Month: November 2022

Today’s quick reivew: The Raid 2. Rama (Iko Uwais), an honest cop, spends two years undercover in prison to gain the trust of Uco (Arifin Putra), the ambitious son of the city’s most powerful crime boss (Tio Pakusadewo). Earning a place as Uco’s right-hand man, Rama is in the perfect position to gather evidence against the city’s corrupt cops. But his investigation goes south when Uco makes a risky power play against his father.

The Raid 2 is an Indonesian crime drama and martial arts action movie that picks up in the aftermath of The Raid. In spite of Rama’s best efforts, he does not have enough evidence to root out the corruption in the police, forcing him to go on a dangerous undercover assignment for Lieutenant Bunawar (Cok Simbara). The Raid 2 combines brutal and sharply choreographed violence with a sprawling crime story, making for a dark but satisfying watch.

Like its predecessor, The Raid 2 is most notable for its action. The fight scenes are gory affairs full of knife wounds, broken bones, and gruesome deaths. The combat is carried by sharp stunt work from Iko Uwais and a new cast of killers, while creativity in the choice of setting, weapons, and number of combatants keeps the action feeling fresh throughout. For those who enjoy violent action, The Raid 2 will be a treat.

The Raid 2 tries something different with its story, with mixed success. Where the original movie was a minimalistic action flick full of non-stop fighting, The Raid 2 takes its time and tells a more expansive story. The conflict between Uco, his father, and the city’s other criminal factions makes for a fascinating plot. The downside is that the movie feels less focused than the original, with slower pacing and less for Rama to do.

The Raid 2 is an impressive film that combines top-notch action with a well-crafted story. Fans of the original may find the sequel to be a little slow for their tastes, spreading a similar amount of action over a much longer run time. But those who are willing to invest in the story will find it to be a rewarding watch, filled with tense conflicts and creative stunts. Steer clear if you don’t have the stomach for gore.

For a more focused take on the same style of action, try The Raid. For a less action-focused crime drama about an undercover cop, try Infernal Affairs, The Departed, or Donnie Brasco. For a violent action movie set in a more stylized criminal underworld, try John Wick and its sequels. For a more subdued gang war with some of the same elements, check out Miller’s Crossing.

8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for excellent stunt work and a strong story.

Today’s quick review: The Raid: Redemption. Rama (Iko Uwais), a rookie cop with a pregnant wife, risks his life when he joins a raid on an apartment building ruled by Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy), an untouchable drug lord. Sergeant Jaka (Joe Saslim) leads Rama and the other officers into the building in search of Tama. But the operation turns into a bloodbath when Tama’s men ambush them, forcing Rama to fight and kill in order to survive.

The Raid: Redemption is an Indonesian martial arts action thriller. The movie takes a simple premise and executes it with rare skill. Two dozen police officers square off against an entire building full of criminals in a fight to the death. The Raid features brutal action from start to finish. Every fight is fast-paced and desperate, with a variety of setups that include guns, knives, batons, and an impressive array of improvised weaponry.

The Raid goes far on the quality of its stunt work. Every stunt in the movie is sharply executed, and the athletic prowess on display from Iko Uwais, Doni Alamsyah, and Yayan Ruhiah is enough to carry the film by itself. The Raid supplements its action with tight direction that does an excellent job of managing tension, preparing the audience for the next bout of violence.

The result is a masterful action movie that delivers bloody violence in spades. The Raid: Redemption is a must-see for fans of the violent side of the action genre. It does not have much to offer in the way of story, but the skill and originality of its stunts make it a riveting watch for anyone who can stomach the gore. Those looking for anything other than violent action may want to skip it.

For a violent action movie with more character and style, try John Wick and its sequels. For a bloody science fiction movie with a highly similar premise, check out Dredd.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for phenomenal stunts and visceral direction.

Today’s quick review: Police Story: Lockdown. Captain Zhong Wen (Jackie Chan) is a veteran police officer who never had time for his daughter Miao (Jing Tian). His devotion is put to the test when her boyfriend Wu Jiang (Liu Ye) takes the two of them hostage along with a club full of civilians. Now Zhong must figure out Wu’s true motives and defuse the situation before anyone gets killed.

Police Story: Lockdown is a crime drama starring Jackie Chan as a cop caught in the middle of a hostage standoff. Much like New Police Story, Lockdown is a gritty reboot of the Police Story series that has little to do with any of its predecessors. The movie’s dark tone and limited action make it a far cry from Jackie Chan’s usual formula. Still, interesting character dynamics and a compelling mystery give the movie a good payoff.

Police Story: Lockdown makes a few decisions that can rub viewers the wrong way. The nightclub setting is disorienting at the best of times, and it’s made more so by the film’s busy camerawork, odd angles, and disorienting flashbacks. The action is more subdued than Jackie Chan’s earlier work, with less of a focus on stunts and more on Zhong Wen’s attempts to control the situation. And while the plot has substance, nearly all of it is back-loaded.

The reward for these stylistic choices is a story that goes to interesting places. Wu takes a long time to reveal his motives for taking Zhong and the others hostage, but when he does, it turns the rest of the film into a compelling mystery. Zhong’s commitment to saving everyone, even criminals, leads to tense situations throughout the movie. Lockdown’s story is far from masterful, but it does have more substance to it than it first appears.

Police Story: Lockdown is an unusual movie that will have a hard time finding the right audience. Fans of Jackie Chan may not like the darker tone and comparative lack of action, while fans of gritty crime dramas may lose interest before the best parts of the story come into play. Interested viewers who are willing to take a gamble should give it a shot. But those looking for either consistent drama or all-out action will want to skip it.

For a more tonally balanced entry into the same series, try Police Story or Police Story 2. For a more action-heavy entry into the series that also features some darker themes, try New Police Story. For an American action thriller about a cop caught up in a hostage standoff, try Die Hard.

6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for an interesting story hurt by odd stylistic choices and mediocre action.

Today’s quick review: New Police Story. Inspector Kwok-Wing Chan (Jackie Chan) loses everything when a gang of thrill-seeking bank robbers kills his entire team. Suspended from the force, Chan lapses into alcoholism and despair until he’s assigned a new partner, Frank Cheng (Nicholas Tse), who helps him get back on the case. Now the two cops must work together to track down Joe Kwan (Daniel Wu) and the other bank robbers before they strike again.

New Police Story is an action thriller and crime drama starring Jackie Chan. Although nominally a reboot of the Police Story series, New Police Story does not have much in common with its predecessors. The movie gambles on a new main character, a darker tone, and reduced comedy. Unfortunately, its gamble does not pay off. Poor acting, cartoonish villains, and a mishandled story put a damper on a viable premise and otherwise solid action.

New Police Story’s main problem is that it doesn’t handle its drama well. The basic premise is meant to be serious: an honest cop’s arrogance costs him his team, his job, and his fiance (Charlie Young). But the way it plays out is bizarre, relying on Joe Kwan and his team of athletes and gamers to do most of the heavy lifting. The result is a movie that has the grittiness of a crime drama but the villains and stunts of a popcorn action flick.

Those who can get past New Police Story’s story issues will find that does have something to offer. Jackie Chan’s stunt work is still impressive, and while the movie relies more on wires and special effects than Chan’s previous films, its action sequences are engaging and creative. But as far as the story and tone are concerned, New Police Story leaves a lot to be desired, making it a clear step down from Chan’s best.

For a more grounded crime drama from Jackie Chan that still manages to deliver action and comedy, try Police Story or Police Story 2. For their more action-oriented sequels, try Supercop or First Strike. For an action thriller about a failed cop who finds a new reason to live, check out Safe. For a smarter crime thriller about a criminal mastermind, try Inside Man or Law Abiding Citizen.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for decent action held back by a lackluster story and tonal inconsistencies.

Today’s quick review: Police Story 2. Demoted for the property damage he caused while arresting Chu Tao (Yuen Chor), Officer Ka-Kui Chan (Jackie Chan) contemplates leaving the force to spend time with his girlfriend May (Maggie Cheung). But before long, Ka-Kui is called back in to catch a bomber threatening to blow up a building if he doesn’t receive $10 million. Meanwhile, Cho Tao hires John Ko (Charlie Cho) to harass Ka-Kui and May.

Police Story 2 is a crime drama and action movie with comedy elements. Jackie Chan reprises his role as a loyal Hong Kong cop with a knack for getting in trouble. Police Story 2 deals with both the aftermath of the first film and a brand new story. The movie balances its time between three connected subplots, managing to work them all into a cohesive whole. The result is an action movie with big stunts and an unusually strong story.

Police Story 2 is a worthy successor to the original. It retains the original’s somewhat more serious tone, putting the police investigation front and center. However, the movie still finds time for comedy, building on the character dynamics established in the first film without undercutting the tension. The movie is also successful with its action, featuring destructive stunts and well-choreographed fights that keep the film moving.

Police Story 2 is a solid pick for fans of either Jackie Chan or action movies in general. It is not quite as innovative or impactful as the original Police Story, but it manages to keep the original’s best features while telling its own story. Those who are looking for more comedy may want to try one of Chan’s other films, but anyone willing to invest in a more action-oriented plot will find it to be well worth watching.

For a more comedic sequel, try Supercop or First Strike. For Jackie Chan as a police officer in a historical setting, try Project A or Project A 2. For another modern action comedy from Chan, try Twin Dragons or The Accidental Spy.

7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for strong action and a nicely balanced story.

Today’s quick review: Police Story. Officer Ka-Kui Chan (Jackie Chan) makes the bust of a lifetime when he catches drug kingpin Chu Tao (Yuen Chor). But to put Tao behind bars, the police need the testimony of his secretary Selina Fong (Brigitte Lin). Assigned to guard Fong until her trial, Chan finds himself caught between murderous criminals, a reluctant witness, his put-upon girlfriend (Maggie Cheung), and his stringent boss (Kwok-Hung Lam).

Police Story is a crime drama and action movie with comedy elements. Police Story combines the best elements of Jackie Chan’s work into one cohesive whole. Frenetic fights, ambitious stunts, inventive comedy, and an intense story make it a movie with a lot to offer. The foundation of the movie is its plot, which deals with the chaotic aftermath of a high-profile arrest, and it’s strong enough to carry the movie from start to finish.

Police Story improves in some subtle ways on Jackie Chan’s usual formula. Ka-Kui has more character than many of Chan’s roles, a quick-witted police officer whose mischievous personality often lands him in trouble. The comedy is broader than usual, stemming more from the characters and situations than ordinary slapstick. The action is among Chan’s finest, with sharp and desperate fights and a couple of impressive set pieces.

Police Story has something to offer nearly every action fan. It is a credible thriller that never skews too dark, a calamitous action movie that never gets too violent, and a comedy that doesn’t overstep its boundaries. Firm fundamentals and Jackie Chan’s distinctive touch make Police Story a strong addition to the action genre and one of Chan’s most consistent films. Those interested should give it a shot.

If you are interested in a more over-the-top sequel, check out Supercop or First Strike. For a Jackie Chan movie of similar caliber with a martial arts focus, try Drunken Master or The Legend of Drunken Master. For a Hong Kong crime drama with an even sharper plot, try Infernal Affairs.

7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a solid story and impressive stunts throughout.

Today’s quick review: The Accidental Spy. Jackie (Jackie Chan), an ordinary salesman, is shocked to discover that he is the son of a dying Korean spy (Joh Young Kwan). Visiting his father on his deathbed, Jackie receives a clue to his inheritance: the phone number of a bank in Istanbul. But when he goes to claim the money, Jackie finds himself caught between two rival drug operations that are willing to kill to get what his father stole from them.

The Accidental Spy is an action comedy starring Jackie Chan. The movie revovles around an ordinary man’s unexpected inheritance, which puts him at the center of an international conflict involving drug lords, the CIA, and a potent new strain of opium. The Accidental Spy blends modern action thrills with Jackie Chan’s signature slapstick fight scenes. While the movie makes for good entertainment, it’s hurt by a shaky plot and an inconsistent tone.

The Accidental Spy mixes the light-hearted humor Chan is known for with more dramatic elements. What begins as a breezy romp takes a more serious turn as Jackie realizes he can’t escape the criminals who are after him. The transition works reasonably well, setting up Jackie as a reluctant hero who eventually decides to risk his life to do the right thing. However, the plot itself is too slapdash to make this development really pay off.

As far as action is concerned, The Accidental Spy is entertaining but not especially memorable. The movie supplements Chan’s improvised martial arts with more typical action fare, including car chases and explosions that take some of the focus away from Chan’s acrobatics. The quality of the action is solid throughout, and there are plenty of impressive stunts, but the movie has to supplement its action more than Chan at his best.

In spite of its flaws, The Accidental Spy makes a fine choice for anyone in the mood for a thriller with dashes of comedy. Though not as cohesive as some of Chan’s other work, it’s still an entertaining medley of acrobatic stunts, slapstick humor, and pure action thrills. Just approach with caution if you are expecting a pure comedy or a robust story.

For a Jackie Chan action comedy with a similar setup, fantastic elements, and similar drawbacks, try The Medallion or The Tuxedo. For a spy adventure in a similar vein with a better balance of plot, action, and comedy, try Who Am I? or First Strike. For a more dramatic action movie from Jackie Chan, try The Foreigner. For a goofier comedy about an innocent man caught up in spy intrigue, try The Man Who Knew Too Little.

5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for good entertainment value hurt by weak cohesion.

Today’s quick review: Drunken Master. To straighten out his son Fei-Hung (Jackie Chan), a troublemaker with a talent for kung fu, Master Wong (Lam Kau) sends him to train with So Hai (Yuen Siu-Tin), a roving master who practices an exotic martial arts style. Through So’s harsh training, Fei-Hung learns to become a true warrior. But he faces the ultimate test of his skill when he crosses the assassin known as Thunderleg (Hwang Jang Lee).

Drunken Master is a martial arts action comedy starring Jackie Chan. Drunken Master showcases a variety of kung fu styles, culminating in the titular drunken style, which uses erratic movements to throw the opponent off guard. The movie has more of a traditional feel to it than Jackie Chan’s other work, favoring one-on-one fights over slapstick brawls. However, the shift in focus serves it well, allowing Chan to show off his full technical skill.

Drunken Master balances its story, action, and comedy quite nicely. The story has more substance than usual, telling the simple but satisfying tale of an arrogant young man who learns to toughen up. The action is among Jackie Chan’s sharpest. The fights mix classic movie kung fu with Chan’s comedic flourishes. The comedy emerges naturally from Fei-Hung’s foolish character, as well as the unconventional methods of his master So Hai.

Drunken Master is a classic of the martial arts genre that delivers impeccable stunts and a well-constructed story. Fans of the genre who are looking for something lighter should give it a try, as should anyone who’s simply in the mood for some action. Drunken Master has slightly less overt comedy than Chan’s later work, but it fills in the gap with sharp stunts, colorful characters, and well-placed gags.

For a sequel that shows off more of Chan’s drunken style, check out The Legend of Drunken Master. For another Jackie Chan period piece that balances comedy with action, try Project A or Project A 2. For a Western martial arts movie with a similar progression, try Kickboxer or The Karate Kid.

7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for excellent stunt work and a satisfying story.

Today’s quick review: Project A 2. To rid Hong Kong of corruption, Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) goes undercover as deputy to Superintendent Chun (David Lam), a crooked cop with too much power to take down any other way. Dragon starts cleaning up first the police department and then the streets. But in doing so, he runs afoul of not only Chun, but a rebel faction, a group of Imperial agents from the mainlande, and a band of vengeful pirates.

Project A 2 is a martial arts action comedy starring Jackie Chan. The sequel to Project A picks up with Dragon Ma’s transfer from the coast guard to the city police, kicking off a massive anti-corruption operation that turns the city on its head. Project A 2 retains its predecessor’s sharp action, robust story, and flashes of humor. However, its missing cast members and slower start make it a slight step down from the original.

Project A 2 takes a more serious tack than Jackie Chan’s other movies. It still has a fair amount of comedy, but the jokes are concentrated in a few specific scenes. Instead, the story takes center stage. Dragon’s investigation gives the plot a strong hook, while the domino effect on the other factions gives it unusual staying power. Combined with Chan’s sharp and creative stunt work, this is enough to make Project A 2 a solid movie.

Still, Project A 2 is missing some of the best features of its predecessor. Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung are sorely missed; while the new supporting cast does a fine job, they do not have the same chemistry as the original trio. The film also saves its best action scenes for the end, causing the film to have a slower start. None of these issues keep Project A 2 from standing on its own feet, but they are worth noting if you’re a fan of the original.

Project A 2 is a worthwhile pick for any fans of martial arts action. It doesn’t have quite the same humor as Jackie Chan’s usual formula, but the plot is unusually well-developed, and the stunts are as strong as ever. Those looking for a fast-moving action flick with impressive stunts should look no further. Those looking for a more outrageous comedy should temper their expectations.

For an even more engaging take on the same character, try the original Project A. For a darker historical crime drama about rooting out police corruption, try Gun City. For a more modern Hong Kong crime drama with a darker tone, try Chasing the Dragon. For intrigue and martial arts in a historical Chinese setting, try The Final Master.

7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for skillful action and a solid plot.

Today’s quick review: Project A. In 19th-century Hong Kong, Sergeant Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) leads a squad of sailors tasked with hunting down the pirates who have been terrorizing the surrounding waters, along with their leader San-Po (Dick Wei). But after a high-profile failure, Dragon and his men are placed under the command of Police Inspector Chi (Yuen Biao). To finish his mission, Dragon enlists the help of a thief named Fei (Sammo Hung).

Project A is a martial arts action comedy starring Jackie Chan and his collaborators Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung. The trio forms the core of a sprawling period piece that pits two rival law enforcement agencies—Hong Kong’s coast guard and police—against a pirate menace. Project A has an elaborate plot that can be hard to keep track of, but the investment is well worth it for the film’s likable characters, light humor, and skillful stunt work.

Project A has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to its action. The highlight of the film is the tightly synchronized choreography between the film’s three stars, but all of the fights bring something unique to the table. Massive brawls, frantic chases, improvised weapons, and some impressive acrobatics work make Project A an exciting watch from start to finish. The film’s solid plot and flashes of humor also balance out the action nicely.

Fans of martial arts action won’t want to miss Project A. The stunt work is among Chan’s best, his co-stars are just as skilled, and the plot is unusually robust for one of Chan’s films. The movie has a little less humor than some viewers may be used to, but what’s there is still enjoyable. Overall, Project A is a well-rounded movie that will appeal to a broad range of action fans.

For a Jackie Chan movie of similar quality that has even more comedy, try The Legend of Drunken Master. For a more dramatic period piece starring him, try Little Big Soldier.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for excellent stunts and a satisfying story.