Forced Vengeance (1982)

There are three Chuck Norrises: Smooth-Face, Moustache-Face, and Beard-Face. The Beard-Face is probably the best-known as it is part of a Chuck Norris Joke: "Underneath Chuck Norris' beard, there's no chin just another fist," and they actually enacted that on Family Guy. Norris just looks like more of a badass with a full beard. He looked like an ass-kicker before, that's just the way he looks, but the beard added ferocity. For a few years, Norris had just a moustache because that was THE style for rugged men back then. Although Norris did just a few movies with a moustache, this still remains the best movie he did during that time. Forced Vengeance paved the way for Walker Texas Ranger. In this, Norris plays Texas cop named Josh Randle, who's general looks mirrors Walker's. When his friends from Hong Kong turn down an offer to turn their casino to ruthless mobsters, they are executed. Soon, deadly goons pop up and try to destroy Josh and his other friends, while Josh tries to get to the bottom of the deal and learn about his new enemies. The fight scenes are very well-done and the plot is well- constructed. The music is also great too. Pretty much everything this movie has is great and there are very unforgettable moments. Like there's one scene where Norris does a flying sidekick off the ledge of a building. That is very iconic. But is perhaps best remembered in Good Guys Where Black, which is Moustache-Norris' second best. I'd say the best scene is when Norris fights a man in front of lights in a casino where all that's seen are their silhouettes. These set the stage for vintage Norris!

Crappy Chuck-Fu movie has Chuck Norris playing the head of security for a Jewish casino owner who's like a father to him. Ruthless types want to buy the man's casino but he doesn't want to sell. So they rub him out. What's a mustachioed hero to do but take matters into his own hands? I'm not a huge fan of Norris' early face-kicking movies. I much prefer his shoot 'em-ups. But there is some good cheesy value to some of them. This one has some "so bad it's good" qualities but not enough ultimately. It's kind of boring and none of the action is all that impressive. Not to mention the whole thing looks to be shot on a dollar store budget.

Above comment would have been another Chuck Norris joke, but in this movie, it's the truth. This is Chuck Norris in his hardest baddest role, and his early career monument to the legend of Chuck Norris.Chuck shows no mercy to anyone that gets in his way. The unlucky bad guys doesn't realize what they're up against, as Chuck Norris obliterates them one by one. If they had internet in 1982, they would have fled Hong Kong long before Chuck Norris' plane landed there.Chuck just keeps giving his icy cold glare throughout this movie. There's no charm, or sweetness in his character. He just coldly executes everyone who opposes him.This is one of the best Chuck Norris movie from the early '80s, and is worth every minute to see it if you're a martial arts or Chuck Norris movie fan.

Chuck Norris' films aren't things you call masterpieces, but more often they're fun and deliver good rollicking action. James Frago's "Forced Vengeance" (who directed Eastwood in "The Enforcer") is no exception to the trend, and is a raw, full-blooded Norris' chop-suey extravaganza. No surprises here, as it's basic (and campy) revenge on mind for Norris. The simple set-up is made up of expertly-executed martial arts set-pieces that are spontaneously well-timed and judged. It can be welcomely brutal and rough, but quite unintentionally obtuse. The opening silhouette stash in front of a neon sign was a neat touch, and William Goldstein's (no not Goldsmith) exhilaratingly flighty score takes shape. There's something about his early films, I found to be more enticing than a lot of his latter, popular mainstream efforts. Sure they might not be as well organised or impressionable as his well-known flicks but this different kettle has certain sincereness about them. The gritty action takes place in Hong Kong, and it's vividly projected with the exotically moody setting and street life being expansively brought to life. Director James Frago does a serviceable job. As I mentioned earlier the premise doesn't break any new ground, and is rather slight. It's a dog eat dog world, and Norris is on the underdog side and takes on the corrupt. Norris even gets his chance to provide another deeply thoughtful narration (ala The Octagon) that I found humorously pointless. Before he goes on his forced rampage (Chuck style!), he goes about collecting information, so when he gets down to business he takes out the right men. But another unsavoury reason comes into play, and this releases the fury waiting to explode, as it does push the motivation for vengeance behind Chuck's character even more. Watch out, as now you're going to get an ass-kicking! The staggering script is filled with constant corn, and Norris' delivers the majority of it. However his sly remarks actually satisfy and it just wouldn't be the same without them. As for the performances, well it's expected that we get something wooden within the acting range. Chuck Norris geared up in his cowboy hat, and suit with those boyish looks is stoic as usual. But that in mind, he knows his element and has a durably raw appeal that makes him utterly watchable. Mary Louise Weller is perfect as Norris love interest, and Bob Minor provides wonderful support as an ex-army buddy. Michael Cavanaugh makes for a fine sinister bad guy, and has a terrific boat-top confrontation with Norris. Watch it for a good, relaxing time of utter beat-ups and laughs. This is one I'll never tire of, especially Norris fans.