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The Last Dragon (1985)

  • Senate Theater 6424 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI, 48210 United States (map)

Is the Senate the meanest, prettiest, baddest mofo lowdown neighborhood theater around this town? 

Sho’nuff! But only as long as we’re playing The Last Dragon. . 

Taimak as Bruce Leroy Green

The final feature film released by Berry Gordy’s Motown Productions, this cult kung fu comedy directed by Michael Schultz, (Cooley High, Car Wash) tells the story of a young, black martial artist by the name of Leroy “Bruce Leeroy” Green (Taimak). He quests to understand the secret of “the Glow,” the mystical aura that will prove he has attained the highest level of martial arts mastery. But first he must face a rival kung fu master, the self-obsessed and boldly dressed, Sho’nuff. Along the way Leroy meets and falls for a local VJ named Laura, (80s R&B singer, Vanity) who is being strong-armed by a criminally-minded arcade owner and aspiring music mogul into featuring his girlfriend’s lousy music videos on Laura’s show. 

Via Wexner Center for the Arts

Equally fun, ridiculous, weird, and exciting, with bold costume design and outrageous characters, The Last Dragon has long been held in high esteem by a rabidly enthusiastic fanbase. Its cultural influence has endured, with references in a music video by rapper, Busta Rhymes, in the HBO series Insecure, and even in the similarly named 2021 animated film, Raya and the Last Dragon. It’s a healthy helping of aged 80s cheese, to be sure. But beneath its goofy exterior lies a tale of inner strength unleashed. As he overcomes the obstacles created within, as well as the more tangible barriers created by those who seek to deny his potential, “Bruce Leeroy” serves as a literally glowing example to all those who seek to climb higher.  

Via Hollywood Reporter

And so, we ask: will you be engaged, enthralled, amused, and bemused? 

Sho’nuff! 

 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6  

1hr 49min | PG-13 | Martial Arts / Comedy | USA 


The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and The National Endowment for the Arts.