In a standard no-plotter, this is a martial arts showcase for gymnast Kurt Thomas as Jonathan Cabot, the front line man sent out to secure a military foothold in an unfriendly, unnamed country in Eastern Europe near the Caspian sea. Jonathan has to use his lethal weapons (hands and feet) and his ingenuity to chop down legions of adversaries, especially in a one-against-all scene in a rustic village. With scenic Yugoslav landscapes and the attractive Miss Philippines (Tetchie Agbayani) as Princess Rubali, the film offers some visual appeal as well as whirling martial arts choreography. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
disliked it.
Gymkata was made by the producer and director of
Enter the Dragon, but don't expect something of that caliber. The dialogue is full of howlers, the acting ranges from wooden to hammy, and the central concept of a gymnastics/karate fusion is played out in a rather silly manner (note how the hero conveniently finds gymnastic equipment in non-gymnastics-oriented environments in a few key scenes). More importantly, Kurt Thomas is no
Bruce Lee -- he thoroughly lacks the charisma and the screen presence that defined Lee. That said, any B-movie fan who can get past the film's inherent goofiness will find it very entertaining in a campy sort of way. Highlights include a training sequence that involves Thomas learning to hand-walk his way up a staircase, the sudden unexpected murder of a guard in mid-sentence, and a bizarre, artsy sequence where Thomas has to fend for himself in a village full of homicidally insane people. Director
Robert Clouse might not get the best performances from his cast, but he keeps the action rolling at an agreeably fast pace and makes the most of some scenic rural locations. In short, Gymkata is a hunk of schlock through and through, but it's got enough energy and quirkiness to entertain cult movie fans. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide