One Down, Two To Go (1982): Cast, Streaming & Movie Facts

Ever find yourself scrolling through endless streaming options, landing on a title that promises action, only to be met with well, something less than stellar? That's the potential experience awaiting viewers of "One Down, Two to Go (1982)," a film that, while boasting a formidable cast and a gritty premise, doesn't always live up to its action-packed billing.

Released on November 19, 1982, "One Down, Two to Go" arrived with a pedigree. Directed by and starring Fred Williamson, alongside fellow blaxploitation icons Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree, and Jim Kelly, the film presented a tantalizing blend of martial arts and crime drama. The narrative sets the stage in Los Angeles, California, where Chuck Wells (Kelly) and Ralph Dart (Roundtree), owners of International Martial Arts, Inc. (IMA), stake everything on their best student in a high-stakes martial arts tournament offering a $400,000 grand prize. However, when the mob jinxes the tournament and injures their buddy, a pair of tough cops presumably Williamson and Brown step in to settle the score. Despite the presence of established stars and a promising premise, reviews have been mixed, with some critics suggesting the film falls short of its potential. It's often described as a B-movie that might appeal to fans of the genre, but not necessarily to a wider audience.

The appeal of "One Down, Two to Go" lies in its nostalgic value and the combined star power of its leads. Williamson, Brown, Roundtree, and Kelly were all significant figures in the blaxploitation era, and their presence together undoubtedly attracted audiences. The film offered a blend of martial arts action and crime drama, tapping into popular genres of the time. While some viewers appreciate the film for its gritty realism and action sequences, others find its plot convoluted and its execution lacking. The overall consensus seems to be that "One Down, Two to Go" is a product of its time, a film that delivers on some fronts but ultimately fails to achieve lasting recognition.

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The world of cinema is littered with films that, for various reasons, don't quite hit the mark. "One Down, Two to Go" seems to occupy that space, a movie that might appeal to a specific audience but doesn't achieve widespread acclaim. The direction, while competent, doesn't elevate the material beyond its B-movie trappings. The pacing can be uneven, and the plot, while promising, sometimes feels disjointed. Despite these shortcomings, the film has its moments, particularly during the action sequences. The fight choreography, while not always polished, is energetic and engaging. The charisma of the lead actors also helps to sustain interest, even when the narrative falters.

The films release coincided with the waning years of the blaxploitation era. While the genre had its heyday in the early to mid-1970s, its influence lingered into the 1980s. "One Down, Two to Go" reflects some of the hallmarks of blaxploitation films, including its focus on Black characters in positions of power, its gritty depiction of urban life, and its use of funk and soul music. However, it also incorporates elements of the martial arts craze that swept the nation in the wake of Bruce Lee's success. This fusion of genres gives the film a unique flavor, but it also contributes to its unevenness. It attempts to cater to multiple audiences, but in doing so, it risks satisfying none completely.

The contributions of Fred Williamson cannot be understated. As director, writer, and star, Williamson played a pivotal role in shaping "One Down, Two to Go." His vision, while perhaps not fully realized, is evident throughout the film. He brought his trademark brand of tough-guy charisma to the lead role, and he infused the film with a sense of urgency and intensity. His direction is functional, prioritizing action and pacing over nuanced character development. The supporting cast, including Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree, and Jim Kelly, add their own unique talents to the mix. Brown brings his imposing physicality, Roundtree his suave demeanor, and Kelly his martial arts skills. The combination of these four actors creates a dynamic ensemble that elevates the film beyond its limitations.

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The film's plot revolves around the exploitation of martial arts for financial gain, a theme that resonates even today. The high-stakes tournament serves as a backdrop for a larger story about greed, corruption, and betrayal. The mob's involvement adds an element of danger and intrigue, raising the stakes for the protagonists. The injury to their friend serves as a catalyst for their revenge, driving them to take action against the perpetrators. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the importance of standing up for what is right. While these themes are not always presented with subtlety, they provide a moral compass for the narrative.

The cinematography in "One Down, Two to Go" is functional, prioritizing clarity and visibility over artistic flair. The camera work is straightforward, focusing on capturing the action and the characters' expressions. The lighting is adequate, providing sufficient illumination for the scenes. The editing is generally competent, although some sequences feel rushed or disjointed. The overall visual presentation is consistent with the film's B-movie aesthetic. It doesn't attempt to be visually stunning, but it effectively conveys the story and the characters' emotions.

The sound design in "One Down, Two to Go" is unremarkable, serving primarily to support the action and the dialogue. The music, while incorporating elements of funk and soul, is not particularly memorable. The sound effects are adequate, providing the necessary impact for the fight scenes and other action sequences. The overall audio presentation is consistent with the film's low-budget nature. It doesn't detract from the viewing experience, but it also doesn't enhance it significantly.

The screenplay for "One Down, Two to Go" is credited to Fred Williamson, who also directed and starred in the film. The dialogue is often terse and to the point, reflecting the characters' tough-guy personas. The plot, while promising, sometimes feels convoluted and underdeveloped. The character development is minimal, with the focus primarily on action and plot progression. The overall writing quality is consistent with the film's B-movie aesthetic. It doesn't attempt to be sophisticated or nuanced, but it effectively conveys the story and the characters' motivations.

One aspect that often gets overlooked is the film's depiction of urban life in the 1980s. The film offers a glimpse into the streets of Los Angeles, showcasing its diversity and its challenges. The film's portrayal of Black communities, while not always flattering, provides a context for the characters' actions and motivations. The film also touches on issues of poverty, crime, and police brutality, albeit in a superficial manner. While these issues are not explored in depth, their presence adds a layer of realism to the narrative.

The lasting legacy of "One Down, Two to Go" is debatable. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it remains a significant entry in the blaxploitation canon. The film's appeal lies in its nostalgia value, its cast of iconic actors, and its blend of action and crime drama. It may not be a film that everyone will enjoy, but it continues to attract a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its gritty realism and its throwback charm. Whether it's considered a "great" movie is subjective, but it certainly holds a unique place in film history.

The 10th episode of season 5 of "Married... with Children" shares the same title, "One Down, Two to Go," but bears no thematic or narrative connection to the 1982 film. Directed by Gerry Cohen and written by Ralph R. Farquhar, this episode, which originally aired on Fox on November 25, 1990, features Bud Bundy in a state of depression while watching "Dateless Dude Late Night Theater." This further underscores the title's capacity to evoke different contexts and stories, highlighting its general applicability beyond a specific cinematic work.

Ultimately, "One Down, Two to Go (1982)" is a film best approached with tempered expectations. It's a product of its time, reflecting both the strengths and weaknesses of the blaxploitation genre. While it may not be a critical darling, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era of filmmaking and provides a platform for its talented cast to shine. Whether you're a fan of Fred Williamson, Jim Brown, Richard Roundtree, or Jim Kelly, or simply curious about blaxploitation films, "One Down, Two to Go" might be worth a watch. Just don't expect a cinematic masterpiece.

The question of where to watch "One Down, Two to Go" for free is a common one in the age of streaming. Fortunately, options exist. In Canada, viewers can stream it online on Plex. Elsewhere, it's available with ads on platforms like Pluto TV and Shout! Factory. For those willing to pay, it can be rented or purchased on Flixfling. These various avenues of access ensure that the film remains available to those interested in exploring its unique blend of action and crime drama.

The movie's cast is crucial to understanding its appeal. Fred Williamson's multifaceted role as director, writer, and actor is central to the film's identity. Jim Brown's imposing presence lends weight to the action sequences. Richard Roundtree's cool demeanor provides a counterpoint to the film's grittier elements. And Jim Kelly's martial arts skills add a dynamic visual dimension. Together, these actors create a memorable ensemble that transcends the film's limitations.

The details surrounding the episode of "Married... with Children" titled "One Down, Two to Go" offer a stark contrast to the film of the same name. The episode, far from being an action-packed crime drama, revolves around the domestic life of the Bundy family. The episode's setting, tone, and characters are completely different from those of the film. The only common thread is the title itself, which serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which language can be used to convey meaning.

For those interested in learning more about "One Down, Two to Go," numerous online resources are available. Movie databases like IMDb and Moviefone provide detailed information about the film's cast, crew, plot, and reviews. Streaming platforms like TV Guide offer trailers and streaming options. And fan forums and blogs provide a space for viewers to share their thoughts and opinions about the film. These resources can help viewers make an informed decision about whether or not to watch "One Down, Two to Go."

In conclusion, "One Down, Two to Go (1982)" is a film that defies easy categorization. It's a blaxploitation action drama with a B-movie aesthetic and a cast of iconic actors. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of filmmaking and provides a platform for its talented cast to shine. Whether you consider it a "great" movie is a matter of personal preference, but it certainly holds a significant place in film history.