Dragons Forever (Fei lung maang jeung, 1987)
I'm really not that sure how I feel about this one. I have to put it in the recommended section just for the fun of watching the Three Brothers (Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao) beat the crap out of each other. And Yuen Biao turns in a terrific performance as Jackie's totally nutso friend who keeps fish in tubes. But I just didn't love this movie the way I thought I would, given how nearly everyone else raves about it being the best Three Brothers film. Personally I think I liked "Wheels on Meals" and "Project A" better. And in the endless debate, my vote goes for the WOM fight between Jackie and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez as way superior to the one in "Dragons Forever". I liked the intense, show-down feel of their fight in WOM...plus, yes, I loved Jackie all sweaty in that black spandexy outfit (mmmmmrowl!). Benny just creeps me out in DF with all that black mascara and the too-tight suit. Yikes!
But anyway...it's not really slashy, though there are a couple "close" moments between Jackie and Biao. The plot, such as it is, involves a fish pond, some drug manufacturers, a pair of lovely ladies, and the 3 Bros caught in the middle of it all. DF has more fights than WOM, and is a better showcase for Yuen Biao's skills than most 3 Brothers flicks, but I didn't find it as much fun to watch. I wish I could put my finger on exactly what didn't quite work for me, but I can't. I'd still recommend it, but not necessarily to a "newbie" viewer.
SUMMARY:
Overall rating: B. I'm not sure why I didn't like it more than I did, but it's still worth a viewing (and maybe multiple ones).
Droolworthiness: A- Jackie and Biao look good, if not their best.
Slashiness: C You'd have to struggle to really find it.
Action: A- Good amount of fights, and watching the 3 Brothers whomping on each other is something to see.
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