This movie is pretty good, but doesn't get a lot of recognition. The stunts are cool and the acting, for the most part, is decent. Brandon Lee in particular is good. He showed the qualities of a good action star. He showed a bit of emotion, had a sense of humor and was quite charismatic. These are three important requirements of a good action star in my books. He met them in this movie.
I liked it overall. It's not perfect, but it's extremely entertaining and enjoyable.
I'm with you on this. Rapid Fire is a total guilty pleasure! Brandon and Powers Boothe really made the best of the material. It's strange that I enjoyed it so much--I mean, my favorite director is David Lynch, and I almost never watch action movies! But, I do kung-fu and some cool kung-fu scenes can pretty much make any film watchable. I guess you could say I make exceptions for awesome martial arts action. :)
"I guess I started smoking when I was about...four."
I agree. This movie deserves a lot more props than it gets. Brandon Lee was excellent in the lead, with fine support from Powers Boothe. Moreover, Nick Mancuso was a total hoot as blithely evil Mafia kingpin Antonio Serrano. Plus the fight scenes were simply spectacular.
"We're all part Shatner/And part James Dean/Part Warren Oates/And Steven McQueen"
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This has to be the best Brandon Lee film made prior to The Crow (of course). Showdown in Little Tokyo is cool but not as good as this movie.
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Agreed!
"He showed the qualities of a good action star. He showed a bit of emotion, had a sense of humor and was quite charismatic. These are three important requirements of a good action star in my books. He met them in this movie." - RF
I've seen this movie three or four times since it came out and every time I am reminded that Brandon Lee had so much to offer and such a bright future; his career could have gone in several directions.
I also, each time, feel sadness realizing that Bruce Lee would never see his son coming into his own. The whole tragic mythical nature of both Brandon and his father - their lives - just astounding - both dying before their time.
The Crow is also my favorite of the three.
I know a lot of people "don't get it" - but I take in action films like these with a broader view, not just the face value; there's a lot going on and even the imperfections can be forgivable and bring value.
Wanted to revive this old thread to say, I completely agree. It's a very good film that, even without all the cool fighting scenes, it would make for an interesting watch in my view. But of course, the movie's excitement comes from the action and Brandon showing off his fighting skills.
Overall, the direction, score, locations and acting are all above average (plus the plot isn't too shabby). And Lee, in particular, delivered a standout performance (in every way).
Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!