Ok, I admit that I started watching this movie ironically. I thought it was going to be one of those "so bad it's good" low budget action movie rip-offs from the 70s/80s/90s. The box art certainly makes it seem like that's what's in store. Plus the name "Remo Williams" sounds like one of those wannabe Jean-Claude Van Dammes that every B-movie studio seemingly had back then.

But although Remo Williams does have some silly 80s action movie moments, it's actually a pretty solid film! The stunts are impressively physical. The writing and characters are fun. And the editing and filming are well done. It's an all around fun summer movie. The only big negative is that the entire movie feels like the first act of a larger saga that unfortunately was never made. That's a shame.

The stunts are probably the highlight. They are impressive! Compared to the high-octane, cities exploding CG BS of your modern action movie, Remo Williams practically seems understated. That may be why its stunts feel so impressive. The combination of good old fashioned physical stunts and clever editing is genuinely thrilling. The Statue of Liberty sequence is the most memorable part of the film, in part because it really feels like they filmed it all on the real statue. However my favorite sequence is when Remo is trying to run away from a pack of guard dogs. That scene mixes humor and solid yet non-flashy stunts to tell a little story within the film. It reminds me something you'd see in a Buster Keaton film.

The first half of the film focuses on Remo's training. Most films would have reduced this to a few minutes and a montage or two. This part of the film really should be boring but it somehow isn't. There's some good humor and fun character interactions. And while certainly not Oscar worthy stuff, it's close in spirit to some of Arnold's 90s work. Now it must be said that his trainer, Chiun, is written as a stereotype and the fact he was played by a white actor in yellow face is not great. Still, Chiun doesn't exist solely for laughs and the character isn't completely one-dimensional. Chiun's relationship with Remo is a solid take on the Mr. Miyagi style mentor trope.

As I said, the biggest downside to the Remo Williams is that it really feels like a first act. Remo's mission is important but not James-Bond-space-laser important. The budding romance with Captain Janeway never progresses beyond a few longing glances. It leaves you wanting to spent more time with the characters, either in a proper sequel or in an A-Team style TV show.

Still if you're looking for a fun popcorn film, you can go far, far worse than Remo Williams. I went into with zero exceptions and was very pleasantly surprised by it.

So what if the the total package is not up to blockbuster standards. We need these types of film to go and have a great afternoon at the movies where you don't have to think and you can eat a lot of popcorn. I dug the hell out of this movie because it didn't take itself too seriously. It looks like they had a fun time making it and God bless em' for it! You started to get a little idea of the outrageousness of it all when Chiun begins talking about all the other great martial arts as mere shadows compared with his fighting style. And then there's the water-walking or running toward the end of the film. And the super secret organization (with only 3 members!) answering only to the President. What a hoot! But every time I see it on the tube, I'm right there watching it if I can.

I was just the right age when this came out to really enjoy it. Watching it again loses some of the wonder but none of the fun.

A brilliant mix of espionage and Karate Kid with the master / pupil relationship played for both laughs and oriental mystique, this is a film to kick back to and simply enjoy.

The Eighties were the decade for action comedies and this was one of the best (It was nominated for an Oscar, for goodness sakes)- watching it now brings back lots of great memories.

Always liked Fred Ward - he's the actor Chuck Norris should have been here - and he and the others make this a winner.

Fun movie and one that deserves a remake.