Off the Marquee Podcast: Episode #14
The Last Dragon (1985)
Michael Schultz
107 min. U.S.A.
Motown empresario Barry Gordy utilized his Motown resources to produce the unusual kung fu/musical hybrid The Last Dragon. In the film, Leroy Green (Taimak), is a martial arts student close to his final level of study: achieving the status of “The Last Dragon”, or what will also be known in the movie as “The Glow”. This sends Leroy on a quest. Along the way, Leroy stops to view a screening of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. The film is interrupted by another martial artist, Sho’nuff, also known as the Shogun of Harlem, portrayed by Julius Carry.
Leroy tries to follow the foot/fist way peacefully, but it wouldn’t be a kung fu movie if Sho’nuff wasn’t persistent in his desire to be number one. Along the way, Leroy encounters Laura Charles (Vanity), a famous performer and television star. In this scene, she finds Leroy hoping to employ him as her bodyguard.
You can see where this is all going, but the ride is fun. The story carries the viewer through great kung fu choreography and a few surreal musical numbers. The Last Dragon is an enjoyable kung fu comedy.
The Last Dragon (1985)
is screening in Memphis as part of The Crosstown Arts Film Series
Thursday, February 8, 2024 Films at 7:00: $5.00
Billups Allen’s book 101 Films You Could See Before You Die is available through Goner Records.
Hear the actual podcast at WYXR.ORG: Off the Marquee podcast
Off the Marquee 