Tag: ACTION

MEGAN 2.0 (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Gerard Johnstone 

Story By: Gerard Johnstone And Akela Cooper

Based in characters created by: Akela Copper and James Wan

Cinematography: Toby Oliver 

Editor: Jeff McEvoy 

Cast: Alison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivana Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Jemaine Clement, Timm Sharp 

Two years after M3GAN’s rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN’s underlying tech.

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The first film was more of a campy guilty pleasure so I have no idea why they decided to make this film more of a sci-fi action movie. The least they could’ve done was if it was going to be action make the death or kill scenes maybe be a bit more horrific and violent. 

Watching this film, it’s a pale comparison as they do hear what most equals do it’s bigger. You can definitely tell that there was more money spent that has more of an epic vision but even the camping seems preplanned rather than just coming out of nowhere even worse they don’t even have Megan do her dance. It plays during the credits, but you can tell it’s not like she develops a new dance or even come up with a reason for it.

One of the first things you notice watching the film is Is there enough foreshadowing here? (said ironically) then One can’t decide if this movie is too long as it feels like an epic or if it’s Long enough, you just feel the length. Because it doesn’t fill it effecintely enough.

The film plays the middle field where it feels like an R Rated film but seems to stay in the vicinity of PG-13.

The film stays very convaluted where you wonder sometimes where is this going and does it have to be this complicated, but then again when the threat goes from more personal and domestic to almost worldwide. It can’t be too simple. While the film’s tries to offer the audience more comedy and thrills mixed together then the original. That is what the film’s weakness seems to be. In that it tries fan service and abandons its roots. Rather then staying true to itself and building to bigger badder type of thriller with a higher body count of characters you care about.

Just as it seems the returning supporting characters one gets more sceeen time while the other gets around the same as the first one and whose fate ends up questionable by the end of the movie. As it never makes clear or brings back the character. Making them ultimately disposable. It feels like the film isnsay oman you should be thankful to be here. 

One of the reasons why it might not be as strong. Is that the original screenwriter didn’t write this film. Akela cooper helped with the story but left the major scripting to the franchise’s director. Who didn’t write the first film? 

I was going to do a video about why Megan 2.0 bombed but producer Jason, Bloom of Bloom house pretty much hit the nail right on the head when he said no this isn’t a quote but pretty much the information was they put too much faith into the character and the characters following so that they thought they could do anything they wanted to do with the character and the audience would follow up And it ended up being a case of putting too much on the shoulders of the this little film

Which was originally just a surprise and understandable why they would wanna make a sequel but one of the points I was going to make you wanna put it in the summer when it was a hit in January which usually means there was nothing better out and this was the best that was around And did was hit a power hit like it did, but I think that was because it came out of nowhere and it surprisingly campy and fun for what was supposed to be a horror film

Even though it was more lightweight but requirements of fitting even when I watched it and I liked it, I thought it was lightweight. It could’ve been. I don’t know if it took off, particularly with younger audiences to for that PG-13 rating to really make a difference, but the unrated version which is basically added blood in a little bit more violence Seem to be release the audience

Now the film was successful and had a following yet it seems like they made it into more of an action comedy. The film is a little bit more in the still keeping that camp looking like a blatant copy of terminator too and it way. 

The magic of the original was that this campiness came out of nowhere and what was supposed to be atmosphere at that and for people who didn’t regularly go see her it was perfect because it was her almost like a Mocktail has no liquor, but the delicious taste of cocktail. They’re having fun with necessarily being on all the time, especially if it didn’t start so that was another factor of why the film bombed. 

Also it proves that MEGAN, the movie was more of like a phenomenon. It wasn’t necessarily a cult and it wasn’t popular enough or that the following people were demanding I’m wondering how this does for the Megan spin off they had planned or if that’s been canceled. 

Also didn’t know that This movie was coming out in the summer. where it’s going up against heavy hitters and the trailer didn’t make anybody wanna run to the theater so this is where the day and date or a movie and it being available pretty much like 4 to 6 weeks later actually hurts films like these because even if you are a fan of the first film and maybe had interest in seeing the sequel just wait and watch it on demand streaming as that is the quality and that this film looks like it’s not something you wanna rush out to go see it for movies and theaters like a movie you could wait for. I’m happy I saw on the big screen if I had a theater I definitely could’ve waited for just entertained 

The first one was a fluke that it was a hit in the first place and I can understand it got a small crowd behind it a fascination, so that you knew the sequel would eventually come out, but the man came out and then switching genres even Jason Blum agreed now was a bad idea.

If they were going to do that make sure you had a strong audience that would follow the franchise and characters wherever it went. As obviously the following wasn’t that strong and it even came out at the right time as far as how many years had passed but the wrong season. 

Which pretty much explains it all. 

Grade: C- 

DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Christian Gudecast

Based on characters created by: Christian Gudecast and Peter T. Scheuring 

Cinematography: Terry Stacey 

Editor: Robert Nordh 

Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmed, Salvatore Esposito, Orli Shuka, Stephane Coulon, Yasen Zates Atour, Christian Solimeno, Nazmiye Oral

Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

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A direct sequel to the actions, characters in the story of the previous film, though written, and directed by the same Filmmakers of the first 

Film this film goes for a totally different and new style while still packing on the action and tension.

The first film was like an updated version of Michael man’s heat only hopped up on energy drinks, and it went way over the top and trying to portray machismo and reeked of testosterone and one upmanship throughout. It also was a cops and robbers tail with twist interns, but also deep character work, or we got to know both sides.

And this equal the few survivors of the first film are back again. This is more cops and robbers but more of the cop going undercover and you not really being able to Tell has he turned completely or is he still a cop trying to do his job.

Also, in filming overseas and that is what the film style is more laid-back and cool more European Just as stylish, though a little more smooth. It also forms a kind of buddy cop, criminal relationship that has its comedic moments, but stays dramatic.

Not as much need for character backgrounds as we know the leads already so that while the film is more flashy, it’s still keeps us invested, even though it doesn’t need to be as long as it is.

Cheaves what you would expect from a sequel it’s not Surprising as the first film but again we only really get to know the two leads where is everybody else is more a 1 to 2 dimensional character, and all the female roles seem to be here because they have to be or given very little to do other than look attractive. This is again more of a male fantasy film.

Though wish there was more of new co-Star Evin Ahmed in the film. As her character is one of the masterminds of the heists. Though it seems like she is more of a note of tension. That might be explored if this film ever has another sequel. Which one hopes happens.

That seems to track Bro-code loyalty, and still having a loose set of morals. Though there is plenty of car chases heist scenes, shoot outs in fighting to keep you entertained. Even though it is more of a thriller and O’Shea Jackson comes across more loose in this film. Though again his character seems in over his head and more the innocent amongst the others. 

Though it is a satisfying continuation. It’s missing that grit, but finds It’s own identity rather then be inspired by another and bringing some new cards to the table. While giving you what you expect. 

One of the roles Gerard butler was born to play and wished he played in more films such as this or at least characters like this more often. There isnMt as much grit characterization making this more Hollywood version of the sequel and also a lot more predictable. Though it hasn’t lost It’s style totally. 

Can admit by the end wanted to own a Porsche. If not just for the design for the sound it makes while driving it. 

Grade: B- 

OUT OF BOUNDS (1986)

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Directed By: Richard Tuggle 

Written By: Tony Kayden 

Cinematography: Bruce Surtees

Editor: Kent Beyda 

Cast: Anthony Michael Hall, Jenny Wright, Jeff Kober, Glynn Turman, Raymond J. Barry, Pepe Serna, Michele Little, Jerry Levine 

Farm boy Daryl Cage’s parents ship him off to the big city to live with his brother, hoping he will have a better life there. After a baggage mixup at the airport, Daryl finds himself in possession of a drug cache, which a ruthless drug dealer wants back. The dealer murders Daryl’s brother and the small town boy ends up all alone in the big city, being pursued by both the drug dealer and the police, who suspect him of the murder.

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This comes across as Anthony Michael Hall, trying to be a more serious movie star and more of an action thriller . That works and its own way though ultimately feels typical of the time period

As the film is not asking him to be another Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger here he is more just an innocent kid brought into intrigue and is trying to find his way out of it and luckily for him is adept. As part of the action is watching this kid who no one would Suspects slowly figure things out and become savvy and trying to get himself out of his dangerous situation

The film doesn’t offer anything new. It is vicious and it’s violence, though not gory it just seems mean spirited, especially towards innocent characters and even its criminal characters who don’t exactly deserve their fates at times. 

It’s also a film that shows the glamour of LosAngeles but also the dark underside of the underground of of it at the time. 

What I would really recommend this movie for is the performance of Jenny Wright as just her fashion throughout the film and her looks is so iconic and so of that period. It’s almost like everything stops when she’s on screen and you just wanna keep watching her. She also gives the most believable performance throughout the film.

At first the film does try to show the slow and illness of the farm and seems to brighten up when Anthony Michael Hall‘s character finally gets to LosAngeles and sees all the statue ask beautiful women and flirting on the plane with Jenny Wright character.

The crime angle of the film does offer quite a few double crosses and surprises, though for the season film viewer you will probably see it coming, though it stays entertaining this film isn’t exactly an action extravaganza, which is why it leans more into thriller territory, but it is a fun watch as long as you don’t take any of it to seriously.

This film didn’t push Anthony Michael Hall’s career quite into the stardom that he was hoping for, but it was a nice attempt for the time as he tries to lean away from not only being comedic, but also the more geeky nerdish type rules. 

One can admit this is a film. I remember the posters an advertisement for back in the day and one that I always swore that someday I’m finally gonna watch it. Unfortunately, it seems like it took me 40 years to finally catch up to it though not what I expected, it does capture the time. In all its glory or despair 

Grade: C+

HEADS OF STATE (2025)

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Directed By: Ilya Naishuller 

Written By: Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Harrison Query 

Story By: Harrison Query 

Cinematography: Ben Davis 

Editor: Tom Harrison-Read 

Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine , Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Sharlto Copley, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle 

When the UK Prime Minister and US President become the targets of a foreign adversary, they’re forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.

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With John Cena in the cast, you already kinda know what this film is going to be good as long as you go in with that frame of mind you’ll be perfectly entertain as at least this time he shares the action with Idris Elba, and it’s not another film where you just watch John Cena be the ultimate action hero who’s unstop Now he has Idris Elba, and together their unstoppable, as well as with their costar Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The alter two instill the film And their characters with a suave charm. 

The villain is pretty disposable other than his ruthlessness and it’s surprising how many recognizable character actors are in this film and relatively small roles but you’re happy to see them.

As the film comes off better than expected and better then it should be. 

Though it’s billed as an action comedy, I didn’t expect it to be as actually funny as it is, which is what differentiates it from most of its elk whereas if it had just been an action film, this really wouldn’t have been that interesting, but with the comedic elements it at least stays fun and rises above the cliché somewhat

It also helps that some of the humor comes from unexpected places than what you can see coming and some are even just stylistic comedic choices though luckily for the film, even though it’s predictable, it still manages to keep you on your toes to see how it’s going to get where it gets to.

As even the action sequences are a bit more memorable and noteworthy than the usual fair of straight to streaming films. The fighting farm scene is one of the more impressive scenes of  film. As well as one of the more impressive action sequences seen recently. 

Plus the henchman, though they don’t have many lines just come across is unlikable and reprehensible, but then again looking at the main villain, you can understand why they are the way they are, though with the villains actions it does make me wonder why anybody would really want to work for other than the obvious money, which is then made me fonder whether he pays them in cash or check and is it on a weekly or biweekly basis or maybe it’s crypto since it has to be more underground and do you work until he gets his payday and that’s when you get your haircut or is he paying you for the work done and then it maybe if it goes through he’ll give you a bonus but then again if he successful, he could just keep the money because what court are you gonna go to even if you have the skills in the guns?

If anything this movie would go great on a double bill with the film WHITE HOUSE DOWN as at least here all the action takes place overseas and on more European streets that are more narrow and cobblestone so it’s not in some random American city where you would expect to see the action so that adds a different element to the proceedings.

Though he has been in many action films before it’s nice to see Idris Elba be more of a bad ass action hero in the film rather than the villain or a sidekick. Though with this film and starring in the film beast, he is proving to be not only an all-around leading man, but also quite a believable action hero lead.

Grade: C+

OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERE (2023)

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Directed By: Guy Ritchie 

Written By: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies

Cinematography: Alan Stewart

Editor: James Herbert

Cast: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Josh Hartnett, Hugh Grant, Cary Elwes, Bugzy Malone, Eddie Marsan, Max Beesley, Peter Ferdinando, Lourdes Faberes

In the film, super spy Orson Fortune must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives,Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world.

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One is kind of surprised by this film as I have to say this is one of the more disappointing movies that Guy Ritchie has ever made, especially as it seems in his wheelhouse. One can see why this was buried and quickly forgotten. As it’s no one‘s best work.

The problem is that this film is just so many things at different times, but then never quite commits to any of them. It’s more of a comedy than anything else, but not with necessarily funny jokes, just situations are ridiculous, and so is the behavior at times, the film constantly feels like a misstep as it is more comedy than action

When there is action, it just feels so basic and not noteworthy, he doesn’t feel that strategic or catching. It just seems more means to an end. 

As you have Jason Statham in the film, and while there’s gunplay, it’s more or less guns than anything.

The film is more ensemble with Josh Hartnett, Aubrey Plaza, and Hugh Grant, so they have their scenes and roles in which they get to shine or show their worth, but again, they never hit the Mark because everything is so broad that there’s nothing that contains the story really.

once guy Richie took over he rewrote the script and still told the cast to pretty much improvised and it feels that way the technical aspects are there, but the dialogue is OK but not quite brilliant repartée

Then the villains are set up, but they keep switching, and none of them are really that effective, it’s almost like they spent so much money trying to get stars in the lead roles that they only had so much money and couldn’t get any other big names to play the villain role.

so watching the film, you know what’s going to happen; there’s no real suspense to anything. It’s sort of like watching the Equalizer films, where Denzel Washington, if you can take out a room and 17 seconds, what hope do the villains at the end have, or put up as a challenge, and it’s the same in this room 

So that this film it’s more of a time waster than anything as nothing quite sticks and plays, smooth and glossy and even every time they seem to set up maybe a character trait it’s quickly forgotten or not used as early in the film one of the reasons that don’t want to use Jason Statham’s spy, character or reluctant is because he seems to try to use excuses and sicknesses to get out of missions, But we don’t get introduced to any of those aspects

Aubrey Plaza’s character seems to have a flirtatious nature where she’s fallen for someone, but we’re never given any reason. Dialogue works for the script and characters. 

Hugh Grant seems to be having a ball with fun villain characters as with more recent roles, he seems to be at least he’s trying to do something different but ultimately it feels like it’s there for no reason . 

While Josh Hartnett is part of the cast and he helps add to the stars name in the cast while also letting him play more comedic role than he has in the past he seems to be in the mission that’s why he’s there but then he’s given very little to do except ask questions and stand around so maybe get some expositional information Then give him or drag him into action sequence car chase really and his character has an about face and that at first you could see as being one-sided, but I guess in the end it kind of makes sense. as it does help open up the film to a new demographic

End it so much once they take out the villain it’s like it feels like there should be more but that’s pretty much it now let’s try some more comedic high jinx.

It just feels like everyone is not necessarily out of their element, but not given anything really to do even though the film seems to want to use their image or public image and talent to help poor or lift the material as otherwise this just comes off as a bland espionage story and script that could’ve been starting and made by anyone there’s nothing quite that special to it.

Now this film did come out when there was a pandemic, though it was filmed after the pandemic. It was postponed for release and finally did in 2023, luckily for it and quickly got released on streaming and was forgotten as this film just feels like a well-funded, but sorry excuse for entertainment, though seems to fit perfectly along with other streaming films as there doesn’t seem to be any passion or much originality

It’s not a horrible film as it is watchable, but it’s just so basic and bland that there’s very little reason other than, again, a time-waster popcorn movie.

Grade: C- 

FREAKY TALES (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck

Cinematography: Jac Fitzgerald

Editor: Robert Komatsu

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Ben Mendelsohn, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Angus Cloud, Too $hort, Ji-Young Yoo, Jack Champion, Kier Gilchrist 

Four interconnected stories set in 1987 Oakland, CA. will tell about the love of music, movies, people, places and memories beyond our knowable universe.

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I’m Going to say this right now that this room is best to go into blind, as that is the best way to experience it, and might offer you more of a surprise or surprise is there anything. As even if you seen the trailer there’s still enough mystery to not know exactly what you’re getting into.

One thing that can be said Is that the film doesn’t really live up to its title as there are tails I don’t know how freaky they are, rather than just tales of an anthology. The film feels more like short stories, that take place around one another in the bay Oakland, California, as characters do cross paths with each other in different tails, but each one has its own kind of genre in story. It feels very Tarantino ask the light and more of a wannabe.

The thing that connects them might be violence and Oakland legends like Tom Hanks in Too $hort you are treated like legends in this film, and Too $hort has a cameo as well as being betrayed by someone else in one of the stories.

The stories here, pretty much cut and dry. They don’t offer that much in the way of surprises. One story focuses on punks versus Nazis and we get to know some of the characters involved. The next story is about two young African-American women going into a rap battle. The next story is a tale of redemption in the past in the last tail is more of a revenge tail inspired. It feels like by game of death the Bruce Lee movie.

Truthfully, the first tale could’ve been its own film in itself exploring the characters a bit more, but maybe it was in case of been there done that no not offering up as much of a diverse characters in the Punk cultural scene. 

The film fall short as it doesn’t really live up to its title and what are the stories, eventually connect your left, wanting more or expecting more from it, especially with the angle of this green substance, that really only comes into play effectively in one tale, but does work to connect or let the audience know Somethings about to happen. it’s a harbinger.

One wishes, the film was much better as it definitely has the creativity and talent involved. It just builds to a certain level and never goes past it even when it seems like it has the strength to go further and be better.

It’s around the 80s which gives a kind of a nostalgic, feel where you can look back and laugh at the fashions, but I also remember them as that was what was cool at the time as well as the culture.

The film Does offer plenty of cameos throughout the film

No, it isn’t mirable as it still keeps too similar themes but like a true short story collection, it has different types of tails where one can be more comedic. One can be more dramatic. It’s the same here, whereas one tail, or at least two tails are pure, more action territory. Another could just be a kind of a slight more success story.

Wow, the film has trouble living up to its title. It is still worth checking out.

I Grade: C+

BAD ASS (2012)

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Directed By: Craig Moss

Written By: Craig Moss and Elliot Tishman

Cinematography: John Barry

Editor: Jim Flynn 

Cast: Danny Trejo, Harrison Page, Patrick Fabian, Ron Perlman, Charles S. Dutton, Joyful Drake, Chris Spencer, Craig Sheffer, Richard Riehle, Winter Ave Zoli

A Vietnam veteran who becomes a local hero after saving a man from attackers on a city bus decides to take action when his best friend is murdered and the police show little interest in solving the crime.

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will be the first to admit this film and it’s sequels for the most part are guilty pleasures there bee movies, but they have a lot of heart and truly seem to want to give the audience entertainment as they respect them.

this film is a fun takeoff of the viral video of an elderly senior citizen, who gets tired of a bunch of young punks, harassing others and ends up in self-defense beating them up 

How this film begins truly showing the origins of the lead character and shows us his strength and attitude as well as getting a community behind him

So that when the main storyline starts, we already know what he is capable of as he tries to figure out an avenge the murder of his best friend in the investigation taps into a conspiracy 

This film rely heavily on comedy but definitely has plenty of action in a while not the greatest of Scripps or believability or direction. This film does have its charms and it seems to have a lot of heart, especially in the right place and wants to please fans not only the genre, but the type of film that it is. 

As this is the type that would definitely go straight to home video back in the day now it would be straight to streaming and plays off like a bee movie with big names to get funding and have an audience and least this film earnest and provides the chance to play a leading role Which passes amicably

Again the film has a recognizable supporting cast who seemed to be here more in cameos, but by the end, you just can’t help, but like the film, despite its weaknesses as it’s just a fun movie, even when it takes itself serious, it manages to be entertaining and fun.

As long as you go in knowing it’s a no-brainer and just seeking entertainment and fun I think you’ll enjoy this film that surprises you a bit with it’s resourcefulness and lives up to its title kind of vigilante revenge film. While also filling in the boxes of an action film, even having a light romance by the end.

Essentially gaining all the things that he always wanted, but was never granted.

Grade: C+

BAD ASS 2: BAD ASSES

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Written & Directed By: Craig Moss

Cinematography: Paul Marschall 

Editor: Clark Burnett 

Cast: Danny Trejo, Danny Glover, Patrick Fabian, Andrew Divoff, Ignacio Serricchio, Jaqueline Obradors, Jonathan Lipnicki, Sarah Dumont, Loni Love, Charlie Carver, Dante Basco

Frank Vega teams up with grumpy old agoraphobic Bernie Pope to kick ass and clean up the streets of L.A.

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Like most sequels this is pretty much more of the same only bigger and unfortunately batter in terms of quality as even though it seems to have taken its time this film feels rushed, and if the original was a revenge tale vigilante this one is the same now it’s also a comedy as bad ass has a partner who is slowly dying who seems to join him only for that reason.

Similarly, these films when they have sequels also get a bit dumber so this one is a little more flashier than the first film as expected definitely has more guns.

This one is definitely more comedic and has a slightly bigger budget as the villain poses more of a threat, and uses kind of the same excuse to get away with his crimes as in lethal weapon to the infamous diplomatic immunity clause 

As in the first film, he fought against a corrupt government in street gang now bad ass find himself going up against pretty much a whole cartel and it’s leader who is a international politician again police or any authorities hands are tied so it’s up to him and his partner this time played by Danny Glover 

Who is a ladies man which leads to some hilarious scenes as again this film seems more camping played for laughs than the first time. It’s still a fun ride, but it definitely starts to stretch the plausibility faster like most seems to partially throw away the events of part one to a certain extent , so that it fits more into a different narrative that allows for again him losing someone close who was like a son and setting up a side romance story for him

The villains are still over the top and ridiculous though a little higher echelon as far as the budget is concerned with Andrew Divoff playing the villain who seems like a more polished version of the same villain he played in A LOW DOWN DIRTY SHAME.

One of the aspects of these films that I think has audiences keep coming back is seeing more of an adult action hero, who isn’t necessarily invincible, but for the films purpose seems near invincible and using their smart and experience to win and figure things out as well as being budgeted so there’s no Too much over the top action sequences that make no sense and the film firmly planted tongue in cheek

As well as the lead characters really have nothing to lose, which is why they seem to be going out and willing to risk it. All it is a bee movie franchise is that is worth watching and checking in with each gets more ridiculous because there is another sequel to this film.

It’s nice to see characters who are used to playing supporting roles kind of get their day in the sun to play more leads and carrying over from the first film. It seems like this film also has an unnecessary. at least one unnecessary. 

That house these films is that the actors seem to at least be having fun which is infectious for the audience because they intern feel like the film is fun

If you are a fan of the first film. You should enjoy the sequel.

Grade: C

THE HITMAN (1991)

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Directed By: Aaron Norris

Written By: Robert Geoffrion & Don Carmody

Cinematography: Joao Fernandes

Editor: Jaqueline Carmody 

Cast: Chuck Norris, Michael Parks, Al Waxman, Alberta Watson, Salim Grant, Ken Pogue, Marcel Sabourin, Bruno Gerussi, Frank Ferucci, James Purcell 

After surviving an attempt on his life by his former partner, officer Cliff Garrett exacts revenge on those who wronged him by going undercover as a hit man. He works to gain the reputation and trust needed in order to be accepted by the burgeoning Seattle-area criminal underworld, but it is all done in order to take it down from within.

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This is one of the first Chuck Norris movies I’ve ever watched from beginning to end, where he was a star and not a supporting player or making a guest appearance.

I will admit, I saw bits and pieces of it on television before I decided to screen it and watch it in full and part of the reason is Chuck Norris is look in this film with this long slicked back pretty much a mullet with a Scar and him looking more like a bad ass in a leather trenchcoat.

This film was directed by his brother, Aaron Norris, and I wonder if Chuck over the years kind of brought him in as somebody he can trust and also might do more of what he says instead of it, being such an open collaboration, where other directors might have visions of Granduer, whereas with Aaron Norris, who has directed many of his brothers films it’s more simpatico it’s family is all for a common vision in good

Considering the image Chuck Norris has of all americana and western. This one is more of an urban tail though with plenty of stereotypes, especially of mobsters of the early 90s.

No, obviously the film  gonna play fast and loose with any kind of  facts or logic, especially when his introduction as his undercover character is him blowing somebody away with a shotgun what you don’t even really see many undercover cops do in other movies and television shows so it is a bit of a shock

While he does have some hand to hand combat scenes, it’s mostly gunplay, which again is kind of new at least for me when it comes to a Chuck Norris movie nor did I expect it to be quite as violent and a bit gory.

Then, throughout all this, he still tries to help his neighbor who is getting picked on, stand up for them self and be a surrogate father figure which leads to an unbelievable ending of the film

No, truthfully this phone is already unbelievable from beginning to end and it’s just typical straight to at the time video kind of shock even though I know this plate in movie theaters and it’s not a very good looking film it’s very dated watching it as to be expected, but as bad as it is, it’s very entertaining it’s got character actors, Gloor and clearly paycheck rolls, but playing it for all it’s might.

It moves along even though at times you’re rolling your eyes it’s still wouldn’t make me a Chuck Norris fan necessarily but if you are in it will not disappoint you. It’s a bad movie that’s so bad that it’s actually good as far as entertainment, but it still leaves me as to why the cult of Chuck Norris I don’t give me wrong. I like WALKER, TEXAS RANGER for all probably the same points that people if they like this movie would like this movie but Walker was free to watch. Whereas people had to pay to see this movie.

This film is really straight up trash or maybe even junk. Though As even as an action film, the action isn’t that memorable and he seems to be involved in very little of it half the time until the end really

Grade: C-

UNDER PARIS (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Xavier Gens

Written By: Yannick Dahan, Maud Heywong and Xavier Gens 

Adapted By: Yale Landmann and Oliver Torres 

Original Idea By: Edouard Duprey and Sebastian Auscher 

Cinematography: Nicolas Massart

Editor: Riwanon Le Beller 

Cast: Berenice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Lea Leviant, Sandra Parfait, Aksel Ustun, Aurelia Petit, Nagisa Morimoto, Marvin Dubart 

Summer 2024. Paris is hosting the World Triathlon Championships on the Seine for the first time. Sophia, a brilliant scientist, learns from Mika, a young environmental activist, that a large shark is swimming deep in the river. To avoid a bloodbath at the heart of the city, they have no choice but to join forces with Adil, the Seine river police commander.

 this is like a Syfy B-movie creature feature only Less Campy and better made. Foreign language and European styled.

As it is directed by Xaveir Gens the man behind such pictures as HITMAN (starring Timothy Olyphant) based on the video game and internatonal action film MAYHEM!. Which was a blast as well As the horror film FRONTIERS and THE DIVIDE. 

He’s a director of note and talent. As he has a slick and commercially shiny visual style that is appealing and pretty. His style Reminds one of those who usually come from the Luc Besson school of action filmmaking. Shocked that he never directed more low budget action films or THE TRANSPORTER type films. As he has an appealing mainstream Hollywood style and gloss to his films. That are typically one’s you don’t have to think too much during. 

As it is a European film, unlike those syfy movies there is no all Star cast or even paycheck seeking character actors. Though it does have Bernice bejo for fans of foreign cinema

She was one of the stars of Oscar nominated hit film THE ARTIST from 20

AMore mean spirited then expected and plenty of JAWS similarities. Which it seems most shark movies must either acknowledge it disavow. Though still Entertaining. The last 15 minutes this film Goes bezerker. Not a must see in anyway though keeps your interest 

*This is like going to a fast food places your expectations are low but fills a certain need. Then by the end it’s Still not great but did what itneas supposed to do and your not hungry anymore. As it was good enough. Not too many surprises and somewhat silly. Though not entirely unforgettable either. Better then expected but still not good or

Great. An all Around 

The film is Not Scary and everytime it seems To be going for a PG-13 vibe otncoeks through with a r rated massacre or scenes of violence. Which does help the film seem like it does have some

Pizaz 

Always amazed when films like these action epics have so many writers. Where you wonder was it really needed. As it shows collaboration or not. Too many hands in the pot and the dish will always come out disappointing or unsatisfying. As each one has their own agenda and will smooth out or diminish anything that others have contributed. Making it too much 

Grade: C