Grab your boombox and breakdance to the 80s in The Last Dragon (1985)
In addition to always loving an opportunity to check out another 80’s movie that I missed back in the day, I also really enjoy evaluating films that were seemingly polarizing in terms of critics vs. audiences. Today’s focus is 1985’s The Last Dragon, and while it’s clear that most audiences had fun with it, I noticed that it appeared to give about half of the professional reviewers an enhanced need for fiber in their diet. We gave it a fresh first look last night here at MovieSlap, so let’s talk about it!
First of all, it’s important to note that the legendary Berry Gordy was an executive producer on this film. If you are not familiar with that name, you are no doubt familiar with his work. He is mostly known as a songwriter, music executive, and television producer. He’s also known for having founded Motown Records in the late 1950s. He’s worked with such incredible talent as the Jackson’s, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, and others, over a decades-long career. He is a pillar of the industry, and The Last Dragon is one of the few motion pictures that he was directly involved with, which is why I wanted to mention his incredible resume and legacy.
The Last Dragon is a story about a young martial artist named “Bruce” Leroy Green (played by Taimak). As the film opens, his teacher observes him performing a skill that comes with a very high degree of difficulty. Impressed, he advises Leroy that in order to achieve “The Glow” and reach the final level of mastery, he would need to seek out “The Master”. Standing in his way is the “Shogun of Harlem”, otherwise known as “Sho’nuff”, who is portrayed by the late Julius Carry. If fending off challenges for supremacy by Sho’nuff wasn’t ominous by itself, Leroy also finds himself trying to protect a beautiful singer and performer, Laura Charles (Vanity). Ms. Charles has caught the eye of the self-professed “video king”, who is desperate for her to include his videos in her performances, thus promoting one of the stars in his stable. In addition to trying to strong arm Ms. Charles to help boost one of his own video performers, he aggressively exhibits his creepy romantic aspirations and desires. Motivated by his idol and hero – Bruce Lee – and often feeling misunderstood, mocked, minimized, and dismissed, Leroy sets off on his path!
It’s always fun to see prominent stars of today show up in bit parts and smaller roles from earlier in their career. If you don’t blink, you’ll see William H. Macy has a brief appearance as someone under pressure from the creepy ‘king’ to facilitate a meeting with the captivating Laura Charles. Others of note are Ernie Reyes Jr. (Sidekicks and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II), who makes his film debut here at age 13, and one of the most recognizable child actors of the era, Keisha Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show).
Action, drama, comedy, parachute pants, Ray-Bans, boomboxes, breakdancing…you name it! If you love seeing the 1980s on screen, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better example than The Last Dragon to take it all in.
At the time of this review, you can see The Last Dragon on HBO Max. For future availability, check out JustWatch or Plex Discover, both free solutions!
Score: 7.9/10
Starring: Taimak, Vanity, Christopher Murney, and Julius Carry
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