American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987)

After some marines disappear, Army Rangers Joe and Curtis arrive as replacements. The marines are not impressed. But Joe and Curtis are no ordinary rangers. They’ve got a particular set of skills that come in handy, which are critical thinking and ninjitsu.

The island they’re on has a huge problem with ninja attacks, yet no one seems to notice or know of the ninjas.  They’re in the hotel, in the bar, in alleys, and hanging off cars. Yet when Joe and Curtis talk of being attacked by ninjas, the marines are skeptical and the local police scoff at them.

It turns out the local villain who owns Blackbeard Island is known as the Lion. He’s kidnapped a scientist trying to cure cancer and forced him to make a serum that turns people into murderous super ninjas.  And where do they get the people to experiment on? Well they kidnap marines naturally because they’re theoretically already in good shape. They’re certainly not going to take the chubby thugs outside the bar with dirt all over their clothing and faces.

Joe and Curtis rescue the scientists daughter after she’s dragged out of a party at the governors mansion. How dare she accuse the Lion of impropriety.  Meanwhile the head ninja kills all the super ninjas in a demonstration to potential investors which makes you wonder how that’s supposed to sell the super ninja project.

Oh Golan Globus, you’ve given us another silly ninja movie complete with a ninja on a string.  Plus a hilarious continuity oversight where the corrupt police chief puts his hat on as he walks towards the door.  Cut to another angle of him almost at the door where he puts his hat on again.

Ridiculous dialogue

Ninja? What the hell are ninja?

You look as much like a marine as a bridesmaid.

Tommy: He’s doing research.

Joe: what kind of research?

Tommy: I don’t now. They don’t tell me. It’s biological stuff.