People criticized Cung Le for taking time off from MMA to make movies — and he made some crap movies — but with this release (and his loss to Wanderlei Silva) I tend to think this might be where Le needs to concentrate his energy. Can’t say anything about the script, but the action scenes look sick. Not to mention we have Van Damme, “RoboCop” Peter Weller in supporting roles and cameos by fighters Gilbert Melendez, Rich Clementi, Dan Henderson and Trevor Prangley. Checkout 1:00 in, Le does a German suplex. Karl Gotch would be proud.
Here’s the storyline for those who care: St. Jude Square is a neighborhood living in fear and despair. The dueling gangs of local kingpins Dash and Antuan terrorize the streets and the citizens live without a shred of hope… until mysterious stranger Ryan Hong (Cung Le) arrives in town. He begins to play one gang against the other using his unparalleled martial arts skills, and by calling on the teachings of his brilliant mentor Tiano (Jean-Claude Van Damme) to find the strength to battle back. However, just as he begins to bring the community under control, Hong is confronted by Mr. V, the town’s ruthless and corrupt police chief. At first Mr. V is impressed by Hong’s skill, but soon sees Hong as a threat to his regime, and the two warriors are locked in a head-to-head battle, pitting the fear and corruption of Mr. V’s regime versus the new beginning Hong represents for the people of St. Jude Square. Written by IM Global.
