Revenge Of The Ninja (1983) ***1/2

Revenge Of The Ninja (1983)—if you can get past the blatant stereotypes, racism, misogyny, poor acting and dubbing (which, frankly, is a lot of what makes this film awesome to laugh at)—is virtually nonstop action and fun starring the king of 80s ninja films, Shô Kosugi. While Revenge doesn't have the supernatural aspect of its in-name only sequel Ninja III: The Domination (1984), it is nearly as bonkers thanks to Sam Firstenberg and James R. Silke, who also respectively directed and wrote both films. The plot borrows many elements from classic Bruce Lee films—family members killed, a sworn oath of non violence (which of course must be broken), a move to America, a business acting as a front for drug dealing, gangsters that must be taken out, etc. Despite a great deal of goofiness, the stunts and martial arts are impressive. It's a blast to watch Kosugi Sho(w) (sorry) all those baddies who's boss and his real life son Kane kicks some major ass (literally). Revenge Of The Ninja is a film best watched with an audience or at least a few friends.