Alright, rewind your minds, pop that tape in the VCR (after blowing the dust out, naturally), and settle in. Tonight on VHS Heaven, we're diving headfirst into a neon-soaked, fist-pumping whirlwind of pure 80s gloriousness: Michael Schultz's 1985 cult classic, The Last Dragon. Forget gritty realism; this is martial arts by way of Motown, a vibrant, almost live-action cartoon bursting with energy, unforgettable characters, and a quest for something truly mystical: "The Glow."
### Who Am Dat Ninja?
Our hero is Leroy Green (Taimak), a martial arts student in Harlem so earnest and pure-hearted he makes Mr. Miyagi look like a cynic. Leroy, often clad in traditional Chinese attire amidst the vibrant chaos of 80s New York, seeks the final level of martial arts mastery, believing he must find the elusive Master Sum Dum Goy (yes, really) to achieve the legendary "Glow." It's a quest that feels plucked straight from a Saturday morning serial, blending Eastern philosophy with urban street smarts in a way only the 80s could manage.
Taimak, barely 20 at the time and primarily a skilled martial artist rather than a seasoned actor, brings a charming innocence to Leroy. It's fascinating to know that director Michael Schultz (who gave us the fantastic Car Wash and Cooley High) spotted Taimak's potential at a martial arts championship, recognizing the physical prowess needed for the role, even with minimal acting credits. This focus on authentic movement pays off beautifully in the fight sequences.
Leroy's path inevitably crosses with Laura Charles (Vanity), a VJ hosting a popular music video show, "7th Heaven." Vanity (Denise Matthews), fresh off her association with Prince and building her own music and acting career, is electric. She embodies the flashy, synth-driven cool of the era, becoming the damsel who, frankly, doesn't always need distressing. Their budding romance is sweet, if a little overshadowed by the sheer madness erupting around them.
### Sho'nuff! The Shogun of Harlem!
And oh, that madness. You can't talk The Last Dragon without bowing down – or maybe just cautiously backing away – from one of the most gloriously over-the-top villains of the decade: Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, played with scenery-chewing perfection by the late, great Julius Carry. Decked out in ridiculous red and black leather, flanked by his equally outrageous gang, Sho'nuff is pure cinematic dynamite. His lines ("Kiss my Converse!", "Am I the meanest? Sho'nuff!") became instantly quotable, echoing through schoolyards and late-night sleepovers. He’s less a character, more a force of ego-driven, chop-socky fury, and the movie absolutely ignites whenever he stomps onto the screen.
The film's plot, penned by Louis Venosta (who reportedly drew inspiration from his own martial arts journey), also throws in Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney), a sleazy arcade mogul desperate to get his girlfriend Angela's terrible music videos onto Laura's show. Murney leans into the cartoonish villainy, providing a more conventional antagonist to balance Sho'nuff's elemental chaos. It’s a testament to the film's unique energy that it juggles these disparate threads – martial arts quest, urban romance, music industry satire, gang warfare – and somehow makes it all cohere into a wildly entertaining whole.
### Kicks, Flips, and That 80s Glow
Let’s talk action. Forget the hyper-edited, CGI-heavy fights of today. The Last Dragon offers something wonderfully tangible. When Leroy fights, you see Taimak's genuine skill. The choreography is flashy, incorporating diverse styles and plenty of high-flying kicks. Remember those moments when characters would literally catch bullets? It looked so cool back then on a fuzzy CRT screen, a practical effect achieved with clever timing and maybe a bit of wirework, possessing a charming, almost theatrical quality utterly distinct from modern digital wizardry.
The practical effects extend to the film's signature element: The Glow. When a true master reaches their peak, their hands (or sometimes their whole body) emit this powerful luminescence. Watching it now, you can see the optical printing techniques, the superimposed lighting effects – it looks decidedly vintage. But back in '85, projected onto a big screen or flickering on your rented VHS, it felt genuinely magical, a visual representation of inner power that perfectly suited the film's fantastical tone. Achieving that distinctive look on a reported $10 million budget wasn't simple, relying on layering effects in post-production, a far cry from today's digital immediacy.
And the setting! Filming on location in New York City grounds the fantasy. The graffiti-covered streets, the bustling crowds, the specific energy of Harlem in the mid-80s – it all adds a layer of authenticity that makes the more outlandish elements pop even more. This wasn't some generic backlot; it felt like Leroy's quest was unfolding in a real, vibrant world.
### Rhythm of the Night
We absolutely must mention the soundtrack. Produced by Motown legend Berry Gordy (who also executive produced the film), it’s an absolute banger. Featuring the inescapable earworm "Rhythm of the Night" by DeBarge (which became a global smash hit), plus tracks from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Alfie, and Vanity herself, the music isn't just background noise – it's the film's heartbeat. The frequent music video sequences woven into the plot might feel dated now, but they perfectly capture the MTV-obsessed zeitgeist of the era.
Upon release, The Last Dragon received mixed critical reviews – some found it silly, others uneven. But audiences, particularly younger viewers hungry for action and style, embraced it. It performed respectably at the box office (grossing around $25 million domestically) but truly found its enduring legacy on home video. Renting this tape became a rite of passage for a generation, leading to its current, beloved cult classic status.
Rating: 8/10
Why the high score for a film some might dismiss as cheesy? Because The Last Dragon achieves exactly what it sets out to do with infectious enthusiasm and undeniable style. The review score reflects its success as a unique, entertaining piece of 80s pop culture, acknowledging its flaws (some acting stiffness, plot contrivances) but celebrating its strengths: iconic villainy, memorable music, earnest charm, and action sequences bursting with practical energy. It perfectly understood its audience and delivered a hyper-coloured fantasy that still resonates.
Final Thought: Forget realism; The Last Dragon is a glorious blast of pure, unadulterated 80s movie magic, a cinematic sugar rush fueled by Motown beats and flying fists. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the quest for "The Glow" is way more fun than finding it. Who's the Master? This movie, maybe.