Tough and Deadly

Synopsis

Tough and Deadly is a 1995 action thriller starring martial artist Billy Blanks. The film follows Kevin Stone, a martial arts expert who becomes entangled in a violent conflict after a brutal murder shakes his neighborhood. Blanks delivers a powerhouse performance as Stone battles both the street crime syndicates and corrupt forces within the system. The movie is packed with intense fight sequences, gritty street scenes, and a fast-paced storyline that blends action and suspense. Set against the backdrop of urban turmoil, Tough and Deadly explores themes of justice, loyalty, and survival in a harsh environment.

Cast

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  Billy Blanks

  John Portland

• 

  Roddy Piper

  Elmo Freech

• 

  Richard Norton

  Agent Norton

• Charles Kahlenberg

  William Helms

• 

  James Karen

  Winston Briggers

• 

  Gary Kasper

  Cowboy

Reviews

Tough and Deadly received mixed reviews upon its release and continues to hold a modest rating with IMDb currently at 5.8/10. Critics have praised Billy Blanks for his credible martial arts skills and physical presence, which bring authenticity to the fight scenes. Some reviews highlighted the choreography as the film's strongest point, with action sequences that fans of the genre can appreciate. However, the movie's plot and character development were often criticized for being formulaic and predictable. Rotten Tomatoes does not have enough critic reviews for an official score, indicating it may not have received widespread critical attention. Audience reviews on IMDb range from enjoyment of the raw action to disappointment over what some view as a thin story and subpar production quality. Metacritic also lacks a score, reflecting limited mainstream critical coverage. Overall, Tough and Deadly is considered a niche action film that appeals primarily to martial arts enthusiasts and fans of 90s action cinema, offering solid combat displays but little else to elevate it beyond genre clichés.