Miami Connection (1987) (Blu-ray Review)
Director: V.K. Kim
Where to get it: Drafthouse Films
The year is 1987. Motorcycle ninjas tighten their grip on Florida’s narcotics trade, viciously annihilating anyone who dares move in on their turf. Multi-national martial arts rock band Dragon Sound have had enough, and embark on a roundhouse wreck-wave of crime-crushing justice. When not chasing beach bunnies or performing their hit song “Against the Ninja,” Mark (taekwondo master/inspirational speaker Y.K. Kim) and the boys are kicking and chopping at the drug world’s smelliest underbelly. It’ll take every ounce of their blood and courage, but Dragon Sound can’t stop until they’ve completely destroyed the dealers, the drunk bikers, the kill-crazy ninjas, the middle-aged thugs, the “stupid cocaine”…and the entire MIAMI CONNECTION!!!
Here is a lost classic that has been found and unleashed on the world and once everyone sees it they will be thrilled. On the surface Miami Connection does everything a bad movie does. We have a ridiculous plot, terrible acting, and over the top everything. Still, somehow everything comes together to make this one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. It’s a battle of epic proportions when the so bad it’s good rock band known as Dragon Sound go toe to toe with rival bands and a group of biker ninjas to the death! We even get a little Romeo and Juliet tossed in as one of the Dragon Sound members is in love with a female member of the band that just do happens to be the sister of one of our evil ninjas.
What is thrown at us is awkward dialogue that becomes very quotable and memorable. We also get over the top cheesiness and violence. I don’t know about you but that is my type of film and I think it may have been love at first site with the Miami Connection. Now the Blu-ray presentation is a little weak in areas due to the massive amounts of film damage that affected then film when it was nearly lost in a flood. That being the case, we still have colors being pretty vibrant and it is still overall pleasing to see. If anything I believe the damage of the film makes the movie all that much more enjoyable and everyone who loves cheesy 80s films and violence will get a kick out of this.
The Movie: (8.5/10)
The Transfer: (7/10)
Features
– Friends for Eternity: The Making of Miami Connection
– Audio Commentary with V.K. Kim and Joseph Diamond
– 25th Anniversary reunion concert of Dragon Sound from Fantastic Fest 2012
– Trailer
– Who is V.K. Kim?
– The New American Dream
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