My Opinion: 7.2 || Gorgeous imagery and surreal action — a visually stunning film. There’s nothing special, though, in the romantic storyline which is essentially a platoform for the sumptuous images and choreography.
My Opinion: 6.5 || Stylish action film that’s spawned myriad spin-offs and imitations. The last act is badly muddled, but the foundation is excellent, the thriller elements are well filmed, and it’s a mostly… Continue reading
My Opinion: 6.5 || Sharp action thriller that efficiently hits all the genre elements. Nothing very original, but that’s okay — it’s viscerally exciting, well shot, and doesn’t hurt your head with (too much) implausibility.… Continue reading
My Opinion: 6.5 || A fun, quick adrenaline-rush of a movie. There’s nothing brilliant about the folding-back-on-itself storyline, but the uninhibited energy and brazen strangeness is delightful. On the downside, though, it’s a little… Continue reading
My Opinion: 6.3 || A Japanese “western” directed with all the skill you’d expect from Kurosawa. Toshirô Mifune carries the movie as the samurai Sanjuro, and he needs to because several of the other… Continue reading
MY OPINION: 6.3 || Great martial arts in the service of a solid, morally serious story. Donnie Yen is wonderful as Master Ip — not only in the terrific kung-fu action but also in… Continue reading
MY OPINION: 5.7 || This score seems a little low considering that I did enjoy the movie. It’s a pretty flat beginning that doesn’t do much to illuminate Heyerdal’s character or help us feel… Continue reading
My Opinion: 3.6 || Really un-good. The martial arts are well choreographed, and Tony Jaa is a joy to watch when he’s in motion. And putting him in motion is pretty much the only… Continue reading
I'm an author and consultant in Portland, Oregon. My novel 'Beheld' will be published this June.
