The Man with the Iron Fist

The trailer pretty much says it all. The Man with the Iron Fist is all about action and Kung Fu. Written and directed by RZA, a big fan of classic Kung Fu, makes his directorial debut on the big screen. The film has many well known actors such as Russell Crowe (Gladiator), Lucy Liu (Charlie's Angels), Dave Batista (WWE) and Rick Yune (The Fast and the Furious) and RZA as the blacksmith.

There is not much story to tell in the action flick. The Emperor's gold has been stolen and many fierce warriors have gathered to Jungle Village to fight for it. Just as the classics the action speaks louder then words. The film opens with the Lion Clan doing some heavy duty damages to all those to who stand in there way. The leader of the Lion clan is murdered and is taken over by his traitorous Lieutenants, Silver Lion (Byron Mann) and Bronze Lion (Cung Le). We learn that Gold Lion has a son X-Blade (Rick Yune) who is away in a temple and sends out assassins such as the indestructible Brass Body (Dave Bautista) to eliminate him. When word reaches X-Blade about his father's death, he wastes no time and storms over to Jungle Village for some payback. We are then introduced to the main character, the Black Smith (RZA), who is right smack in the middle of all the violence. Mainly because he is the one that makes all the weapons for the warriors to go at it. Next comes the emperor's gold being transported through Jungle Village, which brings in the rest of the warriors such as the gun/knife wielding cowboy, Jack Knife (Russel Crowe), who actually has a bigger reason for being in the fray. Once the gold is stolen by Silver Lion, it is stored in the whore house owned by the beautiful but deadly Madam Blossom (Lucy Liu ) who means serious business. Now that everyone's in town, the chaos begins as everyone goes for the gold.

Here's what I think of the film. Lets start with the good. A lot of of action. Exactly what a Kung Fu movie needs. Yes you can tell that a lot of the moves are wire works, but so what? You watch a real fight on youtube and Kung Fu movie fights and tell me which one is more entertaining. The main reason for watching a fight in a movie is that it's all about entertainment. The quotes and dialogue are pretty cheesey, but that brings a lot fun and comedy into the movie. And did Lucy Liu mention Sex and Violence?

Then there is the bad, which is the story. The story needs work big time. There's not much to make us care about any of the characters other then the fact that they can kick a lot of butts and make cheesy quotes. The camera shots had too many close ups to the point where you don't see great kung fu movements from the fighters. I have taken Kung Fu classes and one of the things that draws me to that art are the movements that delivers a blow to your target. Close ups can be cool, but too much of it and block out all of the other moves that are cool as well. 

In conclusion should you go watch this movie, yes if you are looking for some fun action kung fu. Those who only into things realistic, then probably not the movie for you. Like I said, the story needs work, but kung fu movies has always been about letting the action speaking for itself. 7/10

Scott Pilgrim VS the World

Game On!

For those who are game freaks, comic lovers, romantics, and looking for a good time, then Scott Pilgrim is the man to see. Based on the comic books by Bob Lee O Malley, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" tells the story about a 22 year old guy who falls in love with a girl named Romona Flowers, but in order to date Romona, Scott must defeat her 7 evil EX's. The director and writer, Edgar Wright, also director and writer of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, does a fantastic job of bringing the characters from the book to life. Being a video game and a movie lover, I can already tell he had a lot of fun making the film. Michael Cera (Superbad) takes on the role as Scott Pilgrim and delivers a great performance. Other cast members include Kieran Culkin, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jason Shwartzman and many more.

The Film has a video game/comic bookish look throughout and it really brought a lot of fun to the film. Think about it, if you love movies and video games, just imagine if they are both together right in front of your eyes. Whether you like games and movies or not it is still a pretty fun feature to the film. Now this may be a story about the guy fighting for the girl, but there are plenty of action that will keep you wanting the next Ex to step in already for Scott to take on. Surprisingly the fights are not bad. It was like watching street fighter, but in real life and seeing all of the special moves.

Knowing Edgar Wright, everything he puts on the screen is there for a reason. After watching a second time I could see those little tiny details that gives you a hint about what's going to happen next. For instances, before Scott fights the second evil ex, Lucus Lee(Chris Evans), you notice that he and Romona pass by two signs both with an X on them. Scott wears a green shirt with a heart and his initials in the middle, while Ex number seven, Gideon Graves(Jason Shwartzman), is wearing a shirt with heart shaped Triangle with 3 G's on it. In other words they a like and will be facing off soon. Really keep a sharp eye out for those details.

All and all the movie was a blast. I can see some may not like the movie because of the sillyness of the movie looking too much like a game and comic book, but that's the theme and a interesting one since Sin City(2005). Most importantly it's entertaining. Scott Pilgrim is already released onto DVD and Blu-Ray for rent and purchase. For all you PS3 and Xbox360 owners, be sure to check out the Scott Pilgrim vs the World game and for everyone, don't forget to check the comics as well. One more thing to own is the soundtrack. After hearing them in the movie, you will definitely want to hear them again. If you ask me the movie is a definite keeper. Expect action, love, gaming, comic, and lots of laughs as Scott Pilgrim kicks some ass for the girl of his dreams.

CONTINUE? 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Getting a Clue

A murder has occured at the Hill House Mansion. There are nine suspects and six weapons. The police will be here soon. So who did it?
If you haven't seen clue then obviously you are missing out on fun and hilarious adventure in the world of mystery. The film is based on the popular board game CLUE. I have heard of the game, but never played until I saw the film. In the board game, up to 6 players each choose a character who are suspects to a murder that took place at a mansion. Weapons lay around the rooms of the mansion, so anyone could have picked them up. When you think you know who did it, you announce who did with what weapon and in which room. You look insinde the envelope earlier at the beginning of the game to see if you are right. Here is a site for more info on the board game http://www.ehow.com/how_18470_play-clue.html.
The movie perfectly matches the game. You are not just watching a movie, but you are also playing the game at the same time. The story all has to do with blackmailing, which explains why all of the characters are there. They confront the man behind the blackmailing, Mr. Body, and hope to put him behind bars, however, they will be exposed if doing so. Mr. Body then gives them each a weapon and offers them a better solution. By killing the butler, who refuses to let them all out of the locked up mansion, they can leave and pretend that none of this ever happened. Mr. Body switches off the lights and as soon as they come back on Mr. Body is found dead on the floor. Now the fun begins.
For those of you who have not seen the movie, let me make this clear. Everything on the screen that you see and hear are there for a reason. Everyone is a suspect and everywhere in the mansion there is a clue. Keep an eye on who is in the rooms and who isn't. By the time you reach the end of the film, everything is resolved through the earlier events. Like me you will also be rewinding back to those events and realizing that the clues were there all along.
Do I like this film? Yes. Do I want to see it again? Yes. Would I reccommend this film? Definitely yes. It's a fun film for the whole family. In a way it is the board game, but on the screen. According to IMDB.com there is a remake happening in 2011, but the casts are still not available. So whether you have or have not played the board game it is still a fun movie to watch. Techniquely when you watch the film you are playing the game.

"Predators" Review

"They're back and ready to hunt"

I as well as a lot of people have just got done watching the new Predator movie or should I say "Predators". A lot of people may think that by adding an "S" in the end of the name will make the title different from the first two Predator movies that came out in during the 80's and 90's, but there is actually a good reason. There are more then one predator this.
As soon as the movie started the hunt has already begun. The characters are all introduced right away and the ball got rolling. Not a whole lot is revealed about them, but one thing is for certain and that is they are "all killers". I quoted that because don't be fooled by the way they look. They soon realize that they were all there in the same place for a reason. To be hunted.
For those of you who have seen the first "Predator" movie then "Predators" will not be any different. The setting is in an alien planet, but takes place in the jungle. In the jungle are men and a woman (Yes once again there is only one woman in this Predator movie) trying to find their way home. The only thing standing in their way are three alien hunters. The characters are also very similar to the first film. You got the tough guy, the big guy, the only girl, the smart guy, the warrior guy, and the two black guys. Be sure to pay attention every situation that the characters get into. You will see that there is similarities between the new and first film.
There is also a change on the looks of the Predators. You'll notice that one of the predators have a long fangs sticking out like elephant trunks and a skeleton jaw attach to the chin of their masks. Other then that they still have the cloaking devices and spears. I am happy that they are actual people in costumes instead of a CGI's which are used in most movies nowadays. They are as deadly as usual and what makes a predator even deadlier? Four predators.
There is a reason movie is called "Predators". Each of the humans are chosen because of their skill of killing one another. You have a black ops soldier, a sniper, Yakuza gangster, serial killer, Spetsnaz, and a convict. What exactly is a Predator? Something that kills and hunts. All of these guys fit the definition. Predators can also be cunning and if you pay close attention everyone you'll see what I mean. Everyone of them are hunters as well. I did a little observing on each of them and noticed that they have their ways of hunting. Even the main character Royce (Adrien Brody) says in the film: "We're all predators." Easier said then done.
Was it a good movie? Yes. Is it worth seeing again? Yes. Two yes are better then one. The theater that me and my brother in law went to got really packed for Predators. We even had to switch showings just because the first showing got so packed. For those who have seen the first movie or not Predators is definitely a must see if you're thinking about watching a movie. It's got action, thrills, and kills that will have you begging for more. After watching Predators I must say that it was a killer movie. Everyone in the theater were cheering as the credits pop. Also, those who have seen the first movie will be familiar with the ending song. Hope this review helps. Now get out there and start watching.

"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" Review

"Going Back in Time Persian Style"

For those of you who don’t know, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is base on the video that came out in 2003 that became a huge hit in the gaming industry. Now seven years later the movie finally comes to life staring Jake Gyllenhaal as hero Prince Dastan, who must aid a princess and guardian (Gemma Arterton) of a dagger with the ability to rewind time from his evil uncle Nizam (Ben Kingsly) and his deadly assassins.
I am somewhat impressed and happy that the writers try to keep to the story from the video game as much as they can. For instance, in the Game Prince is actually the son of the King of Persia, but in the movie he is adopted by the king, which is no big deal. The characters are very much like the ones in the game. For similarities, the princess does warn the prince from time to time about the dangers of the dagger and the prince refuses. Also the princess does run off with the dagger because of distrust in the prince.
One thing that got me realizing about the story is that it is very similar to the remake of Clash of the Titans. For those of you who haven’t seen that movie, which I thought was a disaster, a man discovers that he has a destiny to save the world. The person that tells him this is a beautiful woman, which he falls in love with later on. For Prince of Persia same thing happens. The Prince runs into the beautiful princess, who convinces him that the dagger must not fall into the wrong hand. He comes to understands this and joins her on her quest to protect the dagger. Things become complicated as desert bandits and deadly assassins known as Hassansins are on their tale. Although many dangers lie ahead, it is only the beginning of the ride.
The special effects are not all that cool, but it works. The effects of the dagger really is something to remember. It is nothing like the video game, but I wasn’t disappointed. In the game it looks like you are rewinding a video back a few seconds ago, but in the movie the one using the dagger gets to witness the magic in front of his eyes. The only thing that doesn’t pass is the CGI snakes, which you can tell is completely fake.
I left the movie theater satisfied with what I have seen. Could there possibly be a sequel? Maybe, maybe not, but there are sequels for the video games, so there's a chance. If you are looking for action, adventure, and romance then Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the movie to see. It will definitely be worth your time.

"The Last Airbender" Movie Review

“The Last Airbender, Movie?”

This movie is based off of the popular hit cartoon show "Avatar: The Last Airbender" by Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko. With the recent release of James's Cameron's Avatar, you can see why the film is called "The Last Airbender." The show is actually not bad. I was 23 years old when I first started watching it. It had action, comedy, and a good story to it. A young boy, who is destine to save the world by mastering the four elements air, water, earth, and fire bending. The show was a huge hit, but will its first movie also have the same success? After leaving the theater, I was disappointed at what I saw. Whether you are a fan or not, you will not like what you see.

For those who have seen the show may be a little disappointed to the fact that a lot of scenes are cut from the show. Than again all of the episodes combine would have been up to five hours, which explains why a lot had to be cut. That’s where the movie goes downhill. The story moves too fast and we don’t even have enough time to build up any relationships with the characters. The characters, Sokka and the princess of the Northern Water Kingdom, fall in love in just a few minutes, whereas in the show there are about few episodes that build up their relationship. The special effects with the air, water, earth, and fire bending are pretty impressive. All of the elements look pretty real when presented.

The characters are nowhere near the characters that fans of the series grew to love. First of all, Sokka is always cracking a joke in almost every scene and a little serious at the certain points. In the movie Sokka is the opposite. There are only a few moments where he is joking around, but more serious. In the show Aang’s character is a kid who performs his airbending skills in a playful way. He does realize his destiny, but he still remains playful, which makes him such a fun hero. In the movie he takes things a little too serious and not showing a lot of his playfulness, which loses the fun.

The action is pretty good and well done. Dev Patel (Zuko) is actually a experienced martial artist back in 2000 in Taekwondo. Noah Ringer (Aang) is also an experienced martial artist in Taekwondo as well, so both make perfect pair when it comes to fighting. I like martial arts films where the actors are actually martial artists because it adds more realism whereas non-experienced fighters break out of the realism, so I totally like M. Night's decision of bringing these two boys aboard.

All and all the movie is fun for the kids. The special effects do impress, but in the end the movie fails due to poor character adaptations from the show and story wise. Don't get me wrong, I did think it was fun too. It is something that the kids will definitely enjoy. A lot of the kids in the audience were satisfied with the film while most of the adults and teens were confused. The story from the first season is cram together into one and a half hours which speeds things too fast for audiences to follow. Many fans will be disappointed that most of the scenes that they enjoyed from the show will not be in the film. Of course that doesn't mean you should watch the show if you haven't seen it. I do wish to see how the next film will portray the second season where Aang learns how to Earth bend. Unfortunately, the way that this one turned out I don’t expect a sequel to be coming out anytime soon. In fact there are no plans for the next film according to IMDB.COM. This may indeed be the "last" time we see the last airbender.