High Kicks

I watched "High Kicks" as part of the 10-movie DVD set called "Women Who Kick Butt". No doubt if that's the first film of the set you watch you'll be disappointed, but if you watch it (like me) after such atrocities as "Death Run To Istanbul" or "Flight To Danger" it seems comparatively better. The female lead takes her role very seriously and gives a convincing emotional and physical performance (she was stunt-doubled in some scenes by Michelle "Mouse" Krasnoo). The acting of the men sucks, but at least they seem to know what they're doing when it comes to martial arts. And although the film was cheaply shot on video, the camera-work is decent. Of course there are a lot of things that could be improved. The script is short on logic (how do they always manage to find the villains so easily?), the fight choreography is sometimes clumsy, and there should have been more action - the climactic fight, for example, should have been longer than 1 minute! (*1/2)

Here we have a really funny film that has hit cult status among a bunch of us. This is a really badly made and shot on video "action" (quote unquote) film. This is acted like a porno without the porn. Thanks to Brentwood dvd this has become available in a dvd budget boxed set. In a nutshell. Sandy opens an aerobic studio called Highkicks. A politcally correct looking street gang (every race is accounted for), harass, and then rape Sandy. Sandy hires a new guy (Sam) to help out at her place and after the attack finds out he knows martial arts (umm i guess you can call it that). You should be able to pick up the rest of the film, he teaches her and then they go after the gang. Again this film is hilarious. The really crazy clothes, definitely the 80's hair styles (even though this was done in the 90's), and acting are at the bottom of the barrel and highly worth viewing. Some funny lines are when Sam mentions to Sandy he has to go to his brothers wedding in San Francisco and that it will take him a week to get there, keep in mind he is in San Diego. Another funny one is When Sam mentions he pulled into a port (he drives a boat) and was raped by the natives. it just doesn't get any better then this. If you want a really funny fun time, rent this with a bunch of people and just mock the entire film.

I have to agree. This certainly has the look of an-early '80's shot-on-video porn film minus the nudity and sex.

Not only is this film hideously bad, I've only seen it available in cheap DVD box sets that force you to compare it to better films. The only reason I have it/watched it was that it came in a set titled SAVAGE SISTERS where it is included along with SISTER STREET FIGHTER (the reason I bought the set), TNT JACKSON, and the GET CHRISTIE LOVE! TV pilot. All those films are far better. Given how cheesy and dated they are should give you an indication of how bad HIGH KICKS is.

No one would ever mistake a cheap shot on video experience like 'High Kicks' for a good movie. This is bad cheese of the highest order. How much you're willing to laugh at a story unable to pass an IQ test in addition to the poorly done fights is the name of the game here.

Sandy (Tara Lee-Anne Roth) owner and aerobic instructor of a newly opened gym sees a robbery turn rape via a gang of thugs lead by TC (Louis Lombardi). Trying to get past the horrible event she grows closer to new hire Sam (Dennis Swarthout) who teaches her the value of martial arts for self defense. As a potential romance heats up between the two so does a measure of justice taking out members of the gang one by one with Sam and his karate pals by her side.

Bathe in numerous musical montages to kill time and the most ethnically diverse street gang you've ever seen. Though my fav part is an attractive gym patron (Anastasia Alexander) who puts the moves on Sam and is none too subtle about it. The way he handles the situation is a hoot. The gym actually called "High Kicks!" and inside for the first time is to gawk at ladies working out in closeup. Camera work has a slightly perv feel, but the director follows through minus some minor hesitation (lol). No nudity whatsoever though.

Just oozing 90's vibes and able to melt a bunch of b-movie genres together (gym workout flick, karate of the lowest order, lite romance) 'High Kicks' surprised my dismal expectations. Those experienced in bad might warrant giving it a look on the lookout for laughs. Spotty audio capture of dialog leaves no ambiguity of its quality.

Inconceivable! What was the director thinking? Hmm, we're shooting on video, we have no stars, and we have a budget of 7 bucks for our martial arts stuntmen. I have an idea that will put us over the edge!!!! We'll feature tons of women with fake boobs doing aerobics....and we'll have no nudity at all!!!! It's cinema gold! People, there's a reason why you can only find this flick in a bundled DVD 4-pack at Best Buy for 6 bucks. And frankly, I overpaid.