Spirited Killer (1994)

If your complete exposure to Martial Arts movies are the Americanized recent films of Jackie Chan or Jet Li, you aren't going to be ready for Spirited Killer. This film is gritty, badly dubbed, bloody, gruesome, graphic and very poorly preserved by the ravages of time. However, beyond all of that, it also offers some TOP-NOTCH action and some EXCELLENTLY REALISTIC sparring with complete unknowns to the Hollywood-only faithful. Starring Panna Rittikrai and Tony Jaa in some of their earlier work, this should be enough to peak the interest of any Martial Arts fan and if you don't know who these two giants are, you aren't a real aficionado of the genre.

The synopsis that you will read on most of the movie websites won't do the film justice. Take one part Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a giant helping of Jeff Spicoli and his crew from Fast Times at Ridgemont High with the remaining portions taken from Camp Crystal Lake (AKA Friday the 13th). Shake, stir and serve over ice. No matter what you might think of the concoction, it works for both a quick fix and the long run. Nevertheless, the dialog, and even the plot, is secondary to the almost constant action that leaps across the screen. This is top notch, as long as you aren't squeamish, and stands up to the Martial Artist wire-work of today without the benefit of the green screen F/X department.

Difficult to find, and released as part of a trilogy, this one should be be high on your must-have list. if you come across this DVD, jump at the opportunity to pick it up and make sure you have plenty of popcorn at the ready for a family viewing.