For the last few years, Hollywood has slowly been taking notice of the popularity of the Hong Kong action film. Gradually, a few film-makers have begun to pick up some of the Hong Kong style, bringing new excitement to American action cinema in such movies as The Matrix and, most notably, John Woo's own Face/Off. But the very best Hong Kong-style action is found in this little-known low-budget piece.
Mark Dacascos (who, I'm sorry, doesn't look remotely Chinese, guys) shows heretofore unseen promise in the hyperaction arena in a nearly endless slew of one show-stopping fight after another. These perfectly choreographed set pieces are dead ringers for the Jet Li/Jackie Chan mayhem we Hong Kong fanatics have been enjoying for years. The director is Steve Wang, whose "Guyver 2: Dark Hero" is another undiscovered gem (but stay away from the first one). The often annoying Kadeem Hardison is actually quite funny here, pre-dating Chris Tucker's befuddled sidekick routine in "Rush Hour". Special mention has to go to the terminally cute/sexy Brittany Murphy, who walks away with every scene she's in. I was quite disappointed when the heroes moved on without her.
A must-see for any fan of Hong Kong cinema, or anyone who wants the feel of the genre without all that horrible dubbing.
Mark Dacascos (who, I'm sorry, doesn't look remotely Chinese, guys) shows heretofore unseen promise in the hyperaction arena in a nearly endless slew of one show-stopping fight after another. These perfectly choreographed set pieces are dead ringers for the Jet Li/Jackie Chan mayhem we Hong Kong fanatics have been enjoying for years. The director is Steve Wang, whose "Guyver 2: Dark Hero" is another undiscovered gem (but stay away from the first one). The often annoying Kadeem Hardison is actually quite funny here, pre-dating Chris Tucker's befuddled sidekick routine in "Rush Hour". Special mention has to go to the terminally cute/sexy Brittany Murphy, who walks away with every scene she's in. I was quite disappointed when the heroes moved on without her.
A must-see for any fan of Hong Kong cinema, or anyone who wants the feel of the genre without all that horrible dubbing.