American Ninja

The problem is that to introduce the idea (and therefore the probable further adventures of) an American ninja warrior, Cannon has had to fall back on two filmmaking traditions it's not all that comfortable with: plot and character development. As a result, it has come up with a lumbering, overloaded vehicle when what's needed is a sprint car of a movie. [03 Sep 1985, p.B11]

Ridiculous scripting and frequently comical budget limitations make this film a mostly awful trip to Bruce Lee Land, though the fight scenes, choreographed by Mike Stone, a karate champion and former partner of Chuck Norris, are spectacular and not as silly as the usual Hong Kong product. For fans of the genre only. Read full review

Director Sam Firstenberg stages the numerous action scenes well, but engenders little interest in the non-story. Read full review

Routine chop-sock of the non-Hong Kong school. [04 Sep 1985, p.D5]

A study in formula film making and a lousy movie. [03 Sep 1985, p.5C]