Hands (2026) Review: Old-School Fists In A Modern Wrapper

This Hands review starts with a simple question: can a throwback martial arts film still land a punch in 2026? Directed by Justin Kuhn, Hands is a 90-minute action movie about underground fighters, and it wears its late-80s influences openly. It is a modest film with a clear goal, and the results are mixed.

Hands Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Hands plot is easy to explain. In a world of elite underground fighters, a couple tries to prove they are the best. Standing in their way are a greedy rival and a merciless hired gun.

As the stakes rise, the pair must decide what matters more: winning or vengeance. That question drives the first act and gives the film its emotional spine. The setup will feel familiar to anyone who grew up on tournament movies, and the film makes no effort to hide that.

The script comes from Jim Burleson, Brett Dismuke and Justin Kuhn. It keeps things lean, moving quickly from introductions to the first confrontations.

What Works in Hands

The film's best idea is its focus on women fighters. One viewer on Plex said they appreciated that emphasis, even while calling the choreography only adequate. In a genre that still sidelines female leads, that choice gives Hands a little identity of its own.

The short runtime also helps. At around 90 minutes, the movie does not overstay its welcome, and the pacing rarely drags between fights.

A few other strengths stand out:

• A clear, easy-to-follow premise with a vengeance-versus-victory conflict

• A cast that includes familiar action names

• A no-frills approach that suits fans of the genre

If you want more fight-driven stories, browse our action movie reviews for similar picks.

Hands Cast and Performances

The Hands cast is led by Ashley A. Williams as Naomi and Tanjareen Martin as Mindy. They carry the emotional and physical weight of the story, and their commitment keeps the film watchable when the writing turns thin.

Genre fans will spot some recognizable faces in support. Donald Gibb plays Bas, James M. Black plays Carter, and Billy Banks appears as Thomas Westbrook. Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson plays Killgore, the kind of imposing presence this style of movie thrives on.

The performances fit the tone: direct, physical and not especially subtle. That works for the genre, though it leaves little room for deeper character work.

Where Hands Stumbles

The biggest problem is originality. One reviewer called the film basically Enter the Dragon modernized and stripped of its mystique, and another described it as a generic martial arts movie straight out of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those comments point to a story that borrows heavily and adds little.

The fight choreography is also a sticking point. Praise for the film's women-led focus comes with the caveat that the action itself is only adequate. For a movie built around fighting, that is a real limitation.

Reception has been rough. IMDb scores appear as low as 4.3 and as high as 5.5 depending on the snapshot, and one Letterboxd reviewer dismissed it as trash. Audience data is thin, so treat all of these numbers with caution.

If you prefer fights with a stronger hook, our review of Lion Fist covers another 2026 martial arts story.

Is Hands Worth Watching?

Only if you are a die-hard fan of retro martial arts movies. Hands is a low-key, familiar and uneven film, and it will not win over viewers who want fresh ideas or polished choreography.

The Hands release date was January 8, 2026, and the film is available to rent or buy on platforms like Prime Video, according to listings. If you are curious, the IMDb page is a good place to check current user scores before you commit.

For a casual evening with low expectations, it does the job. For anything more demanding, there are stronger options in the genre, such as Beast Race.

Who Will Enjoy Hands

• Fans of 80s and 90s tournament-style martial arts movies

• Viewers who want to see women at the center of an underground fighting story

• Anyone after a short, simple action movie with no homework attached