11th Jan2013

Tai Chi Zero Review

by kmiller

Tai Chi 0 Poster 4

Background Info

Director Stephen Fung took a bold step in the creation of Tai Chi 0. The film melded the Tai Chi style with a steampunk atmosphere, creating something very different and unique. He hired Sammo Hung to direct the action while casting newcomer Yuan Xiaochao in the lead role. With supporting cast members like Angelababy and Tony Leung Ka Fai, would the film be able to impress audiences while satisfying those craving a good fight?

Tai Chi 0 trailer

 

Story/Characters

Right from the start, I need to address the visual style of Tai Chi 0. It’s a very polarizing style that some will enjoy while other’s won’t. Regardless of how the story and characters are, your enjoyment will be based off of how you accept the effects. The plot itself is very basic, and it’s apparent that the sequel was filmed right after. If you’ve ever watched a martial arts film, there are no twists at all in the story, which is disappointing. (Also, is everyone in Chen Village related? Cause there is no way there are that many members in anyone’s family.) The other main issue with the story is that it can’t find the right tone. One moment it’s slapstick funny while the next it’s awkwardly intense and dramatic. It’s not necessarily the story of the movie, but how it’s handled.

Tai Chi Zero 2

The characters don’t suffer as much from the effects as the story does. Each character has a foundation for why they are in the film and justifications as to why they act a certain way. I liked how the background was given for the good guys as well as the bad guys, but I wished that more happened during the film. It feels as if a lot of character development was cut short in order to meet the runtime, which was set in order to make the film a trilogy.

 

Action/Choreography

Tai Chi Zero 1

The visual style is very prominent in Tai Chi 0, and it affects the fights as well. Some effects add more depth to the fights (like the illustrations of foot placement and lock positions) while others seem a bit odd (like health bars and combo counters.) The end fight was a bit of a letdown, but that’s because it’s not the real conclusion. Most of the fights are short sparring sessions that are quick and flashy, but that’s about it. Personally, I didn’t enjoy the fights as much because there wasn’t anything meaningful in the action and the effects detracted me from the film.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Tai Chi Zero 3

Ever since I saw the trailer for Tai Chi 0, I was looking forward to seeing it. After watching it, I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. The movie is most often compared to Scott Pilgrim, and rightly so. However, Scott Pilgrim used the effects to add more depth to the story as well as the action, pulling the viewer in. Tai Chi’s effects end up being more of a distraction than an enhancement, often making the viewer sit back and go “what?” One good example is the fact that when new characters are announced, the description tells you who the actor is and what they have been in. It was really surprising and made me wonder why that choice was made.

For the select few that Tai Chi 0 appeals to, it offers something that cannot be replicated. Sadly, the sparratic story, short-lived fights, and distracting visuals make it hard to recommend to everyone. Give this one a try and see how it fits your tastes.

 

Try it

Tai Chi 0 DVD (HK Version)

Tai Chi 0 Blu-Ray (HK Version)

Tai Chi Zero DVD (US Version)

Tai Chi Zero Blu-ray (US Version)

 

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04th Jan2013

Rurouni Kenshin Review

by kmiller

Rurouni Kenshin Poster

 

Background Info

Rurouni Kenshin was a manga that was created back in 1994. It eventually became an anime series as well, with the final chapter written in 1999. In 2012, director Keishi Ohtomo set out to create his first feature film using the manga as source material. With his experience as a TV drama director, Ohtomo cast drama actors for the lead characters. For the action, Kenji Saito (a member of Donnie Yen’s stunt team) was hired.  Would everyone be able to play their roles accurately and please both longtime fans as well as first-time viewers?

Rurouni Kenshin Trailer

 

Story/Characters

For those that have read the manga or watched the anime, the plot of this film revolved around Kanryuu. It follows the basic arc well enough, but changes some things around as well. People who have no idea who anyone is will have no problem understanding the story and who is involved because it’s not too layered, and everyone is in costume. The plot fits the story well, giving just enough information to create an intriguing story without being too overbearing or preachy.

Kenshin 1

The characters are just as colorful and unique as they were in the anime. One of the best things, however, is the fact that nothing is over the top. They all feel like real people and they don’t just fall into the typical “anime” pitfalls. Each character is played well, and I quickly to used to seeing Takeru Sato as Kenshin. Everyone fits their roles well, and I didn’t feel like there was a single miscast person. You’ll know more about each character if you have read the comics or seen the anime, but the movie provides enough for you to associate with the characters and learn about them.

 

Action/Choreography

Kenshin 2

Thankfully, the fights in Rurouni Kenshin are just as satisfying. They are a hybrid blend of speed and choreography, pulling off a hyper-anime effect unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m not quite sure how they got the speed so fast, but it fits this style very well. Kenshin is supposed to move faster than humanly possible, but in a believable manner. Some may not like how the action progresses because of this, but fans of the anime will be pleased. Saito did an amazing job making each fight feel different and true to character. Fights are plentiful and interesting, each with their own highlights and unique choreography. I thought that they were put together very well, but I can see why some many not like them, either.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Kenshin 3

Your personal enjoyment of Rurouni Kenshin will be based off of what you already know. Fans of the anime will most likely love this film and watch it time and time again; it’s how anime adaptations should be. Others will still be able to enjoy the film for what it is, though some parts may be overbearing at times. At its core, Rurouni Kenshin is a film about a man who is haunted by his past, and that’s what makes it click together. With unique action and a relatable story, Rurouni Kenshin is movie that nobody should miss.

 

Own it

Rurouni Kenshin DVD Normal Edition (JP Version)

Rurouni Kenshin Blu Ray Normal Edition (JP Version)

Rurouni Kenshin DVD Special Edition (JP Version)

Rurouni Kenshin Blu Ray Special Edition (JP Version)

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5 Comm
28th Dec2012

Kill ‘Em All Review

by kmiller

Kill Em All poster

 

Background Info

Bangkok Adrenaline director Raimund Huber is at it again with Kill ‘Em All. The film brings together a lot of talent (both young and old) in an attempt to create a non-stop action film. Would Kill ‘Em All have what it took to bring in viewers and create a truly unique martial arts film?

Kill ‘em All Trailer

 

Story/Characters

Kill em all 3

Typically, I try to separate these two categories, but that’s really not necessary this time. The characters are basically as flat as you’d expect. You have an assassin who seems to trust everyone, one who trusts no one, and others that just fill in “character traits.” The plot is mostly basic, though there are a few curveballs thrown in here and there. Sadly, the plotholes make any good story arc just fall through. Gordon Liu plays the man behind the evil voice, but he never really seems that sinister to me. In the end, both the characters and story seem lacking, even for an action film.

 

Action/Choreography

Kill Em All 1

As you’d expect Kill ‘Em All is about killing, and there is a fair amount of it. Unfortunately, most of the fighters are older or not as skilled, and the choreography suffers for it. Most actions are slow and simple, but there is one exception. Tim Man handled his segments very well, and I’m guessing there is a reason why there are more than a few times when he’s fending off enemies by himself. Gordon Liu does well for his age, and most will be more than happy to see him exchanging blows.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Kill Em All 4

Kill ‘Em All is as simple as it is short, providing a decent distraction for those in need of a fight. Tim Man shines as the main fighter, but he isn’t given enough to work with opponent-wise. If you are a hardcore action fan, you may find some enjoyment from this film. Most people should just pass this one by and wait for something better to come along.

 

Try it

Kill Em All DVD (US Version)

Kill ‘Em All Blu-ray (US Version)

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2 Comm
21st Dec2012

The Iceman Cometh Review

by kmiller

Background Info

Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah face off in this time-travelling martial arts film. The movie, directed by Clarence Fok, featured a number of staples for films of the era. Maggie Cheung played the female lead while smaller cameos were offered by Wong Jing and Cory Yuen. Would Yuen Biao be able to prove his talents after Dragons Forever, or should the Iceman have been left alone?

iceman cometh Poster

(Can’t find a trailer for this one and I don’t want to ruin the fights. Sorry guys.)

 

Story/Characters

The story to the Iceman Cometh is simple enough, at least for a film. There have been plenty of “fish out of water” stories that involve time travel,  and it’s exactly what you’d expect. The main plot is easy to follow and helps frame the events that come, but a lot of the smaller details are left unexplained. How Yuen Wah’s character can drive vehicles and fire guns, for example, are just assumed as plausible.

Iceman 3

The biggest issue I had with this film was with the characters; they are too inconsistent. One moment Yuen Wah is killing people and raping women, and the next he’s sparing someone’s life. The same is true for Yuen Biao and Maggie Cheung; their actions often negate what they have done previously, and it make it hard to relate to them. It really feels like the relationship between Biao and Cheung was forced, and don’t even get me started on that ending…

 

Action/Choreography

Iceman 2

As many people know, this is Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah in their prime. The fight between the two is fast and intricate, even though other battles are sparse. Other than the initial fight and the final fight, there isn’t too much to anticipate. I did enjoy the fight that took place on a Jeep that’s suspended in the air, but they story could have had several “misunderstanding” fights with Biao’s character. In the end, the action doesn’t disappoint, you just have to wait for it.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Iceman 1

The Iceman Cometh is a movie that you will enjoy as long as you don’t think about it. The characters are hard to relate to, but the action is solid and what you would expect. While the long runtime will be hard for those looking for fights that are sprinkled throughout the film, those that wait will be rewarded with a satisfying final confrontation. While the Iceman won’t impress everyone, it’s a great way to pass the time and remember how movies used to be back in the 80′s.

 

Watch it

Iceman Cometh DVD (HK Version)

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14th Dec2012

Ninja Review

by kmiller

ninja-poster

 

Background Info

Right as Ninja Assassin was coming out in theaters, another film under a similar name was in the works. Titled “Ninja” and directed by Isaac Florentine, the film was shot after Undisputed II and paired the director with Scott Adkins once again. With a different role for Adkins to play, as well as a more story-focused film, there were a lot of hurdles that had to be cleared. Would Florentine and Adkins prove that they were more than just a one-trick pony?

Ninja Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story in Ninja is as basic as you’d imagine. There is a special ninja clan of that is trying to protect the sacred yoroibitsu from getting into the wrong hands. Beyond that, there is a small subplot with business corruption and a cult, but it never feels like it’s fleshed out enough. There are a few choices the characters make that don’t make any logical sense, either. Given the runtime, the lack of plot seems to be more permittable, but I wished that the story had more twists and turns in it.

Ninja 1

The characters fall pretty flat, as well. Adkins does okay playing an adopted white guy in an Asian clan, but there isn’t anything standout about his performance. Boyka, this is not. Surprisingly, the character that seems to stand out the most is Masazuka. With a twisted personality and smooth demeanor, Tsuyoshi Ihara plays the well perfectly. Other than that, there are very few characters that even have any quality traits.

 

Action/Choreography

Ninja 2

Even though the story was weak, Ninja has quite a few good fights to help you forget that. These fights may not be the best in the industry, but they are creative and frequent enough to entertain you while you sit back and watch. I wanted to see the character of Namiko fight more, but she wasn’t the star of the film either. The only real gripe I had was with the CG blood since it is overused and it’s really apparent. I did feel the “night vision” was kind of cheating, but I guess it made things interesting. Other than that, some of the fights are pretty creative and Adkins shows off his kicking skills pretty well. While none of the fights surpass Undisputed II, they are done well enough to please any hardcore action fan.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Ninja 3

Ninja isn’t a bad film by any means. It accomplishes everything it sets out to do, and it does it in a manner that you’d expect. This isn’t a big-budget film, but care and attention were taken where it matters the most: the fights. If you want a good movie that might have flown under your radar, I recommend that you give Ninja a watch.

 

Watch it

Ninja Blu-ray (US Version)

Ninja DVD (US Version)

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1 Comm
07th Dec2012

Wu Dang Review

by kmiller

 

Background Info

After all of the media attention that came from the fallout of the Special Identity, Vincent Zhao buckled down and started working on his next film. Wu Dang was a film that focused on hand-to hand combat while also implementing a treasure hunting backstory. It also featured Fan Siu-wong, Mini Yang, Jiao Hu, and To Yu-Huang, ensuring that there would be a considerable amount of starpower behind the film. Would the unique story and strong cast keep Wu Dan from being just another basic action film?

Wu Dang Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story behind Wu Dang is simple, yet complicated at the same time. Let me explain. The overarching story has to do with a man that is on the search for seven magical treasures that are hidden on Wu Dang Mountain. During this time, a tournament is also being held for fighters around the world, which his daughter is participating in. Mix in a couple “love story” elements, and you can quickly see how this movie tackles too much at once. Things work all right for the film initially, but the ending comes way out of left field and felt forced and absurd at the same time. In the end, I think the film tried to tackle more than it should have.


Characters in Wu Dang don’t fare as badly, especially since there aren’t very many of them to keep track of. Each of the characters has a genuine purpose and it help add realism to the story, even when things get crazy. Everyone has a reason for why they are on the mountain, and it works well. While the story ruined a few tender moments, the characters were relatable enough to have you care about them regardless.

 

Action/Choreography

Corey Yuen handled the fights in Wu Dang, and they are very different from another film that he recently did with monks in them. Wu Dang has its ups and downs when it comes to the action. There are some “aha” moments sprinkled in, and the overall choreography isn’t really bad. My only real gripe (besides the end fight) is that the action is a bit too floaty for me. Now, some people like fight sequences that are graceful and whatnot, but I felt it was overused and needed to be toned down a bit. Overall, the action is passable and not bad, but the style may be offputting to some.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Your enjoyment of Wu Dang will be linked to your personal tastes. It feels weird to say this, but the film is almost like a “kid version” of an action film. With weird villains and all too convenient ending events, that’s what it feels like to me. The action is decent and really will be enjoyable for some, but not others. I never regretted watching Wu Dang, and I would recommend it to anyone that in interested. For most, I’d say give this a watch if you some something fun to pass the time.

 

Try it

 

Wu Dang DVD (US Version)

Wu Dang Blu-ray (US Version)

Wu Dang DVD (HK Version)

Wu Dang Blu Ray (HK Version)

 

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30th Nov2012

Ip Man 2 review

by kmiller

Background Info

Donnie Yen and Wilson Yip team up for the fifth time in Ip Man 2, the sequel to the tremendously successful biographical story of Bruce Lee’s master. The second film promised more of everything, including having Sammo Hung fight as a master instead of just choreographing the film. The story of the film faced a setback when the persona of Bruce Lee was denied for the film, creating a difficult position for writers. This didn’t keep them from making a screenplay, adding bigger fights are more depth to Ip’s character. All of the main characters return for a second round, but is this just one film that should have been left alone?

Ip Man 2 Trailer

 

Story/Characters

Following the story of Ip Man, Ip Man 2 tries to follow what happens in Ip’s life after he moves to Hong Kong. One of the biggest things that I cannot overlook, however, is the story to the film. At a glance, it’s decent, until you compare it with the original film. Almost every aspect of the film is simply recycled and reused. From the evil foreign power oppressing the people to the crooked interpreter, everything was done before…in the previous film. Without rambling for too long, I hated the fact that they simply alluded to what happened to Simon Yam and left it at that. It was really jarring and I couldn’t accept what they wanted to be common knowledge at that time. Basically, the story isn’t bad if you haven’t seen the original film, but it’s also very cookie-cutter.

The characters themselves fare a little better. Yes, the foreigners are still jerks, but everyone else sees some form of growth and development. Ip is still the humble master who doesn’t flaunt his skill, and he typically gets into a bind because of someone he takes care of. Since most of the characters are from the previous film, you’ll get a little more insight as to what they are doing since the events in the first one have passed. The newer characters clearly get the short end of the stick, and it’s really a shame. It would have been great to know that Twister had some internal turmoil as a fighter instead of just being a racist loudmouth all of the time.

 

Action/Choreography

For me, this is what really makes Ip Man 2 stand out. The fights, while basic in setting, are really amazing. I liked the fight at the fish market as well as the classic masters getting their hands dirty for a bout. The only main complaint I have is the use of wirework. The original didn’t have that much, yet this one seems to rely on it more. The final fight was much better than the first, and I think that’s what really sets it apart for me. Of course, that’s if you overlook the obvious adjustment to rules that make no sense in the finale except to raise tension. No matter who you are, you’ll like at least one of the fights (if not all) in Ip Man 2.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Okay, this is probably going to be one of the hardest reviews for me. Ignoring the fact that this film is like one of the Rocky movies (because I haven’t seen any of them) and the rushed story, I still find myself liking this movie over the original just a bit. The first movie knocked it out of the park for the most part, but the final fight was really disappointing for me. The sequel is pretty much the exact same film with a better final fight, and I think that’s what makes me like it more. Yes, if the first one didn’t exist, I’d recommend this to everyone I crossed paths with, but the original is a better starting film. Personally, this film inches out the original just a bit. Professionally, it’s definitely worth a watch because it’s still a good film with awesome fights.

 

 Watch it

Ip Man 2 Two-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray (US Version)

Ip Man 2 Collector’s Edition DVD (US Version)

Ip Man 2 DVD 2-disc edition (HK Version)

Ip Man 2 Blu-Ray (HK Version)

 

Category : Movie Reviews
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23rd Nov2012

The Protector Review

by kmiller

 

Background Info

After Tony Jaa’s debut film, Ong Bak, stunned everyone around the world, it was time for him to release a follow-up. Tony’s next film was bigger in every respect. Bigger fights, more locations, harder stunts, and a larger number of foes were all added to Tom Yum Goong. Jaa paired up with director Prachya Pinkaew and choreographer Panna Rittikrai to ensure the action never slowed down. Two years was spent on the creation of the film, and Tony even created a new style of Muay Thai just for the film. Would Tom Yum Goong prove that Jaa had what it took to be a staple in the martial arts genre, or was he just a one-trick-pony?

The Protector Trailer

 

Story/Characters

One of the weakest aspects of Ong Bak was the story, and Tom Yum Goong didn’t get the same level of focus and attention as other aspects of the film. The story follows another stolen Thai cultural centerpiece (this time an elephant) that Jaa must retrieve. There are no real plot twists, and the story is really only there to change locations for fight scenes. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, per se, but it is the most lacking part of the film.

The characters don’t fare much better, as many of them are only present for a fleeting moment. Most of the people that Tony encounters are opponents, meaning they aren’t really there to push the story forward. The main villain seems to just be bad for no reason, and it would have been more interesting to see a deeper reasoning as to why she was doing what she did. Petchai Wongkamalao is there for a few laughs, but nothing is truly standout. In the end, the good characters are good and the bad ones are bad; that’s all there is to it.

 

Action/Choreography

Just like Ong Bak, the action is easily the highlight of Tom Yum Goong. The fights are fast, frequent, and frantic. While the stunts are not as jaw-dropping as they were in Ong Bak, there are still enough to satisfy even the most hardened viewer. The only real “complaint” would be that things get a little out of hand near the end (how many thugs would seriously follow one another after there is a pile of their friends lying on the floor?) All things said, the fight between Nathan Jones and Tony Jaa, as well as the one-shot fight sequence, more than makes up for these small shortcomings.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Looking back at this film, I don’t think that Tom Yum Goong had the same impact that Ong Bak did with people. Granted, that film was the first time a lot of people heard of Jaa, so expectations were higher. That being said, the fights are still very fun to watch and will entertain almost everyone. Tony did the right thing by making everything bigger and better, showing the world that he could make magic happen once again onscreen. Even though the story takes a backseat, it gives Jaa the opportunity to do what he does best: fight people and look good doing it. With so many great sequences and memorable locations, it’s easy for me to recommend this movie for any true fan.

 

Own it

Tom Yum Goong Blu-Ray (HK Version)

Warrior King DVD (UK Version)

The Protector Blu-ray (US Version)

The Protector DVD (US Collector’s Edition)

 

Just for fun: I gotta share this “amazing” Japanese trailer for the film. Just…wow.

Tom Yum Goong Japanese Trailer

 

Category : Movie Reviews
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16th Nov2012

Wheels on Meals Review

by kmiller

 

Background Info

This film marked the second collaboration between Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao, and the stakes were much higher. It was Jackie’s first film he shot in Europe, and two American fighters were added to the cast. Keith Vitali and Benny “the Jet” Urquidez played villains in the film, giving it a more international feel. The producers were so worried that the film would flop that they changed the title of the film from “Meals on Wheels” to “Wheels on Meals” because several Golden Harvest movies that began with the letter “M” became flopped. Would the boys be able to prove their skills as a set?

Wheels on Meals Trailer

 

Story/Characters

For its time, Wheels on Meals had a pretty decent story. It followed two traveling food-truck workers and their interaction with a beautiful pickpocket. Sammo played a private eye that was hired to find the same girl, and everyone eventually crosses paths. While it wasn’t groundbreaking in any way, the story set up a lot of great action sequences as well as comedy bits, both of which worked out very well. This is a great example of a story moving the action along, but not getting in the way of anything.

Still one of my favorite scenes

One of my favorite things about this movie in particular is the characters. Each of them has their own personality, and they all play off of each other very well. I liked the chemistry between everyone, and it seemed like everyone had a good time filming. Even minor characters, like people who are at the asylum, get their chance to shine and get a few laughs. I feel like the villains got the short end of the stick (like always) but everyone else had a fun character to work with.

 

Action/Choreography

To this day, Wheels on Meals has some of the most impressive action sequences I’ve seen. From the opening training sequence to the final exchange between Benny and Jackie, everything is simply flawless. The flow for the fights is very well done, and there are more than a few times where you’ll question how a person can move in such a manner. If you haven’t seen these fights, you are missing out. If you have seen them, thinking about them again may make you want to revisit them once again.

 

Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?

Wheels on Meals fires on all cylinders and offers something that few movies can. It has a good story, great sense of humor, and amazing fights. Even if you are not very big into action films, there will be something for you to see here. I strongly believe that every martial arts fan should own this movie, because it will be one they show off and watch time and time again.

 

Own it

Wheels on Meals DVD (US Version)

Category : Movie Reviews
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3 Comm
15th Nov2012

Donnie Yen Refuses to Reveal Co-star

by kmiller

Donnie Yen’s next film, the Iceman Cometh is about to start production at the end of the month. There are a lot of expectations for the film, and some are curious who will be on the screen with Yen. However, Donnie has remained tight-lipped about his new co-star, only giving us this small hint:

“She is a very famous Mainland actress, with long hair and long face. Everyone is very familiar with her. She has even made a Hong Kong film that made 60 million at the box office.”

So, speculation time! Who do you think it will be? Will it be a new or familiar face? I don’t really know any actress that doesn’t have long hair, so it’s not much to go off of.

Feel free to express who you would want to see, and we’ll see who comes the closest when the co-star is revealed!

Source: HK Top Ten

Category : Movie Reviews
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