Berry Gordon’s The Last Dragon 4K UHD Steelbook Review
“Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon” is a strange but fun mash-up.
Leroy Green (AKA Bruce Leroy) has nearly completed his martial arts training, but his Master states that he has one final level to go to find his glow (literally). Thinking the answer lies in an old sage instead of within himself, Leroy sets out to find the alleged Master for guidance. His journey takes some unexpected detours when he meets a singer and show host (Laura Charles) and the self-appointed Shogun of Harlem Sho’nuff who wants to challenge Leroy to prove he’s the baddest and best. Elsewhere in the story lies subplots involving Leroy’s kid brother (who has a crush on Laura), the students Leroy trains, and an egomaniac businessman (Eddie) who kidnaps Laura with the hopes that she will show music videos of his singer girlfriend Angela. When Leroy saves Laura, Eddie vows revenge against Leroy and connects with Sho’nuff to make this happen.
After being released in 1985, “Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon” has gone on to become a cult classic and it’s not hard to see why. While it’s VERY 80’s through and through, writer Louis Venosta concocted a wholly original blend of genres. It’s a campy comedy, it’s a martial arts movie, it’s a martial arts spoof movie, it’s a Motown movie (it’s quite literally a Motown production), and it’s a musical (complete with music videos by DeBarge and Charlene) all rolled into one. Admittedly, the mixture gives the film a strange tone and narrative that is a bit all over the place. The movie also juggles far too many characters for its own good.
Despite the wild structure, there’s something endearing about director Michael Schultz’s multi-genre film. It may contain a whole host of Bruce Lee references and indeed be a big tribute to the late martial artist and actor, but “The Last Dragon” is very much its own thing. It’s a feel-good comedic action movie about heroism, romance, family, and looking within yourself. Sure, there’s villains and fights (including one inside a movie theater showing “Enter The Dragon”), but the movie’s heart is ultimately what makes it work.
Taimak had no acting experience prior to ‘Dragon,’ and, well it shows. He tries, but he’s not much of an actor. With that said, he comes alive during the action and manages to have chemistry with everyone. Julius Carry (best known for “The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr.”) is perhaps the reason the movie has achieved its cult status. His gleefully over-the-top performance as the baddie Sho’nuff elevates the movie as a whole. Every hero needs a villain and Leroy certainly has one here. Singer/actress Vanity is charming as Laura. The supporting cast includes a lot of memorable character actors like Mike Starr, a young Ernie Reyes Jr., Christopher Murney and even William H. Macy in a bit part.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With Dolby Vision. How does it look? Simply put, this is the best transfer to date. It maintains the look and feel of the original print while providing a cleaner image.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the thumping music to the martial arts action, this Atmos track delivers.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* A fan commentary on the 4K by comedian Amber Ruffin and author Lacey Lamar.
* On the Blu-ray- Theatrical trailer, commentary by director Michael Schultz, and “Return Of The Dragon” retrospective featurette with cast and crew interviews, film clips, and discussions about the film and production.
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