Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 11, 2025

1988’s “Iron Angels II” tried to take the series into a more dramatic direction. The writing wanted tragic events and torturous betrayals, struggling to mix the inherent weirdness of the franchise with relationship darkness, aiming to become a more emotional viewing experience. With all of that out of writer/director Teresa Woo’s system, 1989’s “Iron Angels III” is out to retain a fun factor for the brand name, finding action the name of the game here, escalating conflicts and fight scenarios as Woo hopes to make her own James Bond movie with the offering. Storytelling has never been a priority for the producers, and the second sequel is perhaps the loosest installment in terms of plot and stakes, as the helmer submits a half-baked study of international terrorism to propel the mayhem, dealing with the broadness of screen villainy to successfully launch another adventure for the Angel Organization and their tireless fight to stop the spread of evil. “Iron Angels III” is very entertaining, with welcome emphasis on physical activity, but there’s not much more to the viewing experience than basic brawling and superspy feats of heroism.

During an airport arrival, a commissioner from Vietnam is attacked by a terrorist after exiting his plane, quickly handcuffed to a madman with a bomb strapped to his chest and a gold tooth containing cyanide. A disaster occurs, leaving authorities to wonder what happened. The CIA calls in the Angel Organization to investigate, putting Fong (Alex Fong) on the case, joined by Kwai (Ralph Chen), computer expert Mark (Mark Steinborn), and Kharina (Kharina Isa), sending the team to Thailand to better understand the situation. Moon (Moon Lee) embarks on an undercover assignment, taking the identity of powerful assassin Yoko to infiltrate the inner workings of The Blonde (Katy Hickman), a sadistic enforcer in charge of her own army, and she’s loyal to the Commander, a dangerous terrorist. Libyan leader Mummar Gaddafi is interested in disrupting the financial future of Thailand, sponsoring a plan to eliminate local leaders, putting Fong and his squad into play as they try to remain one step ahead of trouble coming for all. Moon is also in over her head, struggling to hide her identity and handle The Blonde’s violent demands.

“Iron Angels III” launches with sudden danger, taking the action to a Thai airport, where a Vietnamese official is quickly taken hostage by a terrorist. He’s got a bomb and a means to end his life, creating a disaster for a county on the verge of becoming a major financial power in the region. It’s a snappy opener for the picture, which quickly launches into spy time with the Angel Organization, who are hired to handle the problem, sending Moon in first to figure things out. The infiltration subplot makes up a significant portion of the sequel, following Moon to a train station, where she portrays a walking disaster of a woman, out to overpower Yoko in a tight train compartment. Woo launches the first of a few Bond tributes, including a recreation of a key fight sequence “From Russia with Love,” adding some amusement for cineastes.

Moon is transferred to a compound run by The Blonde, who is never named in the picture, but maintains a major presence in the writing, presented as a vicious, alligator-stroking general of a disposable army, delighting in opportunities to kill her own men. Moon is forced to prove her fight skills on multiple occasions, and she works in a little spy time too, getting a better sense of the plan and The Blonde’s position in it when she’s receiving an oil massage. Woo teases a sexploitation angle to “Iron Angels III,” including a scene where Moon is forced to change clothes to access the villain’s lair. While there’s no nudity, an extra bit of sauciness is something different for the franchise, perhaps helping to make up for the absence of Elaine, the flirty fighter from the first two “Iron Angels” chapters.

The rest of “Iron Angels III” remains with Fong and the team, who race to follow clues and figure out who will be targeted for death next. Kharina, a warrior from “Iron Angels II,” is pushed to the background for this sequel, replaced by Mark, a nerdy American who knows everything about technology, helping to understand the cyanide tooth threat and Gaddafi’s influence on the terrorism plan, though Woo doesn’t pursue the concept, simply using the name. “Iron Angels III” loads on oddball threats, including a confrontation with a pineapple street vendor hiding grenades in the fruit, and chases are periodic, keeping the hunt for justice rumbling along nicely. There’s even a visit to a kickboxing arena, putting Fong to the test as he finds his way into the ring to take on a vicious opponent. Woo has a better sense of scale this time around, and a more engaging feel for dangerous encounters, helping to create many highlights in the film.

Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Iron Angels III" is listed as "newly restored by VS from existing studio masters." Of the three "Iron Angels" films on this release, this sequel looks the best of the bunch, offering a fresh look at the 1989 endeavor. Colors are alert, exploring rich greenery and primaries, finding life in costuming and signage. Computer areas are vivid with blues and greens, also doing well inside evil lairs, which connect with big golds and reds. Skin tones are natural. Detail is strong, examining fibrous costuming (and its sweatiness) and textured skin particulars, which explore wounds and heavy makeup. Interiors retain depth, visiting a few cavernous mansions, also preserving decorative additions. Exteriors deliver a dimensional look at Thailand locations. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition.

Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese mix is the default choice for "Iron Angels III." There are issues with age and quality, as it carries a more compression-y sound, along with mild but sustained muddiness. Unintelligibility isn't an issue, but clarity isn't always there. English and Mandarin dubs sound better, with a fresher feel for dialogue exchanges, and scoring retains a fuller presence, hitting a few crispier highs. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Frank Djeng.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Iron Angels III Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Iron Angels III" eventually reaches a grand finale involving pandemonium at a medal ceremony, unleashing motorcycle assassins, mass death, and weaponized jetpacks for the heroes. There's even a semi-cruel prank bomb conclusion to send viewers off with a smile. Woo gets nuts with the picture in a manner the previous two features avoided, perhaps on a mission to top what's come before to successfully keep the series interesting. Chaos and kookiness works, much better than the story in the sequel, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense and feels incomplete at times. "Iron Angels III" wins on cinematic energy and stunt work, putting on a big show for viewers who've stuck it out with the Angel Organization and their sometimes messy quest to keep the world safe.