Opening with the rather dubious assertion that 5 out of 6 people will be physically assaulted in their lifetimes (erroneously drawn, one suspects, from the current 83% figure making the journalistic rounds, a statistic which refers to overall crime, not just assault), the Physical Strength Workout and Mental Strength Workout, both featuring World Kickboxing Champion Earnest Hart Jr., are aimed at giving viewers the "mental strength to take control of your life in a violent world," and adds a few good kicks and punches for responding to assault. Mental Strength Workout offers a handful of good safety tips, exhorting viewers to use the buddy system, be aware, and dress conservatively. But there's also a fair amount of confusion here: viewers are told to use appropriate answering techniques for the telephone (but not told what those might be), to wear clothing which sends a message (we see a woman wearing a cap with the word "Karate" on it), and to consider security decals for one's car (we're shown a bumper sticker which reads: "She who dies with the most jewels wins.") While a few pointers for dealing with carjacking situations and ATM money snatchers are worth listening to, the hit and miss quality of the overall presentation doesn't help. Physical Strength Workout, on the other hand is pretty straightforward: Jane Fonda meets Bruce Lee. Hart demonstrates a finger poke to the eyes, or a kick to the groin, and his associate/hostess performs same while grinning and shouting "key-ai." In the finale, everybody gets up and runs through the exercise routine of breaking noses, busting kneecaps, and turning male attackers into instant sopranos. Better choices here are Crimes of Opportunity (VL-11/92) and Scenarios in Self-Defense (VL-9/92). Neither Mental Strength Workout nor Physical Strength Workout are recommended. (R. Pitman)
Mental Strength Workout; Physical Strength Workout
(1993) 23 min. $17.95. VPSI (dist. by Tapeworm Video). PPR. Color cover. Vol. 9, Issue 4
Mental Strength Workout; Physical Strength Workout
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