Martial arts films just don't come out all that often with the exception of the Asian market. Back in the 80's and 90's there was a new one hitting the video shelf all the time featuring an exclusive group of martial artists that had cornered the market. One of them included Gary Daniels who also recently showed up in the original Expendables film and now has an all-new martial arts film called Forced to fight.
Forced to Fight follows an ex-kick boxer, forced into the world of MMA when is brother refuses to throw a fight and left for dead. As if trying to fight to pay off his debt wasn't enough he has to content with the growing obsession of being back in the ring and the toll it takes on his family. This is one of those movies that you pretty much just watch for the fighting. The story is fine, but it is one that has been done a hundred times over, especially back in the 80'/90's action phase. This film fits right into that category and delivers the look and fill with the added addition of the MMA style fighting. The way they bring Daniels up to date with this sort of fighting is added to the story, but still manages to let him keep his style intact. There is plenty of martial arts action here, with most of it well choreographed, with just a few that don't offer all that much excitement. Daniels hasn't lost a step and continues to have a great screen presence. Robocop himself Peter Weller jumps in as the baddie for the film and does a good job cheesing it up a bit while not getting too over the top.
This is a film that will most likely only entertain the hardcore martial arts fans and is exactly who it is made for. While he never left, it's always great to see one of the old school guys back on the shelves with a new movie and Daniels delivers. If you love old school martial arts, then give Forced to Fight a try.
