"Day of the Panther" begins with a young blonde chick taking on several masked thugs at an abandoned building (in a sequence that would have worked better if it wasn't intercut with other events happening elsewhere - a mistake that the director repeats at the end of the movie). She fights quite well, but she gets killed off (bummer!), and her partner, Jason Blade (Edward John Stazak) takes charge from then on. This guy has zero charisma, but I have to give credit where credit is due: when it comes to the martial arts he knows what he is doing, his execution is fast and smooth. The story is totally formulaic, and the cinematography has a cheap, overexposed look, as if the film stock was left out in the sun too long. (*1/2)
20 Reviews
Now if you'll excuse me it's time I got laid.
lastliberal3 July 2009
So what does a hot blond (Linda Megier) do when a pig is harassing you? Well, if you are a martial arts master, you take him out, especially if he is just some scumbag in a pig mask. This kinds of humorous things make this Australian chop sockey movie bearable.
Blade (Edward John Stazak) is trying to find out who killed his partner and break up a drug operation. He is using his considerable skills to provide several entertaining bouts against multiple bad guys. Two bumbling cops are tailing him and providing more humor.
Now, it is time for more humor as Blade works out while Paris Jefferson dances around the gym. Soon they are dancing under the sheets.
Blade manages to take out another group using a broom handle. Ouch, that has to hurt.
Of course, you have to have the final battle between Blade and the drug lord's (Michael Carman) henchman (Jim Richards).
There will be a part 2 (IT was filmed at the same time.).
Blade (Edward John Stazak) is trying to find out who killed his partner and break up a drug operation. He is using his considerable skills to provide several entertaining bouts against multiple bad guys. Two bumbling cops are tailing him and providing more humor.
Now, it is time for more humor as Blade works out while Paris Jefferson dances around the gym. Soon they are dancing under the sheets.
Blade manages to take out another group using a broom handle. Ouch, that has to hurt.
Of course, you have to have the final battle between Blade and the drug lord's (Michael Carman) henchman (Jim Richards).
There will be a part 2 (IT was filmed at the same time.).
Quit this "Day" job.
Zeegrade6 April 2010
Very bland Australian action flick that really goes nowhere fast as Edward John Stazak's lifeless performance as high-kicking Jason Blade leaves little to distinguish it from other 80's kung-fu flicks. When Blade's partner is chased by thugs in goofy masks and eventually killed by a crimelord's second-hand man, Baxter, he flies back to Australia to seek revenge. Blade, his blonde female partner and her father were all trained Shaolin Monk style by the Panther sect of the Chinese Triad. Funny, I thought the Triads were bad guys too. Anyway Blade teams up with his departed partner's dad and his spandex wearing niece Gemma to take down Perth's underworld boss Damien Zukor whose biggest crime is his atrocious wardrobe. Two idiot detectives tail Blade and act as comic relief assuming you think stupid comments and terrible policework is amusing. Eventually Blade gains the trust of Zukor and goes undercover as one of his enforcers. From there it follows the same connect-the-dots formula that makes this a real snoozefest. There's little doubt that Mr. Stazak is a very capable martial artist which is clear during one of his many spins kicks however I'm not a twelve year old so it gets old real quick. The real mystery is the fact that this was immediately followed by the sequel "Strike of the Panther". Who exactly was demanding this? Another problem I had was the lack of boomerangs, marsupials, mates, or any other Australian stereotypes that we Yanks like so much. This panther doesn't pounce. It sleepwalks instead.
And an hour later, you're still laughing...
todbrowning200011 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Comedy GOLD. I don't want to give any false notions by assigning a higher rating because this movie is truly bad. But it's bad in a good way! A few Dare-You-Not-To-Laugh moments: 1) When the guy in the pig mask shows up. 2) When the female lead does her little dance in front our hero while he works out. 3) The fight in the parking garage where the hero takes out a whole group of guys with what looks like a plastic broom handle.
Rest assured there are plenty more moments of unintentional hilarity, but these you must discover for yourself. The only thing more hilarious is the fact that there is apparently a sequel. I'll have to track that one down. Bad movie fans rejoice!
Rest assured there are plenty more moments of unintentional hilarity, but these you must discover for yourself. The only thing more hilarious is the fact that there is apparently a sequel. I'll have to track that one down. Bad movie fans rejoice!
Little action for an action movie
chamilton-1025 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I had zero preconceived notions about this one - just picked it at random from my Mill Creek "Drive-In Movie Classics" 50 movie DVD set. I'd never seen an Australian martial arts flick before. Now I know why.
The lead character is so untalented as an actor that he hardly is given anything to say. I was starting to wonder if he'd ever speak. Then he did, and I can't remember anything he said. He's got just THAT much charisma! As a fighter, he's top-notch, but he doesn't get to do much, nor does anyone else. I found myself quite bored watching this, which is probably the worst thing you can say for an "action" movie.
The pig-mask guy was certainly unexpected, but one left turn doesn't make an otherwise cliché-filled snoozer any better.
The lead character is so untalented as an actor that he hardly is given anything to say. I was starting to wonder if he'd ever speak. Then he did, and I can't remember anything he said. He's got just THAT much charisma! As a fighter, he's top-notch, but he doesn't get to do much, nor does anyone else. I found myself quite bored watching this, which is probably the worst thing you can say for an "action" movie.
The pig-mask guy was certainly unexpected, but one left turn doesn't make an otherwise cliché-filled snoozer any better.
What a bad movie
wackyfuncrazy11 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I picked up this movie on DVD as it was 99p in 99p stores in Norwich. I watched it with my brother and it truly is crap. The acting is bad by everyone. The lead is played by an "actor" who looks like Stephen Hendry. (He's a Snooker World Champion for all the Americans). Any film that is cheap and Australian is bad. The woman looks like some cheap hooker they picked up off the street and the bad guy is definitely a pimp! I loved those men in masks! Damn I would not be scared if they were after me! Seriously though they do belong in a circus. The martial arts are OKish but you know "Jason Blade" (sorry that name makes me laugh) is going to win the fights. I keep this movie as it is a reminder that TV can be bad... sometimes. Watch this movie just to laugh. The clichéd baddies and the poorly delivered lines cheer me up every time I'm down. Bad.
Bargain basement
Leofwine_draca20 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Brian Trenchard-Smith is one of my favourite B-movie directors but DAY OF THE PANTHER is undoubtedly one of his weakest movies. If you're expecting something of the same quality as THE MAN FROM HONG KONG you'll be disappointed, because this is a bargain basement quickie that severely lacks in terms of production values.
It's a simple story about cops battling criminal gang members in a bid to avenge a fallen comrade, and it's certainly replete with hand-to-hand combat scenes. Sadly, I found these quite dire to watch. The filming is all over the place, the choreography seems slow and mannered, the actors sloppy in their movements. Almost inevitably, a sequel, STRIKE OF THE PANTHER, followed.
It's a simple story about cops battling criminal gang members in a bid to avenge a fallen comrade, and it's certainly replete with hand-to-hand combat scenes. Sadly, I found these quite dire to watch. The filming is all over the place, the choreography seems slow and mannered, the actors sloppy in their movements. Almost inevitably, a sequel, STRIKE OF THE PANTHER, followed.
A masterpiece of Shakesperian proportions
chocothefrog13 September 2002
Without doubt one of the best movies ever made ! Set in beautiful Perth Western Austraila it rightly holds the title of the best movie ever made in that fair, if remote, city. Starring that well known son of Boroloola Kadeem Hardison, who is one of the few remaining exponents of the ancient northern Australian martial art of Beltemtokumbukta, it snarls its way through a part of the 1980's where yacht salesmen are important people in town. Oh it's all too too real, frightenly so. I'm utterly serious when I say that this movie is so faithful to the Australia of the time I almost thought it was a documentary, really. I was back there. Stunning is the only word to even come close to describing this cinema gem. Enjoy it in the spirit of filmic perfection it so richly deserves. Note this movie was nominated in 1988 for the prestigous Palm 'd Bunge at the eclectic Missabotti film festival. Anyone who pretends to know film must see this movie. Really.
Austria, Austria .... it's in Europe, unlike Australia.
Austria, Austria .... it's in Europe, unlike Australia.
Excellent martial arts movie from Australia
Mark Salter18 January 2001
Standard story of a martial arts expert out to nail a gangster boss and his right hand man who were responsible for the death of his partner. This film however benefits from excellent fight sequences staged by Eddie Stazak (the star of the film) and Jim Richards who plays the lead heavy. With minimal use of fast editing and slow motion, which hinder the flow of fights in some other martial arts movies, where the same perfectly executed side kick is shown from 10 different angles, the fights are exciting and almost balletic. A small number of obviously accomplished stuntmen / martial artists are used as opponents throughout the film, sometimes wearing masks to hid their numbers. Don't worry about the story just enjoy the fight sequences, particularly the one in the boat show room.
Van Damme on a Camcorder Budget
evanston_dad12 July 2010
When his partner is killed by an Australian crime syndicate, a studly undercover agent goes vigilante to avenge her death while the Australian authorities try to keep him on a leash so that they can nab the syndicate's ringleader.
"Day of the Panther" is a Van Damme rip off that looks like it was filmed on someone's video camera, but it does have its merits, chiefly among them that it's never boring. It's a hoot to see the 1980s revived in all their pastel splendor, and there's enough unintentional hilarity to keep lovers of bad movies watching.
The fight scenes are choreographed competently if unmemorably and will most likely satisfy your craving for some martial arts sleight of hand. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a little skin, you won't find it in this movie, unless you count that of our hero, who spends much of his screen time shirtless. The rest of us have to make do with a couple of aerobic dance numbers performed by the female lead, one of them, a seductive dance done in a gym while our hero works out and looks on, a real howler.
Grade: B-
"Day of the Panther" is a Van Damme rip off that looks like it was filmed on someone's video camera, but it does have its merits, chiefly among them that it's never boring. It's a hoot to see the 1980s revived in all their pastel splendor, and there's enough unintentional hilarity to keep lovers of bad movies watching.
The fight scenes are choreographed competently if unmemorably and will most likely satisfy your craving for some martial arts sleight of hand. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a little skin, you won't find it in this movie, unless you count that of our hero, who spends much of his screen time shirtless. The rest of us have to make do with a couple of aerobic dance numbers performed by the female lead, one of them, a seductive dance done in a gym while our hero works out and looks on, a real howler.
Grade: B-
Oz KungPer-Fu-Ection(or something?)
sabrelad15 November 2006
The title of'Best martial art epic made in Perth,Western Australia in 1988'is not one taken lightly and with the awe-inspiring visionary Brian Trenchard-Smith at the helm this film was always destined for great things like finishing at the end. Featuring Australian male-icon Edward John Stazak as the perennially high-panted hero Jason Blade in his career-defining role along with a galaxy of stars of the silver screen including Jim Richards star of this film,wheezy super-villain and thief of Hulk Hogans dressing gown Michael Carman and the voice of Forty Winks(and its body)John Stanton.'Day of the Panther'also introduces the exciting new talent Paris Jefferson best known previously as a world champion jazzerciser now steaming up the movie world with her stunning sultry looks and confusing dance-routines.Sadly though the film was also the very last for the great Ow Mun Hong in a deeply moving portrayal of Triad Boss as he ceased living after he stopped breathing. Though controversially censored upon release for the scene where an innocent Hush Puppy loafer gets cruelly kicked against a wall the films critics were satisfied when it was pointed out to them that the shoe was a professional stunt slipper and was not hurt.The snare drum used for the punching noises was also content with its role though probably deserved higher billing than Denis Broad who played'Boat Salesman'. Featuring the smash-hit'Take me Back'by the vastly talented Frank Howson and his musical collaborator Allan Zavod the films soundtrack'Takes'us'Back'(?)to the Perth we all remember of the late 80's apparently a time of ugly women,bald men and woolen-net tank tops. A little known fact about the film was the presentation of a humanitarian award to cameraman Carlo Buralli who ignored personal safety and the instructions of the director in an effort to help stunt veteran Lindsay'The Holy Sock'Bijoux from falling onto barbed wire in one of the films many action sequences. A rare treat for fans of the genre is the added bonus of the trailer for the sequel'Strike of the Panther'being screened before the start of the feature which astounded those who had eyes and could remember'Sons and Daughters'. Watch it with loved ones and discover the magic of a simpler time when pink shirts and slacks could happily be made an ensemble and please enjoy'Day of the Panther'...............yes.
Mindless, great martial arse
Bezenby15 January 2013
When I found out this film was made by the guy who directed Turkey Shoot, I knew I was on to a winner. It's not a mental as that film (no random mutants or extreme gore here) but as a martial arts, eighties body fascism action film it'll do the trick for you, no problem.
A lengthy voice-over introduces us to perpetually bemused looking Jason Blade, trained in Hong Kong and now in Australia to get revenge on the killers of his partner. Warned off by the police, Jason heads off to join the ranks of the local drug lord (after kicking all the drug lord's goon's heads in), and work his way to the top. Henchman Baxter, however, smells a rat and perhaps gets a bit jealous that his shades and pastel suit aren't as good as Jason's, and starts doing a bit of digging. There's also something or other about a tournament but don't get too attached to that because it never happens.
I don't know about Jason Blade as an actor, but as a martial arts hero he's great, taking on up to half a dozen opponents at a time, and he's very quick too. The film is packed with fights, from the 'job interview' in a boat showroom, to a warehouse, underground car park and a basketball court. His partner, on the other hand, takes on three masked goons in a sequence that reminded me of the (relatively) recent console game Manhunt.
It's not without unintentional hilarity either, this one. The sequence where Blade pumps iron while his squeeze does an aerobics dance is pure eighties cheese, as well as someone trying to prevent a stuntman landing on a camera. Great stuff. The end credits announce a sequel, but I have no idea if its available in the UK.
A lengthy voice-over introduces us to perpetually bemused looking Jason Blade, trained in Hong Kong and now in Australia to get revenge on the killers of his partner. Warned off by the police, Jason heads off to join the ranks of the local drug lord (after kicking all the drug lord's goon's heads in), and work his way to the top. Henchman Baxter, however, smells a rat and perhaps gets a bit jealous that his shades and pastel suit aren't as good as Jason's, and starts doing a bit of digging. There's also something or other about a tournament but don't get too attached to that because it never happens.
I don't know about Jason Blade as an actor, but as a martial arts hero he's great, taking on up to half a dozen opponents at a time, and he's very quick too. The film is packed with fights, from the 'job interview' in a boat showroom, to a warehouse, underground car park and a basketball court. His partner, on the other hand, takes on three masked goons in a sequence that reminded me of the (relatively) recent console game Manhunt.
It's not without unintentional hilarity either, this one. The sequence where Blade pumps iron while his squeeze does an aerobics dance is pure eighties cheese, as well as someone trying to prevent a stuntman landing on a camera. Great stuff. The end credits announce a sequel, but I have no idea if its available in the UK.
Pumping panther montage
Chase_Witherspoon9 January 2024
Veteran genre filmmaker BTS revisits his earlier martial arts success with this vehicle starring Edward John Stazak as the indestructible cop Jason Blade, out to avenge the death of his partner. Familiar faces (and voices) Michael Carman and John Stanton feature in supporting roles in a generally fast-moving, colourful and exciting flick made for and of its time.
Garish Miami Vice style wardrobe (that's the pastel shirts and pleated trousers sans belts for the men, whilst the ladies live perpetually in bikinis) and synthesiser sounds paints the 80s excess well, even if it's all cliched. But it's the action sequences which standout, and BTS handles these with his usual flair, beginning with the rooftop foot-chase through the industrial estate, through to the rousing climax with Baxter the enforcer (Richards).
Nicely lit visuals of the Swan river and Perth surrounds, no-nonsense, functional dialogue that doesn't become sentimental nor melodramatic, there's even a half-dozen or so sweaty workout /aerobic dance sequences (including a montage that finishes with a roll in the hay) to keep the pulse-racing in between the well-choreographed roundhouses. It's no 'Man from Hong Kong', but as far as Oz-styled chop-socky goes, it's easy to enjoy matinee-grade material, good enough to go hand in hand with a simultaneously filmed sequel.
Garish Miami Vice style wardrobe (that's the pastel shirts and pleated trousers sans belts for the men, whilst the ladies live perpetually in bikinis) and synthesiser sounds paints the 80s excess well, even if it's all cliched. But it's the action sequences which standout, and BTS handles these with his usual flair, beginning with the rooftop foot-chase through the industrial estate, through to the rousing climax with Baxter the enforcer (Richards).
Nicely lit visuals of the Swan river and Perth surrounds, no-nonsense, functional dialogue that doesn't become sentimental nor melodramatic, there's even a half-dozen or so sweaty workout /aerobic dance sequences (including a montage that finishes with a roll in the hay) to keep the pulse-racing in between the well-choreographed roundhouses. It's no 'Man from Hong Kong', but as far as Oz-styled chop-socky goes, it's easy to enjoy matinee-grade material, good enough to go hand in hand with a simultaneously filmed sequel.
Take me back
nogodnomasters4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The scene opens with Linda (Linda Megier) and Jason Blade (Edward John Stazak) being initiated into the ancient and secret Order of the Panthers, a crime fighting martial arts thing. Blonde Linda does undercover surveillance in Hong Kong...then off to Australia. On of the two don't make it past 20 minutes (the one that has a stunt double which looks like a man in a blonde wig) and Jason has to avenge her death. We know who kill Linda...at least we think we do as we see a guy throw a knife in her general direction. Guns are rarely used...hey! It's a martial arts film. Jason works carrying suitcases filled with flour and blank paper for the guy who tossed the knife. Bad guys get to wear cool Halloween masks. No sense letting someone you are trying to kill, see your face.
It was pretty boring stuff. I watched it on a 50 film unit and it could have used restoration. Cliché, formula, and poorly acted.
Guide: Brief sex. No swearing or nudity.
It was pretty boring stuff. I watched it on a 50 film unit and it could have used restoration. Cliché, formula, and poorly acted.
Guide: Brief sex. No swearing or nudity.
Day Of The Panther
dukeakasmudge15 June 2017
It took me 2 days to watch this movie.I started watching it yesterday & got to where I just couldn't stand to watch it anymore.I planned on finishing it later but never got back around to it so I started watching it again today.When I have to stop a movie & watch it again after awhile I restart it from the beginning.With Day Of The Panther I couldn't do it to myself all over again so I skipped ahead to where I left off & finished it from there.Other than the fight scenes, Day Of The Panther was boring.If it wasn't for the fight scenes I would've given up on this movie when I 1st had to turn it off yesterday.The only thing that makes it worth watching are the fight scenes.I enjoyed each & every 1 of them but the best has to be the very 1st.When Blade's partner burst through the wall to fight off the group of masked henchman, it reminded of all those fighting video games I like to play.The fight at the warehouse was pretty good as well.At the end it says Jason Blade will return in Strike Of The Panther.After watching this movie, I don't care enough to watch it unless it's a part of another movie pack I buy or have.There was suppose to be a 3rd named Escape Of The Panther but never got made.I know I wouldn't have any interest in seeing it either.Day Of The Panther is only a movie I'd suggest watching if you like 80's fighting flicks or just happen to buy a movie pack & it's included
A Terrible Martial Arts Film
Rainey-Dawn10 October 2015
For me, this film is a terrible excuse to show a number of no-so-great martial arts moves. I personally found it insulting to any good martial arts film and to the art itself.
It's not even a half-way decent story to keep me interested. The movie tries to pull in elements of horror with the "evil guys" wearing some fairly cool looking masks. The masks are the only thing in the film I pretty neat and interesting.
I enjoy a good martial arts movie but this one I had to turn off mid-way though the film. This is NOT my style of martial arts movie. Others may enjoy this flick but it's a far cry from my type of entertainment.
1/10
It's not even a half-way decent story to keep me interested. The movie tries to pull in elements of horror with the "evil guys" wearing some fairly cool looking masks. The masks are the only thing in the film I pretty neat and interesting.
I enjoy a good martial arts movie but this one I had to turn off mid-way though the film. This is NOT my style of martial arts movie. Others may enjoy this flick but it's a far cry from my type of entertainment.
1/10
Dare you enter the glorious world of Jason Blade?
tarbosh2200026 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Jason Blade (Stazak), William Anderson (Stanton) and his daughter Linda (Megier) are members of a secret warrior clan known as Panthers. Anderson is a member of the Hong Kong Special Branch of Australian law enforcement. While in HK, he, his daughter, and his protégé Blade found the time to go through the rigorous martial arts training of the secretive Panther clan. Back in Perth, Western Australia, it seems there is a new bad guy causing all sorts of trouble - the dastardly Damien Zukor (Carman). He's into racketeering, drugs and any number of nefarious activities, and the ultra-wealthy Zukor has cops and politicians in his back pocket, allowing him to continuously expand his criminal empire, with the help of an army of rubber pig-masked goons brandishing machetes. But he didn't count on one thing: JASON BLADE. After the murder of Linda by the super-evil number two man to Zukor, Baxter (Richards), Blade decides to go undercover as a thug and infiltrate Zukor's organization from the inside. Gaining access to Zukor's world proves complicated, especially when a team of law enforcement officials that disapprove of his rogue ways is constantly tailing him, and he manages a romantic relationship with Anderson's niece Gemma (Jefferson). Will Jason Blade be the new action hero of the 80's? Fan-favorite director, Brian Trenchard-Smith here delivers the fun and the silly martial arts/stunt filled goods. Edward John Stazak sadly falls into the camp with Jay Roberts, Jr. and Matt Hannon and never made any other movies (unless you count the made-at-the-same-time sequel, Fists Of Blood (1988). Obviously the filmmakers hope you like the name "Jason Blade" because you hear it many, many times throughout the course of the film. Sinister, Peter Cushing-like bad guy Zukor even gets off a witty, perhaps unintentional one-liner when, impressed with Blade's intelligence (?), he tells him, "You're sharp, Blade".
Blade is a stylish man of the 80's, but in the slick department, it's hard to beat Baxter, a man who looks like a cross between David Hasselhoff and Ricky Gervais dipped in a rich, thick coating of eighties. And let's not forget that this movie came out around the time of the then-current exercise/aerobics boom. There are plenty of scenes in Blade's gym, including a show-stopping moment involving Gemma. Let's just say that woman was born to dance.
80's fashions aside, what's also good about movies of this time were that you could actually see all the stunts and all the martial arts moves. It might not be the best kung-fu movie ever committed to celluloid but at least there's no CGI garbage or annoying, eye-irritating "quick cuts". Actual effort was put forth to make it all come together and the result is quite entertaining.
Naturally, there's an extended, knock-down drag-out fight at the end between Blade and Baxter. Baxter's main strength as a fighter seems to be his ability to withstand seemingly-endless kicks and punches to the face (although what you see here pales in comparison to what he endures in the follow-up). Harking back to the good old days of cinema good and evil, Blade wears white pants and Baxter black as they gleefully punch away the running time.
Featuring the memorable song "Take me Back" by Colin Setches, and released on Celebrity Video in the U.S. (as was its sequel), dare you enter the glorious world of Jason Blade?
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
Blade is a stylish man of the 80's, but in the slick department, it's hard to beat Baxter, a man who looks like a cross between David Hasselhoff and Ricky Gervais dipped in a rich, thick coating of eighties. And let's not forget that this movie came out around the time of the then-current exercise/aerobics boom. There are plenty of scenes in Blade's gym, including a show-stopping moment involving Gemma. Let's just say that woman was born to dance.
80's fashions aside, what's also good about movies of this time were that you could actually see all the stunts and all the martial arts moves. It might not be the best kung-fu movie ever committed to celluloid but at least there's no CGI garbage or annoying, eye-irritating "quick cuts". Actual effort was put forth to make it all come together and the result is quite entertaining.
Naturally, there's an extended, knock-down drag-out fight at the end between Blade and Baxter. Baxter's main strength as a fighter seems to be his ability to withstand seemingly-endless kicks and punches to the face (although what you see here pales in comparison to what he endures in the follow-up). Harking back to the good old days of cinema good and evil, Blade wears white pants and Baxter black as they gleefully punch away the running time.
Featuring the memorable song "Take me Back" by Colin Setches, and released on Celebrity Video in the U.S. (as was its sequel), dare you enter the glorious world of Jason Blade?
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
Aussie martial arts nonsense
Red-Barracuda19 September 2017
It's not every day you see a martial arts film from Australia. Day of the Panther is that film. Set in Perth in western Australia, this film is about a martial arts expert called Jason Blade. Yes, you heard that correctly
Jason Blade. It sure is a no messing name and he is a guy who certainly does not mess about. In this film, he is sent on a mission to Australia to take down a drug lord. Why is it always drug lords who are villains in 80's action movies? Are drugs really that bad? What would be wrong with mixing it up a little and occasionally have our ass kicking hero set about a gang of dishonest tradesmen? Seriously, forget class A drugs, have you ever been overcharged for the installation of a badly fitted kitchen? Now that is something really annoying, certainly bad enough to hire a guy called Jason Blade to kick hell out of them I reckon. Anyway, Day of the Panther features copious scenes featuring men in pastel coloured suits fighting. For what it's worth, I thought that by far the best part of the film was the extended scene where Blade's female partner is chased by three thugs who she dispatches with. A great scene. I was severely vexed when she was immediately killed afterwards though – a bad mistake. On a separate note, when the credits first came up I noticed the director was Brian Trenchard-Smith. It was a name I knew but couldn't think from where, I was pretty sure he was responsible for a good film. Afterwards I used this very website to put my mind to rest and it turned out the movie in question was Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996). It turns out it wasn't a good film.
Ho-hum martial arts movie from Down Under
lor_29 March 2023
My review was written in November 1988 after watching the movie on Celebrity video cassette.
The Aussie-made action pic "Day of the Panther" is standard issue martial arts material, well-executed but strictly ho-hum.
Edward John Stazak is physically right as Jason Blade, trained by Chinese cult the Panthers, who heads from Hong Kong to Perth on a secret mission against local druglord Zukor (Michael Carman). His teammate Linda (Linda Megier) is killed and Blade teams up with her cousin Gemma (Paris Jefferson).
The local cops tolerate Blade's activities, later encouraging him when they finally see through his cover story as a mercenary killer and identify his mission. In typical genre format, pic builds to a bloody annual gladiatorial tournament held by Zukor, but oddly omits same, instead staging a climax of Blade one-on-one against Zukor's chief henchman Baxter (Jim Richards).
Fight scenes, staged by thesps Stazak and Richards, are effective and Jefferson makes a beautiful redheaded leading lady. Otherwise pic is perfunctory and ends abruptly with announcement of is sequel "Strike of the Panther", which was filmed back-to-back with this installment.
The Aussie-made action pic "Day of the Panther" is standard issue martial arts material, well-executed but strictly ho-hum.
Edward John Stazak is physically right as Jason Blade, trained by Chinese cult the Panthers, who heads from Hong Kong to Perth on a secret mission against local druglord Zukor (Michael Carman). His teammate Linda (Linda Megier) is killed and Blade teams up with her cousin Gemma (Paris Jefferson).
The local cops tolerate Blade's activities, later encouraging him when they finally see through his cover story as a mercenary killer and identify his mission. In typical genre format, pic builds to a bloody annual gladiatorial tournament held by Zukor, but oddly omits same, instead staging a climax of Blade one-on-one against Zukor's chief henchman Baxter (Jim Richards).
Fight scenes, staged by thesps Stazak and Richards, are effective and Jefferson makes a beautiful redheaded leading lady. Otherwise pic is perfunctory and ends abruptly with announcement of is sequel "Strike of the Panther", which was filmed back-to-back with this installment.
Below average martial arts movie
Wizard-811 December 2013
"Day of the Panther" is a kind of movie you don't see every day - a martial arts movie from Australia. Though watching it will probably reveal why there haven't been that many more martial arts movies coming from that country. In fairness to the movie, there are some positive features. The martial art sequences, while not as fancy as those from Hong Kong movies, do manage to generate some excitement, and at the same time come across as more believable than usual. And while the actors in the movie aren't that great actors, the actors playing the protagonists do come across as likable all the same. However, the movie does all the same have some serious problems. The movie obviously had a low budget, with the general look of movie looking somewhat tacky. The screenplay has assorted plot turns that you will have seen in dozens of other movies before, and has the various characters coming across the same way as well. And the middle of the movie is a long dull stretch. However, I will say this movie all the same is far from the worst martial arts movies I have managed to see.
See also
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