Bud McCall (Prior) is a good cop. But he was framed on a drug charge and sent to prison. The only person that believes he's innocent is his hot wife Sharon (Lunde). His cellmate turns out to be none other than Eddy Lee (Wong), a trained Martial Artist. Bud's main goal is to testify against Vincent Ciccetti (Barbi), the man that put him in prison. That would end his nefarious Mafia dealings, as well as clear Bud's good name. To prevent this from happening, Ciccetti sends out crime lord Tony Marino (Zarindast) and his goons to take down Bud. However, Tony and Bud were in 'Nam together and have a history. So who will win out: The gangsters over here, the gangsters over there, or the newest, most heroic crimefighting duo in town: HARDCASE AND FIST? Not to be confused with Hardcastle and McCormick, from the opening shot of Hardcase and Fist, you know you're in for a completely inept treat. The amateurish cinematic stylings of Tony Zarindast must be seen. While he doesn't quite reach the heights of fellow traveler Amir Shervan, Zarindast certainly creates a silly world of his own, probably unintentionally.Ted Prior, in a fairly unusual non-AIP role, has a killer mullet and also sports a beard, which is a change for him. He has strong screen presence as always, but he whispers/mumbles his lines. Add to that the fact that Carter Wong has serious issues with the English language, as does Zarindast, and the sound on this movie is horrible (it sounds like the actors are in a tin can in a bathroom). So from an audio standpoint, Hardcase and Fist leaves a lot to be desired. On the pure stupidity factor, this movie is pretty high up there - for the prison sections of the film, try to imagine a DUMBER Bloodfist 3 (1992). Let's just put it this way: The warden's name is Borden. That's right, Warden Borden. The sight of this man certainly would strike fear into the heart of any new prisoner.As far as Carter Wong is concerned, despite his English deficiencies, he more than makes up for it with a panoply of hilarious faces and gestures, not to mention noises. It seems he can't hit an opponent without belting out a hearty "Bllooooaaeeeeeaahhhh!!!!" As far as his acting ability, he's from the same school as Leo Fong and Don "The Dragon" Wilson in the wooden-monotone sweepstakes. However, it's great company to be in. Plus, there's a pre-Mike Tyson ear bite. So...there's that.The eternal question of who exactly was the boss on "Who's The Boss?" kept viewers debating for years with their own theories, which kept the show going in the hearts and minds of viewers for decades, ensuring its longevity. It truly was a shrewd move for the writers of that show. Truly Tony Zarindast had the same ploy in mind for the power-team of Hardcase and Fist, because it is never actually explained who is Hardcase and who is Fist. Neither of those names are uttered in the movie. So its up for viewer debate: Is Ted Prior Hardcase? Or is he Fist? What about Carter Wong? He makes a good (hard)case for having the title of Fist...or maybe it's a surprise move: TONY ZARINDAST! Or maybe it's Beano as Bruno (don't you dare confuse them). We welcome your theories on why you think who is who.Other highlights include a killer aerobics scene (we're suckers for those) and the great song by Debbie Tucciarone, "I'll Be Coming Back". Also, Fritz Matthews is credited as a stuntman.For a funny, ridiculous good time that only could have been confected in the golden year of 1989, and released by Forum on VHS back in the day, don't hesitate to pick up Hardcase and Fist.

In 1976, while in a drama academy in Los Angeles, I had the misfortune to be chosen by Mr. Zarindast to act in the film (and I use the term loosely) Kill Alex, Kill. Mr. Zarindast is not one to be stopped by minor details, such as substituting me with someone who had no resemblance whatsoever with me or my character(?). I was never given a script o read, not even the page with the scene in which I was about to appear. My character kills "Alex" in the end of the story an drives away. All this substitution took place while I was in South America and was recalled to film additional scenes, after shooting had ended. I could not help Mr. Zarindast finance his own movie when I was never paid one dime, so I declined to come. I had never seen the film until, in 2003, browsing the internet I found a copy of it in a movie warehouse in Conroe, Texas. I am sure that I purchased the only copy of this disaster ever sold. While filming I thought that my acting was terrible ad unworthy of participating in any home production, let alone a real one. After seeing the tape in 2003, I realized that I was not the worst actor... Mr. Zarindast was. That being said, why would I be surprised at any negative comment towards any of his productions/directions/acting/screen-writings/etc.

My cousin rented this movie when he was staying over one night. This movie is a howler. The acting, budget and fight scenes are bad. My father had a hoot making all of us laugh with his witty observations. Come to think of it, this makes a great party movie. Bad acting, sloppy direction and lame chop socky= Great party movie.Recommended for party viewing. Those brave enough to view it alone will truly be dissapointed.CAnother hit or miss, a case of hit or miss... -The Damned

Once again Director/ Producer/ Actor/ Writer/ Editor/ Cinematographer Tony Zarindast has shown us the depths of his movie making skills in this Action Movie Classic. Hardcase and Fist has everything a hardcore action movie fan craves for; Good Guys you cheer for (Bud McCall and Eddy Lee) and Bad Guys you despise (Vincent and his cronies), exotic beauties (Maureen LaVette, Christina Lunde, Debra Lamb), a captivating story written by Tony Zarindast which has so many twists and turns that you'll be at the edge of your seat for the full 90 minutes, non-stop heart pounding ACTION!! Action sequences that never seem to end, and of course a terrific acting performance by Tony Zarindast who co-stars as Bud McCall's Lovable Vietnam War Veteran buddy `Tony Marino' he brings us maybe one of the best acting performances of ALL TIME. I give this movie a 10/10. So if there is one movie you must see make it Hardcase and Fist. Thank you TONY ZARINDAST for making this action movie classic you truly are a movie making LEGEND.