In Wheels on Meals (1984), Benny Urquidez, a kickboxing champion with a 49–1–1 record, 35 knockouts and 9 black belts, initially struggled to “pull” his punches for film and accidentally clipped Jackie Chan with several hard strikes. Chan hit back with real force, briefly turning the scene into sparring session that director Sammo Hung kept in the final cut.
The Warriors (1979)
Based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel (itself inspired by the ancient Greek Anabasis), the film was originally envisioned as a western before being adapted into a gritty urban odyssey. It was shot on location across New York City during a period of real-life urban decay, which provided an authentic, "nightmarish" backdrop for its fictional gangs.
Despite being produced on a modest budget of roughly $4 million, it grossed over $22.5 million worldwide. It opened strong with a $3.5 million weekend, proving highly popular with young, working-class audiences.
Success was marred by reports of real-life gang violence and vandalism at screenings. This led Paramount Pictures to temporarily halt advertising and release theater owners from their contracts to show the film.
The film’s longevity was solidified by its 1980 VHS release, which allowed it to find a massive audience through word-of-mouth and midnight screenings.
It has since seen numerous re-releases, including the 2005 "Ultimate Director's Cut" (which added comic book-style transitions) and high-definition versions on Blu-ray and 4K.
It is celebrated for its vivid visual language—specifically the theatrical, themed gang costumes like the Baseball Furies—and iconic dialogue such as "Warriors, come out to play-i-ay!"
Val Kilmer was once asked how was it working on Heat.
He said, “Well, imagine being able to say ‘Al and Bob’ for the rest of your life.“
“I’ve seen Bob giggling like schoolgirl, I’ve been hugged by Al like older brother”
“Not many people can do that.”
Val Kilmer was difficult to work with?” question that was asked on a convention panel, Michael Biehn replied, "I don't know."
Then, after a brief pause, he added.
"I never met Val Kilmer while filming Tombstone.
I only met Doc Holliday."