Gymnastics Meets Carnage: Gymkata (1985)Welcome to this episode of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell pommel horse their way through one of the most wonderfully absurd action films of the 1980s—Gymkata (1985). Starring real-life Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas in his feature film debut (and finale), this Cold War curiosity follows a gymnast-martial artist sent on a CIA mission to win "the game" in the fictional country of Parmistan. The prize? The perfect location for a Star Wars satellite defense system. The obstacles? Rope courses, arrow-wielding guards, and an entire village populated by actual asylum patients armed with pitchforks.The hosts dive into the film's bizarre logic, from the conveniently placed pommel horse in a village alley to the princess who somehow knows martial arts despite never mentioning it. They discuss the film's missed opportunities—why didn't they establish the international competitors better? Why does no one ever say "Gymkata" in the actual movie? And most importantly, why does Jonathan's dad get shot with arrows twice? Both Krissy and Nathan agree that while Gymkata delivers entertaining absurdity, it doesn't quite reach the legendary heights of so-bad-it's-great classics like Miami Connection or Ninja III: The Domination. Still, it's a fun ride through 1980s action cheese.Additional Highlights:
- The film was directed by Robert Clouse, who also directed Enter the Dragon—a sobering career trajectory
- Kurt Thomas performs genuinely impressive gymnastics throughout, even if the premise is ridiculous
- The "game" has confusing rules that even the characters don't seem to understand
- The movie ends with a freeze frame and text explaining the satellite placement rather than showing
- Rating: 6.5 pitchforks out of 10—worth a watch with the right expectations
Final ThoughtsBoth hosts land on a 6.5 rating, agreeing that Gymkata offers solid entertainment without hitting truly bananas territory. It's a honeydew melon of bad movies—pleasant enough but not the fruit you'd choose first. Nathan recommends exploring Neil Breen's filmography, particularly Fateful Findings, for those seeking more ego-driven cinema. Krissy suggests experiencing Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights for a real-life village-of-crazies adventure.Learn More:
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BlueskyAbout the Hosts:Krissy Lenz directs at
Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in downtown Mesa, Arizona. Nathan Blackwell creates films with
Squishy Studios.What's your favorite so-bad-it's-good 80s action movie?
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