Buy me a coffee
Back in 2018, filmmaker Benjamin Combes set out on a mission to bring his creation to life…the Commando Ninja. Armed with a Kickstarter campaign that would eventually go on to raise 213% of its original goal. Long before the campaign launched, Combes, along with some talented friends, invested $5000 in the project to shoot some footage, which would later be used to sell the idea on the crowdfunding platform. It was shot in Montpellier, France, from 2016 to 2018 on real sets, not a sound stage, and an abundance of practical effects were used to create the unique look of the picture.
Released on YouTube in an English dubbed version, as well the native French version, it became a massive hit. To please the fans, The first film tells the story of John Hunter, a Vietnam vet whose daughter is kidnapped by a secret Ninja organization with the idea to create a new world order. The new picture will follow a story that is introduced in Combes’ latest short film Hopkins.
RELATED: Creator Spotlight: Illustrator and Designer Joe Peragino
What really caught my attention with this new film is the promise of having all of the special effects done practically. The vast majority of effects in the first were done in camera, but they’re promising 100% practically done effects for this film including blood, squibs, explosions, monsters, and more. Every penny pledged to the movie will be used to bring the vision of the filmmaker to life and to take the viewer back to a time like no other in cinema history. The ’80s were such a unique time period and to see up and coming filmmakers pay tribute is so endearing, and it makes it hard for me not to support them in any way that I can.
An ’80s-inspired action film is only as good as it’s soundtrack, and composer Thomas Cappeau will be returning to deliver another synth-heavy score that’s guaranteed to have you creating your own training montage in your bedroom. I wouldn’t promote a campaign like this if I didn’t truly believe an amazing film will be birthed from it.
If you’ve yet to see Commando Ninja, it’s available to view for free on YouTube. Give it a watch and I know you will be tipping your couches looking for change to throw at this production. They’re maybe a third of the way to their goal with just over three weeks left to pledge and nab yourself some killer rewards like Blu-ray copies of the film, posters, t-shirts, and so much more. If you can’t donate, the next best thing is share. Commando Ninja II: Invasion America is bound to be every bit as funny, bloody, and action-packed as its predecessor, if not more so, and that’s reason alone to be a part of this amazing series of films.
View, share, or donate to the Kickstarter now!
RELATED: Contributions to Horror: Elijah Wood
Buy me a coffee
