RED SUN RISING

RED SUN RISING Don ''The Dragon'' Wilson, Terry Farrell (1995, Imperial, R, priced for rental) Despite a likable presence, Eurasian good looks, and a completely intelligible accent, Wilson just can't seem to break through as a mainstream action star. Part of the problem is his knack for choosing vehicles that reflect the worst of direct-to-video sensationalism, like Red Sun Rising, which pairs a Japanese cop (Wilson) with an absurdly racist female L.A. detective (Farrell). Director Francis Megahy tries to add some spark with a mystical ninja assassin, and manages to give the dreary story some personality by casting the very femme Farrell as the reluctant partner. But the film could definitely use more of the humor shown in the closing credits, where titled stunt players like ''James Lew, U.S. National Weapons Champion'' are listed alongside ''Leisa Sheridan, Miss July, Playboy's Playmate of the Month.'' C-

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