Ring of Fire II: Blood and Steel

"Ring of Fire II" may be a lot of things, but it certainly isn't lazy: in about 90 minutes you will see at least 3 giant explosions, 2 car chases, and more than a dozen fight scenes. And when you think the movie is over....NO! One more action scene coming your way. But what makes this one stand out in the sea of medium-budget action flicks is mainly its weird and claustrophobic setting: an entire underground system of tunnels and basements right below the surface of L.A., and an entire society, divided into gangs, living there by their own set of rules. The setting actually reminded me of "Alien From L.A." with Kathy Ireland, except that apparently most residents of THIS society spend their time extensively training in the martial arts! And if the gay subtext of half-naked men in leather isn't enough, there is also a gay radio announcer who openly comes on to Don "The Dragon" Wilson! Anyway, the violent fight scenes are occasionally impressive, and the explosions even more so. The film was followed by a very different in style sequel. ** out of 4.