The Avenging Fist

Pulpy fun. Andrew Lau is one of those directors who can switch between slick blockbuster cinema and cheesy entertainment without batting an eye. People expecting a more serious film should definitely look elsewhere, The Avenging Fist is a culmination of cheap beat 'em up cliches that are mixed together into a barely cohesive narrative.

Nova is a young martial artist tasked with protecting the Avenging Fist style. The Red Dragon clan wants to learn the style as they believe it's what prevents them from taking over the world. Nova seeks out the help of several other martial arts masters, hoping they can aid him in his quest against the Red Dragons.

This film is all about the action, which is why action choreographer Corey Yuen received director credits. Having someone like Sammo Hung on board is also quite handy, though the weight gags were a bit much, even for me. I almost felt sorry for him. The effects are crappy and the two leads are pretty bad, but the energy is awesome and the way Lau leans into the cheese is exemplary. Good but pulpy entertainment.