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The Octagon

Play trailer Poster for The Octagon R Released Aug 14, 1980 1h 43m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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29% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 32% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Scott James (Chuck Norris), a veteran martial arts expert, is recruited as the protector of the wealthy and beautiful Justine (Karen Carlson) after she becomes the target of a ninja clan. When Scott finds out that his ruthless archnemesis, McCarn (Lee Van Cleef), is involved with the stealthy and dangerous criminals, he is eager to settle old scores. Soon Scott is facing off against McCarn and the entire ninja horde in an effort to take them all down.
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The Octagon

Critics Reviews

View All (7) Critics Reviews
James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk notably more violent and cynical than Norris’s previous films, even though he plays the same type of taciturn, reluctant hero whose integrity is never—ever—in question Rated: 2/4 Oct 2, 2022 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy The Octagon had a chance to emerge as Norris' best vehicle; instead, too many flaws place it in the close-but-no-cigar category. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 7, 2022 Full Review Brian Orndorf Blu-ray.com It's ambitious work but not always successful, with director Eric Karson biting off a little more than he can chew when it comes time to build momentum with such a top-heavy film. Rated: B- Dec 19, 2013 Full Review Chuck O'Leary Fantastica Daily Rated: 2/5 Sep 27, 2005 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jul 23, 2005 Full Review Daniel M. Kimmel Worcester Telegram & Gazette Rated: 2/5 May 14, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Anthony C Chuck at his best!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/24 Full Review Audience Member The most watchable and adult of Chuck Norris' martial arts action films. Norris is undercover to unveil a clandestine group of modern day Ninjas. Again he plays it close to the vest. His acting is never the heart of his films, but that doesn't diminish the enjoyment. Good martial arts action. Good weapons sequences. Richard Norton, the famed Hong Kong action star, is powerful in the uncredited role of the Ninja Assassin. I just saw this film recently and it holds up much better than most of Norris' film and action films of the era. Great fighting, filled with action, and the presence of Lee Van Cleef, one the 20th Century's best character actors makes this one worth the time. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member It's cheesy and fun, a throwback to a time when America was obsessed with the martial arts in the early 80'e. Enjoy it for what it is and don't set your expectations too high and you'll have a blast! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member The octagon 1980, a lot of very well choreographed martial arts fight scenes, and epic confrintation between Norris and the henchman and theChuck's laughable inner thoughts whisper dialogue. What more could you ask for?? All in all not as good as Good Guys Wear Black 1978 but a step in the right direction for Norris with the higher production value and all as well as an increase in action. Solid Norris flick. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The dialogue is like an out of control version of mad libs. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Having Lee Van Cleef in the film already makes it better than any of the previous Chuck Norris films. And Chuck Norris gets to fight ninjas this time. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Octagon

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The Octagon

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Movie Info

Synopsis Scott James (Chuck Norris), a veteran martial arts expert, is recruited as the protector of the wealthy and beautiful Justine (Karen Carlson) after she becomes the target of a ninja clan. When Scott finds out that his ruthless archnemesis, McCarn (Lee Van Cleef), is involved with the stealthy and dangerous criminals, he is eager to settle old scores. Soon Scott is facing off against McCarn and the entire ninja horde in an effort to take them all down.
Director
Eric Karson
Producer
Joel Freeman
Screenwriter
Leigh Chapman
Distributor
American Cinema
Production Co
American Cinema Productions
Rating
R
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 14, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 20, 2018
Runtime
1h 43m
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