“3 Ninjas” is a family action-comedy film released in 1992, directed by Jon Turteltaub. The movie follows the adventures of three young brothers who are skilled in martial arts.
The story revolves around the three brothers: Samuel, Jeffrey, and Michael, nicknamed Rocky, Colt, and Tum-Tum, respectively. They spend their summer vacations with their grandfather, Mori Tanaka (Victor Wong), who is a skilled martial artist and ninja master.
Under their grandfather’s tutelage, the three boys learn various martial arts techniques and become highly skilled ninjas. When the boys’ home is threatened by a criminal gang led by Hugo Snyder (Rand Kingsley), the young ninjas must use their skills to protect their family and fight back against the criminals.
“3 Ninjas” is a lighthearted and action-packed film that combines martial arts with humor and family values. The film’s appeal lies in the camaraderie and adventurous spirit of the three brothers, as they use their ninja skills to outsmart the bad guys.
The young cast, including Max Elliott Slade, Michael Treanor, and Chad Power as Rocky, Colt, and Tum-Tum, respectively, deliver energetic and fun performances, making the film enjoyable for younger audiences.
“3 Ninjas” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, but it was a commercial success and gained a dedicated fanbase, particularly among children and families. The film’s blend of martial arts action, sibling bonding, and comedic elements resonated with audiences, leading to several sequels and a lasting cultural impact.
The success of “3 Ninjas” also inspired a wave of similar family-friendly martial arts films in the 1990s. The film remains a nostalgic touchstone for those who grew up watching the adventures of the three young ninjas, showcasing the enduring appeal of action-packed and family-oriented entertainment.
Fun Facts
- “3 Ninjas” is a 1992 family martial arts comedy film directed by Jon Turteltaub. It follows the adventures of three young brothers who are skilled in martial arts.
- The film was inspired by the popularity of martial arts in the early 1990s, particularly due to the success of martial arts star Jackie Chan.
- The three young actors who played the titular “3 Ninjas” are Max Elliott Slade, Michael Treanor, and Chad Power. They underwent martial arts training for their roles.
- The movie includes a memorable scene in which the three young ninjas thwart a home invasion with their martial arts skills, showcasing their bravery and combat abilities.
- “3 Ninjas” was followed by two sequels, “3 Ninjas Kick Back” (1994) and “3 Ninjas Knuckle Up” (1995), which continued the adventures of the young martial artists.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 1992
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $29 million
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Michael Treanor: Samuel “Rocky” Douglas
- Max Elliott Slade: Jeffrey “Colt” Douglas
- Chad Power: Michael “Tum Tum” Douglas
- Victor Wong: Grandpa Mori Tanaka
- Alan McRae: Sam Douglas
- Margarita Franco: Jessica Douglas
- Rand Kingsley: Hugo Snyder
- Joel Swetow: Mr. Nigel Brown
- Professor Toru Tanaka: Rushmore
- Patrick Labyorteaux: Fester
- Race Nelson: Marcus
- D.J. Harder: Hammer
- Clifton Powell: FBI Agent Jerry Kurl
- Baha Jackson: Bully
- Kate Sargeant: Emily
- Scott Caudill: Bully
Crew
- Director: Jon Turteltaub
- Producers: Martha Chang, Shunji Hirano, James Kang, Jason Ing, Yuriko Matsubara
- Writers: Kenny Kim and Edward Emanuel