Kung Fu Elliot

Canada!

Known for many different reasons, especially for hockey, the beautiful landscape, Justin Bieber and maple syrup. Oh, and we almost forgot Nickelback. Remember the band that took over the charts in early 2000 ? They have a new album out, and.....i listened to one single, with disco influences. Let´s just say i am now sterile after this experience. When i think of Canada, i mostly think about one legendary actor, who we still see today in smaller films. Do you remember the legedary Michael Ironside ? Bad ass, especially in V - The Series, Total Recall and Starship Troopers. I would love to see Red Scorpion 2 again, if it is possible to find. Speaking of actors, let´s think for a moment. Have we ever had an canadian action star ? Let me think.....well, i can´t remember anyone at this point. Most action actors who had some classic action film, comes from USA, or Sweden ( of course ), because the greatest action star of all time is Dolph Lundgren. How do i know ? It is written in The Decloration Of Independence. Just scroll down a few lines and you will see his name there, incredible that they knew back then that Dolph would be the answer to paradise. I have seen canadian action films, mostly B movies of course, but some of them were ok in the 90´s. Michael Dudikoff, mostly known from American Ninja, did a couple of canadian action films. If there is one thing missing in Canada, we need an canadian ninja. And we might actually have one coming, because this documentary, tells the story of Jarret Belliveau, who dream of being the first canadian ninja action star, in his first film Blood Fight. When i heard about this documentary, i just had to see it, because it did sound like the best documentary ever made. A canadian ninja, kicking ass, can you ask for anything more ? Not that long ago we got ourselves a masterpiece from Sweden, known as Kung Fury. If you have not seen it, you have to go on Youtube and check it out. Since i am a really big fan of cheesy action B films from the 70´s, 80´s and 90´s, i had to see if Kung Fu Elliot is the documentary i always dreamed of. Is this the best canadian documentary ever made, or is this a fun idea that does not deliver all the way ?

Elliot is a man, who dreams of becoming the first, and only action hero from Canada. He have made 2 really low budget action films, with the help of friends and people in town. His next film Blood Fight will be his big break through, that will prove to the world that he is the first canadian action film star. As he work on the film, a lot of details begin to cause problems, with lost scenes, accidents, and the problems in his relationship with his girlfriend Linda. On a trip to China with his class mates in chinese medecine, Elliot see his opportunity to get a bigger fan base, while Linda feels like they are slipping away. Can Elliot finish his biggest film project, and can he save his relationship with Linda ?

I can´t remember the last time i laughed, while watching a documentary. Kung Fu Elliot is so damn funny, i almost pissed in my pants when they show us how they make cheesy canadian action kung fu films. I love this so much, the idea of an canadian ninja, cleaning up the streets in an ordinary canadian town is brilliant. As we follow the film team, making these fantastic films, you will see so many funny moments, that you are guaranteed to have a good time. Like in the beginning when the lead actor is trying to sell his latest dvd action film, outside a video store. He says that it sells really well, more than thousands of copies, and just 4 people show up, looking at the dvd cover. Then we have the fighting scenes, that looks really cheesy, but so funny that you can´t stop laughing. There is also a very serious side of the story, where you understand that Elliot is living in a dream sometimes. He does not really care about jobs, paying bills, so his girlfriend is the one who have to fix almost everything. She is filming his films, why he have so many ideas how Blood Fight will be the greatest action film ever. You kind of feel sorry for Elliot, he have such a passion for old  classic martial arts films, and want to be the next action star. But when you see him in action scenes, you understand he can never be Canada´s next action star. Even though you wonder if he understands how hard this business is, you have to love him for his passion, to make B films into the future. At the same time he needs to struggle with his relationship, finding a way to finish his dream Project, and to learn how to find himself. As he goes on a trip to China, with his class mates from chinese medecine, he takes the chance to get a fanbase. As he returns home, you can tell there is tension in the air, between him and his girlfriend Linda. Blood Fight is out on hold, and problems keep on growing. Kung Fu Elliot both have some fun elements, but also the tragedy side of handling real life situations. Directors Jarret Belliveau and Matthew Bauckman have made perhaps the most important documentary film i have seen this year. This is a story that will both make you smile, and feel sadness, seeing this man struggling with his passion for B movies. But somewhere in this sadness, you also see that he will never give up his dream. This is the only thing that matters in life, and for that you can´t deny that he deserves some respect. Kung Fu Elliot is a docmentary with a lot to say about life, that taking chances is very important. We all die at some point, so it is better to reach your goals, then letting it all go. Everyone should see this documentary, and you might be inspired to follow your dreams. Kung Fu Elliot is a must see, make sure you take the time to see it.

Rating: DDDD