Director – Sergio Martino (Screamers, Hands of Steel)
Starring – Mitchell Gaylord (Logan’s Run, Dragnet), Daniel Greene (Kingpin, Deadly Intruder), and Victoria Prouty (Men)
Release Date – 1989
Rating – 3/5
Tagline – “The way which is a way, is not the ordinary way”
I recently took the time to marathon two horror films from the Onetti Brothers. The first is the brutal What the Waters Left Behind that was sent my way from Unearthed Films. The second is one of the first releases of the newly formed Cauldron Films. Abrakadabra was a fantastic giallo tribute that I could not look away from. Their second release is the 1986 action horror film American Rickshaw from director Sergio Martino. The artwork really pulled me in and I couldn’t wait to check it out. Thanks Cauldron for sending this one my way.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a college student who works part time as a rickshaw driver. One evening he picks up a stunning redhead and is tasked with taking her to the pier. When he arrives she invites him on the yacht and tries to seduce him but he quickly uncovers a man hidden away filming the scene. The two scuffle and in the commotion he rips the guys necklace off and throws it out the window. He leaves but soon returns again to get the tape he had recorded only to find him dead. Soon he is thrust in the middle of a murder investigation while a armed hitman, employed by the deceased man’s father who is a famous televangelist seeking the key that was on that necklace, and is swept up in a love story gone wrong between the preacher and an ancient being that he had wronged.**spoiler Alert**
I had no idea what to expect when I received American Rickshaw for review. Sergio Martino is known for his cheesy action flicks but seeing that this was listed as action and horror really made my mind race with the possibilities. Sadly, after watching the film I can safely say that the horror elements are very light but that doesn’t make this a bad film. In fact, it’s the opposite. I really enjoyed this unique film.
The acting in this one is late 80s cheese. The cast hams it up it almost all the scenes but that always adds a layer of charm that I really enjoy in these 80s action flicks. Should also make note that legendary film actor Donald Pleasance plays the villain in this and absolutely kills his performance. Was not expecting him in that role and he nailed it.
The story for this one is rather unique when it comes to 80s action flicks. It has that Big Trouble in Little China vibe mixed with cliched bad hunting the good type story that made Andy Sidaris a video store staple. I really liked the mystical angle mixed with the preacher using his fame and fortune for power. I really liked what was brought to the table and I couldn’t look away for fear I would miss something absurd. The replay value is not there but that first viewing leaves an impact.
Finally, the film has several death scenes. Most are your typical gunshot wounds but we also get a few other bloody gags that I really enjoyed. The effects are far from perfect but they work for the film which only adds to the overall presentation. Overall, American Rickshaw may be lacking the memorable characters that most classic 80s action films boasted but it makes up for it with a unique story. It is strange at times but it still pulls you in. The blu is fucking fantastic as well. Cauldron Films launched with a bang and this blu is a must for collectors. Check it out.
Special Features:
2K restoration from the original camera negative
On camera interviews with director Sergio Martino and production designer Massimo Antonello Geleng
Then and now location footage
The Projection Booth Podcast discuss AMERICAN RICKSHAW
Commentary with Samm Deighan & Kat Ellinger
Image Gallery
Booklet with writing by grindhouse comics writer and Tough to Kill co-author, David Zuzelo
Reversible cover featuring Italian artwork
Limited Edition high quality slipcase with new artwork by Mattias Frisk
