Kickboxer: Vengeance

Though the original Kickboxer (1989) isn't a five-star classic, it remains a beloved, relatively iconic martial arts film that shows Jean-Claude Van Damme at his best. Inevitably, this remake from director John Stockwell (who made the Halle Berry shark-attack shlocker Dark Tide in 2012) isn't nearly as enjoyable, although some fans may be tempted by the fact that Van Damme returns to play the hero's trainer. Like the 80s star before him, Alain Moussi plays Kurt Sloane, a fighter who seeks vengeance when his brother is killed in the ring by formidable Muay Thai champion Tong Po (former wrestler and mixed martial artist Dave Bautista). Bautista is suitably menacing and the film really comes to life whenever Van Damme appears, otherwise it's an endless series of fight sequences, all of which are workmanlike and unremarkable. Most of the acting is weak and Moussi just doesn't possess the charisma of Van Damme. This isn't completely terrible, but if you want entertaining kickboxing thrills, watch the original.