mind.
As for actors I really disliked the guy portrayed by Chuck Jeffreys in this movie. I don't know about you but who would want to watch a karate kicking Eddie Murphy wannabe cop ? Not me that's for sure.
Gary Daniels, Darren Shahlavi and Brandie Rocci did great performances in this movie. I cannot get terrible hairdo and evil laughter of Darren Shahlavi's character while writing this review. They all acted terribly in this movie but did great fights and that's all that matters in movies like these.
As for Brandie Rocci I really liked her. I will try to find more movies of her.
The fights in the movie were great and especially the final fight of the movie was really really good. So forget about all the acting, low budget and enjoy the fights. Bloodmoon is just for that
During the first part of the 1990s Gary Daniels was my favorite martial arts movie star ever since he fought Don "the Dragon" Wilson in Ring of Fire. And I have tried to watch all of his movies whenever I can find them.
This movie was produced by Seasonal Films which produced my favorite western martial arts film The King of Kickboxers so it was a winner before I began watching it.
I cannot say that it was a bad movie but it did not turn out to be as good as I expected it to be.
Story of Bloodmoon is much better than most of the martial arts movies that has oh you killed my (insert relative or master) I will get my revenge storyline only. There is certainly revenge at certain points of the story but it is always refreshing to see movies borrowing from other genres to enrich the experience.
This movie has more horror and nudity than I ever bargained for so thank God my son was not around while I was watching. It did not add or subtract much from the overall enjoyment so I did not mind.
As for actors I really disliked the guy portrayed by Chuck Jeffreys in this movie. I don't know about you but who would want to watch a karate kicking Eddie Murphy wannabe cop ? Not me that's for sure.
Gary Daniels, Darren Shahlavi and Brandie Rocci did great performances in this movie. I cannot get terrible hairdo and evil laughter of Darren Shahlavi's character while writing this review. They all acted terribly in this movie but did great fights and that's all that matters in movies like these.
As for Brandie Rocci I really liked her. I will try to find more movies of her.
The fights in the movie were great and especially the final fight of the movie was really really good. So forget about all the acting, low budget and enjoy the fights. Bloodmoon is just for that
not bad
talllwoood1318 February 2024
I'd give this a 5.5 out of 10. The chemistry between the two unlikely partners is more better than for instance Lethal Weapon or Beverly Hills Cop 1 or 2. The plot was somewhat original as well I'll give it that. One of the highlights was the over acting that the captain did in this. The action was well choreographed bordering on over the top. There's some questionable acting as well where you don't know whether to laugh or know it's a serious scene.
The masters daughter. Megan I think her name was. She reminded me of Ashley in Resident Evil 4 for some reason.
The bad guy was like a coked out Antonio Banderas in for example Zoro or some Mariachi movie. If it was any sillier in the beginning I would have thought I was watching WCW.
The ending was kind of silly but I enjoyed this. It's almost a good movie to me.
The masters daughter. Megan I think her name was. She reminded me of Ashley in Resident Evil 4 for some reason.
The bad guy was like a coked out Antonio Banderas in for example Zoro or some Mariachi movie. If it was any sillier in the beginning I would have thought I was watching WCW.
The ending was kind of silly but I enjoyed this. It's almost a good movie to me.
Fascinating!
GOWBTW28 October 2006
Many martial arts films always have the factors coming from Hong Kong. The choreography in this movie is well made. And the plot is very enlightening. Here you have a NYPD Detective Chuck Baker(Chuck Jeffreys) who also got a trick or two up his sleeves is trying to solve the crimes of fighting champions being murdered by a steel-fingered psycho(Darren Shahlavi). This guy reminds me of that steel finger joke in the movie "Half a Loaf of Kung Fu". This guy is very brutal, and he's relentless. I would fight to the death against this creep. He kills the master, and he kills this tough man named Dutch(Rob Van Dam, RVD OF ECW, WCW Fame). Man, I thought he would take the guy out simply. Oh Well! Then there's the niece of the master, Kelly(Brandie Rocci) who can kick serious butt against the bad guys. Ken O'Hara(Gary Daniels) is a swift and smooth fighter, whose demons at work hinders his recovery, when he fights to get his family back, he and Baker have a fighting chance against the killer. This movie is non-stop, and that stunts everyone pull, is a classic. Enjoy the fight, enjoy the movie, it was worth the watch. Rating 3 out of 5 stars.
Cool action, with cool problems !
elshikh422 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Despite what you think, despite what hundreds of reviews think, and despite what I myself sometimes think; this is one cool action movie!
Yes, Gary Daniels can't act, Chuck Jeffreys' magic routine is weird (doing it over dead buddies!), Frank Gorshin is all-the-time angry, and Darren Shahlavi is horrible!
But hey, this time you can forgive. And for some reasons.
Firstly, there is redemption. A very fine one. Which's the rest of the movie. I mean, look at the fight sequences; they can't get more perfect. Their choreography is magnificent, their performing is flawless, and their direction is fiery. In brief, it's rare when you see hard-working, creatively-done, and highly enjoyable action like this. Kudos to the movie's choreographer and director Siu-Hung Leung. This man knew, and loved, what he was doing.
Then, the writing. It made the antagonist as a martial arts heroes killer; which's interesting, as it's the serial killer movie, where we'll have the opportunity of savoring a fight sequence before every murder. The buddy cop formula was on. Not the best, but workable. The script was surprising and convincing; one of the definitions of "smart" in my book. The use of the internet element wasn't less smart. It even managed to add some emotional moments; concerning a father and daughter relationship, and an odd-couple turned good-buddies relationship. I just hated the personal, no legal, man-to-man encounter in the end, where killing is the only available justice!
You have to love extra merits; such as the rapid-fire pace, the expressive electronic music, and the lovely montage of New York.
Furthermore, there is a strange quality. It's in the way this movie's bad points develop into good. Watch carefully the infamous acting form nearly everybody, especially the iconic one of Shahlavi. It's TOO LAUGHABLE! It magically serves as a brilliant comedy. Shahlavi is worth watching, more than once, for every single reaction he does. His smiles, eye looks, and way of talking; all were done in a style that great comedians can't reach!
Daniels's low acting talent is compensated by his presence and martial arts wonders. Jeffreys' magic routine was a feature to make his character funny; and it's better than similar features, done with other sidekicks, in other buddy cop movies, for the same purpose; like Dan Aykroyd's schizophrenic spasms in Loose Cannons (1990), Kevin Kline's disguise as a woman in Wild Wild West (1999), and Josh Hartnett's acting mania in Hollywood Homicide (2003)! Gorshin wasn't a disharmony; scrutinize most of the police chiefs, in the American action / thrillers since Dirty Harry (1971), and you'll easily find out that they're nothing but screaming middle-aged naggers!
In this manner, some details are rather appealing. For example, the evil man's customs; as if he's KISS' biggest fan. His joyful bomb at the end. His explanation of it, as he refuses to kill children, yet left on a recorded tape, in case he died (how thoughtful!). And the way how that very tape starts running right after the explosion (Now how precise!).
1997 was light on the buddy action (Men in Black, Double Team, The Edge), and heavy on the buddy comedy (Mousehunt, Gone Fishin', Fathers' Day, Nothing to Lose, Out to Sea, Money Talks, Trial and Error, Good Burger). Now here's Bloodmoon, which can proudly join the list of that year's best buddy action movies,.. and best buddy comedies as well!
It's where the vices can be considered virtues.. Aaah, the more you live, the more you see!
Yes, Gary Daniels can't act, Chuck Jeffreys' magic routine is weird (doing it over dead buddies!), Frank Gorshin is all-the-time angry, and Darren Shahlavi is horrible!
But hey, this time you can forgive. And for some reasons.
Firstly, there is redemption. A very fine one. Which's the rest of the movie. I mean, look at the fight sequences; they can't get more perfect. Their choreography is magnificent, their performing is flawless, and their direction is fiery. In brief, it's rare when you see hard-working, creatively-done, and highly enjoyable action like this. Kudos to the movie's choreographer and director Siu-Hung Leung. This man knew, and loved, what he was doing.
Then, the writing. It made the antagonist as a martial arts heroes killer; which's interesting, as it's the serial killer movie, where we'll have the opportunity of savoring a fight sequence before every murder. The buddy cop formula was on. Not the best, but workable. The script was surprising and convincing; one of the definitions of "smart" in my book. The use of the internet element wasn't less smart. It even managed to add some emotional moments; concerning a father and daughter relationship, and an odd-couple turned good-buddies relationship. I just hated the personal, no legal, man-to-man encounter in the end, where killing is the only available justice!
You have to love extra merits; such as the rapid-fire pace, the expressive electronic music, and the lovely montage of New York.
Furthermore, there is a strange quality. It's in the way this movie's bad points develop into good. Watch carefully the infamous acting form nearly everybody, especially the iconic one of Shahlavi. It's TOO LAUGHABLE! It magically serves as a brilliant comedy. Shahlavi is worth watching, more than once, for every single reaction he does. His smiles, eye looks, and way of talking; all were done in a style that great comedians can't reach!
Daniels's low acting talent is compensated by his presence and martial arts wonders. Jeffreys' magic routine was a feature to make his character funny; and it's better than similar features, done with other sidekicks, in other buddy cop movies, for the same purpose; like Dan Aykroyd's schizophrenic spasms in Loose Cannons (1990), Kevin Kline's disguise as a woman in Wild Wild West (1999), and Josh Hartnett's acting mania in Hollywood Homicide (2003)! Gorshin wasn't a disharmony; scrutinize most of the police chiefs, in the American action / thrillers since Dirty Harry (1971), and you'll easily find out that they're nothing but screaming middle-aged naggers!
In this manner, some details are rather appealing. For example, the evil man's customs; as if he's KISS' biggest fan. His joyful bomb at the end. His explanation of it, as he refuses to kill children, yet left on a recorded tape, in case he died (how thoughtful!). And the way how that very tape starts running right after the explosion (Now how precise!).
1997 was light on the buddy action (Men in Black, Double Team, The Edge), and heavy on the buddy comedy (Mousehunt, Gone Fishin', Fathers' Day, Nothing to Lose, Out to Sea, Money Talks, Trial and Error, Good Burger). Now here's Bloodmoon, which can proudly join the list of that year's best buddy action movies,.. and best buddy comedies as well!
It's where the vices can be considered virtues.. Aaah, the more you live, the more you see!
A movie that will stay with you for the rest of your life
oni_bu1 December 2006
Let me start by saying "This is one of the most influential movies I have ever experienced in my life." Every day I yearn for the mystical powers endowed on the lively and comical character 'Chucky.' I strive for the relationship betwixt the loyal and warm-hearted heroic star; Ken O'Hara and his dojo master.
There are some very touching messages provided in this A+ action thriller, including the reparations of a broken marriage, the unification of peoples of all color, the unbreakable bonds of a father and daughter, and of course over coming disabilities both physical and mental in nature. A truly inspirational film for all walks of life.
You must watch it. Preferably in a large, culturally diverse group.
There are some very touching messages provided in this A+ action thriller, including the reparations of a broken marriage, the unification of peoples of all color, the unbreakable bonds of a father and daughter, and of course over coming disabilities both physical and mental in nature. A truly inspirational film for all walks of life.
You must watch it. Preferably in a large, culturally diverse group.
Some of the finest action outside of Asia
raforehand18 January 2021
I whole heartedly admit to being a fan of Gary Daniels films, almost never are they going to be known as artistic accomplishments, but I think you'll be hard pressed to find better action on a budget.
In particular, Bloodmoon actually has some mostly decent character development and a decent enough story. These are nice additions though to the amazing fight scenes throughout this film.
The sadly passed on Darren Shahlavi puts on a spectacular performance and is very convincing as the mysterious killer, and displays superb acumen with his fight scenes. His kicks are some of the best I've seen in any movie. And despite this being a relatively b-grade style action film, there's bizarrely a surprising depth to Darren's character that becomes apparent throughout the film.
Gary Daniels as always is amazing to watch in the action scenes, and the choreography in this fully utilizes his incredible skill and athleticism. In addition to the martial arts on display, Gary Daniels also plays pretty well in this role as a reluctant expert consultant dragged once again into the world of serial killers.
It's not going to make you rethink your views of the world, but it still is a far more entertaining film than many recent Hollywood action films.
In particular, Bloodmoon actually has some mostly decent character development and a decent enough story. These are nice additions though to the amazing fight scenes throughout this film.
The sadly passed on Darren Shahlavi puts on a spectacular performance and is very convincing as the mysterious killer, and displays superb acumen with his fight scenes. His kicks are some of the best I've seen in any movie. And despite this being a relatively b-grade style action film, there's bizarrely a surprising depth to Darren's character that becomes apparent throughout the film.
Gary Daniels as always is amazing to watch in the action scenes, and the choreography in this fully utilizes his incredible skill and athleticism. In addition to the martial arts on display, Gary Daniels also plays pretty well in this role as a reluctant expert consultant dragged once again into the world of serial killers.
It's not going to make you rethink your views of the world, but it still is a far more entertaining film than many recent Hollywood action films.
A "B" action movie you can enjoy
elcabio9 October 1999
This is one of the few watchable B movies, you can actually appreciate. Not as good as "Drive", but it joins a select few American made action movies that have entertaining segments. Don't expect any performances that would make Anthony Hopkins shudder with envy. Ofcourse, this movie has a Hong Kong action director...
Elcabio
Elcabio
Some of the best choreographed fight sequences outside of Hong Kong
RagingGaijin31 January 2004
Action fans, rejoice. If you're fortunate enough to find this film anywhere, do not hesitate to snatch it up. If you're interested in Asian cinema, BLOODMOON will give you a sugar rush of the intense fight sequences you've enjoyed from such Eastern filmmakers as Tsui Hark and Yuen Woo-Ping. In fact, BLOODMOON has some of the best action choreography I've ever seen. I'd rank it up there with DRIVE (starring Mark Dacascos) and FIST OF LEGEND (starring Jet Li). It's a violent, balletic display of fighting prowess from stars Gary Daniels and the main villain played by Darren Shahlavi. To be honest, most of the fun of BLOODMOON comes from watching Darren waste the "best fighters" in New York City. He's essentially a serial killer that targets disciplined fighters (whether they be wrestlers or martial artists) and takes them down to prove that he's the best at what he does - which is taking people down! Darren dispatches these other combatants and often hysterical ways. It's not enough for him to flip a man over his shoulder to snap his neck (killing him instantly) - he then has to throw the man's corpse through a storefront window! It's a brutal sequence that will leave your sides splitting.
Gary Daniels is a more than competent actor. His English accent and charm is part of what makes him a likeable hero. He's also a committed family man, always concerned for his loved one's safety. His foreign status and unselfishness also make him a somewhat atypical hero. Oh, did I mention that he's a superb martial artist? Gary doesn't even have that many fights here (one short one versus a group of thugs and then two longer set pieces against Darren) - but when he's on, he's on. His abilities shine as he fights to the death with Darren for the safety of his niece and, during the climax, his daughter and estranged wife.
And the climax is the point at which this film unfortunately fizzles out - albeit slightly. There's a somewhat hokey resolution to BLOODMOON that's a little too convienent. And Darren goes down too easily for someone who's shown himself to be such a powerful force.
Bottom line, if you crave martial arts action, BLOODMOON will not let you down. It's a must-own film and one of the best action films outside of Hong Kong. I'd rank it fairly close to DRIVE - and anyone who's seen DRIVE knows that's high praise indeed.
Gary Daniels is a more than competent actor. His English accent and charm is part of what makes him a likeable hero. He's also a committed family man, always concerned for his loved one's safety. His foreign status and unselfishness also make him a somewhat atypical hero. Oh, did I mention that he's a superb martial artist? Gary doesn't even have that many fights here (one short one versus a group of thugs and then two longer set pieces against Darren) - but when he's on, he's on. His abilities shine as he fights to the death with Darren for the safety of his niece and, during the climax, his daughter and estranged wife.
And the climax is the point at which this film unfortunately fizzles out - albeit slightly. There's a somewhat hokey resolution to BLOODMOON that's a little too convienent. And Darren goes down too easily for someone who's shown himself to be such a powerful force.
Bottom line, if you crave martial arts action, BLOODMOON will not let you down. It's a must-own film and one of the best action films outside of Hong Kong. I'd rank it fairly close to DRIVE - and anyone who's seen DRIVE knows that's high praise indeed.
Darren Shalavi rocks!!!!!!
Weirdling_Wolf14 April 2024
Gary Daniels is a muscular, rudimentary actor whose limited dramatic capabilities are boldly contrasted by his exemplary martial artistry. Bloodmoon is another violent iteration of the maniacal kung Fu killer, happily, I happen to have yen for maniacal kung Fu killers! The exhilarating fights are plentiful and brutally executed, while the plot and dramatic content are less meticulously rendered.
Frank Gorshin unleashes one of the more noisome, memorably hypertensive police chiefs, Chuck Jeffreys' conspicuous Eddy Murphyisms prove distracting, with Gary Daniels tortured profiler about as convincing as John Wayne's Genghis Khan. Deathdealing dynamo Darren Shalavi's masked psychotic pugilist remains one next level, ferociously femur fracturing fiend! I can't imagine that Bloodmoon is widely regarded as a cult film, but the singular acting choices, dismal dialogue and compellingly kinetic combat elevates Bloodmoon to higher echelon DTV thrill-spiller, and should you appreciate an overwrought rooftop climax, this one's a doozie!
Frank Gorshin unleashes one of the more noisome, memorably hypertensive police chiefs, Chuck Jeffreys' conspicuous Eddy Murphyisms prove distracting, with Gary Daniels tortured profiler about as convincing as John Wayne's Genghis Khan. Deathdealing dynamo Darren Shalavi's masked psychotic pugilist remains one next level, ferociously femur fracturing fiend! I can't imagine that Bloodmoon is widely regarded as a cult film, but the singular acting choices, dismal dialogue and compellingly kinetic combat elevates Bloodmoon to higher echelon DTV thrill-spiller, and should you appreciate an overwrought rooftop climax, this one's a doozie!
Worthy successor to the awesome "Superfights"
Shaka30 October 1999
This movie does a great job of continuing the "Superfights" legend. Created by mostly the same team (and watch for cameo appearances of Superfight characters), this one differs from most martial arts movies in that, just like Superfights, it has quite an interesting story and characters that develop and evolve through the film. Though maybe not as much of a martial arts-fest as Superfights, it still ranks up as one of the best martial arts movies of the 90's, greatly recommended to those who are tired of the typical movies. A must-see for the lover of intelligent action movies.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
