Tuesday, June 10, 2025

The Octagon

The Octagon (1980)

Runtime: 103 puzzling minutes

Directed by: Eric Karson

Starring: Chuck Norris, Karen Carlson, Lee Van Cleef, and many others

From: American Cinema Productions/Estudios Churubusco Azteca

Featuring CHUCK NORRIS ASMR

While this technically wasn’t a request, a mutual commented on my review for Enter the Ninja that this picture deserves mention concerning the topic of “ninjas became popular in the United States during the 80’s.” Despite knowing of the movie for ages, its mixed reception was why I never gave the movie a shot until now. After viewing… Lord is the plot not always the easiest to follow and the curious decision was made to let the audience hear the inner monologue of the lead character, both whispered and echoed.

My rating is kind considering how nonsensical the story is, full of supporting characters. A ninja camp is followed alongside Norris becoming mixed up with a rich lady who is targeted by A-holes. Honestly, the plot does not need further description; rather, I’ll note such things as:

Richard Norton made his film debut here, appearing in a pair of scenes; a belated RIP to him

A famous face I won’t reveal appeared briefly. His presence was quite the surprise

The score from Dick Halligan was quite the hoot, totally en vogue for the period.

A supporting character named DOGGO is quite funny 45 years later

Lee Van Cleef wears an ascot 

The movie needed more of him

Every bit of dialogue between Chuck’s Scott James and Karen Carlson’s Justine (the rich dame) was awkward. Whether or not that was intentional…

The action was fine and sometimes rather bloody. That helped the film

Chuck has sex with another lady as both fear they will pass away the next day when they visit the titular Octagon. 

What it is won’t be revealed here. If you must, look at Wikipedia

As flawed as the movie is-and it’s not the best I’ve seen from Norris-I was still tickled pink. There are worse Chuck pictures out there, for certain.


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