Gymkata

This week, Chris & Paul are joined by Daniel J. Hogan of Clattertron and Armin of biasedcat to discuss the only martials arts/gymnastics mashup film ever, Gymkata. Armin actually filled in for Dan on the Waterworld episode. Dan shares a story about going to the movie theatre to see that film. Suck it, boring Apollo 13 movie! Dan just finished The Martian and we’re all excited to see the film based on the book. Chris thinks you may be more interested in watching Gymkhana. This film came out the same year as The Last Dragon. There was tough box office competition in 1985 like Teen Wolf, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Fletch and Goonies. Number 1 in 1985? Back to the Future. Wait, why are there ninja’s on the poster? The film stars Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas. Armin wants Michael Phelps to star in a Waterworld reboot! Thomas was nominated for a “Worst New Star” Razzie, but lost to Brigitte Nielsen. Villain Zahmir, played by Richard Norton was also in The Octagon. Dan educates the reviewers on hockey legend, Mario Lemieux. Armin is confused by the fact that Reagan nicknamed the missile defense system, Star Wars. Dan reminds us that Robocop lampooned the defense system idea in a brief news segment. Gymkata is based on The Terrible Game by Dan Tyler Moore. Princess Rubali is played by Tetchie Abayani, actress and Playboy model. Why are we introducing all these weapons when he never uses them in the whole movie? Don’t they know Chekov’s gun principle? The director of this film, Robert Clouse also directed Enter the Dragon and Game of Death. Eddie Murphy on Elvis(NSFW). The Khan looks like he just came out of Fiddler on the Roof. Here he is with his daughter in Gymkata. Dan suggests that we watch No Holds Barred. Our hero’s nurse. Dan and Armin think that this is a proto-Hunger Games. Movies recommended on this episode: Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, The Cutting Edge, Bloodsport and The Maze Runner. Thanks for giving us a listen! We really appreciate it. And, special thanks to Armin & Dan for taking the time to watch the film and do the episode! Check out biasedcat.com & Clattertron.com to support them! Please subscribe using the feed on this site or iTunes. Rate us on iTunes or share us with friends! Support Film Frown on Patreon