The Quest

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Year:	1996
Country of origin:	USA
Director:	Jean-Claude Van Damme
Genre:	Martial arts actioner
Starring:	Jean-Claude Van Damme, Roger Moore, Janet Gunn, James Remar
Rating:	5/5
IMDB link:	http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117420/
Tagline:	Go the distance
Favourite line:	"This man is a better fighter than me. And as the fomer heavyweight champion, I turn my title over to him. This here's your man: Christopher Dubois."

Jean Claude is right back on form in this superior martial arts actioner.

JC plays Christopher Dubois, a tough as they come man who, whilst held prisoner on the island of Muay Thai, learns that ancient martial art and literally fights his way to freedom. Through some ridiculous plot devices too contrived to even discuss, Man Slamme winds up searching for The Lost City so that he can take part in the infamous Ghang-gheng, a competition that pits the nations' of the world's prize fighters against one another. In a delightful piece of casting, Roger Moore pops up as an ex-Navy Captain to assist Big JC on his quest, though of course, he has motives of his own - he wants to steal the golden dragon that is the tournament winners rightful prize.

The plot is derivative, the acting just passable, but what gets this top marks is both the quality and quantity of the fighting. Echoing both Kickboxer and Bloodsport, arguably Wham Bamme's best movies, from the time they reach the city right to the end it is none stop martial art mayhem, and very well executed it is too.
The subplot involving Roger 'Ultimate Method Actor - Play Yourself' Moore is unnecessary, but I guess they had to stretch the running time somehow.
The most enjoyable film I have seen in quite some time, though deep down I know it's rubbish really.