Welcome to Movie Mondays, a weekly blog series that takes you on a cinematic odyssey through the world of film! Each week, we’ll dive into a list of my 100 least favorite movies, exploring what makes them fall short and discussing the lessons we can learn from their missteps. Remember that these low-ranking films are only that way based on my personal opinion. Something I hate may be something you love and no offense is intended. Wherever these movies fall for you, I invite you to grab some popcorn and join in on the debate over these films’ merits!

3 Ninjas Kick Back

1994

Directed by Charles T. Kanganis

Alright, folks, strap in because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 1994 cinematic masterpiece, 3 Ninjas Kick Back. And by masterpiece, I mean a film that makes you question the very essence of movie-making.

First, let’s talk about the plot. Our favorite trio of ninja brothers, Rocky, Colt, and Tum Tum, are back for another adventure. This time, they’re off to Japan to rescue their beloved grandpa from the clutches of an evil Japanese minister who’s hellbent on retrieving a dagger that grandpa won in a poker game. I kid you not; this is the actual premise.

The cast is a who’s who of ’90s child actors, with Sean Fox, Max Elliott Slade, and Evan Bonifant reprising their roles as the ninja brothers. Victor Wong returns as the lovable Grandpa Mori, while Dustin Nguyen joins the cast as a fellow ninja named Glam. Yes, Glam. I can’t make this stuff up.

Behind the scenes, the film was directed by Charles T. Kanganis, who clearly had a vision for this sequel. That vision might have been blurred by a desire to cash in on the success of the original 3 Ninjas, but hey, who am I to judge?

Now, let’s talk about why this film is on my list of movies I don’t like. It’s not just because it’s a sequel to a movie that already made the cut. No, 3 Ninjas Kick Back takes everything that was mildly entertaining about the original and kicks it back to the curb.

The plot is nonsensical, the acting is subpar, and the martial arts scenes are about as convincing as a politician’s promise. The film relies heavily on stereotypes and clichés, making it a cringe-worthy viewing experience from start to finish.

But hey, don’t just take my word for it. I want to hear from you, dear readers. Did you have the misfortune of watching 3 Ninjas Kick Back? Do you share my disdain for this film, or am I being too harsh on a childhood classic? Let me know in the comments below, and together, we can commiserate over the 93 minutes of our lives we’ll never get back.