Under a new government regime a competition has broken our between the Shaolin and Wu-Tang clans. Both wish to be recognized as the undisputed best martial arts clan in the country. Reports are circulating of Shaolin and Wu-Tang teachers and students being slain. However, some Wu-Tang are reluctant to fight the
Shaolin, viewing them as brothers in arms. Women also play both sides of the fence; and people are thwarted to fight each other because they are recognized as the best of their remaining clan?s men. ?The female knife thrower is dead, and now you can join her?in hell!? Cheh Chang, director of 5 Deadly Venoms, Killer Army, Crippled Avengers, Invincible Shaolin, Flag of Iron, Kid with the Golden Arms, Dare Devils of Kung Fu, Super Ninjas, Masked Avengers, and Brave Archer 1, 2, 3 & 4, delivers Two Champions of Shaolin. Two Champions of Shaolin contains a wonderful story. There is constant back and forth between the sides, main characters being slain, and new characters and masters being introduced. This makes for an interesting story and transitions. The film is paced wonderfully, characters illustrated perfectly, and the choreography is ruthless. ?You?re going to die here today, and that?s a promise.??Right, but after you.? Toad?s fight upon arrival to town, heat seeking daggers, the sister showing her throwing dagger style, Toad fighting dagger thrower for the second time, the youngest Venom ripping the guys jelly beans off, the female assassin, Scorpion getting killed, the drinking game, the monkey masks, the monkey chief conversation, Toad being attacked while trying to lift the tree, vomiting blood scene, the fight versus the uncle at the end, the suicide, and the killing of Centipede were amongst the better portions of the film. ?Now look, don?t blame me if you?re hurt.? Two Champions of Shaolin is my sixth favorite Venoms flick behind: Kid with the Golden Arms, 5 Deadly Venoms, Invincible Shaolin, Masked Avengers, and Crippled Avengers. This is a wonderful film; however, it excludes one of the main stay characters, the regular hero, Lizard. Toad finds himself the main character and he is wonderful in this role. Like almost all Venom films, he is the tragic character (I know, again), but he is still his usual wonderful form. I strongly recommend this film to fans of the Venom collection. ?I?m glad it?s tea and not wine or I?d be drunk now.? Grade: A-
August 1, 2006
