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
