One Down, Two to Go

One Down, Two To Go is a 1982 action thriller that sees the thrilling and electrifying team-up of legendary actors Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, and Jim Kelly. The movie is directed by Williamson himself, who, along with Brown and Kelly, had previously established a formidable legacy in the Blaxploitation genre from the 1970s. This trio, renowned for their charisma and on-screen invincibility, once again steps into the limelight to offer fans yet another indulging spectacle filled with action-packed scenes, adrenaline-fueled chase sequences and gritty plot twists.

One Down, Two To Go revolves around martial arts, corruption, friendship, and retribution. The story kicks off in gritty urban Los Angeles, where a martial arts tournament is organized with a hefty cash prize. However, things take a turn for the worse when the tournament turns out to be a front for a nefarious agenda orchestrated by underworld figures, rendering the event rigged and unfairly slanted against our heroes.

More specifically, the story spotlights one particular contestant, Chuck (played by Jim Kelly). A renowned and respected martial arts expert, Chuck finds himself being played and rigged out of the tournament in a grave injustice. He is disqualified under false pretenses, beaten, and abandoned, and the cash prize is stolen.

Now, enters Roper (played by Fred Williamson) and Jagger (played by Jim Brown), long-time friends of Chuck and veterans of the underworld themselves. Upon discovering the injustice committed against Chuck, they embark on a mission not just to save their friend, but also to expose the corruption the tournament represents, crush the criminal’s behind this scheme, and restore justice.

One Down, Two To Go shines through its action sequences. It is a definitive action feast filled with fierce hand-to-hand combat, deadly shootouts, and nail-biting chases. Fans of martial arts cinema will find themselves on the edge of their seats, as Kelly, a real-life martial arts grandmaster, showcases an array of impressive and thrilling moves.

Further, the film benefits from the strong acting pedigree of its three leading men. The chemistry between Williamson, Brown, and Kelly is compelling and adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen friendship. This camaraderie not only elevates the tension and stakes of their collective mission but also adds emotional depth to the movie, making the characters relatable and endearing to the audience.

However, One Down, Two To Go doesn’t rely solely on its action. The film is imbued with thematic depth, exploring the themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice. It shines a light on the corrupt sides of organized sports and the lengths to which some individuals and entities will go to amass wealth and power.

Setting wise, the backdrop of urban Los Angeles is brilliantly employed to set the stage for the unfolding drama. The stark severity of the cityscape adds a layer of grit to the film and resonates well with the overarching themes of corruption and crime. The pulsating and funky soundtrack, typical of the era, complements the setting remarkably well, enhancing the atmosphere and contributing to a uniquely enjoyable cinematic experience.

In summary, One Down, Two To Go is a memorable blend of crime, action, and drama, which capitalizes on the powerful screen presence of its main actors - Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, and Jim Kelly. It is a dynamic and engaging film which not only offers viewers an exhilarating ride but also a thought-provoking narrative about the necessity of standing up against injustice. One Down, Two To Go is indeed a must-watch for fans of classic action movies and an important entry in the oeuvre of its talented stars.