The Overlooked 90s Video Game Action Flick That's a Cheesy Masterpiece

Highlights

The Double Dragon movie, released in 1994, is often overlooked but is still cherished by 90s kids for its nostalgic 90s appeal.

Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the film still manages to provide an enjoyable experience with its entertaining action and simple yet captivating plot. Robert Patrick's portrayal of the cheesy villain brings a dynamic and thrilling element to the movie, overshadowing any shortcomings it may have.

The 90s were a peculiar era, but it proved to be a golden age for gaming, and this was especially true for the Double Dragon series, which even received its own feature film in 1994. While the Double Dragon movie may not be as widely discussed as other video game adaptations, some would argue that this is for good reason. Embracing the spirit of the 90s, the film takes audiences on an entertaining journey through a dystopian version of Los Angeles.

Fans of the games will have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the movie. Despite not being held in as high regard as the games, the film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the 90s. With a talented cast who give their all, Double Dragon may have its fair share of cheesiness, but it is definitely worth a watch, even if critics may not agree.

What Is Double Dragon About?

New Angeles, once the ruined city of Los Angeles, is now under the control of the notorious crime lord, Koga Shuko. Shuko's ambition stretches far beyond the city boundaries; he aims to conquer the entire world. To achieve this goal, he seeks to obtain the Double Dragon, a mystical medallion possessing immense power. With this medallion in his possession, Shuko can manipulate and subdue anyone who dares to oppose him. However, he possesses only one half of the medallion, and his quest for total dominion can only be realized when he obtains the other half, currently safeguarded by Billy, Jimmy, and their guardian, Satori.

Billy and Jimmy Lee, accompanied by Satori, find themselves under attack by a violent gang led by Bo Abobo after a tumultuous martial arts tournament. Just as it seems the heroes are in grave danger, a peculiar group called the Power Corps, led by a young girl named Marion, come to their aid. Reluctant to deal with the Power Corps, Abobo retreats but not before informing Shuko that Satori possesses the other half of the Double Dragon medallion. Tragically, Abobo is then cruelly transformed into an immense, monstrous figure, displaying Shuko's sadistic nature.

Upon returning home, Billy, Jimmy, and Satori discuss the significance of the Double Dragon medallion. Satori entrusts her portion of the medallion to the two skilled fighters for safekeeping. Billy holds onto the medallion, later discovering that the two halves must be used together and not against each other. When Shuko's forces break in, attempting to seize their half of the medallion, they unleash the formidable new Abobo on Billy and Jimmy. Shuko demonstrates the power of his half and takes control of Satori, eventually leading to her demise as the boys make a hasty retreat.

Now on the run, the boys decide to seek assistance from Marion and the Power Corps. They eventually come up with a plan to infiltrate Shuko's base and retrieve his half of the Medallion. As expected, things do not go smoothly, and Jimmy gets captured while Billy and Marion have to escape to protect their half of the medallion from Shuko. With the brothers separated, Billy is unsure about his next steps, but fortunately, Marion is willing to lend him a hand.

What Is Double Dragon’s Rotten Tomatoes Score

Double Dragon has received unfavorable reviews from both fans and critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film holds a low critical rating of 12% and a slightly higher 26% rating from the general audience. While there are some aspects that even the critics who didn't enjoy the film can appreciate, the common complaints revolve around the simplistic storyline and the overly cheesy and 90s feel of the movie. It is challenging to argue against the notion that the film is cheesy, a sentiment shared by the majority of the general audience. Even star Robert Patrick had little praise for the movie, stating in an interview with The AV Club:

I believed that the movie could be successful when I initially planned it. However, it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped.

Although the special effects in the film were decent for its time, much of the praise for the movie seems to stem from nostalgia from childhood. If viewers approach the film expecting a straightforward story with enjoyable action targeted towards a younger audience, they can still find enjoyment in it. The character Shuko, who serves as the villain, may come across as overly cheesy to those who witness it, but Robert Patrick's performance manages to bring an unexpected energy to the character.

How Does Double Dragon End?

Billy's concern about his brother's absence is short-lived as Jimmy appears at the Power Corps, accompanied by Shuko's henchmen and possessed, ready for a fight. Unfortunately, Billy is no match for Jimmy as he refuses to harm his own brother, prompting him to seek an alternative solution. By sheer luck, Billy discovers he can use his half of the Double Dragon medallion, granting him invulnerability to physical harm. Unable to harm Billy, Shuko switches tactics and threatens to make Jimmy take his own life unless Billy hands over the medallion. Succumbing to Shuko's demands, Billy reluctantly gives up both halves of the medallion, transforming Shuko into an unbeatable warrior.

With the assistance of Abobo and Marion, Jimmy and Billy tap into their true abilities and engage in a fierce battle against Shuko, who has become the ultimate warrior. Their combined efforts cause Shuko to return to his normal state. Seizing the opportunity, Billy and Jimmy reclaim their respective halves of the Double Dragon medallion and combine them, thus gaining unique powers from each half. They humiliate Shuko in front of the arriving police, forcing him to pay millions of dollars as restitution for his crimes before being taken into custody. Having defeated Shuko and his gang, Billy and Jimmy's task remains the same: to protect the Double Dragon medallion from any future threats that may arise and attempt to seize it for their own sinister purposes.