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.
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.
Written By: Enrique Gomez Vadillo and Carlos Valdemar
Cinematography: Santiago Navarrette
Editor: Carlos Puente
Cast: Sonia Infante, Andres Bonfiglio, Rodolfo De Anda, Antonio Eric, Humberto Lobato, Angela Alatriste, Martha Gema, Ileana Higueras
The son of a wealthy businesswoman returns home from boarding school. His mother, always busy with business and with her ambitious lover, realizes that her son suffers from being a homosexual. Having killed a teacher who abused him, the trauma makes him keep killing.
This film was made in 1991 but watching it it feels older though it totally fits both the 1970s and 1990s as a way of creation as the film is at the heart, a thriller, but also a kind of LGBTQ plus romance of sorts. Definitely more of a cult film.
We are mildly sympathetic to the killer in this film, as it’s not a spoiler, but his character was raped by his teacher at a boarding school, and he secretly enjoyed it, which is how he found out that he was a homosexual, but also is repressed that he can’t readily admit it to his mother But is looking for someone to love and share his life with, but is so repressed that he kills those around him or also gay or threat to him
To try to fool the audience because the opening credits are of the lead female Sonia Infante swimming around her pool and staying in a state of toplessness until a man comes we find out is her soon-to-be husband and basically, they frolic together, and this opening scene and throughout the film that is shot like soft horn Haze
The stepfather seems like a Spanish right, Robert Mitchum. He looks and we don’t really know his deal because at first, it seems like he is a gold digger, but he seems like he does but also odds with the stepson, but the mother keeps trying to deny homosexuality Homosexuality is treated like some kind of disease or mental illness throughout this film. We’re having the main character be a serial killer of sorts doesn’t help.
It’s so hard to believe that the stepfather is the one who suspects him of it while also setting up a house fall who is meant for more things than he is presented with at the beginning
In all of this, the sun finally finds a companion to confide in who has a girlfriend who I guess has always been straight most of his life but being a European he’s sexually the son is his friend and has treated him so well and this is his honeymoon to a certain extent or least bachelor party to get all his players and king out an intense romance between the two
The film has full frontal nudity of men and women, thing is that it represents a negative stereotype of homosexuals, but it also makes them the main character and gives representation at a time when it wasn’t really shown also the movie is a bee movie that is so ridiculous that you cannot believe The sun is getting away with all these murders, except for the fact that his mother is rich, but she even believes all of his excuses of all these deaths around ridiculous, especially when the murders are so blatant and done at the drop of a hat without any real thought or planning?
That is the beauty of the film is that it is such a bee movie and so ridiculously over the top, but for the most part, seriously it achieves the true beauty of being self-aware and not at the same time with questionable politics and motives that make the film, if not troubling at times And wondering how takes this film that it is obvious yet comic
In the end, this is a fun yet bad film that has a ridiculous. The third act and ending despite it being bananas from the beginning Harkins back to a certain time no offer representation of good and bad.
watching the film, you could tell that this was a bit homophobic and going into certain stereotypes while trying to have an open mind, though villainizing and having sympathy but also gives a backstory and understanding, even though throughout the film pretty much there is no set. Everything is said out of the open and no one seems to have, a sensor when it comes to their thoughts and saying them. it seems a vision of a homosexual story through a straight male gaze.
Juliette Hardy is sexual dynamite and has the men of a French coastal town panting. But Antoine, the only man who affects her likewise, wouldn’t dream of settling down with a woman his friends consider the town tramp. While Antoine’s away, his younger brother Michel, who worships Juliette, proposes to her. But what will happen when Antoine returns?
I saw the remake or reimagining from the 1990s first Which seemed to Focus more on Sex scenes and what the director Roger Vadim (who directed both the original and the
Remake) could get away with In The new modern age of cinema at the times. Which seems to be what both versions of heartbeats are.
Roger Vadim has always been interested in presenting the image of beautiful women on screen and more carnal delights. As A provocateur in artistic clothing. As a Frenchman also more interested in relationships and characters rather than necessarily plot lines. Creates more of a mood and atmosphere in his films as well As style than anything of deeper substance.
Here he makes the film all about the beauty of Brigitte Bardot which helped make her a star but also limited her to a degree. Making her a bombshell but especially more foreign gem export, at the time. Never truly let her acting talent come through and thus she never really got a chance to prove herself and was stuck more as an image and star. To be ogled, etched, adored, lusted after but never given anything deeper. As you want to possess and protect without knowing much about her.
Though the film through its critics and characters shows that there can never be a female character. Who is beautiful and her every action or decision not judged and a bunch of people talking or telling what she should be or should be doing. Everyone has an opinion about their relationship and their behavior.
She is a Symbol of unattainable beauty that men want by their side and women want to be.
It shows a changing moral code in a more innocent time. That showcases desire amongst the other things going on in the character’s lives. Every decision is questioned and Idealized
Women of beauty but never actually Considered for their other qualities. Who is Commonly Used and Judged. When their lifestyles and so-called attitudes don’t match the refinement they are expected to have. In other words when they show any traces of being human or normal.
The film offers Elegance but at times has a revealing peek-a-boo quality.
What might have once been seen as racy comes across as tame or classic like boudoir photos for couples. Luckily the film is not as exploitive as expected by the poster or reputation.
As Though Bardot’s character can’t be with the one she wants. she agrees to a marriage of convenience to truthfully a rebound relationship with a man who does love her and seems to pay the price. Only for her to stay and seemingly to stay in his life. Her behavior is troubling to many in his family.
Though she has many suitors and many men who desire her. It’s also about values, especially of character. As the rich man whom she Talks to, he has the power and means to give her what she wants and he truly only desires her more when she resists and thinks she is considering it. She knows he only wants her truly for her beauty and to have her just as he wants the shipyard that her husband owns.
Though her husband might not be Rich. he truly loves her and wants to make her happy. He appreciates her for who she is, who she knows she can control. Once her old lover his brother comes back the only man she has ever truly loved and has feelings for. she keeps flirting and tries to seduce him more throwing her marriage in his face.
As she is a Small Town beauty stuck and weighing the best out of her options. As Everyone is living in the moment. They reveal Themselves to be Broken characters seeming to punish themselves and never think about tomorrow.
The film pushes cinematic rules at the time and conventions. Though she is the main character the film never gives her drive or reason more just a fantasy of certain expectations and given none, other than beauty and what she can provide.
What I thought going in was that, You’re worth more than a smile and some nice words that Don’t focus on anything more penetrating than your beauty.
You deserve non-broken promises, Actions, and pampering not to owe or be paid back later
But done out of caring and love.
Even her old lover finds her hard to resist. even though he tries and when he fails jealousy comes with it. She loves her husband but is weak when it comes to her attraction to his brother who consistently disrespects her to others.
She seeks to not be so lonely all the time, Though shows a fair amount of glimpses.
The relationship started before she ever really met him. He had a crush when she was dating his brother.
In the end, everybody gets screwed and the only honest character seems to be her husband
Having to deal with the repercussions of her actions. As Every decision is judged.
No matter what she does or carries herself. As it is seen as lustful by other men and shameless by other women.
If he can’t have her or truly control Her, no one can as he almost kills his brother over her and then in the end. When she chooses to dance and have fun. He views it as disrespectful and wants to kill her even as he is seen as the romantic one.
They Make each other crazy, though it is seen as romantic when he slaps her as he is taking control and she has seen how much she believes he loves her by almost shooting her.
Even the man who desires her eventually is scared of her power but also has the overview to see everyone’s true emotions. Knowing it will come to an explosion eventually. He steps in to defuse the situation but pays for it violently.
This is a movie to talk about more than necessarily watch and praise what is on screen. Though you just see it to see how it is presented and the subjects that come up.
Maybe people back in the past felt the way the modern version plays. A wolf in sheep’s clothing meaning it tries to have artistic resonance and show at the time the vhs gong sexual attitude and more open nature of European films and relationships. Not necessarily show sex scenes but plenty of titillation and many excuses to show a bouncing Bardot in risqué states of undress and tight clothing as well as an open sexual attitude and willingness.
This film also seems to be almost a tribute to the beauty of Ms. Bardot and writing a film around her and maybe the filmmaker’s obsession with her made it into drama.
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.
Written by: Baltasar Kormakur and Hallgrimur Helgason
Based on the Novel By: Hallgrimur Helgason
Cinematography: Peter Steuger
Editor: Skul E. Eriksen and Sigvaldi J. Karason
Cast: Victoria Abril, Hilmir Snaer Guonason, Hanna Maria Karlsdottir, Baltasar Kormakur, Pruour Vihjalmsdottir, Olafur Dari Olafsson, Prostur Leo Gunnarsson, Eyvindur Erlandsson, Halladora Bjorn Sdottir
Will the 30-year-old, Hlynur ever move out of his mother’s apartment in Reykjavík? Social welfare keeps him passive but things change when his mother’s Spanish friend, Lola, arrives and stays through Xmas and New Year’s Eve.
Before going off to make more action-oriented Hollywood films. Director Balatasar Kormakur (2 GUNS, BEAST, EVEREST, CONTRABAND) came through with this very visual erotic coming-of-age story of late maturity and being in a love triangle with your mother.
I would like to say this film can be easily categorized, but this film is one you can never quite take too seriously. So that one minute It’s a romance then it seems like an aimless character study. Then it seems like a woe-is-me for a character we can never quite feel sorry for. So if anything we can say this film is a quirky comedy.
There isn’t much substance to the material. A kind of love and lust triangle between a son, mother, and lodger. So that it ultimately becomes a film about relationships or connections.
A lodger is a free sprint and flamenco teacher played by Victoria Abril. Whose performance full of life, charisma, vitality, grace, and spirit is what saves the film. Not to mention her obvious beauty. She truly saves the film and is the only reason to watch it. It’s what got me to watch. As when she isn’t in the film it drags. You wonder was the character written around her or was she cast perfectly and it worked out?
Only wish she was in a better film that matched her talents and made her just her own thing to admire and love about the film. Rather than the only thing.
The main character is an unlikeable selfish jerk, but he is our guide. So when he gets his comeuppance. We aren’t as upset as it is expected. The film tries to come off as a foreign Woody Allen-inspired film. Only less artistic and more aimless.
His mother finally found a relationship and forced him to grow up. The downfall of his responsibility. Though originally seemed like it might focus on a lesbian relationship. It ultimately adheres to the male gaze and sexual fantasies and actions of straight sex.
The film is pretty open-minded for its time and has a liberal openness as it offers no judgments on anyone. It ultimately becomes about a young man learning to grow and become responsible. Learn how to truly have an adult relationship. So in certain moments is a relationship comedy.
Which leads to the increasingly complicated situations he finds himself in. That proves to be his downfall and maybe his saving grace.
The film is a time waster and has some good ideas and tries to twist it so that instead of playing the victim the main character is almost a villain at times, but learns to grow up somewhat. Though none of it Is compelling enough to keep a major interest.
Cut To The Chase 