Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unique martial arts musical with some stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Last Dragon
What's the Story?
Leroy Green (Taimak), who is a big Bruce Lee fan, finishes his martial arts training, and his master sends him out into the world. While he searches for his next master, Leroy manages to anger the local bully Sho'nuff (Julius Carry). Worse, he incurs the wrath of video game king Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) when he rescues the beautiful host of a popular music video program, Laura Charles (Vanity); Eddie had hoped to persuade her to play his girlfriend's (terrible) new video on the show. Leroy does not believe in violence, but with so many powerful enemies against him, how long can he hold out without fighting? And can he win over the more worldly Laura in the process?
Is It Any Good?
THE LAST DRAGON is hardly a good movie, but it gets points for camp value, and for originality; it's probably the first -- and only -- African-American martial arts musical ever made. On the plus side, lead actors Taimak and Vanity come to the screen with a great deal of presence and likeability. Schultz brings energy and style to both the fight scenes and the musical moments, mostly staying out of their way and avoiding fast cutting and clunky choreography.
The movie bogs down in the subplot with Eddie Arkadian, a twerpy, comical villain that gets far too much screen time. Not to mention that the music -- with the exception of DeBarge's hit "Rhythm of the Night" -- has aged terribly (don't miss the potentially offensive "Suki Yaki Hot Saki Sue"). Overall, though, the movie has good intentions and there's some fun to be had. Look for William H. Macy in a small part.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the martial arts violence in the movie. Is it exciting, or does it make you uncomfortable? What is the movie's message about fighting and violence?
Do you recognize any stereotypes in this movie? What role does media play in challenging and reinforcing stereotypes?
Is Sho'nuff a bully? What makes him a bully? What are the best ways to deal with bullying?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 22, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : July 3, 2001
- Cast : Christopher Murney , Taimak , Vanity
- Director : Michael Schultz
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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