DVD Synopsis: A notorious drug smuggling ring in Los Angeles is duped into making a deal with undercover cops. When the ruse goes astray, Police Detective Rossi (Roddy Piper) witnesses his partner brutally murdered and now he must join forces with Billy (Billy Blanks), a martial arts expert who's out for blood. (93 Mins)

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Views: The period of Billy Blanks/Roddy Piper action-film team-ups in the mid-1990s, was far too short-lived for fans of the martial-arts-action film. Although they had only made 2 movies in total, this along with Tough and Deadly, the pair had an undeniable charm while sharing the screen together – something I would have loved to have seen continue, if not extended into sequels of their completed titles...

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While it won't win any awards for screenplay (or acting, as most reviewers would state), with it being Karl Schiffman's first feature film as a writer, Back In Action still proves to be a highly enjoyable ride. The film is directed by Steve DiMarco, a television director who is still going strong today, and has behind many episodes on shows like Goosebumps, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Due South, Lost Girl, and many more. He is joined by Paul Ziller, director of martial arts features like Bloodfist 4: Die Trying, Shootfighter 2, and Moving Target, as well as a host of TV movies. It plays like any amount of 90s action-flicks that could easily have starred the likes of Jean Claude Van Damme, Olivier Gruner, or Dolph Lungren – but I think they cast the right stars for this. The acting certainly isn't the worst I've ever seen, with Piper and Blanks holding their own to some respect, but Back In Action also benefits from having the beautiful Bobbie Phillips on board. Bobbie had previously starred with Blanks in the fun sci-fi action film, TC 2000 just a year before, where she had gotten to show some sweet moves alongside the Tae-bo master as well as starring alongside Jalal Merhi, Matthias Hues, and the great Bolo Yeung himself. Unfortunately here, she doesn't get to offer anywhere near the same amount of moves but still looks great as the reputable reporter and Piper's love interest. Phillips would go on to star in Ring Of Fire 3: Lionstrike, with Don Wilson, Baywatch, X-Files, The Cape, Murder One, and star as Dee in the ridiculously popular, Showgirls. It's also worth noting that Matt Birman, who plays relentless bad-guy Chakka, has gone onto have an illustrious career in the film industry starring in over 100 films and TV shows such as Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Sanctuary with the wonderful Mark Dacascos, Bulletproof Monk, and The Strain, as well as working in stunt-work in over 200 titles like the Robocop series, Darkman movies, Jackie Chan's Tuxedo, Shoot 'Em Up, Shazam, and many more!

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In terms of action, there's definitely a lot to enjoy here, from the opening gun battle at the graveyard to Billy and Roddy's fight in the bar, it's safe to say that action fans will not be disappointed. One fight scene sees Blanks getting to kick-ass in his boxers when a set of twins break into his home to attack. Looking like a couple of rejects from a Richard Simmons workout video, the McNamara twins get kicked and flung around the apartment with force, before Billy and his sister make their escape. From there on in, there's an action scene practically every 5 or 10 minutes making Back In Action one of the most action-packed, DTV movies of its era – or perhaps to come out of Hollywood overall. And while it doesn't highlight choreography that comes anywhere close to what Hong Kong was offering at this period in time – with Blanks already appearing in Hong Kong productions such as China O'Brien 2, King Of The Kickboxers, and The Master with Jet Li – stunt choreographer Shane Cardwell still delivers some impressive scenes, no doubt aided by the extensive martial-arts-experience of Billy Blanks and wrestling background of Piper. The closing action scene on a large ship lasts almost 15 minutes, mixing martial arts and gun-play with torture and explosions, in the most brutally fun way. As B-movie as this may be, you can't deny the film its charm and energy when it comes to entertainment.

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Overall: Typically American and typically 90s in style, Back In Action is an enjoyable romp, with some violent action, buddy comedy, and plenty to enjoy!

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