Review: RAW FORCE

Title: RAW FORCE

Year: 1982

Director: Edward D. Murphy

Writer: Edward D. Murphy

Starring: Cameron Mitchell, Geoffrey Binney, Hope Holiday, John Dresden

RAW FORCE, also known as KUNG FU CANNIBALS, is an 80's action flick that couldn't be anymore 80's. The purpose is to entertain by giving you some action in the way or martial arts. In between the parts without action there's some T&A. Boobs are essentially used as star swipe, transitioning you from one fight scene to the next. 

The beautiful plot tying everything together involves a martial arts club going out on a cruise ship. The plan is to visit Warriors Island, an island ruled by evil monks. No, seriously, they're evil monks and they're involved in what appears to be some type of sex slave operation with Hitler 2.0. It's certainly a bizarre mix of elements.

Before reaching Warriors Island this martial arts club can't seem to stay out of trouble. They make pitstops at bars, strip clubs and brothels with fights breaking out at every stop. I assume this is pretty common with martial arts clubs. My guess is that once people find out you're in a martial arts club they want to fight you to prove they can defeat a club member.

Once they reach Warriors Island things get even weirder. Turns out new Hitler and the monks are working on something far more sinister than just your typical sex slave operation. Our conclusion includes cannibals, zombies and piranhas. It's quite the treat!

As I said up top, RAW FORCE is the type of movie that really could only be made in the 80's. The plot is quite silly, but fun, and only serves as a container to hold the action and nudity. My one complaint is that I actually would have liked to see them go just a smidgen further over the top, take a little more advantage of that RAW FORCE title.

The new bluray from Vinegar Syndrome was my first time viewing RAW FORCE and I can't imagine there being a better way to view it. VS has really outdone themselves this time around. The picture quality is fantastic. Across the board this is probably my favorite release from Vinegar Syndrome yet. 

If you're a fan of RAW FORCE, this bluray release is a must. If you've never seen RAW FORCE but are reading this review you'll probably dig in which case this bluray is still an absolute must. In fact, this release is probably for everyone. Go get it.

Rating: 4/5

**RAW FORCE is currently available from VinegarSyndrome.com