American Ninja (1985) Review in 2025
American Ninja is an action-packed film about a martial arts expert who becomes a ninja to take down a crime lord. It's a fun, thrilling ride with plenty of exciting stunts and fight scenes.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
American Ninja is a fun, action-packed film that's perfect for fans of martial arts and adventure movies. It's not a particularly original or complex film, but it's entertaining and enjoyable. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good action movie.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows Joe Armstrong, a young American who becomes a ninja to avenge his friend's death. He teams up with a Japanese ninja named Akane and together they take down the crime lord and his henchmen in a series of intense battles.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and exciting, with a clear plot and well-developed characters. However, it's not particularly original or complex.
acting6.00/10
The acting is decent, but some of the actors feel a bit miscast. Michael Dudikoff does a great job as Joe Armstrong, but the supporting cast is a bit hit-or-miss.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and likable, but some of them feel a bit one-dimensional. Joe Armstrong is a great protagonist, but his motivations could be explored more deeply.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with good pacing and a clear vision for the film. However, some of the action scenes feel a bit rushed and could be more detailed.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with great use of lighting and camera angles. The fight scenes are particularly well-choreographed and exciting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
American Ninja has a lot of exciting action scenes, a clear and engaging plot, and great cinematography. The film is well-paced and entertaining, making it a fun watch.
Cons
The characters could be more developed, and some of the actors feel a bit miscast. The story is not particularly original or complex, and some of the action scenes feel a bit rushed.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a ninja, I'm an American."
"You're not a ninja, you're a moron."
