Tag: ACTION

DEATH WISH 3 (1985)

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Directed By: Michael Winner 
Written by: Dan Jakoby 
Based on characters created by: Brian Garfield 
Cinematography: John Stainer 
Editor: Arnold Crust 

Cast: Charles Bronson, Ed Lauter, Martin Balsam, Deborah Raffin, Gavin O’Herlihy, Kirk Taylor, Alex Winter, Tony Spiridakis, Marina Sirtis

Architect/vigilante Paul Kersey arrives back in New York City and is forcibly recruited by a crooked police chief to fight street crime caused by a large gang terrorizing the neighborhoods.

This film is a cult classic to many and it’s very easy to see why. As it is supposed to be New York, but you can tell not only it’s a set but actually filmed in England!!!!

This film doesn’t bother to put up any pretense; it cuts to the chase immediately. No real drama, just Charles Bronson’s friend getting immediately killed when he is on his way to visit him in NYC. So he seeks revenge after being arrested as a suspect in his friend’s murder. He is in the same holding cell as the film’s main villain. Definitely a full pedal to the metal.

When I say things are kept simple I mean it when it comes to this film. As the villain is middle-aged and a gang leader. A gang that never leaves the neighborhood and he himself looks middle-aged with a bad haircut in his balding frame. There is no rhyme or reason for his or his gang’s killing. Even when they say he has a clean arrest record. It seems like maybe because he is a trust fund kid or makes enough money to afford a good lawyer. Nope, he just has others do his crimes for him. 

As soon as Charles Bronson comes into the neighborhood he defends it openly. While a detective supports it. You wonder if the cops are dirty after one of the older couples has their gun taken away by cops after a complaint from the criminals.

At least by the end, he gets to the neighborhood helping fight off the gang. This might be because the neighborhood has become a literal war zone. With explosions, guns, blades, and machine guns.

As usual, this film gives Bronson a love interest. So far in these movies, he must personally lose two people. The film opens with the death of his friend and then the death of a lawyer he was dating who was much younger than him. Her death is senseless, but it does provide the motivation to finally make him mad. 

The film is ridiculous in itself, but it is more fine and entertaining than the last film. As this

The film really gives fans of this franchise what they want and gets to the action immediately. It also helped that the film capitalized on the vigilante shooting in New York by Bernard Goetz at the time. As the film shows that only violence will help cure bad violence.

The film still has its fate share of gruesome exploitive violence against women. Including a sexual assault and an attempted one in which the woman is stripped bare. These attacks happen even in the middle of a battle or war towards the end. Makes it even more over the top and distasteful. Many might blame director Michael Winner, this was the last time he directed frequent collaborator Charles Bronson or any of the DEATH WISH movies. Director Winner also seems to take particular glee in the violence and nude scenes.

The last two are forgettable and more basic. He brought the sleaze to these films that whole bad certainly helped them to stand out. So that this filled like his over-the-top opus.

The artillery certainly is used more and it’s more of a battle. Eye for an eye as most victims in the neighborhood are elderly. Which is disheartening to watch. The guns get bigger with Bronson seeming to have a signature gun like Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. 

This film has a more recognizable cast. Though in the end, you are a fan of ridiculous action, give this film a try. As it is certainly entertaining with a disturbing dark side. 

Grade: C

DEATH WISH II (1982)

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Directed By: Michael Winner 
Written By: David Engelbach 
Based On Characters Created By: Brian Garfield
Cinematography: Tom Del Ruth and Richard H. Kline 
Editor: Arnold Crust and Julian Semian 

Cast: Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, Vincent Gardenia, Anthony Franciosa, Laurence Fishburne, Ben Frank, J.D. Cannon, Robin Sherwood, Robert F. Lyons, Silvena Gallardo 

Architect Paul Kersey once again becomes a vigilante when he tries to find the five street punks who murdered his daughter and housekeeper, this time on the dark streets of Los Angeles.

While I will admit I am not a man of the first film for many reasons. I have to say the first one is definitely better than this sequel. At least it had dramatic tension and tried to be somewhat of a character piece.

This film is exploitative even when watching the theatrical version and not the unrated edition. It’s sleazy and a retread of the original. Only without any of the drama or moral questions that might have been raised before.

No, here as soon as a tragedy happens he goes right into action without a second thought and not trying to stop crime necessarily. Here Charles Bronson’s character is on a revenge mission. So while other crimes happen around him. He lets them go. 

This seems to be more of the same, only in a new location. 

This feels more like an even more Hollywood version of the bloodletting wish-fulfillment fantasy. That the audience for this franchise wants. Whereas the first film tried to be more a character-driven thriller. This is our and our action.

One of the film’s main problems is that it feels so sleazy and exploitative. Not necessarily the violence but the sexual assaults and nudity throughout. That feels gratuitous even when edited down. Even In some scenes, there is just nudity when not really needed. 

The rape and murder of the maid seem to be shown and filmed graphically mainly to show the ugliness of not only the crime but also to make the audience mad at the brutality and show how savage these characters truly are. 

The film is under 90 minutes and is never subtle and Vincent Gardenia’s character seems wasted and only as another way to link back to the first film and explain why he is in Los Angeles instead of Chicago. Though here he seems almost like comedic relief rather than as a strong character from the first film. 

Grade: C

THE KILLER ELITE (1975)

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Directed By: Sam Peckinpah 
Written By: Marc Norman and Stirling Silliphant 
Based On The Novel “Monkey In The Middle”: Robert Rostand 
Cinematography: Philip Lathrop 
Editor: Monte Hellman and Tony De Zarraga 

Cast: James Caan, Robert Duvall, Bo Hopkins, Mako, Burt Young, Gig Young, Arthur Hill, Tom Clancy, Tiana, Kate Heflin, Sondra Blake 

Mike Locken is one of the principal members of a group of freelance spies. A significant portion of their work is for the C.I.A. While he’s on a case for them, one of his friends turns on him and shoots him in the elbow and knee. His assignment, to protect someone, goes down in flames. He is nearly crippled, but with braces is able to become mobile again. For revenge as much as anything else, Mike goes after his ex-friend.

The film plays like experimental jazz. So many elements coming together seemingly Off beat, yet you stay to see where it is going. Considering the talents involved 

James Caan is the lead, laid back and riffing through it all, but showing his skills and talent. Even though his character is supposedly handicapped.

Where it always seems Like he is more a lady’s man constantly flirting or always having a one-liner rather than being a fighter. Though I won’t Front would totally rock the outfit of his turtleneck.

Robert Duvall seems more like he dropped into the production as a favor or a debt owned (think Edward Norton in THE ITALIAN JOB)

The film shows Life at the C.I.A., might not be as exciting day to day, but lacks plenty of action in the field. 

The main characters aren’t suit and tie or all business, nor typical heroes. In fact, it looks like they are all wearing their own clothes from home. As half the film takes place over 2 days. 

They are ordinary guys the type you see around your neighborhood  Back in the day 9 – 5 guys. Who meet up for drinks at a local bar after work to talk and drink their troubles away.

Not too much exciting action. A lot of slow motion doesn’t help. The film Has a messy 3 act structure that seems to have Its own mini-arcs in act one through so many soliloquies. Which leads to pacing problems. 

You are left wanting even when it seems to take side steps to be more quirky. As you are looking for something with more attitude. Though it plays more like a kind of Western with those types of characters.

At times the film is impressive, even more knowing what went on behind the scenes and the messiness of the production. Which includes diced to cast the screenwriter’s girlfriend, and drugs being used on the set. 

As it goes off on its own solos of little twists and turns that add to the overall element of a project. 



In the end, this is a film that seems like it will only be liked by fans of those involved as a completist type of movie. 

This Ends up as sub-par Peckinpah 

Grade: C

KILL BOKSOON (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Sung-Hyun Byun 
Cinematography: Hyung Rae Cho
Editor: Kim Sang- Beom

Cast: Jeon Do-Yeon, Esom, Koo Kyo-Hwan, Hwang Jung-Min, Lee Yeon, Si-ah Kim, Sol Kyung-Gu, Fahim Fazli, George Tsai, Elyse Dinh 

Single mother Kill Bok Soon is one of the world’s deadliest assassins thanks to her 100% success rate on contract killings. Bok Soon works for M.K Ent, which is run by the man that taught her, Cha Min Kyo. The pair hold mutual respect for each other, but Kill Bok Soon understands that a moment’s notice could take everything away from her. Just before Kill Bok Soon is due to renew her contract, loyalties are put to the test when Bok Soon is involved in a kill-or-be-killed incident.

This has a bit of JOHN WICK in it. Only when it comes to the action. Which is more hand-to-hand than guns, though guns are used frequently. It more leans into the facts of that film’s world-building or an organization of assassins of which there seem to be many. Which has its own set of rules.

The action sequences here are noteworthy for not only the choreography and staging but for some of their humor. One, In Particular, takes place in a bar/restaurant where various killers are after only one person and end up sometimes sabotaging themselves. While other males testimonies as they perish.

The film definitely has a sheen and polish. That puts it a little above the rest. As it isn’t gritty but just as dirty as some others of Its genre 

The film does end up feeling too long at over two hours. You, unfortunately, feel it, so it’s not a smooth journey. As the film plays like a contained epic with many levels. It starts to feel endless. Especially when it plays up more the melodrama of the relationships.

Which is expected though strangely a bit strong for an action film about assassins. It is also that element at the heart of the film and pushes the running time. It might be a case of trying to be more than what is expected.

As the film makes the case of showing why maybe as a paid killer it doesn’t always help to have Friends to get to close to your colleagues

Though not a Netflix original. It feels like their brand of recent action films. Similar to GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE only without the all-star cast. 

Grade: C+

FURIES (2022)

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Directed By: Veronica Ngo 
Written By: Veronica Ngo, Nha Uyen Ly Nguyen, Nguyen Truong Nhan, Ngu Yen Ngoc Thach and Aaron Toronto Cinematography: Phunam
Editor: Nguyen Cong Dang

Cast: Dong Anh Quynh, Toc Tien, Thuan Nguyen, Rima Thanh, Song Luan, Gi A Nguyen, Thanh Nhien Phan 

A mysterious woman trains a trio of girls to take revenge on a criminal gang that abuses females. The three lady warriors risk everything to challenge this corrupt empire.

This film could have almost been nicknamed GET ‘EM GIRLS. 

Now this film doesn’t reinvent the wheel. As it pretty much is predictable and you have seen it before. It does offer excitement as you watch it and tries to provide some twists and turns of its own.

This is the first female action-oriented film that I have truly been impressed by since CHOCOLATE. This film offers female action heroes and feels like a mixture of a revenge tale with parts of  CHARLIE’S ANGELS & GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE. Though luckily without as much humor as those films and less gunplay. As there are guns involved but this is more hand-to-hand combat with machetes and steel pipes. Think DAREDEVIL, the series’ action scenes.

So the film is a bit more vicious than expected. 

The third act of the film feels like a video game with a henchman who looks like he came out of one. This goes along with the cartoonish main villain whose real danger is the threat from those who follow him in force.

Other than actually being a dangerous fighter on his own. Where the audience questions why they follow him in the first place then.

It even offers some drama just to up the stakes and meaning In These fight scenes.

The film is well-directed and has a danger to it. Like the other films I compared it to, it has a little gloss and lots of filtered and neon lighting. That leaves the film with plenty of styles. 

Grade: B-

ASHES OF TIME… REDUX (1994)

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Written & Directed By: Wong Kar Wai 
Based On The Book “The Eagle Shooting Heores” By: Louis Cha 
Cinematography By: Christopher Doyle & Pung-Leung Kwan 
Editor: Patrick Tam & Kit-Wai Kai 
 Cast: Brigitte Lin, Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung,

Ou-yang Feng lives in the middle of a desert, where he acts as a middleman to various swordsmen in ancient China. One of those swordsmen is Huang Yao-shi, who has found some magic wine that causes one to forget the past. At another time, Huang met Mu-rong Yin and under the influence of drink, promised to marry Mu-rong’s sister Mu-rong Yang. Huang jilts her, and Mu-rong Yin hires Ou-yang to kill Huang. But then Mu-rong Yang hires Ou-yang to protect Huang. This is awkward, because Mu-rong Yang and Mu-rong Yin are in reality the same person. Other unrelated plot lines careen about. Among them is Ou-yang’s continuing efforts to destroy a band of horse thieves. Oy-yang recruits another swordsman, a man who is going blind and wants to get home to see his wife before his sight goes completely. The swordsman is killed. Ou-yang then meets another swordsman who doesn’t like wearing shoes. Oy-yang sends this man after the horse thieves, with better results. We then find out what a man must give…

The original cut was released in 1994 I am reviewing the re-edited version of 2008

I will admit that I haven’t watched the original cut yet. This is the same film only re-edited to put emphasis on different things and look at the film in a different way. Sort of like what was attempted when the Mel Gibson film PAYBACK was put out on DVD and re-edited more to the director’s original vision before the production was taken outbid his hands and re-shot and re-edited it’s also similar to the APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX putting back in cut scenes to supposedly make the film richer in content and context.

This is a great movie… To have on in the background of a party continuously playing, but sitting through it is a challenge. I love Wong Kar Wai’s work but I couldn’t wait for it to end. It was like sitting through a music video with its camera work and rapid editing. Though a music video with a thin plot seems a simple reason to link scenes of action together.

This film feels moody as you have to be in a certain type of mood to watch, more open and accepting of the story it presents. I believe the reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as Wai’s other films are that one saw the masterpieces first and came back to watch this film which doesn’t match the greatness of his other films though you can see the seeds. It almost feels unfocused half of the time as to where it is going or what it wishes to convey.

While the film is visually arresting. The story begins to get confusing and boring. When the film is on the verge of getting too boring it redeems itself with an action scene.

Director, Wong Kar wai shows that he is capable of stunning action sequences, which are rather rare in his films, but then he messes them up in this film by making the. In slow motion. Almost like a delayed slow-motion capture. This messes up the fluidity of the choreographed action, but when the scenes run at regular speed they are a sight to behold. This film had an exhausting effect on Wong Kar Wai. While on hiatus during the editing process, he wrote CHUNGKING EXPRESS to “clear his head”.

This is a visually beautiful movie, low budget with a few too many close-ups for no reason it seems. I will prefer and enjoy the first cut just like APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX.

What is interesting about Wong kar wai when it comes to most of his films is that he is a visual stylist as a director, but not, in the same way, directors like Tim Burton works most of the time in his movies. The camera stays still and he lets the sort be about the characters as they reveal relationships and the big story. Now when this is happening the lighting and colors are usually immaculate and use the landscapes to their fullest. And when the camera moves the angles he uses in the scenes are strange, but breathtaking that you feel the movie so much more because at the heart of most of his films are relationships.

It’s like Woody Allen films with less dialogue, no comedy, and no archetypes yet more open and visual. More seems to be at stake and the characters are usually young with more modest incomes plus more sensual than sexual.

It hurts to give this film such a low grade. He has made strides since this film it is an early work that hints at his future vision and genius. Still one of the better and More Interesting filmmakers still working today

 Grade: C-

THE INVITATION (2022)

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Directed By: Jessica M. Thompson 
Written By: Blair Butler 
Cinematography: Autumn Eakin 
Editor: Tom Elkins 

Cast: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee, Hugh Skinner, Carol Ann Crawford, Alana Boden, Stephanie Corneliussen, Courtney Taylor 

After the death of her mother and having no other known relatives, Evie takes a DNA test…and discovers a long-lost cousin she never knew she had. Invited by her newfound family to a lavish wedding in the English countryside, she’s at first seduced by the sexy aristocrat host but is soon thrust into a nightmare of survival as she uncovers twisted secrets in her family’s history and the unsettling intentions behind their sinful generosity.

This film was spoiled a bit by its own studio with a trailer that pretty much told you all you needed to know. A lot of the major story points. 

This film is giving an early 2000’s vibe. Especially the soundtrack. It is essentially a popcorn film and never truly tries to sell it as anything more.

The only reason I had any major interest in the film is its star Nathalie Emmanuel and this film is one of the first and only times I have seen her playing a lead role.

She looks great in every scene. Even if the film leaves her with not too much to work with, that could be seen as challenging. 

As the film tries to have some meaning and ends up having no depth or reason. As it seems to know its place and is nothing more or less.

You know it will be playing on cable, television, and streaming repeatedly as filler.

The film looks good, Shining, polished, and expensive. As it feels at times almost like a harlequin English romance. Like the epitome of class even if simple and stereotypical. As it tries to be about race but seems to be more about class 

Though loved the character of her best friend played by Courtney Taylor, needed more of her. Luckily the filmmakers knew that and rightfully brought her back.

The film offers African Americans in major roles in a horror film and offers a person of color in the lead.

Watching this movie it’s obviously made for younger audiences. Like it works It’s way around more mature subject matter for teens. As we never quite see too much, only the aftermath and hints or glimpses. Even if as a PG-13 movie there is only one use of the F-Word. At least it goes with a good line. 

The action could be a bit more exciting. Though it tries to stay as a thriller more.

The film is fashionable but never quite stands out. As it tries to be modern Victorian at times. 

The film offers characters reading into other people, particularly beautiful ones. How you want or expect them to be. 

The film at times seems more race-based. As the film slightly treats her like she is a slave or an escaped one. Even with a lack of characters of color other than two actresses.

Though it does leave the audience to cheer more for her as a person of color. Many seeing representation on screen take it a little more personally.

Grade: C

SCREAMERS (1995)

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Directed By: Christian Duguay
Written By: Dan O’Bannon & Miguel Tejada Flores
Based On the Short Story “SECOND VARIETY” By: Philip K. Dick 
Cinematography: Rodney Gibbons 
Editor: Yves Longlois 

Cast: Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, Roy Dupuis, Andy Lauer, Charles Powell

A military commander stationed off the planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience.

I remember seeing this trailer many times before movies in 1994 and when it finally came out. It barely gets a release. I didn’t even get to catch it at the discount theater. Once I managed to see it on cable. 

when it comes to Sci-Fi if the story fails you. You usually hope that the special effects will carry you through. Now when this film was made CGI was just beginning but even looking at this film in that context the effects are horrible. About the same quality of SyFy TV movies.

Watching the trailer the film looked a bit thrilling yet simplistic. I was intrigued over the years to finally watch this film as I have not always been a fan of sci-fi films. So I figured to give this one a chance, bad decision.

One of the things that lured me to watch the film was the stars. Peter Weller has a strong look with a mysterious presence. Yet a leading man charm. Who never got his chance in the spotlight and Jennifer Rubin. Who seemed more cast in b-movies whose career I have followed since the movie THE CRUSH. Followed her from career highs and the many lows of her career. This is one of them.

Their budget seems to have gone into bad special effects. Bad investments all around, as the locations seem to be three sets and the desert.

The acting is laughable other than the main two cast members, especially the villain of the film.

The twists and turns are predictable. The ending guarantees a shock but is not as big as the film thinks it does.

In between the action scenes, the film seems to be trying to be satirical and send a message that comes off as empty. This is a shame Since the film had Been more realized and had a major overhaul, especially behind the scenes. The film could have had a chance to be good or at least somewhat decent. Better than what it is now. Unintentionally laughable. A waste of time that actually leaves room for a sequel.

Scenes such as how Peter Weller character goes on and on about how much he loves his wife and family But seems easily tempted away

Grade: F

THE MAN FROM TORONTO (2022)

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Directed By: Patrick Hughes 
Written By: Robbie Fox and Craig Bremmer 
Story By: Robbie Fox, Craig Bremmer and Jason Rosenthal 
Cinematography: Rob Hardy
Editor: Craig Alpert 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Woody Harrelson, Jasmine Matthews, Kaley Cuoco, Ellen Barkin, Pierson Fode, Jeancarlos Canela 

The world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental.

The film was originally supposed to Co-Star Jason Statham. Which would make more sense as a more dream combo. Not that woody Harrelson isn’t good. It just feels like he is a replacement. As he does what the role requires but hasn’t even known for too many action roles in quite a while.

So while his role is supposed to be more action-oriented. He only seems to use these skills on other assassins. As his character is so synonymous that he rarely has to use violence before they confess everything. Even as we know he has the finesse to actually do the things they fear. So it is more about intimidation. 

Kevin hart tries but it feels like again he is playing a similar role to most of his others. A kind of sad sack dreamer who gets motivated in the middle of the film to do what he needs to do to finally accomplish his mission and be successful. 

Though even here hart’s heart doesn’t seem as much into it. As he does create an annoying character who never seems to shut his mouth and say everything he is thinking, but again he knows he has played this type of role before and there is only so much of a variant that he can do with it.

At this point, it would be nice if Kevin Hart made a film that was just him as the star no more mismatched buddy comedies. Let him be center stage and truly make his mark. That might actually be noteworthy. As it would showcase his talents more and not seem so much like he is dependent on others to sell himself. 

The film’s action scenes try to be exciting even as most characters other than the leads and bigger cast names seem disposable. They never offer any kind of challenge. As the audience knows how each situation most likely will turn out.

There are some exceptions; the airplane fight and the gym fight actually enliven the movie and are a bit easier especially after other action sequences seem to fizzle.

Just as it would have been nice for more comedic scenes where Woody Harrelson is nervous around the opposite sex and opening up around new people. Just as more could have been done when it came to the

Handsome FBI agent who Kevin hart’s character is jealous of, allowing us to see why he should be jealous would have been funnier.

Director Patrick Hughes has made some silly yet violent guilty pleasure action comedies before with THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD films. Though those were much more hardcore in language and violence. This one is played safer and PG-13 so it can only go so far and doesn’t feel like it goes far enough in some scenes. So the film Lacks bite in action and In comedy. The material just never feels that strong 

Overall if you are a Kevin hart fan you will enjoy the movie. The film just feels like the typical Netflix big-budget team-up movie with very little reason or strength in the storytelling. 

Woody Harrelson is bland here can tell he was a replacement in casting. 

The film is serviceable but not as fun as you think it will be or it could have been. As Kevin hart does his usual schtick and the material feels too familiar for all involved

Grade: C-

SPY (2015)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Feig
Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman 
Editor: Melissa Bretherton & Brent White 

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Morena Baccarin, Carlos Ponce, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale, Michael McDonald, Sam Richardson, Zach Woods, Katie Dippold, Richard Brake, 

Susan Cooper is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner falls off the grid and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global crisis.

This is for me so far the best comedy Melissa McCarthy has starred in. This doesn’t feel like one of her assembly line films that seem almost cranked out back to back, before the power of streaming made this a common occurrence for most stars. Though I give her credit for keeping trying original Comedic characters.

Luckily here her character is more identifiable for the audience and not so much mentally challenged. 

The film worked as a spoof comedy and an actual spy thriller where you care about what happens and you care about the characters. Who are actually memorable. As we in the audience are like the main character constantly wondering who we can trust.

The over-the-top villains and international characters are filled with so many strange details. It Is such a delight to watch.

Jason Statham is actually hilarious throughout. Having a kick for making fun of his previous roles. While doing what needs to be done action-wise. Which is what gives the film its energy is the constant duality of the actors, characters, and film. 

The film keeps you on your toes with Its surprises. As well as having a shocking amount of violence that is graphic. While  At heart the film is an action comedy. 

Everyone seems to give their character a certain spin. So it feels more like everyone has their own motivations, agenda, and trust issues. Yet all share a certain world and reality. 

This is a tight film but everyone feels loose and free. So that they get their moments to shine 

Grade: B+