Directed by Benny Tjandra and Doug Tochioka, Syndicate Smasher is a relentless, over-the-top action ride where survival means taking on not one, but four organized crime syndicates: the Mafia, the Yakuza, the Russian Mob, and the Chinese Tongs. The premise is undeniably ambitious, and the movie delivers a steady stream of gunfights, betrayals, and high-stakes escapes.
The film features an eclectic cast including Mel Novak, Laurene Landon, David Prak, Jon Miguel, Olya Lvova, Nic D’Avirro, Arthur Roberts, Joe Estevez, and Hidetoshi Imura. While some performances land better than others, the cast clearly had fun with their roles. Jon Miguel stands out as one of the stronger actors, and Laurene Landon brings a seasoned presence to her role as Detective Carol Driscoll, even if it stretches believability a bit. Mel Novak’s slow-motion antics may feel awkward at times, and certain scenes require noticeable editing to keep him “in action,” but his iconic presence adds a nostalgic flavor for longtime genre fans.
On the flip side, some of the performances don’t quite hit the mark. A few characters, particularly in scenes involving firearms, struggle with realism—watching the transitions from heavy sniper rifles to handguns can be unintentionally funny. Older actors like Arthur Roberts also highlight the physical limitations of the cast in chase sequences, which can feel unintentionally comedic.
However, the film does succeed in providing moderately entertaining B-movie thrills. The CGI-heavy action—muzzle flashes, blood splatter, and explosions—is surprisingly watchable for a film likely made on a tight budget. Some fight choreography is notably solid, and the frequent use of authentic Italian cursing adds flavor to the chaos.
Ultimately, Syndicate Smasher is a wild, somewhat messy ride that feels like a budget-friendly version of The Expendables with even more lunacy-filled action. It’s not high art, and it won’t win over everyone, but if you enjoy cheesy, over-the-top action flicks and can suspend disbelief, it’s worth a watch. I’d give it a generous 4 stars for effort, ambition, and moments of genuinely entertaining chaos. Just don’t go in expecting a masterpiece—it’s all about the fun of the ride.
Jessie Hobson