AllMovie

Gymkata was made by the producer and director of Enter the Dragon, but don't expect something of that caliber. The dialogue is full of howlers, the acting ranges from wooden to hammy, and the central concept of a gymnastics/karate fusion is played out in a rather silly manner (note how the hero conveniently finds gymnastic equipment in non-gymnastics-oriented environments in a few key scenes). More importantly, Kurt Thomas is no Bruce Lee -- he thoroughly lacks the charisma and the screen presence that defined Lee. That said, any B-movie fan who can get past the film's inherent goofiness will find it very entertaining in a campy sort of way. Highlights include a training sequence that involves Thomas learning to hand-walk his way up a staircase, the sudden unexpected murder of a guard in mid-sentence, and a bizarre, artsy sequence where Thomas has to fend for himself in a village full of homicidally insane people. Director Robert Clouse might not get the best performances from his cast, but he keeps the action rolling at an agreeably fast pace and makes the most of some scenic rural locations. In short, Gymkata is a hunk of schlock through and through, but it's got enough energy and quirkiness to entertain cult movie fans.