Battle Creek Brawl
Battle Creek Brawl
A young Asian-American martial artist is forced to participate in a brutal formal street-fighting competition.
Superior Robot reviewed1d ago
I know everyone has been super anxious over how the 1980 martial arts comedy Battle Creek Brawl (or The Big Brawl, in some markets) starring Jackie Chan and Mako, (almost no one else of note) turned out. Well, those (who are legion) waiting with baited breath can now collectively sigh in disappointed relief. This film is very riffable, but suffers little the burden of quality elements. The strange clashing settings of the two halves of the cast is jarring beyond belief. All of the "gansters" are dressed like they're from the 1930's, while nearly every other character is dressed like they are just one stetson, fedora, trilby, or newsboy cap away from being plucked out of the 1970's. Jackie Chan's physical performance is energetic, youthful, cocky, and funny, and his chemistry with Mako (who plays the uncle who trains Jackie) is playfully abusive, (as is the cinematic trope) and humorous in its own way (well, seventies funny at least). If you've got nothing better to do than make fun of the film (and the close to 15 minute "roller race" scenes in the first act), then you're in for a good time. I was so excited that I might've found another 1980's gem from Chan's lesser known log, but the search continues.
Trigger warning for racial slurs and stereotypes. "It was the 30's, that's how people spoke!" ~ Some Jerk
I just didn't want to keep anyone in suspense any longer about this, as no doubt many wringing hands, and restless minds were all abuzz.