BEST OF THE BEST Star Phillip Rhee: 'We're Going To Reboot The Whole Franchise'

Specific fans of actor and martial artist Phillip Rhee may know him from a pre-Best Of The Best list of films like LA Streetfighters and Furious. However, it was through the aforementioned 1989 Bob Radler-directed martial arts tournamant drama in which he rose to fame along with brother, fellow actor and martial artist Simon Rhee, eventually leading to a theatrical sequel in 1992 before two more home releases 1995 and 1998.

That was seventeen years ago, and it's only recently that the Rhee brothers are now reinvigorating their base with the latest martial arts family drama, Underdog Kids, which arrives on Digital HD this Friday before a July 7 DVD and Blu-Ray release through Anchor Bay. That said, the former Rhee recently spoke to The Action Elite's own David J. Moore about the new film in which Rhee's return to the screen also debuts him as a director.

The film itself sees Rhee as a washed-up former MMA champion and his newfound calling as the replacement martial arts coach for a group of community center kids a week ahead of an upcoming tournament. It is peculiar that the film itself takes a few cues from Rhee's 1989 classic, so it's reasonable that Moore's inquiry would include asking why the film simply wasn't called "Best Of The Best 5", to which Rhee responded with THIS exciting gem:

Because we’re going to reboot Best of the Best. You’re the first one to know. We’re going to reboot the whole franchise with a new cast. I have things... I’m going to bring in elements that nobody has ever seen before. I will produce the picture.

Action fans often harangue and languish in agony over remakes and reboots, and on many occasions it's for good reason. In contrast, some remakes and reboots actually do the fair bit of work needed in refreshing a particular film property for its base, and considering the warm reception Rhee has received from the niche over Underdog Kids, I think it's fair to say a Best Of The Best reboot would be solid, especially with him producing with said elements in mind, whatever they may be.

Best Of The Best is an absolute classic with the Rhee brothers lending some of the most memorable martial arts action ever seen on the screen. For this, it's pleasing to see such a project revived and bringing the genre back to its roots, and I expect nothing less than another fan favorite to come.

Simon's own career in film remains on-going as well through respective stunt credits on projects like HBO's newly-premiered second season of True Detective, as well as the upcoming CBS adapted pilot, Rush Hour, and the July 1 release of Terminator: Genisys.

Stay tuned for more info!

Phillip Rhee's Martial Arts Family Drama, UNDERDOG KIDS, Gets A New Trailer!

Actor and martial artist Phillip Rhee is finally returning to the screen this summer for the release of his long-awaited martial arts family drama, Underdog Kids. It will be seventeen years since Rhee's previous movie career left off with the popular Best Of The Best franchise in the 1990's, and for many fans it will be a celebration to see him back in his cinematic element with a young and vibrant cast amomg several of whom are talented martial artists, a crew accompanied by brother, Master Simon Rhee, and James Lew and Marc Canonizado designing the action, and a handful of legendary faces to appear as well, no less.

For these and all other matters of releavance, we now have a proper trailer going viral since the film's acquisition by Anchor Bay and STARZ Media last month. The film may also be getting a limited theatrical release by then as well, so check your local listings and let's hope this one delivers the 3D action and thrills it promises. Otherwise, read the official information below for a cast, dates and detailed synopsis, and then check out the trailer!

An inspiring, action-packed comedy for the whole family, Underdog Kids, written and directed by and starring Phillip Rhee, creator of the popular Best of the Best film franchise, arrives July 7 on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment and on Digital HD June 26 and On Demand July 7 from Starz Digital. The fun and uplifting film also stars Adam Irigoyen (Disney’s “Shake It Up!” and “Wizards of Waverly Place”), Ryan Potter (Big Hero 6, Nickelodeon’s “Supah Ninjas”), Cade Sutton (Disney’s “Kirby Buckets”), Mirelly Taylor (“Lost”), Patrick Fabian (“Better Call Saul”), Tom Arnold (Shelby, “Sons of Anarchy”) and Beau Bridges (“The Millers,” “White Collar,” The Descendants). 

When the struggling Mid-City Community Center’s karate team loses their instructor a week before the big tournament, former MMA champ Jimmy “The Lightning Bolt” (Rhee) returns to his old neighborhood and reluctantly agrees to train the misfit bunch. Despite the struggles they face, the washed-up fighter and group of urban underdogs bravely take on the undefeated Beverly Hills Junior National Karate Team in the ultimate karate showdown at Nationals, and learn confidence, courage and honor along the way.

H/T: The Shock! Chamber

The 'Best Of The Best' Is Unveiled In The New Story Trailer For UNLUCKY STARS!

I don't always get quoted in trailers, but when I do, I consider it somewhat of a milestone achievement and it's always humbling. So as much as I ramble about movies, it's great to see the recognition, especially from debut director Dennis Ruel whose newly releasing film, Unlucky Stars, is taking off with plenty of high marks and praise from fans and critics alike. And surely enough with this film lending itself as an homage to the immortal legacy of the Hong Kong action comedy, a film like this undoubtely deserves a following, as well as all the support it can get from anyone who has ever loved kung fu cinema.

Alas, the film is currently set for an exclusive screening event on Thursday with a Q and A segment to be included with the cast and crew, so more information will definitely follow after this week as it readies a limited theatrical release. On that note, feel free to take a gander at the stylish new poster below along with a batch of new promotional character graphics from the film, and a brand new story trailer...and yes, that's Best Of The Best 1 and 2 co-star, legendary actor, martial artist and stunt coordinator Simon Rhee in case you were wondering. 

As for all else that came before and after my quote, you may read my review here.