#robotninja

Robot Ninja (1989)

Tubi recently added the restored no budget legendary Robot Ninja. A grim grindhouse vhs era punk rock movie in disguise as a kids super schlocky super hero movie. Basically the plot is about a comic book writer that loses it after selling off the rights of his creation. Imagine Kevin Eastman taking a load of anti depressants because he didnt like how family friendly the 80s ninja turtles cartoon was which makes him go crazy, then dressing up like a turtle just to go around and stab people to death only to remember he has no super powers so he constantly gets beaten to a bloody pulp. Thats basically what this movie is about. Switching from scenes that are straight out forth wall breaking silly comedy to a gritty gross gore felt seen involving mental breakdowns the next second. Amazing gore and make up for a no budget JR Bookwalter film which now in the restore can actually be appreciated. Also a kinda cheese 80s rock soundtrack I love that fits great for those who like doin lines in the Applbees bathroom and reminising of mullets and days gone by.

An aspect I really like is how determined the comic writer is to fight a gang as RobotNinja and with out making it a joke you are reminded just by how awful everything goes that its a terrible idea this all was. Yet it never feels the need to over explain it or pander to any kind of moral. Then the next second the movie lets you chill in comedic scenes with cameos by Burt Ward and Linnea Quigley to lighten things up. The best Bookwalter next to the Dead Next Door. Check on tubi now (English and Spanish) or look hard for the blu ray which I believe was Tempes last release before closing shop.