09th Nov2012

Flash Point Review

by kmiller

 

 

Background Info

After the success of SPL and Dragon Tiger Gate, Donnie Yen and Wilson Yip teamed up for a third time in Flash Point. Originally written to be a sequel to SPL, Flash Point quickly became its own beast with several new components. The main focus was on MMA action, something that Donnie has wanted to integrate for a very long time. Collin Chou served as the main villain in the film, and both he and Donnie stated that the final fight was the most demanding in their careers. Did their hard work pay off, or was it all for nothing?

Flash Point Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story to Flash Point is probably the weakest part of the film. It’s very by-the-books, which is a shame. You’ll be able to see every plot twist coming from a mile away, and there isn’t any real depth with any of the characters. There is very little when it even comes to backstory, and it’s obvious that the main focus is on the action and how to get from one fight to another. While the story isn’t bad, per se, it’s just so overdone that it’s nothing engaging or interesting.

Donnie Yen and Louis Koo have a nice chemistry together, but it’s only good for a few laughs. The other characters are just as one-sided, with Collin Chou’s character showing a little more of a softer side partway through the film. Sadly, this doesn’t really add any depth to the movie and feels a little tacked on. It would have been better if the story and characters were fleshed out, but they serve their purpose well enough.

 

Action/Choreography

I know I can say this about practically any action movie, but it really rings true with Flash Point: the fights more than make up for the lack of story. The only negative aspect I can think of is that I wanted more fights earlier on. That being said, the pacing really picks up once the ball gets rolling. The end fight is one of the best I’ve seen, and the incorporation of MMA really sets it apart from the rest. If you like martial arts films or MMA in general, you need to watch these fights.

 

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

Flashpoint is a film that accomplishes so much in one aspect, yet is lacking in another. The story and characters are basic, yet the great fight sequences justify the creation of the film. People who enjoy a good fight will love this movie while those that want a deep, intriguing story will be left wanting more. But let’s be honest, we all watch these movies for the action. In that respect, it’s a must-have.

Own it

Flash Point Blu-ray/DVD Combo (US Version)

Flash Point DVD (HK Version)

Flash Point Blu-Ray (HK Version)

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02nd Nov2012

Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning Review

by kmiller

 

Before I even get started with anything, I just want to state that I have not seen any of the other Universal Soldier films. Because of this, there are bound to be some aspects I don’t understand or pick up on, so please read this review from the perspective of a new viewer who wanted to see a movie with Adkins and Van Damme and doesn’t know the plot to the films.

 

Background Info

Jean Claude Van-Damme starred in the first Universal Soldier back in 1992. It was regarded as a cult hit, and the franchise lives on to this day. The fourth installment of the film still has JCVD and Dolph Lundgren in it, but puts Scott Adkins in the lead role. Director John Hyams returns to direct this film, but does it add enough to please old viewers as well as new ones?

Universal Soldier Day of Reckoning Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The plot to Universal Solider: Day of Reckoning is a confusing one, to say the least. The film follows John (played by Adkins) and his journey to get revenge on the man responsible for killing his family. The starting point is basic enough, but it quickly becomes complicated and convoluted. Part of this is due to the fact that the film thinks everyone already knows certain aspects of the film, while other parts are just hard to follow. Personally, I thought that the film took itself too seriously for me to follow it, especially when inexplicable things were happening. There was no questioning what was going on or why it was happening, everyone just accepted what was going on in the film.

This accurately depicts how I felt when watching this film

Similar to the plot, the characters can be hard to follow and identify with. The character of John seems understandable enough, but he has fits of rage and aggressiveness that were hard to follow. One second he’s complicit with a strategy to ease his pain, the next he’s killing everyone in sight. Van Damme and Lundgren have very minimal exposure here, and I never really understood what their motives were. I know that most of the characters are soldiers that were trained to kill, but a little more depth would have gone a long way for people just jumping in.

 

Action/Choreography

From an action standpoint, the movie isn’t that bad, but not great either. The choreography is very gritty and rough, which fits the tone of the film. Sadly, if you know the skill that Adkins has as a fighter, you will probably expect more. There are a couple good fights sprinkled in, and I think this was the best exchange between Van Damme and Adkins, but more could have been done. Also, the speed ramping in the film was a little off putting. The closest thing I can associate it to is 300, where the fights randomly go from real-time to slow-mo whenever the editor saw fit. The fights are enough to entertain for the time being, but they are easily forgettable as well.

 

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

In the end, I think it all comes down to creative choice. From the awkward use of first-person perspective to the seizure-inducing amount of flickering, there are just a lot of weird decisions that were made. The plot was hard to follow and didn’t really have a satisfying conclusion while the fights were decent, but could have been better. As for the final verdict, here is my advice: try the film if you’ve seen the other movies in the franchise, otherwise start from the beginning or skip it altogether. If you jump in like I did, you’ll end up confused and have to figure things out on your own.

 

Try it

Universal Solider is available for On-demand and instant streaming with a theatrical release later this month.

Amazon Instant Streaming of Universal Soldier

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26th Oct2012

Moumantai 2 (No Problem 2) Review

by kmiller

Background Info

Comedian Okamura Takashi is a action movie fan. His first homage film, Moumantai (No Problem) came out in 1999 and focused mainly on comedy. The sequel film took everything to the next level by having a strong cast including Sam Lee, Collin Chou, Yuen Jung, Candy Lo, and Yuen Biao. With Chin Kar Lok in the director’s chair, did Moumantai 2 have everything it needed to surpass the sequel?

Moumantai 2 Trailer

 

Story/Characters

First and foremost, this movie is a comedy film. The plot is structured in some sense, but also very easy to pick apart. A lot of “coincidences” occur, and they are mostly there for laughs. That being said, there are a few elements that actually echo different movies (mainly Jackie Chan films.) From the initial beatdown before training like drunken master or the chloroform framing of a crime in Police Story, a keen eye will spot more than a few homages. The story is decent enough to move the characters forward, but don’t expect any plot twists or deep elements.

The same thing could be said about the characters, as they are very one-sided. Bad guys are bad, good guys are good. These people are there just for laughs, and you may like some of them more than others. None of the characters are really painful to watch, but that also depends on your tolerance level. Most characters in martial arts films aren’t that developed anyways, so the comedic aspect shouldn’t be a problem for most.

 

Action/Choreography

It seems weird talking about the action in a comedy film, but that’s exactly what makes this movie so great. Since it is a homage to classic movies, a lot of care is taken for the sequences. Biao has some great fights, and Chou really looks like an unstoppable beast. Some people might argue that the jokes take away from the expereince, but I think it’s clear that everyone on the crew has a respect for the industry and wanted to put a fun spin on things. If you have a sense of humor and like martial arts films, you’ll enjoy what Moumantai 2 has to offer.

 

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

Comedy movies are always hard to review because they are more objective than one that is straight action. That being said, I think that it has enough elements to warrant a view and get some laughs. There are some great cameos (like one with Eric Tsang) and the film has a very lighthearted approach to everything. Personally, it’s one of my favorite films, but I can see why some wouldn’t like it. If you’re looking for something fun and different, I think you should give it a try.

Try it

 

(I’ve looked around, but I can’t seem to find this available for purchase anywhere. If you come across, be sure to give it a try!)

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19th Oct2012

Mr. Vampire Review

by kmiller

Background Info

The first story written by director Ricky Lau, Mr. Vampire was a film that combined supernatural horror elements with martial arts action. The filmed starred veteran Lam Ching-Ying as well as Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-hou. With Yuen Wah as the evil vampire, did Mr. Vampire have enough bite to satisfy the audience’s thirst?

Mr. Vampire Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story of Mr. Vampire is simple enough.  A local priest is tasked with reburying a corpse when he discovers it to be a vampire. This main plot drives a lot of the actions that follow, but there are also some subplots that are added into the mix. While I felt like one of the “love stories” comes a little too late, it adds some interesting elements that make the finale that much more enjoyable. The story is easy enough for anyone to enjoy, regardless of their knowledge of Chinese supernatural beings, and has enough variety to keep from being boring.

The characters in the film are pretty much what you’d expect. Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-hou play the two apprentices that don’t always follow the rules, getting into more trouble than they should. While they may not be the most interesting characters, they are entertaining and believable enough for you to care about what goes on with them. Of course, Lam Ching-Ying steals the show as the priest, always in over his head, yet always focused on how to tackle the next big threat.

 

Action/Choreography

When you look at it from one angle, Mr. Vampire might not look like a “true” martial arts film. However, a closer examination will show you that the film is still very martial arts in nature. Yuen Wah plays a very powerful beast, and while he may not showcase any intricate choreography, the challenge of taking him down is an impressive one. The fights that do take place are creative and fit the story, making them enjoyable in their own right. Personally, I think that the fights were handled perfectly and that I wouldn’t change anything about them.

 

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

Mr. Vampire is a classic, and it’s easy to see why. With fun characters, fitting action, and a layered story, it’s got something that everyone can enjoy. Horror buffs might not be too impressed with the toned-down aspects of the film, but it’s an action film first and foremost. I loved this movie as a kid, and nostalgia is most likely affecting my decision, but I think that this is a must-have film that you will enjoy regardless of how long it’s been since you’ve seen it last.

 

Own it

Mr. Vampire DVD (US Version)

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12th Oct2012

Spooky Encounters Review

by kmiller

Background Info

Sammo Hung had already starred in a number of films by 1980. Always looking for something new and different, he created Spooky Encounters (Encounters of the Spooky Kind.) This film was written and directed by Hung, but was the supernatural twist enough to bring variety into the martial arts industry?

Spooky Encounters Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story to Spooky Encounters is something that is really well done. While most films gloss over story and take the easy route, this film really has all of the elements to a good film. While there isn’t a lot of mystery as to what is going on, the way events unfold is very real and believable. This movie seems to switch gears seamlessly, going from comedy and action one minute to horror and suspense in the next. Everything is handled well, and you’ll wonder how they crammed so much story into one little film.

Character-wise, we’ve all seen Sammo play this type of character before. While it fits into the framework of the story, I still kinda wish something different could have been done with him. The other characters are pretty typical as well, but it’s the seamless blending of each type of person that makes this film so good. The characters are given just enough depth for you to like or hate them, and then the action takes care of the rest. Given everything that Spooky Encounters tackles, I’d say it’s a good balance.

 

Action/Choreography

Spooky Encounters is still one of my favorite Sammo Hung films, and this is the reason. The choreography in this film is awesome and varied. No two fights are the same, and the supernatural elements opens a lot of doors for different styles due to the possession of spirits. One of my favorite fights is actually one where Hung is trying to keep a rogue arm of his under control. Every fight is well done, and there isn’t one that felt forced in or boring. If you like good action and intricate choreography, you’ll love this film.

 

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

Spooky Encounters delivers on all fronts. Whether you are looking for a movie with good fight, fun comedy, or a strong story, it’s got it. Granted, it’s not a real “horror” film, but I can forgive it for that. If you’ve never seen this film, you’re truly missing out. I’d argue that it’s one off Sammo’s best, but there are so many great films that some might debate it. If you were to ask me, I’d say this is easily worth a purchase and something you’ll revisit time and time again.

By the way, this movie still has one of my favorite endings ever. Seriously, I love the ending.

Own it

 

I didn’t realize this movie was “rare” until after I wrote the review. Here are a few places you can find it (though the Sammo Hung collection has some good films as well.)

Spooky Encounters DVD (US Version)

Sammo Hung Collection DVD (HK Version)

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05th Oct2012

The Four Review

by kmiller

Background Info

Director Gordon Chan brings Woon Swee Oan’s novel to life, using a strong cast to pull in viewers. The film revolves around a set of characters that are gifted with certain powers, each with their own powers and abilities. Does Chan have what it takes to breathe life into these characters and complete the trilogy he set out to create?

The Four Trailer

 

Story/Characters

I wish I could tell you about the story to the Four, but I’m still sorting it all out myself. The problem is…it’s a jumbled mess. You have two organizations that are working against each other for the same cause, a villain that has 2 completely different plans going on at the same time, and characters that seem to team up for the smallest of reasons. Once you feel like you know where things are going, things change on you, and not for the better. There are just too many things that aren’t addressed and even more that need better explanations. It may be to flesh out a trilogy, but I’d be much happier with a longer, more consistent film.

The characters are just about as bad as the story is. Some of them switch loyalties for no apparent reason while others aren’t given enough character to begin with. Everyone is a one-sided personality that is designed to create a unique group of people. Even the “love story” element is ultimately lost because there just isn’t anything to back it up. Given how many characters are in the film, it’s forgivable to have a few characters that aren’t deep, but the entire cast could use some depth. And that’s really a shame given the actors that were chosen for the film.

 

Action/Choreography

There are a lot of times where the story is forgivable if the action is good, but this is not one of those times. The fights are just too basic, as if everyone is just going through the motions. The end fight had a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly diminished as it continued on. The biggest issue with the fights are the powers that each character uses; there’s no explanation of what each person is capable of. One character can read minds, use telekinesis, track people, and do other things I can’t even remember anymore. It would have been much better to have each character specialize in 1 trait and use it to the fullest, instead you have powers that overlap and others that don’t make any sense.

 

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

When I first heard about the Four, I was really excited for it. Sadly, all of that was for nothing, as the film is really hard to recommend. You’ll be disappointed if you are an action fan, looking for a Mr. Vampire type supernatural movie, or even a good action movie. I’m worried because of the fact that the second film is already filming, meaning it may be too late to fix any issues that arise. Save yourself the time and avoid this one.

 

Skip it

The Four Blu-Ray (HK Version)

The Four DVD (HK Version)

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28th Sep2012

Six Bullets Review

by kmiller

Background Info

Assassination Games director Ernie Barbarash teams up with Jean Claude Van Damme once again in Six Bullets. Fresh off of the success of the Expendables 2, JCVD is looking to re-establish himself as both an action star and actor. The film follows a similar plot to another film, but does it have enough of an identity to justify a watch?

Six Bullets Trailer

 

Story/Characters

There is no way to talk about Six Bullets without referring to Taken, so I’m not even going to beat around the bush. Yes, the basic idea is the same, but that’s as far as it goes. Samson Gaul is a man hired to find people, and people come to him when all hope is lost. Unlike Taken, where the main character’s daughter was kidnapped, Samson has no connection to the victim. There are some similarities (which could have been a little more discreet) but this plot is much, much darker than Taken ever was. Six Bullets leaves very little to the imagination, which creates the concept that anything is possible, and the outcome is almost never for the best. While not the most gripping story, it has enough going for it to grab your attention without going for the “easy way out.”

I’m really surprised to say this, but Six Bullets has one of the most interesting characters I’ve seen recently. From the opening sequence, you can see how Samson’s actions haunt him. Most movies just do flashbacks for this, but you see the trauma unfold and affect the lead in a much more dramatic way. Van Damme does a fantastic job playing Samson Gaul, and I was impressed by how much he added to the character. However, the same cannot be said for the rest of the cast. Most of the other characters don’t have anything grounding them in reality. One character in particular does a complete 180, changing from a passive individual into a killing machine while one of the villains doesn’t have an issue damaging “the goods” which are supposed to be for a buyer.

 

Action/Choreography

While the story and characters are pretty good, the action really doesn’t hit the same stride. The fights are very few and far between, with shootouts taking over the majority of the sequences. When you do get a fight, they are really hard to follow due to choppy editing (and absent lighting for one fight.) If you want to see JCVD in action, this isn’t really the movie to satisfy your tastes.

 

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

Six Bullets really surprised me with what it had to offer. JCVD does an excellent job with his character, and it helps the film out tremendously. If Taken didn’t exist, this movie may have fared better (but it wouldn’t have been created, either.) As it stands, Six Bullets is a good thriller with an interesting main character, but an inconsistent supporting cast. Try to go into it with as few expectations as you have, whether they are good or bad. If you give this a chance, it might just surprise you like it did me.

 

Try it

(6 Bullets is also available VOD as well)

6 Bullets DVD (US Version)

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21st Sep2012

Police Story 2 Review

by kmiller

Background Info

After the tremendous success of the original Police Story, a sequel was a sure thing. However, instead of just making a half-baked sequel, Jackie decided to add more depth to the story. Would Jackie be able to enhance the story without sacrificing the action sequences that made him a household name to begin with?

Police Story 2 Trailer

 

Story/Characters

One of my favorite things about Police Story 2 is the story. Ka Kui is not the glorified hero that you think he would be; he has real consequences and issues because of his actions from the first film. He’s been demoted, his relationship is on the rocks, and people are out for revenge. While most movies that were made around this time just focused on action and little else, Jackie took the time to really add a plot that was not only exciting, but made sense. I’m not saying that this is the best story to a sequel out there, but I really like the approach that it took.

The characters aren’t as deep as the story is, but it’s not a deal-breaker either. Maggie Cheung did a great job playing May, someone who wasn’t just a whiny girlfriend, but a person with real worries, concerns, and fears. Ka Kui is a man who isn’t as noble as people make him out to be, and there are some deeper moments to his character. Some moments just come off as cheesy (like the note reading bit) but at least there was an attempt to give him another layer.

 

Action/Choreography

Jackie had to do a LOT to top the original Police Story, and I don’t think this one surpasses the original in terms of action. That being said, there is a lot this movie does right. The fight in the park is still one of my favorites, and there are some truly awesome stunts in this movie. Jackie is a master of his environment, and Police Story 2 shows you how Jackie sees things in a different perspective when compared to the typical person.  Of course, the best is saved for last when Jackie faces off against a smaller, faster opponent for some of the fastest choreography I’ve seen.

 

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

Police Story 2 is a fantastic action movie that has a good plot and amazing fights. While it may not exceed the original in terms of shock value and fight sequences, there are segments that people will like more than the original. What this movie does is takes the original story and characters and balances it out to create an enjoyable ride all the way through. The original Police Story set the bar very high, and this one slightly misses the mark, but not enough for me to tell you it’s worth a purchase. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out.

 

Own it

 

Police Story II DVD (HK Version)

Police Story II Blu-Ray (HK Version)

Police Story 2 DVD (US Version)

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14th Sep2012

Double Trouble Review

by kmiller

 

Background Info

David Chang pairs up Jaycee Chan and Yu Xia for his directorial debut. Jaycee has dabbled in the action genre before, but hasn’t really found something that sets him apart from everyone else. With a story that focuses on the comedic interaction between the two characters while still promising action is Double Trouble worth the effort?

Double Trouble Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story for Double Trouble is easy enough to follow. Jaycee plays a security guard, who must track down some paintings that he was accused of stealing out of a museum exhibition. During this same time, Ocean is on tour in Taiwan and the two end up getting tangled in a lot of random events while they attempt to get back the paintings. Don’t expect any plot twists here, it’s as by-the-numbers as you’d think. The problem really is the fact that the situations aren’t crazy enough to be a comedy movie, but not interesting enough to be an action film either; it just falls in between both genres.

The characters themselves don’t offer anything special. Jaycee is the man who works alone because he is plagued by his past, while Ocean is someone who is pretty much oblivious to anything that happens around him. It works okay for the dynamic between the two, but doesn’t really flesh out the characters as much as it could. The supporting cast is just as quirky, besides the bad guys. The main guy has a very strange way of “punishing” his female assassins, and they have absolutely no personality at all. It’s obvious they are just there for eye candy, which is a shame.

You’re welcome…I guess

 

Action/Choreography

When it comes to action, Double Trouble tries to deliver, but just can’t. Blame it on the lack of experience from the cast, use of wirework for easy moves, or quick edits for the fights with the ladies, but it just doesn’t work. There are some interesting concepts and I was impressed that Chan actually tossed a painting into the back of a moving Jeep, but most of the scenes are forgettable and ultimately too short. It’s really a shame for the final fight, too, because right when things were finally working out, it just ends. Also, I want to mention that there is this reoccurring theme of kicking Jaycee right in the junk, and I have no idea why. Seriously, it happens too many times to count.

 

Own, Watch, Try, or Skip?

Double Trouble doesn’t set any new standards in action, comedy, or the buddy-cop genre. It will prove entertaining enough for people that just want something quirky to distract them, but fans of the action genre will want more. I don’t think Jaycee has found that defining film that sets him apart from his dad, and I applaud him for trying, but as a fan of the genre, I can’t really recommend this film to anyone.

 

Skip it

 

Double Trouble DVD (HK Version)

Double Trouble Blu-Ray (HK Version)

 

New rating system!

Own it- Highly Recommended, a must have
Watch it- Good film overall, though maybe not for everyone
Try it- Only watch this if you really need a martial arts flick
Skip it- Not worth your time, even if you like bad action movies

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07th Sep2012

Safe Review

by kmiller

 

Background Info

Boaz Yakin wrote and directed Safe, an action/thriller featuring Jason Statham. The film also stars Catherine Chan, a relative newcomer to the industry. Would Statham be able to impress everyone with a new, fresh, action film, or would this fall into the “generic” category?

Safe Trailer

 

Story/Characters

The story to Safe is something rather straightforward. Luke Wright ends up coming to the aid of a young girl, Mei, only to discover she’s part of a much bigger scheme. There aren’t any real mysteries, per se, except for what the code actually means. Even though the plot is simple, it has enough going on to keep things interesting.

The characters of Luke and Mei have their own dark pasts, and they play well off of each other. Luke is a man who’s lost it all, and Mei is a girl who needs to be protected. At the most basic level, they need each other because of what they lack; purpose and a sense of belonging. All of the supporting characters are pretty standard, but that’s fine since most of your time will be spent with Mei and Luke.

 

Action/Choreography

Surprisingly, Safe delivers as a solid action film. There are far more shootouts than fights in this movie, but Statham is able to showcase his talents in a variety of ways. Some of the actions  will make you cringe (for both good and bad reasons) but the “shaky cam” effect really isn’t too bad for this film. Nothing is really groundbreaking, but people looking for a good fight will be impressed with how Safe handles everything.

 

Own it, Watch it, or Skip it?

Safe is a good action film that has a strong plot with solid action and decent fights. I don’t want to say it’s good “for a Statham movie,” but that’s exactly what it is. If you are interested in the concept or want to see a good film with Statham in it, Safe will deliver. It’s not a “must see,” but there are other films that are far worse than this.

 

Watch it

 

Safe DVD (US Version)

Safe Blu-Ray (US Version)

 

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