claudonio Reviews

Windtalkers (2002)

Despite Weaknesses still a well done film

[8/10 · 14 June 2002]

"Windtalkers" has it's share of problems: It doesn't bother to tell us more on the subject on which the story is based: The Navajo indian codetalkers who were a vital point for victory for the US in WW 2. Also the performance for lead Nicolas Cage was very subdued, and finally there are a few predictable cliches in this film. Most of the film is good, the battle scenes of which there are 5, are intensly shot and edited, and Director John Woo shows considerable skill while directing the action, it is obvious that drama is not Woo's field, but this film is a step in the right direction. This film could have been beter, but the decent acting and intense battle scenes make up for the slow parts. The performance byu co-star Adam Beach is more than a worthwile pefromance, he shows some serious acting chops here, I hope to see more of him in the future

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

The Force is strong with this one

[9/10 · 22 May 2002]

Wow! "Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones" lives up to all of the hype and then some. This film improves on 1999's "The Phantom Menace" in the character and story department, though the acting is still a little flat. I was impressed with the performance of Hayden Christensen portraying Anakin Skywalker, we can see shades of the dark side in him. I was also pleased to see that Samuel L. Jackson was given more screen time, we still don't find out much about his character, Mace Windu, but it nice too see him have some significant screen time. This film explains more about the Star Wars story than the last film did, the action in this film is phenomenal, there is a flying car chase which is breathtaking. The last 45 minutes of this film are the true standout, it is non stop action, the real highlight of the action and the film is when Yoda picks up a lightsaber and shows us why he is the Jedi master, it is truly awesome. I highly recommend this film, a trluy good movie and one that I hope will be remembered at the years end

Blade II (2002)

Intense action and thrills

[8/10 · 17 April 2002]

"Blade 2" is a kick ass action thriller. It tops the original in every way. It is just as dark if not darker than the original, the action is more frequent and intense, the effects and acting are better also. I was expecting this to be a good film, it is and then it's more, this film gives us lots of everything, gore, blood, bullets,action and keeps it coming for 2 hours, there is almost too much action in this film. Wesley Snipes performance here is much better than that of the first film, in the first film he had this frustrated expression plastered on his face throughout the whole movie, here he has some comic moments and is much more expressive. The action is where this film really excels, the first film had lots of action and this film makes it look anemic, from the opening on, this film is loaded with action, I mean loaded. The weak spots in this film revolve around the plot, but they are few and far between. "Blade 2" is easily the best action film to hit theaters all year. The complaints I have are far and few between, some of the effects look cheesy, and the final fight scene is a little too outrageous, other than that, this film hits the bullseye

Collateral Damage (2002)

Great movie, despite the subject matter

[8/10 · 10 February 2002]

The critics have been very unfair to "Collateral Damage" because of the subject matter. Because of the terrible tragedies of September 11, "Collateral Damage" looks like it's done in very bad taste. The film deals with terroism and the ending will hit to close to home. If this film had been released last sumer for instance the reviews would have been better, Arnold is fine in the movie, not over the top and very believeable. The action is beliveable and the film never gets preposterous. The characters are well done. But given what has happened this film will never be reviewed fairly. But I hope that people will check it out anyway.

Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

Action packed film but has some weak spots

[7/10 · 9 February 2002]

I liked "Behind Enemy Lines" but it had some very weak spots towards the end of the film, there were some some corny scenes wehre you stand up and scream "Yeah, right!". Other than that there is lots of action and suspense in this film and it is entertaining. Owen WIlson is the main star with the most screen time but Gene HAckman ha some good scenes as well. If you're looking for an action packed film and are willing to overlook it's obvious weaknesses than check this one out.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

Considering it's based on a video game, not bad

[4/10 · 16 November 2001]

As a normal martial arts picture "Mortal Kombat", would be very weak, the story and the characters arent explained enough. But considering this film is based on a video game the movie isn't that bad. This isn't a bad movie to start with it just has thin characters and a weak story. Compared to all other video game movies this one is the best, it isn't as cheesy s the others and it manages to keep your interest throughout. This is one action packed film there are a dozen high energy fight sequences, and they are always at a lightning speed. For fans of martial arts films I recommend this one for the fight scenes, they are pretty good.

Under Siege (1992)

One of Seagal's finest

[6/10 · 14 November 2001]

While I consider Seagal's new film "Exit Wounds" his best, "Under Siege" is his next best film. While the film is technically "Die Hard" on a battle ship, it is well directed enough and there is enough action to make it stand on it's own. Seagal is not a great performer but he makes this movie adequete. My major complaint about this movie is a lack of fighting scenes, some people complained that"Exit Wounds" was devoid of the same thing, maybe. But this film was made 9 years ago,and Seagal was 41 when this was made, he's 50 now. Seagal could have done more fighting. But overall I really enjoyed this film, there are numerous exciting action scenes, and some really funny comical moments. his film stands on it's own as good entertainment and as a first rate action film starring today's biggest martial arts star, Steven Seagal.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Cool Movie, dumb ending

[7/10 · 23 August 2001]

I enjoyed" Planet of the Apes" very much but the ending brings the rest of the film down. Tim Burton has a great eye for gothic visuals and he doesn't dissapoint here. Most of the movie is very dark and moody. The performances are good also, Mark Wahlberg does a good job playing an air force Pilot who crash lands on a different planet in time, Michael Clarke Duncan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tim Roth also are convincing as apes from another world, the majority of this film is good, but like I said the ending brings it down, it's not totally bad but you're left saying, "oh, sure, Whatever". Other than that, I reccommend seeing this film.

Tai Chi Master (1993)

Top of the line martial arts film

[8/10 · 23 August 2001]

"Twin Warriors" is one of the best martial arts films I have seen, there are at least 20 different fight scenes all of them spectacular. Jet Li does a good job of acting here, he isn't as serious as he usually is, Michelle Yeoh who proved she could kick ass in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" shows her skills here as well. The action scenes for the most part are believeable, a few of them go over the top but other than that I was totally into them, if you're looking for pure martial arts action with a decent story and acting, give Twin Warriors a look.

Kiss of the Dragon (2001)

Kick ass thriller with phenomenal fight scenes

[8/10 · 10 July 2001]

"Kiss of the Dragon" is a kck ass thriller with phenomenal fight scenes. Jet Li, who seems to be getting better with eaxch film stars as a secret agent on a mission in Paris, when the mission go awry he finds himself suddenly on the run from the french government. Along the way he meets a prostitute played by Bridget Fonda, the two are both on the run from the same people, Li agrees to help Fonda get her daughter back, and that's when the action really kicks in. There are about 6 or 7 major fight scenes in the film, the best sequences come at the end when Li takes on a room full of black belts then a few minutes later takes on two twin arian brothers, this fight is amazing Li manages to hold his own against two opponents and the result is jaw dropping. This ranks up there with Exit Wounds as the best action film of the year, it's the best of the summer, don't miss it.

Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Funnier and more lighthearted

[8/10 · 4 July 2001]

"Dr. Dolittle 2" is a better film than the first, I really liked the first and this film improves upon it, Eddie Murphy is restrained in his performance and it only helps the film. The plot is similar to that of the first one, a big corporation wants to take over, and Murphy again uses the animals to win. This is fun for the whole family adults and children will enjoy it.

Swordfish (2001)

Exciting High Tech thriller

[8/10 · 10 June 2001]

I very much enjoyed "Swordfish", I like the high tech aspects of the story, and I liked the story itself. This isn't really an action movie, there are a few action scenes that are quite impressive. This film shows how advanced modern technology is, you can basically hack into anything. The performances are not great but they are good, the actors are convincing in thier roles. For pure action there are other movies this summer that fit the bill better than "Swordfish", but for high tech thrills and suspense, "Swordfish" is a safe bet.

Predator 2 (1990)

Good for the most part, but it will always be hard to live up to the first one

[7/10 · 2 June 2001]

I enjoyed "Predator 2", but you can't help but compare it to the first one. This film has it's strengths: Good cast, good action scenes, but the bad outweighs the good: The ending is incredibly stupid, it's really bad. And the atmosphere that the first film created is absent here. I don't like to compare sequels to the orginals but in this case you can't help it. "Predator 2" is good but if you consider the first film a classic, Like me, lower your expectations.

Exit Wounds (2001)

The first great action movie of 2001 and Seagal's best to date

[8/10 · 29 March 2001]

I am surprised at the modest reviews "Exit Wounds" has been getting. I personally feel that it is Seagal's best movie yet. This film is definitely a change of pace for Seagal, while he still plays a tough guy, he is not untouchable like he is in most of his movies. Seagal also has some great comedy moments as well. Rapper DMX is also good in this movie. There is also a considerable amount of action in this movie, there are shootouts, chases, and martial arts battles throughout the movie. This is the first great action movie of 2001 and Seagal's best to date.

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Gotta Love It

[9/10 · 1 March 2001]

You gotta love "Enter the Dragon" it is one of the few classic martial arts films and one of the best. Martial Ats legend Bruce Lee stars in this film about a mysterious man who holds a martial arts tournament on his island. Though after 28 years this film does look a little old it's fighting and martial arts are still quite impressive. Martial Arts movies are proving quite popular these days with the huge success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", this film helped pave the way for other martial arts films to come. This ranks up there with "Drunken Master II" and "Fist of Legend" as one of the best.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

A Blast

[8/10 · 28 February 2001]

"Charlie's Angels" is not a masterpiece, but it is one hell of a good time. For it's entire 98 minute running time I was entertained, there is always something going on. Whether it's one of the many martial arts sequences, or a car chase, or provactaavly sexy shot's of the Angels, this film is always entertaining. It's makes for a good nights worth of entertainment.

Hard Target (1993)

Van Damme's finest hour, you can see shades of Woo's Brilliance

[8/10 · 27 February 2001]

"Hard Target" is Van Damme's best movie by far, the main reason being, John Woo, what this man brings to action films is amazing. There is plenty of action in this movie. John Woo's knack for violence combined with Van Damme's martial arts make for some cool action scenes, This film isn't as good ass Woo's Face/Off or Hard Boiled but it is worth a look.

Fist of Legend (1994)

Phenomenal Martial Arts Action

[7/10 · 25 February 2001]

Though it doesn't quite rank up there with "Drunken Master II", "Fist of Legend" is still a phenomenal martial arts film. Jet Li stars as Chen Zen, a chinamen who returns home to find his master dead and his martial arts school on the verge of being closed down. "Fist of Legen" is a remake of the Bruce Lee film "Chinese Connection". With most martial arts films there is little story and all action, not so with "Fist of Legend", there is plenty of action but also a compelling story. If you just want to watch this movie for actions sake you won't be dissapointed, there are numerous fight scenes, the most impressive being the final 7 minute duel in the martial arts studio. For any body who is a fan of martial arts movies, "Fist of Legend" is not to be missed.

Fist of Legend (1994)

Awesome martial arts

[7/10 · 23 February 2001]

Though it doesn't rank quite as high as "Drunken Master II", "Fist of Legend" is still an amazing martial arts movie. Jet Li who is always exciting, shows his stuff here, and it is incredible. There are numerous fights in this movie the most impressive being the 7 minute fianle set inside a dojo. For anybody who likes martial arts films this film is not to be missed.

The Patriot (2000)

Great Movie

[10/10 · 22 February 2001]

"The Patriot" was one of my favorite movies from the year 2000. I think this is a great film, better than Gibson's "Braveheart". I don't understand peoples critisizms of it's historical inaccuracies, who cares ?! Gibson gives his best performance yet in this movie, the rest of the cast does well also, the battle scnes are spectacular, despite being 2 hours and 44 minutes long "The Patriot" is never boring. See this film.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Truly Magical

[9/10 · 20 February 2001]

Very few films have captivated me like this film, it took me out of the theater and into a different world. I didn't care that the movie had subtitles after a while I didn't even notice. The action scenes in this movie are unlike anything you have seen before. The direction from Ang Lee is brilliant. I hope that this movie wins Best Picture. Great film, I can't recocomend it more highly.

Thirteen Days (2000)

Exciting, Gripping movie

[9/10 · 20 February 2001]

"Thirteen Days" is a great film. It is powerful, gripping and it keeps your interest for 2 and a half hours. Kevin Costner hasn't been in a movie this good since "JFK", the performances are excellent. I feel that this is one of the best films of 2000 and it's a shame that it didn't get more recognition than it did, it is a great film. Don't miss this film.

Drunken Master II (1994)

Jaw Dropping

[9/10 · 14 December 2000]

I recently saw "The Legend of "Drunken Master" not knowing anything about it and it was a grwat suprise to find how good this movie is. I have new respect for Chan after seeing this film. The fights scenes in this movie are simply amazing, the final fight that takes place in a steel mill made my jaw hit the floor, it lasts for about 20 minutes and Chan does some amzing stunts. This is the best martial ats movie I have ever seen.

Malcolm X (1992)

Spike Lee's Finest film

[10/10 · 14 December 2000]

I consider "Malcom X" to be Spike Lee's finest film, better than "Do the Right Thing". Denzel Washington gives the performance of the decade in the title role of "Malcom X". This film is 3 hours and 21 minutes long and it is never boring for a second and is always entertaining. This film tells the entire story of Malcom X, from a street thug to an civil rights activist. Spike Lee makes films about race relations in america, and I feel that he really got his point across with this film. This is a powerhouse film not to be missed.

Oz (1997–2003)

Towers over every show on television

[24 November 2000]

With the exception of "The X-Files", "OZ" is by far the best show on TV. It is unrelenting in it's realism and the acting is phenomenal. It's too bad that HBO's other series "The Soprano's" gets all the awards that this show deserves. I have never missed an episode of this show, I always make time to watch it. I cannot say enough good things about this show, it always suprises me, I look forward to watching this show. When this show goes off the air it will stand tall among the best television series ever.