Written By: Jackie Chan & Edward Tang, Paul E. Clay
Cinematography: Yiu-Tsou Cheung and Yu-Tang Li
Editor: Peter Cheung
Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung, Kwok-Hung Lam, Charlie Cho, Keung-Kuen Lai, John Cheung, Ben Lam, Chi-fai Chan
Despite his success at apprehending criminals, Kevin Chan’s unorthodox approach to his work as a police officer sees him demoted to the traffic branch. Despite this, the man he put behind bars is now out of prison, and has vowed to make his life a misery. While this crime boss is harassing Kevin and his girlfriend, the police are contemplating reinstating Kevin to help them fight a group of bombers attempting to extort $10 million from building owners.
I will admit this film had some big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite rise to the challenge.
The film comes off as bigger, and it takes a little longer to get started, which might be why this is a longer movie. The film feels a bit bloated.
The stunts try to be bigger, heavier, and longer with a bigger budget, but in actuality, they feel like there are fewer of them or not a special, not as deifying, except for the final fight in the third act.
The film begins by bringing the audience up to speed with highlights from the first film. As there will be returning characters.
The action takes a while at the beginning between action scenes, though the fight scenes are bigger, to a degree. The film lives off of a building up to them. Unfortunately, they don’t quite measure up.
Jackie Chan sports a better wardrobe, and this time around gives the returning cast more to do even as his character ultimately feels less comedic and more serious.
Though he still maintains being the center of attention, he lets others do some of the work.
This film at least has more of a story and its crime syndicate tail. Even the more minor moves feel dangerous and impressive at times.
Cast: Jackie Chan, Brigette Lin, Maggie Cheung, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung, Chun-Yip Tong, Kwok-Hung Lam, Chi-Wing Lau, Charlie Cho, Hung-You Ham
Kevin Chan is a Hong Kong cop, who scores his first big hit by virtually single-handedly capturing and arresting a big drug- lord. Of course, the drug lord isn’t too happy about this and frames Kevin with the murder of another cop. Kevin has to clear his name, whilst keeping himself from getting killed or arrested and keeping his girlfriend from leaving him.
One of the joys of watching early Jackie Chan movies is watching him in his element. like classic silent movie, comedians. That is hard to mimic, and all managed to have their own signature style. where his appeal is all about his physicality here he does his own stunts as usual, but also manages to add into that element badass fights.
So he is dangerous, as well as silly instead of as in his leader films, more silly than dangerous. it’s an element missing from his Hollywood American movies, as the action is not as impressive in those it was more about the stunts, as he was still doing them himself, but usually paired with an up star or comedic star for a comedy, and then, even in the fight scenes, not usually working with his team the fights are stuntman looked like in a musical obvious and waiting for their turn in the spotlight and making it look obvious staged, except for THE FOREIGNER that film is totally balls to the wall, it’s not a comedy
The choreography of the fight scenes is so impressive that he even has a moment in this film to work in a moonwalk scene because it was popular at the time
Part of his fandom is the fact of how hard he works, and that he is willing to put his life and body on the line, not only to get the right shot but to entertain his audience. To impress even being a perfectionist on smaller details at times.
What is the reason this film is considered a classic is that it showcases his appeal and comedy and action and a perfect mix. funny, but the sequences and situations are enough to cause worry while being amazed at the stunts and his physical skills, physically. He truly is in control and comes into his own here. (which is why the film has many sequels.)
He has a lot of purely comedic scenes to himself to show off his comedy skills physically will say he is more impressive with a dance partner, so to speak. As when he uses props the film has weapons, but they’re never truly used. Usually, they are only as threats or for use by others by the villains.
The hand-in-hand combat, at least reminds you of classic kung fu movies, only more modern and crime rate and visual comedy.
No, he doesn’t really allow anyone else to shine in this film just join in the festivities as they are needed.
The film doesn’t offer anything new to add story though I love interest is there the film offers no love story, but pretty distractions. There are the usual cops and criminals and double-crosses.
The car chase scene through a shantytown seems to have inspired an action sequence from Director Michael Bay’s BAD BOYS 2.
One scene to show off the impression a stunt near the end has him show it three times at different angles, though then it just ends suddenly after beating up the villain.
A model prisoner’s leave ends in tragedy when his past resurfaces, forcing him to flee. He starts over in Thailand until a local criminal coerces him back into crime. After this man attacks his family, he vows revenge.
When it comes to this film, you have to look at it sort of the same way. You would look at Director Xavier Gens work over the years.
He is a talented and serviceable Director but while his films have all had style, most of his films, generally come off as disappointing usually maybe more due to scripting problems or story problems. They look vivid, but they can never keep the audience’s interest throughout
This film seems more inspired by the work of Gareth Evans, writer and director of THE RAID movies.
As This film has some truly incredible fights that are bone, breaking, and crushing where you feel the violence in the hits in the action as the camera moves with it, and we see the action and the aftermath.
These scenes do come often more in the second half of the film isn’t as balls to the wall as advertised. As with everything you need a lead-up for there to be that action, and here it’s there even though in the lead-up, it’s a little more typical, and ends up becoming more of a revenge story, but a revenge story on both sides in a way.
They also try to set up the main character to be not violent to be violent even though he’s a fighter, he usually avoids any extracurricular violence as in the scene when he’s in the gym in a fight breaks out he stays out of it so more he only fights when he has to, He is forced Which is what set up the second half of the film is that he doesn’t want to, but he has to if he wants to get his revenge.
Most of the story and film are typical, but those are fight scenes. They are what helped raise the film above the material if it had been 90 minutes of just the action sequences with maybe reasoning in between this definitely would’ve been better as directors like Timo Tjahjanto managed to do that they managed to have spectacular action, but also stay on point with the story so that it is, they are both interesting this is a nice attempt and certainly is not worthy but unfortunately, it’s not successful across-the-board but it is entertaining and worth checking out especially if you are an action movie fan.
Cast: Vincent Cassel, Monica Bellucci, Tcheky Karyo, Romain Duris, Antoine Basler, Dominique Bettenfeld, Francois Levental, Ivan Marat-Barboft, Pascal Demolon, Marc Duret,
The charismatic criminal Dobermann, who got his first gun when he was christened, leads a gang of brutal robbers. After a complex and brutal bank robbery, they are being hunted by the Paris police. The hunt is led by the sadistic cop Christini, who only has one goal: to catch Dobermann at any cost.
This film is definitely a byproduct of the 1990’s. It had plenty of energy and played like a hyper-Tarantino crime tale with way more action. That seems like it retains a villain more over the top than the anti-heroes.
Actually, it plays more for an audience who loves Writer-Director Quentin Tarantino’s films that take too long and are too slow to get to the action. Even though this film builds over its running time to a big climax filled with tension.
The film feels like it is on drugs at the speed it goes through and lacks certain details. It feels cruel in a sense yet tries to be fun In other ways.
Tchkey Karyo is way over the top and means just to be. Think Gary Oldman in THE PROFESSIONAL, but miles past him in strangeness and chewing scenery.
Though that is the main problem of the movie is that there seems to be a lack of motivation or explanation for most of the characters or much of the action. Half the time it seems random or as a result of an extension of a character.
As it is based on a graphic novel, maybe it is better explained in the source material. As here it seems to be a greatest hits quality. That plays exactly like a comic book in feel and texture. Even though the supporting characters are quirky and have their defects. They carry the film over more. As the leads seem there more to look cool.
While it’s nice to see Vincent Cassel and then wife Monica Belluci together and in love on screen. Even Belluci seems to do more acting than Cassel here as he seems more to be the lead and there to look cool and be a mastermind over all else.
it feels like a down-and-dirty popcorn movie. That would have gone even further in popularity if it had a better soundtrack.
It’s a film that is a nice try as it is stylish all over the place, but once you get over it. There isn’t much there except to wonder. If the director had better material would this be much better?
Mild-mannered businessman Anthony Wong’s life is shattered when his pregnant wife is run over by a busy taxi driver. This and another incident with a sleazy cab driver caused Wong to go on a mission to kill bad taxi drivers.
This is a fun movie despite the storyline of it being a revenge/vigilante movie. As it keeps changing tone throughout
One minute it is a comedy, then it seems like a satire then it goes for a more dark and violent route. But that you really take any of it too seriously.
The film starts out with begat looks to be a comedic scene then it becomes an over-the-top action sequence.
One of the supporting characters is a police detective who constantly does dumb things but rarely has a good idea and dresses like a teenager of the time. Though he is a middle-aged adult.
The other supporting character is a super cool cliche who always wants to get in on the action. No matter how dangerous it is. Our lead is more of a nerd who is polite and pushed to the edge but seems to stay that way throughout the killings that politeness.
Even as most of the taxi drivers throughout the film are mean-spirited and vicious. So it makes it easy to hate them. At least most of the ones he comes across and attacks. There is at least one nice one throughout. So it does offer some hope and not a total stereotype.
The film is a strange hybrid that makes the film more fun than it has any right to be. The action happens so fast.
The film is wacky, yet never feels too ridiculous or over the top. It manages to stay grounded even under the silliest circumstances.
Story By: Jonathan Lemkin, Alfred Gough, and Miles Millar
Based On Characters Created By: Shane Black
Cinematography: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Editor: Dallas Puett, Kevin Stitt, Eric Strand and Frank J. Urioste
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Jet Li, Rene Russo, Joe Pesci, Chris Rock, Kim Chan, Steve Kahan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Eddy Ko, Jack Kehler, Richard Riehle, Michael Chow, Roger Yuan, Mary Ellen Trainor
With personal crises and age weighing in on them, LAPD officers Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads that are trying to free their former leaders from prison and onto American soil.
This is the only lethal weapon movie so far that I have seen on the big screen.
While satisfyingly, it closes out the franchise with a message of familiarity. This is definitely the most formulaic and cartoonish of the series. it feels like they are just adding things to make it relevant the formula, familiar and add some flavor so that the film comes fresh
The film also represents the aging of the characters as it shows Mel Gibson‘s character Riggs to have more weaknesses, and not be as sharp and invincible as he used to be . As well as becoming a new father and having a wife, which would actually give him more weaknesses than he is used to. In fact they are so much older that half the time they have to use laser pointers to aim their guns in a target.
Chris Rock seems out of place and thrown in here as he was a hot ticket at the time and added to help with the office and put butts in seats and give it some more flair with a side story is hard to believe and just adds to a sitcom sense of discovery And off-color humor. As he is barely in any of the scenes where action takes place.
Which kind of force is Joe Pesci’s character of Leo gets out of the picture as the main comedic relief though he is still here, and in the end is a dramatic moment, though he does actually have the best chemistry with Chris Rock throughout the film
Again, like the last film, this plays more comedic than dangerous or even action oriented as again this is more of a comedy with action in it. It seems like the first half of the series was more action with comedy. This half is more comedic with action sequences.
The one addition that does make this film, memorable and come alive is Jet Li, as he is exciting as a villain, but other than his action scenes, he is left with nothing to do, though, is a good distraction, and a perfect adversary for Mel Gibson’s character (which with his gruff and viciousness in the past. You can see why fans at the time wanted him to play Wolverine if they ever made an x-men movie) and he actually wins most of the time in the fights on screen, as he truly comes across as invincible, almost like a machine with the speed of his moves Where you do wonder, how are they going to defeat this guy and with him.
I hate to say it, but he is really one of the only reasons to watch this film to see him in action. As this serves Moore as his introduction to Hollywood and a great showcase for him to star in action films, though this film managed to capture him unlike his other American or Hollywood films where he just seems so amazing vicious the only one that comes close that I can think of is unleashed, which also goes by the title Danny the dog
The comedy is just too broad and damn near almost takes over. Just as this film is definitely far from how dangerous Riggs his character was he was unpredictable and crazy. Now he’s still a little crazy yet more careful, and is showing his age. Though still manages to have a memorable chase sequence on the highway.
Just like the previous films, this film has at least one memorable action sequence, and a separate character scene that endears it and makes it can.
Though this film will certainly have a nostalgia and sentimental factor for those who are fans of the franchise and characters. As this Is their last hurrah together. Especially with the passing of directior Richard Donner.
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Stuart Wilson, Nick Chinlund, Alan Scarfe, Mark Pellegrino, Sven-ole Thorson, Miguel Nunez Jr., Paul Hipp, Stephen T. Kay, Delores Shell, Steve Kahan, Traci Wolfe, Damon Hines, Ebonie Smith, Mary Ellen Trainor
Archetypal buddy cops Riggs and Murtaugh are back for another round of high-stakes action, this time setting their collective sights on bringing down a former Los Angeles police lieutenant turned black market weapons dealer. Lorna Cole joins as the beautiful yet hard-nosed internal affairs sergeant who catches Riggs’s eye.
This was my introduction to the movie franchise. Which, for a time, was truly dyslexic, as I never watch many franchises in order. Though at least watching this film pieces of the puzzle come together. As I had seen the previous two movies, in pieces. just never all the way through. Until after seeing this one which made me wanna go back and finally actually watch the first two films’ info.
Having seen all of the movies, I have to say that disappointingly this film doesn’t advance the characters. It kind of lets them stay the same and maybe review or remind the audience of the death of their friendship at this point, as partners.
It feels like it’s trying to be contemporary. It still feels a little bit like a throwback just following a formula. I mean just look at Joe Pesci‘s Leo character who is now a bottle blonde with a crew cut. Also, the introduction of hollow point bullets known on the streets as cop killers, feels like something taken from the news reports of an escalating danger.
Don’t know if the cliché came first or if this helped create them as throughout the formula, feels like a sitcom, almost that Hass to hit certain beats, and show certain scenes and behavior of characters. At least in the previous films, we were getting to know or learn about the characters and see how their partnership developed here we just assume they’ve had a kind of standstill, and it is expected
It’s a film where you don’t really feel any suspense. Just can’t help but seem familiar.
As my first LETHAL WEAPON film, it was exciting and new though it didn’t offer anything I hadn’t seen before. The quality kind of dips in quality in comparison . as if not for the foul language and violence, could’ve easily been a typical PG-13 film as it is definitely made for an audience more than anything. There is no need truly for this film other than for the studio to need money.
Unfortunately, this was a sign of the beginning of the end that felt fun, but a minor effort as there was one more sequel after this.
In serious scenes, the actors seem more silly than serious, except for the chase scene through the subway. That might be one of the film’s main problems is that it plays like a comedy with action in it rather than an action film that happens to have funny moments it’s not as vicious as the previous films either
Watching this film, one’s favorite pastime might be noticing how many times Mel Gibson slips out of his American accent to his more natural Australian one. this film is also the first where Martin Riggs, Mel Gibson’s character, isn’t as scary or dangerous. He’s actually mellowed.
Another Hallmark of this franchise, this one just seems to color in the lines, but offers nothing new, just adding an addition to the overall picture that wasn’t necessarily needed, but isn’t that bad? No, I will say it’s the last classic of the old-time sequels as the next film part four comes across as more cartoonish.
The franchise is familiar enough, so this is almost like just another episode, but lacks the stakes of the other films. It does offer as it adds a character, just as part two introduced us to Joe Pesci Leo Getz, who became a fan favorite enough that he returns for the remaining sequels here, Renée Russo’s character, is introduced, and ultimately stays and survives so that Riggs finally fall for and keeps a love interest.
The film offers a crafty, smart villain that makes his mark but alas, slimy doesn’t have as many memorable scenes, acts, or punch lines as previous villains.
The teenagers with the guns and ammo who are supposed to be part of this gang that hits close to home for Danny Glover, Roger, as one of them has a connection to his son. Nick feels thrown in to give Danny Glover a dramatic second act so that he can make a return, triumphant in the third act.
The film doesn’t offer anything new nor for the characters to do as the first two films did. The violence seems much lighter and less severe than in the first and especially the second film.
It seems like they are supposed to be homicide detectives, but they seem to get involved in every other type of case.
This franchise is one of the last where you can check your head at the door and be purely entertained and feel like at least you were served something well-cooked. Though in the end the film and franchise are meant to be entertainment above all else
Cast: Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Worthington, Jean Reno, Vincent D’Onofrio, Billy Magnussen, Ursula Corbero, Yun Jee Kim, Vivek Kalra, Jacob Batalon, Burn Gorman, David Proud
Follows a master thief and his Interpol Agent ex-girlriend who team up to steal $500 million in gold bullion being transported on an A380 passenger flight.
This film has everything going for it. A lot of great talent so it’s disappointing that it plays so basic. Already going into it you probably know how it’s going to end. Part of the fun is seeing how it gets there. But how it gets there is so predictable that it seems to lack pizzazz.
The film is ok it’s entertaining, but it never has any character or comes alive. As it plays like the typical Netflix action film with a big star at the center.
While it’s nice and fun to see Kevin Hart play the more Noble leader. As he tries to show range and be less comedic in this film. Which is admirable, He comes across as flavorless, and unexciting charisma isn’t there. Nor the laughs even though he’s not trying to get any this time. Though I will give him points for putting in an effort and trying to be an all-around movie star, unfortunately here he’s not that engaging. Where it feels like anyone could have played this role.
Even his romantic scenes with Gugu Mbatha Raw come across his bland. Not to mention she should be getting better roles than this.
It’s a sharing, especially as you have such wonderful actors throughout, who are never really given enough room to breathe other than their characters, expertise, and little hints of life.
Not to mention, you have F Gary Gray, a talented Director in his own right. Who seems with this barely lifeless action B-Movie. That while high concept still comes across as uninventive.
If you’re looking for something, entertaining that you’ll soon forget afterward, or just to have on in the background while you do other things this might be the movie for you. as this feels like a less stylistic and more calm Six Underground-type action film from Netflix again.
I can at least say this film isn’t too embarrassing for him.
Written By: Andrew Scheinman & Adam Scheinman and Tony Gilroy
Cinematography: Tobias Schliessler
Editor: Alan Edward Ball
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Doug Hutchinson, David Morse, Kimberly Elise, David Paymer, Jamie Kennedy, Mike Epps, Nestor Serrano, Tia Texada, Robert Pastorelli, Kirk Acevedo, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Jones, Megan Dodd
An ex-con is used by police to lure a criminal out of hiding.
Though most of the film is a comedy it is filmed slick like an action movie with tons of style, but at turns seems to be more a comedy at heart with dramatic moments.
Hard to believe such veterans of the FBI would so easily get caught up In A drama they are watching, personally. Which offers up an interesting dynamic of how involved you get in watching reality unfold in front of you. So it was even a precursor to how Audiences would react once reality television seemed to take over the airwaves. At least it humanizes the agents involved.
The film definitely looks state-of-the-art and big-budgeted. That truly showed off what director Antoine Fuqua could do. This is practically a calling card for him and Star Jamie Foxx. As the film is a visual delight, and definitely feels like a big-budgeted action extravaganza.
As it not only showed Foxx’s star quality. Even though not written to his strengths. It seems like the type of film he should be getting chances to star in. That eventually happened and worked out for him. Wish he got offered more films like this (only better written)
The film also excels thanks to a good cast of veteran actors. Who goes well with the material and Foxx’s acting.
Even though it seemed to be released with little fanfare. It’s not the best but it is interesting and entertaining.
Doug Hutchinson as the villain comes off as if he is impersonating John Malkovich.
The film has enough thrilling and laugh-out-loud moments of equal measure. That allows for some good action sequences. To live up to the promise of the presentation.
It’s the little movie that could. As it stays small scale due to its budget but feels like a bigger film that it is and where it deserves.
Cast: Kevin Hart, Nathalie Emmanuel, John Travolta, Josh Hartnett, Jean Reno, Brandon Quinn, Milana Vayntrub, Kenneth Trujilio
Kevin Hart – playing a version of himself – is on a death-defying quest to become an action star. And with a little help- he just might pull it off.
This is a movie that has been edited together from the episodes of the Roku series that Kevin Hart had for 1 season. You can easily tell when each episode begins and ends throughout the film. So it should be no surprise that the film is episodic.
The film is also really bad, as it tries to be meta which is really hard for it to work when you have recognizable actors like Josh Harnett play themselves but you have more recognizable John Travolta play a totally different character.
It also doesn’t help that Kevin Hart plays himself. The themes for his character are pretty much the same as most characters he plays in other films.
This film is bad, John Travolta seems to not only be over-acting but giving a career-worst performance so far, as he oddly seems to curse funny and have a kind of way of speaking that is ridiculous.
The only bright spots in the movie are Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett playing himself. The action sequences are passable but never quite exciting or stunning and the film stays pretty much only using a few sets. So there isn’t much to look at.
I would only suggest this movie if you are a Kevin Hart completist. Though at this point he has so many movies coming out one after the other. No one will blame you if you miss this one.
Cut To The Chase 