Rage and Honor (1992)

You won't be disappointed!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Average martial arts saga teaming two of the genre's superstars, Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton, as unlikely partners taking on a criminal enterprise. She's Kris Fairchild, a teacher at an inner city school who moonlights as a martial arts instructor; he's Preston Michaels, an Australian detective with a second job as a bodyguard for rock bands. They're united after he's implicated in the shooting of a crooked detective, which was caught on video by Paris Armstrong (Patrick Malone), one of Kris's students. The masterminds are the reclusive Conrad Drago ("Cobra" villain Brian Thompson, sporting a hilarious head of hair) and his evil associate Rita Carrion (luscious flame haired vixen Terri Treas). The story is, not surprisingly, nothing special, although there's one major plot twist regarding Kris's connection to Drago, which she reveals in her big emoting scene. Suffice it to say, she makes a much better ass kicker than an actress, but she and the quietly engaging Norton do share some chemistry. The real entertainment lies with the oddball supporting characters "Hannah the Hun" (sexy Alex Datcher), a lowlife criminal who loves to refer to herself in the third person, and the endearing "Baby" (!) (Stephen Davies), a broker turned bum. Malone is likewise amiable as the ambitious Paris, itching to make a star out of his teacher and go along for the ride. In fact, there's a bit of a theme here about characters becoming "TV stars", no matter how unwillingly. Writer / director Terence H. Winkless (who'd also worked with Treas and Davies on the killer roach flick "The Nest") keeps things moving along well enough, and all requisite fight scenes are effectively staged. The movie does have a sense of humour, as well, especially in a scene where Kris and Preston are trying to con their way past a bouncer. Now, Thompson and Daisy Duke herself, the always delectable Catherine Bach, are rather under utilized, particularly Bach, but the movie is still reasonably entertaining with some good moments and touches such as the bevy of bruiser babes known as the "Huns". Some effective bursts of harsh violence help to make this a decent diversion, although the ending is really not too satisfying; in fact, it's rather silly. But overall "Rage and Honor" is watchable B grade action fare. Six out of 10.

Preston Michaels (Norton) is a cop from Australia who is in L.A. as an "observer". Unfortunately, he observes a murder involving corrupt cops in his precinct. This leads to the evil Conrad Drago (Thompson) and his assistant Rita (Treas), the most dastardly drug runners in town. You know Conrad Drago is evil because his name is Conrad Drago. Framed for the murder, Michaels goes on the run to clear his good name, and while doing that, must team up with Kris Fairfield (Rothrock) (not "Fairchild" as is stated in some sources). Forging an uneasy trust, the two team up to beat up a ton of baddies and get to the truth, which isn't always easy, as both Kris and Michaels have complex backgrounds.Norton and Rothrock are two of our favorite action stars, and we always try to find the movies they're in, both separately and together. They're both likable and quality martial artists. Here, Norton's Australian identity is actually part of the plot, not something no one ever mentions, as is usually the case. He plays the "fish out of water" nicely, and his personality goes well with Rothrock's, and they have some good chemistry, which makes the film fun to watch. Most of the movie is set amongst decrepit, graffiti'd buildings, which, visually, makes a nice backdrop for movies like this, but can be a bit depressing at times.Along their journey, Kris and Michaels meet an array of colorful characters, which serves to liven up the movie. As in life, the more characters you meet, the higher the odds that a lot of them are going to be annoying, and Baby (Davies) and Hannah (Datcher) tend to grate on the nerves, while the mysterious Chan Lu (Obata) and Norton's chief, Capt. Murdock (Bach) show us another side. As in Quietfire (1991), our heroes must fight a team of transvestites, or something close to transvestites. It must be a 90's thing. Brian Thompson of Cobra (1986) and Perfect Target (1997) fame makes an ideal baddie. Just look at his face. It's almost like he was born to be a bad guy. He even has an evil mullet. It's the type of mullet that screams "I'm evil".On the down side, the plot gets a bit too complex and twisty for its own good, continually piling on new characters. Director Winkless also directed the first Bloodfist (1989) movie, so his aims were probably to step away from some of the more traditional plotting of these action yarns. Luckily, there is some good fighting, and the two leads are likable as ever. There are some good one-liners and humor, and the movie as a whole gives you what you want. Moreso than previous Norton/Rothrock vehicles such as China O'Brien (1990).For a solid action movie featuring two leading lights of the genre Rage and Honor (not to be confused with the Sho movie Rage OF Honor, 1987) is well worth seeking out.for more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

I really liked this movie. I saw it on Sky Movies in 94. Cynthia is my hero! Always beating up the bad guys!But Cynthia is joined by a great partner named Richard Norton who is a bit of a dish in my opinion.So basically it's Kris (Cynthia) and Preston (Richard) against the drug King and Queen of LA. The psychotic Conrad Drago and the beautiful Rita Carrion. Who have a load of bumbling lackeys at their disposal including dirty cops, Fast Eddie the nightclub owner and car thief extraodinaire and of course Hannah the Hun, who has a gang of women fighters who do contract beatings. Oh and lets not forget Rita's bodyguard who is may be on the baddie's side but is a very honourable man.So how can the heroric duo of Kris and Preston defeat all these foes? Well they have Baby! Yes baby the homeless former stockbroker.I found Brian Thompson's portrayal of Conrad Drago very evil and the brother sister thing was a good storyline element.OK so I like this movie, I'll shut up now :)

RAGE AND HONOUR. I saw this back in 1996 video release. I wasn't really too happy about this one.Basically, the story was so confusing at times..Well, all-in-all this one was worth a watch, but I wasn't happy with it.Cynthia maybe a good action movie star. But it's a shame that the script fails to bring up the movie questionwise..I think Cynthia needs a decent script rather than this chop-socky mess of a film. Good, but not that good. Too much pappy show in this one!