Isn't Raul Julia CAMP!!! He really seems to have developed that
special sense of comedy which revealed itself so well in Addams
Family Values. And speaking of developed, I suppose everyone
would expect a word or two about the Belgian Bicep, Jean-Claude
Van Damme. I must admit that his tongue-in-cheek is funnier than
Arnold or Sly, but then again, it's operating on another level.
Kylie Minogue appears in the role of Cammy, an intelligence
officer, which she admits was a considerable challenge for her.
Reflecting on the part, she says, "She's such a powerful woman
and occupies such a position of power, and I'm very small and
petite. At least that's what I thought when I started the
picture. But we trained every night --- doing weights one night
and martial arts the next." Sounds like a strenuous schedule.
Impressive performances are put in by Ming-Na Wen and Wes Studi.
And, quite honestly, it looks as if everybody had a lot of fun
making it. Steven E. De Souza, scriptwriter for Die Hard, Die
Hard 2, and The Flintstones has not only incorporated his usual
fast action and comedy in this vehicle, but has taken over the
role of director.
The choreographed kick punch smash and crash scenes are slick and
exciting. This is most likely due to the efforts of
Trainer/Fight Technician Benny "The Jet" Urquidez. I enjoyed
it more than John Woo.
The plot line seems to go from "Return to the Thunderdome" to
"The Incredible Hulk meets Bozo the Clown" to "The Flash Gordon
of the U.N. Security Forces combats La Ming en Rouge and the
WWF." Just like a video game. Continually moving onto the next
level, and I guess that's the general idea, coming as it does
from the CAPCOM Video Game "Street Fighter II".
Producer Edward R. Pressman has impressed us in the past with
such distinguished films as Badlands, Conan the Barbarian,
Reversal of Fortune, and Bad Lieutenant. He has worked with
such noted directors as Terence Malick, Oliver Stone, and Brian
De Palma. And now, Streetfighter. One can only hold their
breath awaiting his forthcoming Judge Dredd with Stallone.
Let us return, however, once again to Raul Julia. A fine actor
whether performing comedy or drama. He really is fabulously
funny in this film and, as far as I'm concerned, steals the show.
Perhaps creating the screen role of General Bison instead of
recreating a screen role like Gomez Addams made it easier to
exploit the humor and give it free range. On the other hand,
perhaps it's just more fun to watch because the viewer isn't busy
comparing it with earlier interpretations. In any case, he
certainly knew how to play a villain with a taste for flair:
"Game over!"
© 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett
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