Bloodsport (1988)

Yet another chapter in the endless tussles of the Muscles from Brussels, Bloodsport may be short on characterization and dialogue, but it boasts some excellent martial arts footage. Based on the true story of an American intelligence officer who trained to enter the "Kumite," a vicious martial arts championship shrouded in mystery, the film traces his path as he goes AWOL in order to compete. Aside from straining credibility by giving Van Damme a job in defense intelligence, the film is a fairly typical outing for the Belgian native. The most interesting part of the story, the efforts of the officer to elude the agents (Forest Whitaker and Norman Burton) who have been assigned to capture him and prevent him from fighting, is treated in a predictable and perfunctory manner. However, fans of the genre should enjoy the almost documentary style of the competition, which, if nothing else, proves that Van Damme can really fight. ~ Michael Costello, All Movie Guide