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Without Enter The Ninja becoming the first big Ninja hit in the United States, Cannon wouldn’t have gone out on a limb to enter this market. Because of its success, they would ultimately make 5 American Ninja films, with Michael Dudikoff coming and going from the projects. Steve James and David Bradley would also be regulars in the series, with Bradley taking over in the 3rd film. Dudikoff would return for the 4th one, and Bradley would take the Ninja helm in the 5th once more before the series called it quits.
The Octagon would be one of the first films to introduce American audiences to the art of “Ninjutsu.” A year later, Enter The Ninja would become a huge break-out hit, and Cannon would sign multiple film deals with Chuck Norris and a young up-and-coming actor named Michael Dudikoff.
Dudikoff had the perfect jawline and look to accompany his athletic ability. Dudikoff reminded Cannon Group of James Dean, which is why he was cast. Now, before American Ninja, Dudikoff didn’t have any Martial Arts history but studied intensely to appear capable. Dudikoff also became friends with onscreen star Steve James. James trained and studied Kung Fu extensively.
American Ninja is the classic tale of a man with amnesia who has a troubled past and was forced to join the military. While in Southeast Asia, he stumbles upon a military cover-up with a local cartel kingpin. It turns out we are in luck that our hero happens to be a martial arts master because of the local ninja mercenaries.
You know what you are getting with these kinds of films. Entertainment. Lots of outlandish stuntwork and throwing stars to the face. The stuntwork is nowhere near the caliber of something like Police Story. They are also very different styles of stuntwork. Chan’s style of work was always about neutralization without killing. The stunt work here is the kind of stunt work that makes sure the death looks are as painful as possible. How many swords to the gut does this guy need? 5? Better make it eight, and he needs to fall off a roof.
Joe ( Dudikoff) foils a plot to kidnap a general’s daughter for money, and not only does the cartel want him dead, but also the military personnel involved in the kidnapping. Steve James is Jackson—a Sergeant in the military who befriends Joe and aids him in his chance to escape persecution.
As the story progresses, Joe runs into his old sensei. He helps him remember his past and how they can stop the illegal shipments of drugs, guns, and other contraband.
The reality is if you are a fan of this genre, you have seen every Ninja film you can get your hands on. American Ninja films, of course, don’t have that classic Japanese and Chinese quality, but they are still fun. Enter The Ninja started the ball rolling in the 80s, and TMNT ended them in March 1990. These films are for people who enjoy high-risk action sequences by dudes in ridiculous shape, kicking ass with swords.
Kino Lorber just released the first two American Ninja films on Blu-ray. They cleared up the prints while still keeping that classic Cannon low-budget feel. Then again, there might be only so much they could do. Either way, it doesn’t hurt any of it. Grab a beer and hit the couch.
For fans of the Enter The Ninja series. Also recommended are Ghost Warrior, The Challenge, and The Octagon.
