Invictus Reviews

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

Excellent film

[9/10 · 10 March 2005]

Ong Bak is an excellent film. It is a true martial arts masterpiece. It was able to relay Thai cultural values at the same time as deliver great action sequences.

To my knowledge, this was the first film to combine Muay Thai with a Jet-Li/Jackie Chan type fighting sequence. Of particular significance was the opening training scene, where we see Ting yell out the names of the ancient moves. These names (which are based on animals) are reminiscent of early Kung Fu movies which (such as Iron Monkey and Chinese Connection) which also overtly display the names of ancient techniques. Ong Bak shows how Thai history and culture, deeply entwined with Buddhism, has evolved, and how Thailand also has a place in the history of martial arts in general.

Towards the end of the film we have a fighting sequence with a bo, which seems like a tribute to Bruce Lee's fight scene in Enter the Dragon. The sudden inclusion of tonfa, seems to be a recognition of Okinawan Karate, and its influence in martial arts stage and screen acting.

The overall plot of the film is predictable. Nobody will have trouble following the story. The contrast between country and city life is a theme that goes back to the Roman poet Horace, who wrote a poem about a country mouse and a city mouse.

It is evident, however, that Ong Bak was able to introduce something new (aggressive and explosive thai fighting) while managing to pay its respects to its predecessors. Moreover, it did so in a stimulating and eye-popping way.

Four Stars

In Hell (2003)

Interesting

[8 December 2003]

Contrary to what Mr. Van Damme says in the "Making of In Hell" (DVD), this was not his best film. The action was adequate, the best technique being an awkward Ippon Seio thrown by the initial antagonist in the film.

I recognize that this film seeks to be more of a drama than an action film. Frankly, I think that it did not go far enough. It was stuck between two genres. What makes this film intriguing is the appearance of former new York Giants running back Lawrence Taylor (LT). He does a splendid job, especially considering that he is not a professional actor.

Van Damme puts forth a good effort in trying to delve into the dark realms of his character's psyche. I will concede that the scenes is isolation with the moth bouncing in and out of the light was a touch of genius. I also applaud Van Damme's effort to try something new.

My advice to Mr. Van Damme is to keep on trying to push the boundaries of the martial arts genre. I am his biggest fan, and I like seeing him try new things. However, alongside this new found pursuit, I would strongly suggest he aim for another Hollywood "blockbuster". His next movie should aim to hit theatres big time. He needs the large budget and a strong supporting cast. He needs to hit it big again. There is nothing wrong with films that go straight to video/dvd, but I feel that he needs to redeem himself with a film that will hit a larger viewing audience. He deserves the adulation of the common movie-goer, if only just somewhat. Foe us specialists in this genre, it will nice to see him assert himself again.

The Foreigner (2003)

Terrible

[8 December 2003]

I was shocked to see how utterly poor this film was. I am huge fan of Steven Seagal and martial arts films in general. The plot was very hard to follow: he is in France, then Germany, Poland, back to Germany, then back to Poland, then to Norway (!). What in blue blazes in going on?

The action is very stale. There are way too many gun battles, which do not really become Mr. Seagal. His success has been through showing the audience his Aikido skills: they suit his personality so well. There are a few instances in which he uses those skills, but the context just isn't there. Perhaps the problem is that Seagal is playing the character of an "assassin" or "bad guy for hire". His fortee is is playing a police officer in an American urban environment.

My next plaint is against the director of this film. There are far too many camera techniques right before Seagal or the main Bad Guy (Benoit) shoot someone. What is with that? I am no expert in cinematography or film (as a technical subject), but these techniques are as outdated as star wipes. They are simply not done any more.

I advise Mr. Seagal to stick with what he does best. This is not to say he should be predictable, but that he should be creative within a framework that most suits his abilities.

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

A Stark Disappointment

[13 December 2002]

Let me first admit that it has been a long time since I have last seen the first five Star Trek movies. I have however, been a fan of the show for as long as I can remember. And I can say with ease that this movie was a huge disappointment.

First off, the plot is weak. It starts out well enough, the idea that the Romulans could be attacked internally, and so vulnerable is intriguing. However, the Remans are all that we see in the way of evil. Their culture is mysterious, and they come ready made with a fleet of high-tech machinery and weaponry. I am not impressed by the lack of historical background, how a slave world was able to effectively throw off the yoke of their Romulan masters, since the film did portray the Romulans as enslaving the population. This foe is not built up enough, quite like the Sona is the previous Star Trek release. It is quite true that this lack of background information does allow the viewer to use his imagination, and make the enemy more devious. But, I found the plot to be centered only around this single confrontation; we hear nary a word about Federation activity or the like.

Secondly, Shinzan, the evil arch-villain, at times looks more akin to Dr. Evil than a viable villain. He didn't scare me at all. The actor, in this case, was poorly chosen. On the one hand, this film did contain a great deal of humour: for example, take Shinzan's retort to B4 (an atrocious choice of name!) to get "out of my sight" when the android had asked quaintly for specification. The humour however, clearly smacks of post-modernism, which I have always believed to imply an abundance of self-reference and satire. I find that most of these humourous situations would have best been reserved for a version of 'out-takes; or some similar para-production. Wharf does not really strike me as one who would be up to snuff on his Irving Berlin. I am not up to snuff on Irving Berlin. It was a hilarious scene, but one that I think stretched Wharf's character a bit much. And I was aghast at Data's leap of faith towards the climax of the film.

The most important criticism I can muster has to do with the combat scenes. I was satisfied with the phaser fights. They occured often and with much gusto. However, there was not nearly enough hand-to-hand combat (ironically, an area at which Wharf would indeed excel!). Shinzan, at one point, decides to board the enterprise. This would have been a fantastic opportunity for a display of martial skill. Yet, small phaser bursts were all that were to be seen. Riker managed to have an interesting "Aristeia", but it's overall choreography lacks visibility and crispness. It is only safe to assume that Star Fleet has a martial arts program of some sorts.

Let me end this review on a positive note. The one aspect of the film which really enhanced the Star Trek lore, was the physical limits to which the enterprise was taken. The ship is finally shown in an utter state of helplessness, with its main viewscreen completed destroyed. The action sequence at this point of the film is great. I have always wondered what would happen if a vessel were to come right towards the bridge and target the viewscreen. The metaphorical dimensions here are too vast to discuss. However, this paper-shredding of sorts helps to define the psychological boundaries of the Enterprise and her crew.

And on this note, I will end my review.

The Perfect Weapon (1991)

Electric

[12 July 2002]

Jeff Speakman's performance in "The Perfect Weapon" is awesome. This plot is able to magnificently interweave furious action sequences with the literary theme of the return home. While the plot differs markedly from that of "The Odyssey" by the epic bard Homer, there is still one vital thread that can be explored: both heroes return home after a long exile to kick ass and reclaim their positions in society. The ensuing list of possible contrasts and comparisons is exhausting if not infinite. However, if one is to understand one point, it is that in both works, martial arts are employed to signify the process of social transition; the re-integration of the hero into society.

To be a little less formal, let use the martial arts aspect as a segue into a nifty little observation. Jeff Speakman is a reasonably well known proponent of Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate, developed in U.S. during the 1940s and 1950s. "The Perfect Weapon" is an excellent primer on the power and wisdom of this art. The clearest example of this exposition is at Master Lo's Kenpo school, where Speakman learns both the skills and valuable lesson he will keep with him for the rest of his life; the most important being the difference between the tiger and the dragon. Yet, the movie is set in Koreatown, where Tae Kwon Do is the martial art du jour. The korean flags are prominent in the gym scene, and the references to Korean culture abound. There appears then, to be a subtle not so subtle match up between Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do. The climax of this tension comes as Speakman confronts Leo Lee (Bandana) in the gym, looking for a guy who is 'good in Tae Kwon Do.' Does the ensuing three on one fight symbolize the clash of fighting styles? No one will ever know what Ed Parker or Mark DiSalle wanted to achieve here, but the contrast is too present to be simply a coincidence.

Alas, all reviews must end somewhere, and though I have much more to say, I will end my two cents with a small criticism of the action in the film. Anyone with a decent amount of martial arts experience will note that in the final warehouse scene, the knife attacks are undoubtedly more akin to training exercises than to real street techniques, but then again that may have been purposely done. It is also worth noting that this author has minimal training in Kajukenbo (an art based on Kenpo) and is far from an expert in the field.

The one thing that I can say with reasonable auctoritas is that this movie is electric from start to finish.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Great action, but several weaknesses.

[28 June 2002]

This film is strong because Matt Damon delivers. The knife fight scene in the first half of the movie is thrilling and fast-paced. The car chase and the other combat scenes are just as compelling. However, there are a few pervasive shortcomings in the film. The first has to do with casting. Why was Julia Stiles in the movie? What purpose does her Character serve? Maybe she was trying to break her typecast as a lead in teen movies, but this role affords her but the most vapid of lines. The second casting question mark comes with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. He is absolutely brilliant in Oz, but really does not fit this role. This is a perfect segway into the second error of 'The Bourne Identity'. The plot is thinner than dental floss. The beginning and the end of the film pass by in a flash, leaving the viewer confused and disappointed. An example of this comes at the beginning of the film and its introduction of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje's character. Who is he again? I was not quite certain of this. I still to this day cannot decide whether he was a political hotshot or religious figure of some sorts. Another example comes at the end of the film, but has its roots all throughout. What is Treadstone? Is in an implant, a mind-control device? It is left vague. One could always use their imagination, but this vaguery does not bode well for the film. Treadstone, whatever it is, is quickly put under raps at a congressional hearing. It is over in fifteen seconds without any explanation. That was easy. The plot focuses solely on action, but great action movies have stronger plots than this movie has. Plot is essential, and one will find strong plots in such movies as Timecop and Bloodsport: these films have story lines to them that evince stark fluidity and lucidity. Overall, the action sequences were strong, and the movie does make for good entertainment. Matt Damon and Franka Potente have great chemistry and I hope to see them in a film again. , and the movie does make for good entertainment. Matt Damon and Franka Potente have great chemistry and I hope to see them in a film again.

Above the Law (1988)

Terrific Film

[12 November 2001]

I was watching television the other day, just flipping through the channels when I came upon 'Above the Law'. I hadn't seen this movie in years, and was anxious to watch it again. I must say that I was impressed. I believe it deserves no less than a 9/10. Why? The martial arts in superb as well as the action in general. Moreover, this movie operates on many different levels of meaning.

M.A. Rogers, in his commentary believes that Seagal's behavior contradicts his affirmation that nobody is above the law. This is not so. I believe that his actions are morally justified, inasmuch as there exists in the plot-line no other way for justice to be done. If the police force is corrupt and the C.I.A. are up to no good (not to mention the usually scum), what is one to do? It is therefore up to Toscani (Seagal) to take on a 'poetic license' of sorts and bring the transgressors back to justice.

M.A. Rogers, however, cogently points out in his commentary, that Seagal portrays a double-edged character. On the one hand he is easily angered, while on the other he puts out this "Mr. Cool" who is rife with obnoxious comments. This is why the film does so well. Important also is the scene in which his wife (Sharon Stone) pleads with him. She asks him to put down his 'pride'. She loves him because he is not like other men, but begs him to think of his family and back down. One cannot help, upon viewing this scene, to think of book six of "The Iliad" by Homer, where Andromache pleads with Hektor to stay in Troy for her sake and for the sake of his new-born son Astyanax. The emotion of the scene in Above the Law is heightened because of Seagal's show of restrained emotion: one isn't convinced that he is a 'family man'. He is. His stern face shows that he is a hard man, with a burden on his shoulders and an obligation to save his society as well as his family from an ailment that abounds everywhere. There is lots more to say on the matter, but I will leave that to another commentary. If you are at all a fan of the genre, than you must see it, even if you care only for the action. But I must make it clear that this movie is just as deep and sophisticated as any current drama. One just has to look beyond the surface.

Michael W. Helfield

Rapid Fire (1992)

Fantastic film

[4 March 2001]

I have to say that this is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. To tell you the truth, I haven't see much of the few movies that Brandon Lee had a chance to make. I saw "Showdown in Little Tokyo", which was impressive, but Dolph Lundgren played a huge role as well. Brandon Lee does this one by himself. This is not to say that he does not have an excellent supporting cast. Tzi Ma, and Al Leong are two of the all time greatest villains of all time. The only man missing was James Lew. The fighting in this movie was superbly done; definitely the most creative and fluent fight scenes I have seen in a long time. The plot was a little odd, choosing to take on the serious issue of human rights in China. Perhaps they went for a little too much, but nevertheless the plot was interesting, and did not lag on. And I do very much appreciate the attempt this movie makes at voicing the message that we all have to make a stand at some point in our life, and fight what might seem an impossible battle against crime and corruption.

Shootfighter II (1996)

Very Solid Film

[13 June 2000]

I liked this movie a lot;it had solid martial arts action, and Bolo's final fight made the whole thing worth watching. He is the master, his style is just so entertaining and a pleasure to watch. Yes, I wish he would had more scenes, but the movie was building up to it, we all knew the reluctant master was going in...and he delivered. Zabka was pretty good, it was such a nostalgic moment, seeing him fighting on screen again. Of course, the Capoeira fighter was another highlight I must say, being a practitioner myself. He made things a little more spicier than the movie otherwise would have been. There's a gratuitous love scene which is always nice, and I especially liked the arrogant bodyguard. Overall a solid movie and a lot of action.

To the Death (1992)

A Big Disapointment

[13 June 2000]

This film was really poorly done. Now, movies like "To the Death" have a charm, and that is that they are not your typical Hollywoodesque martial arts films. However, there is a limit, and this film had almost nothing going for it. The good news is that Michel Qissi has a role, and is a pretty good on camera fighter. I hope he makes some more movies (Kickboxer is one of my all time favourites). The rest was done poorly. The love interest was not as pretty as one might expect, and the evil fighters in the underground really didn't look so tough. A referee? Give me a break. And what's with the way the "losers" of the bouts meet their doom? The gun thing is a cop out, what ever happened to the "you kill your opponent with your own hands idea"? I wasn't moved at all, the choreography was done by Qissi,he was good, but everyone else was mediocre. I don't just want to see wild punches and ordinary run of the mill kicks, although they may be perfectly executed. I want aesthetically pleasing moves that are well thought out. In short, this film just doesn't cut it.

Terminator Woman (1993)

An Alright Movie with a Few Redeeming Qualities

[12 March 2000]

This was actually an alright movie. There is an abundance of action, and Jerry Trimble makes for a pretty good hero. Michel Qissi, although his directing skills might lack a little, his martial skill is impressive. It was quite a surprise to see Qissi's "real" face. There is only one song on the soundtrack "Body Talk". I have to say that is incredible, and of course, impossible to find. I really enjoyed that song, and it was a splendid choice for the film, although they could have put more songs in there. Jerry Trimble is also very good in "Breathing Fire" starring as an evil drug lord with co-star Bolo Yeung who is amongst my favourites. I would strongly recommend "Breathing Fire" to any martial arts film enthusiast.

The Karate Kid (1984)

An All Time Classic

[10/10 · 7 March 2000]

I have not seen this film in years, and I believe it would be a great idea to watch again for old time's sake. This movie captivated me at a young age. Just like Jamie Robinson, I rewound the final tournament a million times. I would always picture myself as the hero, having been so often put down by other kids. My favourite song, of course, was Glory of Love by Peter Cetera. Banarama's "cruel summer" and the song "your'e the best" (can someone please tell me who sung that?) were incredible, and well suited ot the movie. Nostalgia is the greatest strength of the film, but it is great for many other reasons. I'll just name one right now, and that is that the movie so vividly explores the master-student relationship, and what it means to change our perspective on life.

The Expert (1995)

A disappointment

[30 January 2000]

This film looked to be another great Speakman flick. However, like Deny says, too much talking, and not enough fighting. The only redeeming factor here is that the fighting scenes were very well done. Speakman is a great martial arts actor, but whoever directed this script did not understand the point of this kind of film. Street Knight and The Perfect Weapon were outstanding martial arts films and I highly recommend them to any action enthusiast.

Bloodsport (1988)

Greatest Film of All Time

[10/10 · 26 December 1999]

I would like to say that I have not seen a better film than Bloodsport.In my lifetime of 20 odd years, I have seen plenty of films. The Martial Arts genre is unique, and one musn't compare it to other types of movies because they are like apples and oranges. Therefore, I will say it is the greatest martial arts film of all time, and in my mind, better than anything else I have seen, even though it is hard to compare it to non-m.a. films. This movie is more than just about fighting. It transcends the entertainment value it was made to provide. This story is about Dux's journey through life, and his struggle to bring honour to his Shidoshi. He is not in it for money, or bragging rights, but simply for honour. Now how many people in today's world care about honour? Not very many. This is one out of many reasons why I love and am inspired by this movie. Sometimes one must undergo great pain and sacrifice to honour and respect someone or something. And that is an important lesson.

Only the Strong (1993)

An overall good film.

[28 August 1999]

Considering that this popular film is the only one showcasing Capoeira, I have to say that it was good. Now, since I began almost a year ago training in Capoeira, I have realized various erroneous aspects (i.e. music). The plot of course, is cheesy etc...but the action is great. And I love the music, it's just not the real thing. Anyhow, I just hope that more Capoeira movies will slowly make their way onto the big screen sometime soon.