Crank: High Voltage, USA (2009)
The movie is juicy piece of wild and dark humor, making no excuses or considerations of anybody's feelings. Some people might be insulted? Fuck them! And Fuck you Chelios!
8/10
Punisher: War Zone, USA/Canada/Germany (2008)
On one hand the film is brutal and violent, the main character shows no signs of mercy or shadow of morality. He is a man with one purpose - to kill, and as such cruel machine of executions he is great and unique character in the world of politically correct pussies. Yes, Mr. Nolan, this is how real dark vigilante, fighting against crime, should be like - selfish and cold murderer with no doubts of conscience.
But on the other hand, the film fails to hold on that level of complexity by being way too sentimental, almost in melodramatic sense. How is this tough and hungry for blood person can be such wuss when you show him a widow with a child - it's beyond me.
This extreme fluctuation in Punisher's character is the main reason I can't buy it. It's just psychologically not possible for a killer to see so clearly the line between bad and good, and from one side to show very sadistic approach toward criminals, and on the other side to show sentimental emotions and sorrow when it's about innocent people.
Thomas Jane in the first Punisher handled it much better, closed in the hard shell he showed no emotions for others.
Besides this very important flaw, the main villain Billy Russoti, the Jigsaw, is not that good character either, and unpleasantly reminds Paulie from Sopranos. The film itself is mostly stupid and pointless, but kinda watchable and has its moments, especially when the Punisher is on his dark side. Overall mildly entertaining and has real potential, and with better script and director it could've been a real treat.
6+/10
Ong Bak 2, Thailand (2008)
That's right, he is trying to add some dramatic side to his persona as well, unfolding in the film story of betrayal and revenge, trying to display some emotions and psychological complexity.
And these attempts are somewhat bearable and somewhat laughable, but mostly it's affecting the flow of the action, the main reason to watch this film. As result the movie feels more heavy than it should be, but it's really worth watching just for the fight scenes.
Ong Bak 2 is not going to change the cinema, hell, it's not even going to change martial arts genre as the first Ong Bak did. You will not remember the story the next day, but the fighting scenes and the physical energy are really worthy.
I read in other sources that the production of this movie was absolute hell, with Tony Jaa disappearing for days from the set, stalling the filming and causing producers to lose lots of money. Not mentioning disagreements and constant arguments between them. But even after all that, plans for Ong Bak 3 were announced already.
7/10
Quantum of Solace, USA/UK (2008)
The movie is one big mishmash of images and scenes, connected by very bad editing, and it's all sliding very fast on the surface with absolutely no substance to grasp. The result makes a little sense, if any at all, and the movie is simply boring, disappointing and extremely shallow in every aspect. It can hold as simple entertainment, a nice waste of time, but there is really nothing special in it.
6/10
Eagle Eye (2008)
Eagle Eye, USA (2008)
Fast and suspenseful movie with non stop action. As implausible and absurd as the film gets, it is still very entertaining and fun to watch. Great waste of time.
My rating: 7+/10 IMDB >
Taken (2008)
Taken, France (2008)
Good and suspenseful action flick. Leam Neeson, in really surprising role, doing good job wiping out criminals and kicking everyone's ass. But everything related to character's depth and development, or to relationships between the main characters, is very awkward and stupid, reflecting the script problems in this area. The story itself is not very plausible or logical, but all this is really not that important.
Mainly it's just impressive action scenes and fights. Good and brainless waste of time.
My rating: 7/10 IMDB >
Man of East (2008)
Original Title: Nepobedimiy (Literal translation - Invincible), Russia (2008)
Really, really good action movie from Russia. Non-stop action scenes, decent plot, surprisingly good dialogs, effective characters, great self irony and sense of humor.
The production is very professional, like a good Hollywood product, with great filming locations and a lot of effort. The result is very enjoyable and entertaining, like the first Transporter. Overall it feels like filmmakers have a big respect for the viewers intelligence, therefore almost no plot holes or lack of logic.
Highly recommended for action fans.
My rating: 8+/10 IMDB >
The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008)
Original Title: Joheunnom nabbeunnom isanghannom, South Korea (2008)
A lot of action, horse riding and gun fighting, and some humor is present too. Innovative camera work makes it visually amazing, the story is good too, although a little complicated, so the movie is amusing and entertaining to watch.
My rating: 8/10 IMDB >
Death Race (2008)
Death Race, USA (2008)
As ridiculous and silly as such movie can be, it is still nice entertainment done very well on the technical side. Not for people with serious approach to life.
My rating: 7/10 IMDB >
Traitor (2008)
Traitor, USA (2008)
Enjoyable action thriller, but not perfect and the content is a little questionable.
My rating: 8/10 IMDB > Wiki >
Body Of Lies, USA (2008)
The movie is very well done, big production with enough action and suspenseful plot to stay tuned. Russell Crowe is very amusing and goofy, the film has certain satirical feel to it and it's generally entertaining and watchable.
The problems starts toward the end, when there is a need to finish this story and to tie all lose ends. As usual for such Hollywood films, everything falls down and all achievements so far just crash into small pieces. Why do we need a classic direct confrontation between the good guy and the bad guy, including dumb ideological conversation? Only Ridley Scott knows. The Kingdom was much better film if only in that sense.
Average and not memorable movie that ok to watch once, and then it just vanishes by itself.
7/10
Legendary Assassin (2008)
Original Title: Long Nga, Hong Kong (2008)
Nice martial arts movie, with some laughs, good wire fights and one stolen scene from Matrix Revolutions. The story is typical for HK movies, with equal amount of action and melodrama. But the director, which is a lead actor too, is not stretching viewer's patience and the movie is quite light.
For martial arts fans only.
My rating: 7/10 IMDB >
Doomsday (2008)
Doomsday, UK (2008)
My rating: 7/10 IMDB > Wiki >
Hell Ride (2008)
Hell Ride, USA (2008)
Violent and anarchistic flick from the Biker's genre legend Larry Bishop.
A lot of bikes, beer and naked women. The story is OK, the acting is decent and overall this is entertaining movie that fun to watch. The movie spiritually inspired by films of Tarantino, including dialogs and general attitude.
My rating: 7/10 IMDB > Wiki >
Ip Man (2008)
Original Title: Yip Man, Hong Kong (2008)
The movie is watchable because something always happens and there is a decent script development. The fights are very meticulous and calculated to the smallest details, Donnie Yen shows some excellent skills. But the story is so typical for HK or Chinese production - naive, way too sentimental and patriotic. Seems that cynicism and satire are not very appealing for the target audience of such film. And that before even mentioning the simplification and misrepresentation of historical events.
Recommended for martial art's fans with low expectations for the story quality.
My rating: 6/10 IMDB >
Transporter 3 (2008)
Transporter 3, France (2008)
One big and awful joke. Feels very tired and has no imagination, the lack of true effort is very obvious. Nothing good about this movie, it's annoying and not even entertaining.
My rating: 2/10 IMDB > Wiki >
Max Payne (2008)
Max Payne, USA (2008)
Very boring and terrible in all aspects. The only good thing about this movie is the recreation of the city look and different settings from the game.
My rating: 5/10 IMDB >
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The Bourne Ultimatum, USA (2007)
My rating: 7+/10 IMDB > Wiki >
Flash Point (2007)
Original Title: Dou fo sin, Hong Kong (2007)
Kick ass action, great fights.
My rating: 8/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0992911/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_Point_(film)
Elite Squad (2007)
Original Title: Tropa de Elite, Brazil (2007)
Nice action drama with controversial story and high level of violence, but the movie is not perfect.
My rating: 7+/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0861739/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_Squad
Apocalypse Code (2007)
Original Title: Kod Apokalipsisa, Russia (2007)
Big budget Russian action movie with female counterpart for James Bond. The lead actress is shooting, killing and kicking ass, no man can apprehend her. Besides nice action and occasional exposure of her naked body, there is nothing interesting in this movie, which turns out to be cheesy, pretty stupid in general. and over the top patriotic (in Russian movies it's the Russia who saves the world, the Americans are just annoying nuisance).
Good production values, with filming locations all over the world, cannot overcome dumb story and lack of logic.
Not really recommended, but tolerable.
My rating: 5/10 IMDB >
Assembly (2007)
Original Title:Ji jie hao, China (2007)
Patriotic Chinese propaganda with great battle scenes. The story is very melodramatic and heroic, and sometimes the movie is unbearable and hard to watch because of it.
Except for military battle scenes, which are done very well, this movie has no real historic nor cinematic values for viewers outside of China.
My rating: 5/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/
Wik: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_(film)i
Fighter (2007)
Fighter, Denmark (2007)
Bad movie with embarrassing lines, acting and story.
Full review
My rating: 3/10 IMDB >
Apocalypto (2006)
Apocalypto, USA (2006)
My rating: 10/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472043/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypto
300 (2006)
300, USA (2006)
Good action and effective battle scenes, very stylish. But in other parts this movie is unequally slow and boring, it takes itself too much seriously.
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_movie
Crank (2006)
Crank, USA (2006)
My rating: 8/10
IMSB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479884/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crank_(film)
Casino Royale (2006)
Casino Royale, USA (2006)
My rating: 8/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381061/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_Royale_(2006_film)
The City of Violence (2006)
Original Title: Jjakpae, South Korea (2006)
As far as crime thriller genre goes, whether it is about gangsters, cops or serial killers, Korean cinema makes the best of it for so many years now.
The City of Violence is yet another example of how interesting Korean cinema is, with decent story, but mostly with highly energetic fights, kick ass violence and "I don't give a fuck" attitude.
My rating: 8/10 IMDB >
DOA: Dead or Alive (2006)
DOA: Dead or Alive, USA (2006)
My rating: 5/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398913/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOA:_Dead_or_Alive
The Rebel (2006)
Original Title: Dong Mau Anh Hung, Vietnam (2006)
Great first half with good story and cool action, but becomes embarrassingly melodramatic and sentimental in the second half. Still worth to watch it.
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0782154/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rebel_(2007_Vietnamese_film)
Dog Bite Dog (2006)
Original Title: Gau ngao gau, Hong Kong (2006)
My rating: 4/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0819765/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Bite_Dog
Azumi 2: Death or Love (2005)
Azumi 2, Japan (2005)
My rating: 4/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0431641/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azumi_2:_Death_or_Love
Chaos (2005)
Chaos, USA (2005)
My rating: 3/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402910/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_(2006_film)
Cellular (2004)
Cellular, USA (2004)
My rating: 8/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337921/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_(film)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
The Bourne Supremacy, USA (2004)
My rating: 6/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372183/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Supremacy_(film)
Azumi (2003)
Azumi, Japan (2003)
My rating: 9/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384819/
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Cradle 2 the Grave, USA (2003)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0306685/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_2_the_Grave
Natural City (2003)
Natural City, South Korea (2003)
Blade Runner rip off.
Boring, confusing and too melodramatic. Most of the time not clear what is going on, not much logic in this one. Looks good, but that's all.
My rating: 3/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378428/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_City
The Bourne Identity (2002)
The Bourne Identity, USA (2002)
My rating: 5/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258463/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bourne_Identity_(2002_film)
Antikiller (2002)
Antikiller, Russia (2002)
One of most famous and popular Russian films in the recent years. And with a reason.
Really rough gangster film, describing with gritty, but stylish realism the crime organizations of Moscow. On the streets and in prison. Complex, very energetic, ultra-violent and absolutely crazy with great cinematography and unique filming locations.
The movie draws inspiration from American and Asian gangster films, but manages to translate it into authentic Russian content and language. Very entertaining and interesting movie that holds the attention up until the end, but not without flaws. Because of multiple story lines, the film makers are trying to solve and bring to an end all of them, sometimes stretching it too much, and the result is a little cheesy.
Recommended for everyone who like gangster and crime movies.
My rating: 8+/10 IMDB >>
So Close (2002)
Original Tiltle:Chik yeung tin si, Hong Kong (2002)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0300620/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chik_yeung_tin_si
Bichunmoo (2000)
Bichunmoo, South Korea (2000)
My rating: 8/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0278351/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bichunmoo
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Gone in Sixty Seconds, USA (2000)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187078/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_in_Sixty_Seconds_(2000)
Bangkok Dangerous (1999)
Original Title: เพชรฆาตเงียบ อันตราย, Thailand (1999)
My rating: 4/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0263101/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok_Dangerous
End of Days (1999)
End of Days, USA (1999)
My rating: 2/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146675/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_of_Days_(1999_film)
Escape from L.A. (1996)
Escape from L.A., USA (1996)
My rating: 5/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116225/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_from_L.A.
Eraser (1996)
Eraser, USA (1996)
My rating: 6/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116213/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eraser_(film)
The Enforcer (1995)
Original Title: Gei ba ba de xin, Hong Kong (1995)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113153/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Father_Is_a_Hero
Blown Away (1994)
Blown Away, USA (1994)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109303/
The Crow (1994)
The Crow, USA (1994)
My rating: 7/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crow_(movie)
Ashes of Time (1994)
Original Title: Dung che sai duk, Hong Kong (1994)
My rating: 6/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109688/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashes_of_Time
Hard Target (1993)
Hard Target, USA (1993)
My rating: 7/10 IMDB>
Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard, USA (1988)
My rating: 8/10
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard
