Tag: ACTION

TRIGGER WARNING (2024)

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Directed By: Molly Surya

Written By: Josh Olson, John Brancato, and Halley Gross

Cinematography: Zoe White 

Editor: Chris Tonick and Robert Grigsby Wilson

Cast: Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Anthony Michael Hall, Jake Weary, Tone Bell, Alejandro De Hoyos, Gabriel Basso, Kaiwi Lyman, Nadia Molcho, Peter Monro

A devoted daughter is attempting to figure out the cause of her father’s passing.

I am guessing this was supposed to be Jessica Alba’s comeback film To the big screen after being out of the film world for a while and running her Honest brand. 

This definitely was not the right project as it seems like a Netflix movie that even one of their bigger stars Jennifer Lopez would turn down that is how disappointing this movie is. I’m wondering if they had the script and tried to sell it to Alba as her return to movies but not tell her that probably Jennifer Lopez turned it down as well as another list of stars I mean Netflix as an action movie starring character actor Allison Janney. That is way more entertaining than this will ever be.

Jessica Alba, who is a great beauty even deserves better than this film. The audience doesn’t even deserve this film. The film is that poor. 

In watching the film. I know it takes place in a small town so I know it can’t be too impressive when it comes to the action plotting or visuals but this should still definitely be better.

The action sequences are not that impressive or expressive action and are far short of what one would hope for. 

The film is basically unoriginal and doesn’t seem to have any intentional humor. It also has no mystery. You pretty much know how it’s gonna go and offer no surprises in the way that it happens, except that you expect everyone in this film the characters to be a lot smarter. 

Which unfortunately is the quality one has come to expect when it comes to Netflix’s star vehicles.

This is a film, where a character you can tell is gonna be a jerk as he has a stylish mullet. that is derivative and bland that this film is.

What is shocking is that the film is co-written by some noted screenwriters Josh Olson and John Brancato. As well as Halley Gross who has quite a few screenwriting elements under her belt. So I wonder if each tried to make it better by laying on their expertise and somehow it all got simplified. 

It’s a good thing. This film didn’t go to the big screen. It would definitely be a disappointment even more than it is here. There is nothing in this film that feels worthy of being on the big screen.

Even while it was fighting for either a bad or worse. as you watch a film with a crap charisma villain, and the characters get to take down a terrorist for extra measure.

This also could’ve ended much quicker. It needs to be so long and also feel that way.

by the end, the only question I had was why do they use the name ghost always for terrorists or assassins? I know maybe it gives a certain visual or maybe informs the audience of their mysterious nature and how easily they can disappear but I think it’s time for Screenwriter to come up with a better name or alias for these types of characters. That was the most interesting aspect of this movie and it was still derivative.

Grade: F

THE WRATH OF BECKY (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote

Based on characters created by: Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye

Cinematography: Julia Swain 

Editor: Stephen Boyer 

Cast: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Courtney Gains, Matt Angel, Denise Burse, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Kate Siegel

Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But, when a group known as the “Noble Men” breaks into their home, attacks them, and takes her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.

Wow, this film is much shorter and gets to the point faster. As we already know the character. It also leads to one of the biggest problems of the film. There is no suspense. We know she can take on these villains as she is faced with much worse and much tougher.

So even if it was like a horror film, where we are just here for the kills. It still proves to be disappointing as the kills aren’t that inventive or any real creativity to the table. it also seems like for a hit film. The budget is much lower for this film, which is strange.

The film plays like a familiar song only with its own different beat that isn’t as catchy but serves the purpose of it.

Even the inciting incident just seems so ridiculous and minor. that feels lame, weak, and unneeded just as her enemies could’ve felt a little more dangerous instead it almost feels like you’re watching a deadly version of PROBLEM CHILD. 

So the film wants us to believe that she is tapped into a much bigger conspiracy and leaves very few victims in this film and they’re not that impressive. There is no joy even as she’s getting her revenge through it all. which is a similar problem to be found in the bigger budgeted THE EQUALIZER films, but they still find a way to be entertaining. This film wants to have a dark sense of humor and a try, but it never quite rises to the level.

It’s giving the audience it’s what it wants, but it also feels a bit lazy. which is a shame as the first one was no masterpiece, but it was a fun little sadistic action film that was surprising. Instead what we get here is gory and goofy.

The film tries to offer a twist only it’s not that shocking and you don’t really care and it’s nice to see Seann William Scott on screen and he certainly is menacing. You just wish the project matched his talent and intensity. 

By the end, there is promise of a sequel, which hopefully will help redeem the franchise. If you are a huge fan of the first film, you might take a chance and watch this. Though truthfully there is no need.

Grade: C-

THE ROUNDUP (2022)

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Directed By: Lee Sang-Yong

Written By: Min-Seong Kim

Adapted Screenplay By: Lee Sang-Yong, Young-Jong Lee and Ma Dong-Seok

Cinematography: Sung-Lim Ju

Editor: Sun-Min Kim

Cast: Ma Don-Seok, Son Suk-Ku, Choi Gwi-Hwa, Park Ti-Hwan, Heo-Dong-Won, Ha Jun, Park Ti-Young, Yoon Byung-Hee 

Followed by Ma Seok-do, who heads to a foreign country to extradite a suspect. However, he discovers additional murder cases and learns about a killer who had committed crimes against tourists for many years.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of this film as I didn’t know it was a sequel, but figured it out as soon as the main character played by Ma Don-Seok shows up on the screen, he is presented like the audience should already know his backstory and what he’s capable of..I thought it was just the film, making fun or poking fun at the genre of action films. 

Let’s say a star like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in the film. You don’t necessarily need that much of a backstory because we feel like we already know the character’s personality based on the star’s personae and the roles he usually plays. 

Though as usual, the main character here is the all-knowing tough-as-nails cop who seems to win every fight and has a killer right hand when it comes to punches.

The film is tricky as at times it plays like a deadly serious thriller and action film but then at other times, it has silly comedic scenes that make a strange mixture that leaves you questioning the tone sometimes. However, that also sets it apart and makes it worth watching. 

What separates this film from becoming just another average action movie is not only the fun hero but also the truly dangerous psychopathic villain. Who Is also strangely Charismatic? Played by Son Sum-Ku, As you love to hate him. Who seems like he is virtually unstoppable.

The film truly shows that there is no honor amongst thieves as their continuous double crosses and triple crosses, though it seems like the only people who tend to be all-knowing are the hero and the villain. 

this film is cutthroat as it seems all the villains use axis, hatchet, machetes, and knives, and the cops barely use guns. It’s more either hand hand, combat or batons, though there is plenty of action. It’s not as much as you think as this is more of a thriller with action elements.

The film is actually a fun ride. As it keeps itself lively. it keeps you on your toes throughout even though you know eventually what must happen you still can’t predict how it’s going to end.

The film feels full as it gives you anything you ask for while sticking with its main points and characters.

Grade: B-

MR. NICE GUY (1994)

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Directed By: Samo Hung 

Written By: Fibe Ma and Edward Tang 

Cinematography: Raymond Lam

Editor: Peter Cheung and Chi-Wai Yau

Cast: Jackie Chan, Richard Norton, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Miki Le, Karen McLymont, Vince Poleto, Barry Otto, Sammo Hung, Peter Houghton, David No

A Chinese chef accidentally gets involved with a news reporter who filmed a drug bust that went awry, and is now being chased by gangs who are trying to get the videotape.

Jackie Chan usually defends himself in fights. That leads to death-defying stunts and he seems so acrobat. As he is, the initial attacker is never malicious or aggressive. 

Why he comes across so bad when he does. He seems up or had enough of it and he’s not using so much as truly fighting for a reason. Still the reluctant hero.

This is also why usually his films are more noteworthy for their action sequences than the plot as the story is the connective tissue that holds it all together and leads us to these scenes. There isn’t truly any just the cosmetics that help everything else cook.

This film is set up in Australia, and not starring most of his usual costars. Except for Richard Norton playing the villain. 

Thankfully, this is not another body-action comedy. This film also isn’t as sanitized as his usual more English language films, which sometimes end up being more for families and kids. There is more action with comedic scenes sprinkled throughout. But still, it’s an action film throwing through one just wishes the film could’ve been better overall.

That piece of work, though not as fun, loving, or inspiring as his non-English language films. The film becomes over-the-top ridiculous especially with it’s at least giving him a challenge. The henchman outfits are definitely 1990’s garb.

Directed by fellow kung fu legend, Sammo Hung. Who is more known for comedy and directing and acting with fight scenes and kung fu sprinkled it. 

It gets a little racy, but nothing too offensive. That is an ending that offers pure destruction. 

This ends up being a noteworthy film of his overture.

Grade: B-

CITY HUNTER (1993)

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Written & Directed By: Jin Wong

Based on the Comic By: Tsukasa Hojo

Cast: Jackie Chan, Richard Norton, Gary Daniels, Joey Wang, Kumiko Goto, Ching My Yau, Leon Lai, Paul Sinn, Ken Lo, Tzui-Pin Wei 

A self-indulgent private investigator winds up on a cruise ship full of rich patrons, gorgeous women, murderous terrorists, and scarce food.

This film comes across more as a cartoon with the requisite sound effects and visual effects with over-the-top comic antics even fantasy sequences that at times are supposed to be sexy, but come across as silly.

As it is way more comedic than his usual films.

At least the camera barely stays still for any elongated scenes or pieces of time, though it outdoes shots for so-called style. 

The film feels like an indulgent 1980s fantasy film grounded in reality where the second half plays like the movie under siege, but there are plenty of comedic antics. In both parts

The problem with the film comes from the heart of the film, which is that Jackie Chan’s character is a great detective who seems very clumsy, daydreams a lot, and always seems to be after sexy women. He is helping to take care of his partner’s daughter. At first, it’s like they have more of an uncle-niece relationship at times, it seems like she wants to make him jealous by going on vacation with a cousin so that it may be a romance on her part towards him, but he also seems to show a certain jealousy when other men are interested in her and this seems to be part of the romantic comedy elements were a force of the movie.

it’s made all the more inappropriate seeming as the girl he is taking care of looks like a teenager as well as the girl whose case he is working and he is noticeably older than both of them so seeing him try to romance them in certain scenes feels very uncomfortable.

The film feels more trashy than the star’s usual fare. They will try to maintain innocence and say it’s all in good fun as it is a stupid comedy that’s more physical and less action and more stunts action. There is also more comedy and less stunt work.

There is no nudity but fixated on the female costar’s cleavage and body, and finding funny things to do with them and come across more as character traits than an actual character.  As there are many scenes where he seems, the female characters are groped for comedic effect that comes across as a little bit more exploitative. 

It also makes life seem cheap. As there is tons of abuse towards women played off more as comedic. This is horrible especially when the Supporting female characters here are actually more fun and funny than the main actor.

The film is a screwball comedy without a good script. Even the villains henchman here seem to be wearing uniforms that look like costumes left over from V: THE MINISERIES.

Again, at the halfway point, this movie turns into Under Siege, the dyslexic version. The second half of the film is better than the first half.

This seems like a role less significant for Jackie Chan as it seems or feels like almost anyone could have played it because of physical and comedic skills were why he was called and offered him a chance to play an actual role outside of his usual persona. 

It’s fascinating how ridiculous this film is especially anytime. Visual effects are used that feel more like a live-action comic book. 

It has strange bits of humor like a scene that has a street fighter-themed fight with various characters playing the video game characters. Do video game antics and sound effects. That comes across more as a parody.

Grade: C 

HIT LIST (1989)

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Directed By: William Lustig 

Story By: Audrey K. Rattan

Written By: John Goff and Peter Brosnan

Josh Becker & Scott Spiegel (Uncredited)

Editor: David Kern 

Cast: Jan-Michael Vincent, Leo Rossi, Charles Napier, Harold Sylvester, Jere Burns, Rip Torn, Lance Henriksen, Ken Lerner, Frank Pesce 

A family man and a mob witness hunt for a hitman who has mistakenly kidnapped the family man’s son.

This actually makes a very engaging thriller, though it’s a character actor Paradise, and while everybody is doing their best, the main weakness is the person, casting the lead Jan Michael Vincent, who doesn’t seem to put his all into it, though probably with his name and star Power is why the film got made or financed in the first place. 

Though the film has enough heavy hitters in the cast. Not to mention supposedly Mr. Vincent was behind several problems with the production. This might be why such heavy emphasis is more on supporting cast members.

The film has plenty of action and plays like an action thriller that you would see on the big screen you know it has not so healthy budget though I think if someone else had played the lead, it would be better remembered I’m not gonna say it would be a classic, but definitely better remembered 

Especially as one of the twists of the film is based on what one would think is a ridiculous mistake, but moves the film forward 

The other flaw of the film is that really out of Jan Michael Vincent’s Circle. the only good guy or good character who is killed is really his best friend in the African-American character. You know there are several cops in the beginning who are protecting witnesses who get killed but we rarely or barely get to know them whereas the character played by Harold Sylvester you know we get to know and care about and then he is dispatched

The rip TORN seems to have fun, showing a scenery and going over the top of his role as a mob boss, Leo Rossi adds real heart and is a memorable character to the film, as a kind of wise guy who most of the characters are after in the first place 

Same with Charles Napier he just seems to go with the flow and really seems to be enjoying himself throughout as more of the federal agent on the case

it’s cool to see Lance Henriksen as this maniacal unstoppable killer who has a day job as a cover and then towards the end seems that no matter how hard you try to kill him. He’s like a horror movie villain he just won’t die. It’s interesting and ridiculous he is though he’s the most interesting character in the movie as he is a killer character, who deserves a better film script than this

Especially his character is so devious and calculated, but it makes this one mistake that changes. Everything seems a little bit ridiculous 

this film is more on the side of a guilty pleasure as you can’t really take anything seriously but it is a fun film to watch. I believe you will have a good time with. Especially directed by director William Lustig, even though this is one of the few director-for-hire jobs that he took. 

Grade: C

RUMBLE IN THE BRONX (1995)

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Directed By: Stanley Tong

Written By: Edward Tang and Fibe Ma

Cinematography: Jingle Ma

Editor: Peter Cheung 

Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Francoise Yip, Bill Tung, Marc Akerstream, Garvin Cross, Morgan Lam, Alien Sit

A young man visiting and helping his uncle in New York City finds himself forced to fight a street gang and the mob with his martial arts skills.

This is the first movie I saw Jackie Chan starring in. Though I remember him in the CANNONBALL RUN movies. This was another temp for him to break in Hollywood after the previous film mentioned, and THE PROTECTOR with Danny Aiello.

Only this time he had more momentum as Quentin Tarantino had hyped him up and his films after a lifetime achievement award at the MTV awards when they were at the height of cool. Showing clips of all his films and detailing his injuries from doing all his acrobatic stunts.

Had a younger generation mesmerized and salivating over his work. Having him be a well-known foreign secret this was the first released film after.

The trailer showcased more action scenes than the stunts and didn’t include any of the more comedic elements.

The film is pretty run-of-the-mill only here. Most of his enemies are Caucasian.  The film does show him struggling with the English dialogue so still eternally a nice guy and helping out a kid and his older sister, who had first set him up, and provides the film with some eye candy, but not a romantic one.

This has  what is typical in his film’s build-up of him being impressive and early scenes, yet being defeated, then the finale and over-the-top action fighting extravaganza, where he is like Hulk Hogan in his prime beaten now feels no pain in his nonstop as now he is truly angry and fed up

The film feels more like something from the 1980s and Chan is a little too old to be quite believable as the character and his circumstances.

Luckily, this is less comedic and family-friendly than his films would eventually become in America, so this film does retain some edge.

Though the pharmacy supposed to take place in the Bronx is obviously filmed in Canada and is not as exciting as the title.

Grade: C+

POLICE STORY 2 (1988)

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Directed By: Jackie Chan

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.

Ultimately, this film feels like a disappointment

Grade: C 

POLICE STORY (1985)

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Directed By: Jackie Chan and Chi-Hwa Chen

Written By: Jackie Chan & Edward Tang

Cinematography: Yiu-Tsou Cheung

Editor: Peter Cheung

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.

Believe the hype, check it out as soon as you can

Grade: B+

MAYHEM! (2023)

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Directed & Story By: Xavier Gens

Written By: Magali Rossetto, Guillaume LeMans, Stephane Cabel

Cinematography: Gilles Porte 

Editor: Riwanon Le Baker 

Cast: Nassim Lyes, Loryn Nounay, Olivier Gourmet, Chananticha Chaipa, Vijay’s Pansringorm, Yothin Udomsanti 

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.

Grade: B-