Raw Force (1982)

"Sounds like it's going to be quite a trip." - John

aka: Kung Fu Cannibals
American tourists find all sorts of evil on a remote island.
Starring: Geoffrey Binney, Jillian Kesner, John Dresden, Hope Holiday, and Cameron Mitchell

Link to IMDB

I've been on a winning streak lately!

We meet two Americans, John and Mike, as they embark on the Queen Mary cruise ship in the Philippines. Being karate champs, the guys are planning to visit a deserted island that is rumoured to be the resting place for the souls of disgraced martial art warriors.
The cranky Captain Dodds runs the ship, and also aboard are Cookie who is a L.A. cop, the first mate Chin, and an assortment of colourful characters that are ready to party and have fun.

John,  Mike and Capt. Dodds

We know something about that deserted island no one else does, and that's the fact that a evil man named Mr. Speer is currently smuggling kidnapped ladies there, which he trades for raw jade from the cannibalistic monks that live on the island.

I mentioned partying, and before the plot really gets going that's what we get a lot of. Everyone on the cruise is drunk and horny, so there's plenty of nudity and butt touching as the sleazy fun times commence at full force. Although this is still entertaining it goes on for a long time, but there is the occasional plot point or brawl added in, and overall it gives time for the main characters to build camaraderie.

Chin                                     Cookie                                 Mr. Speer

When the Americans inadvertently disrupt Speer's smuggling operations, he decides he's gotta destroy the Queen Mary to prevent anyone from getting to the island, and this is where the action really gets going. Forced to abandon ship, all the tourists wash ashore the island into even more danger. Not only is Speer and his goons hunting them down, there's also the threat of cannibalistic monks, piranhas, samurai zombies, and more! Luckily, everyone knows karate!

The monks

Some points of the premise might sound really dark, but rest assured this movie is full blown wackiness. Borrowing from almost every genre, the movie delivers a wide variety of insanity. There's adventure, exploitation, romance, comedy, and kung fu fighting all mashed together... And you know what? It totally works!

Chin vs. zombie

Even though the first half holds back on the promised action and bizarre plot, it's got plenty of other amusing moments to keep you laughing, and it's all set-up for the roller coaster ride that the second half delivers.
It's an ensemble cast of weirdos and bad asses, but the highlight (as usual) is Cameron Mitchell as Capt. Dodds. He's surprisingly spry here, and holds his own alongside the skilled karate fighters.

In summation, this movie is pure lunacy operating by its own rules, which makes it an uninhibited and captivating oddity.


Be sure not to miss:
- The peculiar bartender on the ship.
- The PA system on the ship often says some silly things in the background.
- The end credits promise a sequel, but it was never made.

Internet review:
"Every minute of Raw Force serves us something savory." - GoatYams

Should I watch it?
Most definitely.

Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube.

Raw Force gets...