kiliansabre Reviews

The Bodyguard 2 (2007)

Fluffy Action Comedy

[5/10 · 17 July 2007]

Unfortunately this review will be a bit incomplete as the version I saw didn't have subtitles and I don't speak Thai. That said, I have not seen the first movie, but when I heard Tony Jaa had a cameo I looked it up. The lead of the movie is played by Petchtai Wongkamlao who was George in Ong Bak. This is an action movie and there are fight scenes, but it's clear that Petchtai Wongkamlao's boxing ability is still in it's earlier stages. The plot as far as I can tell is about an agent trying to stop a threat to the nation, posing as a high profile singer in the mean time. The first action sequence is probably the best which is a nice gun battle in a gay club followed by some car action. The rest of the action scenes in the movie (with the exception of the one featuring Tony Jaa) seem to be more or less about introducing a skilled fighter and then killing him off in some silly way. Basically you never get to see any real martial arts displayed throughout. Tony Jaa's appearance seems to be about his character looking for an elephant figurine (an obvious reference to the Protector). The fight itself only lasts about a minute and takes place outside at a vendor stand, but it was still a treat to see Tony Jaa in action if just for a minute. The comedy seemed pretty good, a lot of it was visual with references to Ong Bak and probably other Thai movies as well. Hopefully someone will add a review who has seen the subtitled version, but I did want to give some heads up since there are no other reviews. Overall, probably not worth going out of your way to find, but if you come across it check it out.

New Police Story (2004)

The best Hong Kong Jackie Chan film in years

[9/10 · 22 June 2005]

Reading over the other reviews I honestly don't know what some people are expecting from a Jackie Chan movie. In the past complaints have ranged from poor acting to bad characters to no plot, yet his latest Hong Kong effort delivers in all three areas and people are still unsatisfied. If you are a Chan fan or if you aren't this movie will appeal to you. The main premise deals with a group of rich kids who rob banks for the thrill and to bring them their favorite canon fodder: cops. When Chan's character vows to find them in 3 hours time the kids make it personal, the results of which leave Chan in a state of drunken despair as his life falls apart. As the movie progresses different layers of the characters are revealed as Chan tries to take revenge. There are only a couple fight scenes but plenty of action and most importantly well delivered drama particularly from Chan. If you want a goofy martial arts movie wait for his next American effort, if you want a Chan film with some substance and heart, get a copy and enjoy.

Dirty Kung Fu (1978)

A pretty fun light hearted old school martial arts movie.

[6/10 · 24 April 2005]

A clever slacker bounty hunter cons other bounty hunters into helping him capture wanted criminals, but must learn kung fu when one bounty turns out to be more than anyone can handle. Mainly the movie is our lead walking around getting himself in trouble which often results in fights, many of which he is only a spectator during. The choreography is pretty decent and fun, though nothing to make it stand out as a classic. The most unique factor to this movie is that it introduces Eel Fist Kung Fu long before Chin Kar Lok did it in Operation Scorpio. This one doesn't take itself too serious at any point so if you're just looking for something fun for your brain to munch on, give this a watch.

Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog (1978)

Decent Sammo Martial Arts Comedy

[24 April 2005]

When a pair of thieves steal Frog's (Sammo Hung) wallet, it's revealed that he possesses the 'invincible armor' which immediately becomes the center point of everyone's desire including another swindler, Tiger. They must work together when a master of crab fist obtains the armor. There isn't a lot in the way of redeeming characters in this one. Everyone is willing to go to any lengths to have the armor and get the upper hand, but regardless there is plenty of fun and humor. The fighting is pretty solid though it never gets too creative. The end fight between Frog and Tiger features some wicked three section staff fighting. A lot of familiar faces in this one too including Karl Maka, Lam Ching Yung, and many of Sammo's regulars.

Riding the Bullet (2004)

Not the greatest ride...

[3/10 · 24 January 2005]

I am actually surprised to see this movie has gotten as high a rating as it has, as honestly it doesn't deserve it. Unless you are a die hard King fan this probably won't hold much appeal to you. The almost-horror premise involves a young man's trip to visit his mother who has been hospitalized from a stroke. Along the way he comes to terms with his past and current fears involving death in an almost 'Chistmas Carol' like way. The main flaw with the movie is that it may have a good theme about the value of life, but the 'fantasies' that the lead lives in lend a horror aspect that is mostly conveyed as trite and forced. The acting and effects were convincing enough for what it is (though much of the effects that are supposed to scare us involve menacing conversation), but overall it was too uneven to really deliver either a decent horror or a good coming to terms movie. A good choice for a Sunday night when nothing else is on.

Iron Fisted Monk (1977)

Almost as good as it is bad

[12 October 2004]

Sammo's directorial debut is a mixed bag with some great fight scenes, decent comedy, and unpleasant scenes of violence. The plot, which rolls along almost painfully a times, centers around Husker (Sammo Hung) seeking revenge against the Machus for killing his uncle. Along the way to actually taking revenge he befriends a man who's daughter is raped by the local Manchu official and ultimately enlists in the aid of his wandering monk friend, Brother Tak, to take on the Manchus. The plot changes direction so many times that one has to wonder if it was made up as they went along. There are a couple rape scenes midway through the movie that are unnecessarily explicit and go on much too long. As the movie progresses though we are treated to some decent martial arts sequence, which are not as elaborate as Sammo's later works, but fast paced and solid none the less. Worth watching for the fight sequences, but sitting through the plot might turn you off of the movie before you get to them.