User reviews

Michael Dudikoff plays Matt Hunter, a retired Secret Service agent who supports the political campaign of his old friend Larry Richards (Steve James). Unfortunately, Larry is being threatened by a right wing terrorist organization named Pentangle. Their boss is the creepy Elliott Glastenbury (John P. Ryan), who regularly gives his goons training exercises in the Louisiana swamps. Hunters' old boss, Admiral Brown (James Booth, who also wrote the movie) tries to press him back into service but Hunter will have none of that. Fate, of course, will dictate otherwise.

The Cannon Group were always good at cranking out potboiler genre productions throughout the 1980s, but "Avenging Force" is even better than usual. This is largely because of first rate action, an above average performance by The Dude, the eternally charismatic James (who could have easily headlined his own vehicle during his short lifetime), a genuinely thrilling finale (taking place in the swamps *and* in the rain), and a formidable bad guy. Ryan excels in this role; the movie really belongs to him and James. A decent supporting cast includes William Wallace, Karl Johnson, and Marc Alaimo as assorted baddies. However, child actress Allison Gereighty doesn't fare too well playing Matts' kid sister.

One can hardly fail to notice that "Avenging Force" has a rather hard edge. There certainly are elements and plot developments with which some viewers could take issue. The overall entertainment value is substantial; this may be the most accomplished movie on the resume of action specialist Sam Firstenberg ("American Ninja", "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo"). Having been shot on location in Louisiana, it does have some solid production values. It dives into the action right away. The ultimate resolution isn't altogether satisfying, though.

Seven out of 10.

This enjoyable crime chiller concerns about Matt Hunter (Michael Dudikoff) , a former secret service agent , now retired but he goes into action when his best friend , an African-American US candidate (Steve James) suffers a killing attempt in which to be murdered his son during a cavalcade through New Orleans streets . His former boss (James Booth, also screenwriter) assigns him the dangerous mission . The American agent single-handedly takes on an army of criminals called the Pentangle , a right-wing terrorist organization (led by nasty John P. Ryan) and dedicated to human chase guised in masks on marsh of New Orleans . One again , Dudikoff metes out his own justice and moved to violence when his sister is kidnapped and wipes out a passel of heinous villains .

Michel Dudikoff is an ex-agent who encounters ample reasons and opportunity to utilize his deadly skills . Lots of shoot-outs and fighting and plenty of suspense and thrills . It's a gripping story of one man's revenge , including graphic violent scenes . The film displays a Norris' style but Chuck does it better . In fact , Chuck Norris was originally planned to return as the character Matt Hunter in this sequel to Invasión USA but he became tied up on other Cannon film productions . Rising Cannon star Michael Dudikoff then was then cast in the role instead . Here Dudikoff continues to set new standards for action in this mindless but agreeable for thriller films fans . The movie is co-starred by Steve James (1952-1993) ,who is watchable as ever , he usually played sidekick to tough stars , Dudikoff (three times), Norris and David Carradine , but he early died by pancreatic cancer . The motion picture was professionally directed by Sam Firstenberg . He's a martial-art genre expert , as he directed the American Ninja (I , II , The revenge ,The domination..) saga with Dudikoff and Delta Force films . Rating : Above average action-revenge story .

'Invasion USA' wasn't a enjoyable time for me. I have nothing against Chuck Norris - I just felt like the movie was cheesy in all the wrong ways. Then came 'Avenging Force' which for all intense purposes is the sequel sans Chuck Norris. Somehow, some way this one delivers!

It's still a Cannon film like 'Invasion' but it goes so off the rails that it can't help but be entertaining or hilarious in spite of itself. Which is saying something because 'Invasion' was already plenty insane. B-movie regular Michael Dudikoff reprises as Chuck Norris's ex CIA / secret service agent character, Matt Hunter. He and Steve James go around chopping / gunning baddies down while fighting a white supremacist group. Meanwhile every friend and family member around them gets blown away! It's absolutely insane.

Character actor (and Cannon Films regular) John P. Ryan plays the head bad guy Professor Elliott Glastenbury. An educated, rich white man of older age - the leader of the hateful group Pentangle. He's equal parts good acting, insane dedication. He gets a monologue that is completely bonkers, liberally uses the N-word and goes toe to toe with Dudikoff in an end fight scene that has to be seen to be believed. Did he just grab his nuts as one big FU to the hero!?

Norris was pretty invincible in his flick, but Michael Dudikoff feels more believable. He takes a beating more than once. There's a bit of 'The Most Dangerous Game' angle attached with gruesome methods of death and wacky costumes. A hint of child sex slavery (!?) and a sequel smelling ending for which one weirdly never came. Some crazy dangerous looking stunts, Marc Alaimo (Star Trek: DS9) plays a featured bad guy and solid b-movie directing from Sam Firstenberg.

Remember the 80s, when movies had cool titles like this?

I (and many fans) consider to this to be Michael Dudikoff's best movie, and my personal favorite of all the ones he's made. AVENGING FORCE features the Dudemeister as former secret agent Matt Hunter, who's best friend (Steve James) is a running for Senate. A white supremacist group called Pentangle doesn't like this and sets out to keep James from winning, ambushing a Mardi Gras parade he's in and killing one of his little boys. Infuriating Dudikoff and James is something you don't want to do, as the bad guys will soon find out. What follows is a pretty standard plot of revenge, but it's handled nicely by director Sam Firstenberg and offers solid action and some unexpected moments along the way. The exciting final reel of the film features Dudikoff and his little sister being hunted in the Louisiana swamps by the Pentangle baddies, a la THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. Headed by the always-fun to watch John P. Ryan, the group is comprised of some very nasty individuals who delight in hunting the innocent, a sport the group partakes in quite often just for the thrill.

Being that Dudikoff and James were close friends in real life, their screen rapport is very good, and you get the feeling these are two guys who really care about each other and have been through a lot together. Dudikoff is also very good here, playing a character who isn't seemingly indestructible like in AMERICAN NINJA and some of his other films. (Not that I have a problem with him playing those type of parts, but it is nice to seem him do something different occasionally). The beatings he takes from the bad guys in the swamp, particularly the big buffed guy, reminds us that things are serious. The actress who plays Dudikoff's little sister isn't that good of an actress, but she's not too distracting. The parade attack and truck chase/shipyard fight are exciting, as is the final confrontation between Dudikoff and Ryan in the latter's house, another element taken from THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. I really wish this movie would get a DVD release in at least widescreen and surround sound, because it really deserves it. It's not just a good Dudikoff movie, but a good movie in general.

The first hour is a build up for the hate and revenge of Michael Dudikoff's character. Actual themes like white supremacy are ever present and the corrupt villains have no mercy for no one. Even for today's standards, it's pretty violent although not graphic. The flow of the story is rather clumsy and in many ways inconsistent. It has a lot of plot holes but hey, it was the 80s. The movie was clearly designed as a starring vehicle for then B-Movie poster boy Dudikoff. Although in several european markets marketed as such, the movie has no connection to the American Ninja series. Overall it's good 80s action entertainment but thats about it.

This movie was originally written as a sequel to "Invasion USA" (1985) with Chuck Norris returning in the role of Matt Hunter. When he was uninterested, the role was rewritten to be younger and given to rising Cannon star Michael Dudikoff instead. Despite sharing the same main character name, the finished film was no longer intended to be a sequel or prequel to the earlier film, but its own stand-alone movie.

It's a good Dudikoff movie , but not a good movie overall. I don't understand the positive reviews for this movie. It's along "American ninja" and "American ninja 2 " one of best Michael Dudikoff movies , however one should remember that none of this movies is really good. You can enjoy them only as guilty pleasures. I prefer "American ninja" movies to "Avenging force" since they don't take themselves too seriously.

Michael Dudikoff and Steve James make a likable duo. They were friends in real life and you can obviously see it here. It's refreshing to see them actually working together in a friendly way, with no bickering. I liked that. Too many "team-up" movies feature the lead good guys squabbling the whole time - but not here. They give adequate performances. The little girl Alison Gereighty who plays Dudikoff's sister is annoying as hell. Same goes for John P. Ryan who is laughably bad as the villain. Other actors and actresses are hardly anything else than mediocre.

The action isn't anything special . Some shootouts , some fights , even sword-fight and kendo fighting . The most memorable thing about "Avenging force" is the nasty violence. This is one movie where even woman and children can't be safe. I guess it makes "AF" slightly different than other movies of this type , but I found the violence here to be full of cheap shock value.

Directed by Sam Firstenberg ("American ninja") the movie is at times dull and doesn't have the much needed suspense. The story itself is nothing special and predictable . The ending sets up for a sequel that obviously never commenced. Having been shot on location in Louisiana, "AF" does have some solid production values. I liked the swamps.

Some people might like that the movie seems to be anti-racist. I find this movie to be preachy and just as subtle as hitting someone with a brick. The bad guys are rich , old and right wing people (The only kind that exist in Hollywood movies – poor people, young or left wing people never do anything wrong) who don't like black people and like to hunt for humans . Oh , how deep , how thought provoking … "Avenging force" also briefly touches upon themes of narrow-mindedness, racism, and corruption in the highest powers of authority.

I rather recommend "Survivor game" or "Hard target" . Both movies have similar story to the one here , but are far better and not preachy , unlike "Avenging force". With low expectations you could enjoy this. Personally there are better escapist movies out there. I give this one 3/10.

While Michael Dudikoff is serviceable as the hero of "Avenging Force", it is John P. Ryan and his right-wing, lunatic-fringe henchmen that make the movie memorable. The film is part hunted in the wild, part car chases, and part martial arts. The assassination attempt at Mardi Gras is quite effective, and the attack on Dudikoff's farm quite brutal. Our hero takes some real punishment in this one, and that definitely adds realism to what could have been nothing more than cartoon violence. If you enjoy hunted in the woods films like "Hunter's Blood", or "Rituals", then "Avenging Force" is something you'll want to check out. - MERK

This absolute crud fest, starring the stone faced Michael Dudikoff (who they should have switched roles with Steve James, letting stone face get whacked) is one of the worst Cannon films ever. Now I'm not going to say Cannon movies are great, but some of them are fun. This one isn't. It's boring. The action is terrible. The story is lame. They kill off the better actor and fighter in Steve James, allowing Dudikoff, who can't act or fight or fake kung fu at all, fight an equally bunch of inept white racist losers who dress like rejects from an italian rip off of Mad Max. A truly pathetic waste of time, money and effort. I wish I could inject bleach into the brain cells that retain the memory of this trash so I can forget it. Totally worthless.

Matt Hunter (Michael Dudikoff) is off to New Orleans to see his pal Larry Richards (Steve James) Richards is running for US Senate and the race seems to be going too well for him. The Pentangle, a hunting fraternity (hunter of men) and business front threatens the life of Richards for having stopped opening of a factory in a predominantly black neighborhood

When the Pentangle strike at Mardi Gras, it is non stop action from there. Setting u the antagonists is done adeptly and while it's somewhat ham fisted (for the 80s) it is nothing black nor brown people haven't heard before.

The action, the music, the plot, everything is tied together well. I wish Dudikoff and James were able to make more pictures before James' death is 1993

Play button, the Cannon logo appears, great. Another one of those inimitable journeys through time. The film starts, a manhunt intro with obvious costume hire fans. Cheesy but entertaining, so it can go on. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite make it, because Avenging Force takes itself seriously. Follow-up sequence with an ideal-world contrast, cowboy Dudikoff in soft-focus glamour. Then finally the reunion with the marvellous Steve James and the proclamation of the core theme, a clear edge against racism.

The film is now well advanced, but where is the much-touted action spectacle? Short flashes in the pan. Where is the man with the special abilities, the weapon incarnate? It's not Dudikoff. How scary are the hunters? Not at all.

I bring the strip to the finish moderately entertained. Probably one of those cases of: I should have seen it at the time, the rediscovery only works to a limited extent. And I probably won't become a big Dudikoff fan either, I've now seen all the supposed gems.

At first I was skeptical that a better '80s action film could be out there. Boy, was I wrong. Dudikoff, the Dudemeister, took this film to a whole other level. I highly recommend watching but ONLY if you have a strong heart!! This film is so action packed it will leave you breathless.

Michael Dudikoff stars as Matt Hunter who comes to the aid of an old friend Larry Richards a Black senator who is being threatened by "Pentangle" a group of white supremists who are planning an assassination on Richards, in this strong action outing from Michael Dudikoff and Steve James. Indeed, the duo's American Ninja movies maybe mediocre, but the bottomline is that Avenging Force is a swiftly paced, superior genre outing.

One of the top 5 worst movies I have ever seen.Plot... bad. filming ... bad.. action scenes... bad....Even MST3K couldn't make this watchable even if you were high or drunk

Michael Dudikoff and Steve James are back together in this one, again for director Sam Firstenberg and Cannon Films. Unlike most Cannon pictures, however, this one is actually good. Steve James is an ex-Secret Service agent running for office in New Orleans, and a secret racist group called The Pentangle attempts to assassinate him, as they don't want blacks in public office. James calls on his old friend Dudikoff to help him, and the two of them try to find out who is behind The Pentangle. Dudikoff and James definitely have a good chemistry between them, as they showed in "American Ninja" and both are very good in their parts. Director Firstenberg keeps the film moving smoothly, and stages a spectacular action sequence during a Mardi Gras parade. John Ryan does his usual good job at villainy. All in all, a very enjoyable little action piece.

Dear holy fuh! The opening 5 minutes of Avenging Force is so utterly daft, you'd be forgiven if you thought it wasn't going to get any better than that. Two injured soldiers hurry through the Louisiana swamps, trying to avoid a gang of killers dressed so fudging stupid and barking like animals, you can't help but laugh - but thankfully, it does!

Sam Firstenberg, Michael Dudikoff and Steve James had all met the year before with the first American Ninja, and with Avenging Force we see a much more polished production, with its two stars showing a more natural, on-screen chemistry between them. Firstenberg takes us on a fun action-adventure that is like The Most Dangerous Game (or Hard Target) meets American Ninja, with the film playing out like a lost chapter of the latter...

Former secret agent Matt Hunter (Dudikoff) must help his best friend (James) who is running for Senate, and receiving death threats from a right-wing organisation called the Pentangle. The same group like to hunt down humans while dressed in odd masks, led by John P. Ryan from Class Of 1999, and just happen to be adept in the martial arts. Initially written as a sequel to Invasion USA (where Chuck played Matt Hunter), the role was tweaked for Dudikoff when Norris rejected it, and at the same time, separated both movies so there was no connection. All for the better I think as Avenging Force proves to be one of Dudikoff's best, and could have been just another Chuck Norris movie.

Croyden born actor and screenwriter James Booth plays Dudikoff's boss here, as well as writing the script. Booth would go on to star in American Ninja 4 as one of the best-worst-bad guys I've ever seen. With great production value, and some fantastic action scenes (and stunts), the film moves along at a great pace for its lengthy running time. Although Michael Dudikoff still looks slightly awkward in action, he does a lot better than his American Ninja movies. Steve James is as great as always, and looks to be having a great time kicking ass and being back on screen with his old friend!

The film gets darker as it rolls along, with the assassination of James' family, including a brutal shot of Dudikoff getting shot off the roof. Obviously, the finale sees Dudikoff take place in the hunt as the hunted, taking down the bad guys on the way and a one-on-one against John P. Ryan in the weapons room...

Overall: More nonsensical 80's American action cinema, but one of the better ones!

With the sole exception of 'Tango & Cash' it could well be argued that one of the most dynamically gifted duos within the perfectly-pectoral-packed panoply of action stars would be the inordinately successful pairing of heroically handsome head-knocker Michael 'American Ninja' Dudikoff, and perfectly proportioned pugilist Steve James, and in talented action-master Firstenberg's uncompromisingly tough, thermometer-blastingly hot action-thriller, wherein eagle-eyed, hotshot hunter (Michael Dudikoff) must unleash his special set of deadly efficacious kill-skills in order to take on the uncommonly nefarious cadre of thrill-seeking terrorists calling themselves 'Pentacle', this powerful, morally bankrupt organisation malevolently headed by darkly enigmatic psychopath John P. Ryan, a hateful racist, a hedonistic hunter of humans, one supremely sinister skell, hell-bent on world domination! What makes 'Avenging Force' such an indomitably fabulous 80s action classic isn't just the burnished star power of James & Dudikoff, it's the oppressively steamy swampy southern locale, the ceaselessly exciting film's brutally orchestrated fight scenes, maestro George S. Clinton's seratonin-stirring score, and the breathlessly exciting, Long unavailable, the handsome-looking 88 Films, super-spiffy Blu-ray release is a B-Movie dream come true!

In my opinion only Bloodsport is slightly better than this scary and excellent Canon masterpiece! Dudikoff in hus best Role!

Michael Dudikoff and Steve James finally find the movie of their standards in this deadly chase thriller set in the deep South. Dudikoff plays Hunter, an aptly named ex-secret service agent who goes to the aid of his buddy Larry (James). The latter is a black politician who is the target of, what else, slimeball white supremacists. Definitely way better than the rotten "American Ninja" films, "Avenging Force" is a great suspense flick that consists of great fight scenes. My personal fave fight part is when Hunter fights Glastenbury, played by big, bald John P. Ryan.

Cannon loved their action. Cheap action. Exploitative action. Especially martial arts action. For a Cannon presentation though, 'Avenging Force' is a serviceable production with dependable action man Michael Dudikoff and Blaxploitation star Steve James. Dudikoff might not have hit it really big like Chuck Norris (really Norris could've slipped right into this role and the character's name is the same one he played in 'Invasion USA'), but he wasn't too bad of an actor. A little stiff at times and didn't have that magnetic screen appeal, but a sturdy actor. However James always had that charismatic awe and also you can't go wrong with b-grade character player John P. Ryan, as he laps up the villain role with gleeful passion. He's the film's energy, and a true scene stealer. One of the industry's under-appreciated actors. James Booth appears, but looks rather bored and stone-faced. Well he's got one of those secondary roles, where much is implied than explored.

So give me action. Yes there's action, stunts, family and political speeches. Political speeches? Oh the script is a hummer. Sappy, preachy and plain ridiculous! Just listen to some of these bloated dialogues. The psychical activity couldn't come any sooner. Everything is set around those explosive, gusty action set-pieces amongst that humid southern setting (with plenty of strange excitement in the bayous), as James Booth's comic-book style story figures, but doesn't break away from its very simple, streamlined structure. Some contrived sub-plots are obvious tools for story progression and motivations, but also giving some character's certain human elements and responsibilities. Maybe excesses baggage for some. Director Sam Furstenberg's (a b-grade action deliverer) economical handling is well paced and accessibly blistering in the unsparingly cruel violence. It has that 'The Most Dangerous Game (1932)' crossed 'Southern Comfort (1981)' vibe to its opening and closing sequences. In between those passages it still stays thrilling with some traditional shootouts, chases and martial art always caught in interestingly authentic backgrounds.

Hearty low-cost, b-grade Dudikoff vehicle.

A recently retired secret service agent finds himself the prey of a group called pentangle, a white supremacy organization who look to do in a black senator who is also the best friend of said ex-secret service agent, after numerous attacks, the secret service agent finds himself forced to survive a deadly hunt in which he's the hunted. Michael Dudikoff movies often times are inferior products that Chuck Norris passed on or Dolph Lundgren turned down, however Avenging Force was made at the height of Dudikoff's popular American Ninja (Which made him a star) and this is a vehicle which clearly has more punch than usual. Not to break up a winning formula of the American Ninja series, Dudikoff is aided by Steve James who gives a good performance and does some good martial arts routines. Also John P. Ryan's performance is a definite plus to an already superior action product from Cannon films.

* * * out of 4-(Good)

This film is another of my favorite action films and it's also like any hard elusive game slipped under the radar. It's also another favorite in the "Dangerous Game" action subgenre, but also this is also my favorite Michael Dudicoff film if you can believe that I really like that action star whom I think is an underrated action star.

The only misfire of the film and it's no surprise is one particular character dies I won't say who, but it really sucked it happened. It doesn't hurt the story in anyway the story is still good all the same but still it felt like an opportunity was lost. It would have been cool seeing both Michael and this character together, taking out the Pentangle scum hunters one by one together, but oh well. Probably this happened in an alternate universe version of this film, that I'd love to see that version of the film, if a machine to access that universe was ever made.

But other than that, everything else in the film is really good. The format of the film isn't anything new but like all films in the "Dangerous Game" subgenre it's really the execution that makes it standout and it does. And I always love this subgenre because it's simply your hunted against the hunter, it's always fun to think somehow you can turn things around and survive.

One of the things that make it stand out is you have a strong plot behind the format which could of easily of been a "Punisher" story, as you have villains who are just scum of the earth in every aspect you can think of. They have an interesting name for a villain organization called the Pentangle which fits as these guys just want to weave their dirty web over everything and destroy anything that they deem wrong. This plot sort of is sadly a little prolific as there's been an out-of-control surge in supremist groups but also there is a scene where the scum leader gives a speech that unfortunately lays out what going on right now.

This part of the plotline I think really works because it gives the protagonists plight weight which makes us care and feel it matters whether the protagonist wins and loses; thought the film we even more want the protagonist to win as he's not just fighting to save himself and his sister but also in a way all of us that believe in true freedom.

Michael as usual is good, really like the last name which is Hunter which is ironic but true to his character as he's a person that hunts scum down and hasn't missed yet. Mike as usual has that calm quiet intensity, whenever that happens you know it's the calm before the storm.

But I also like that his character has a bit of a range of emotion, from those peaceful moments with his time with Steve James character you feel that despite Matt job that even he desires the peaceful life sometimes which is understandable as being on one mission too many can give anyone a frightful headache. Or the times his sister is in trouble whom you can say is the damsel in distress element you really sense that he does have a deep emotional connection with her. Things like this make you care about the protagonist because you can see he never wanted or asked for trouble, but it unfortunately trouble tracked him down.

The action is very good from the Mardi Gras shootout, the truck chase but of course the highlight no doubt is the whole swamp hunt. The swamp hunt is suspenseful and intense as the swamp truly is one of the most dangerous area around which makes it the perfect hunting ground. I really like the use of the darkness, murkiness, and even the weather which just has danger written all over it, you feel that the next shadow, the next turn or even tree there could be a Pentangle scumbag hiding, yeah unfortunately this swamp is their home court advantage.

The suspense doesn't relent, I remember being on the edge of my seat hoping that Matt will be able to get him and his sister far from the pentangle and to safety. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but have that feeling of exciting anticipation just wonder who the next Pentangle hunter Matt has to face and serve him up a good artic cold can of whoop ass; as the old Klingon proverb goes "Revenge is a dish best served cold" well it's can get mighty cold in the swamp.

I really like how the one-on-one fights are done, it's interesting how each of the Pentangle much like in the "Street Fighter" video games each of them have a different specialty and they all were different kinds of costumes. One whom is a strong man has this strange S and M gear, another who has sort of this strange fish like mask to look almost like Merman from "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe", though my favorite one is the ninja whom has this creepy Michael Myers like paste face mask.

And like in the "Street Fighter" video games whenever you go though one person you then have another in the long roster to mark out. One favorite fight which is one of my favorite one on one fights of all time is with the Ninja. It's just cool how this take place in the woods but the way it's handled feels a little realistic well almost, but it feels a little like if you ever had to fight anyone armed with a katana in reality, let alone in the swamp environment.

But I really like seeing Michael using a stick like a Bo staff which shows some of Michael's martial arts training, but I just always love the Bo staff as that believe it or not is my favorite weapon in the martial arts because it delivers both offence and defense and there are so many applications you can do with it. But also, it's always cool to see it used against another weapon.

Can Matt get out of the enemies' crosshairs and put them in his, you'll just have to wait and find out.

Rating: 4 stars.