Reviews

This is actually an arthouse movie and it is not a martial art movie. I think the movie's title and the trailer might have given people the wrong expectations about what it is. If you come to this movie and expecting to see an action packed, martial art film, then you are bound to be disappointed. The Assassin's excellence resides in the stunning cinematography, its simplicity, and the underlying philosophy, delivered by a nuanced, dream like storytelling. But this movie doesn't hold your hand. While the story has a complex political backdrop and the character dynamics are intricate, but the movie has little exposition. The narratives are fragmented, and dialogues are minimum. As a result this movie is not accessible. It suffices to say this is not a commercial movie.

The first time viewing is bound to be confusing. However, The Assassin will reward you if you are patient and willing to put in the efforts to understand its story. In my first viewing the movie thoroughly confused me, but afterwards for days I couldn't stop thinking about it, and I decided to watch it again. In my second viewing, the movie clicked for me and I came to appreciate its quiet beauty and its cinematic artistry. This movie is definitely not for everyone and I recommend it only to those cinema aficionados who like to watch arthouse movies.

This movie moves at a lightning fast pace and the actions are amazing. The most entertaining movie I've seen in recent years. Where is the sequel? Give me the sequel already!

This movie surprised me. I thought Shadow was going to be a typical martial arts/Wuxia movie with people flying around. But I was wrong. Shadow is not really a martial art/Wuxia movie. Rather it is a historical thriller with lots of twists and turns in the story and the characters. The cinematography is beautiful to look at, especially on the blu ray. In this movie, the costumes and set pieces were all colored in black and white. This is not a black and white movie, but the black and white color contrast produced a stunning look to the cinematography and it resembled the Chinese Ink Wash paintings. In an video interview, the director said he used black-white color palette and its dynamics to express his view about the human nature, that people are complex and they are not black and white. It is very interesting how he uses the visuals and the colors to communicate the philosophy behind the story. This is a cinematic master piece, but don't go into this movie expecting a fast-paced action film because Shadow is more of a historical drama with some actions in it. This movie will make you think a little and it gets better with multiple viewings.

I think this movie attracted a lot of negative reviews because people were expecting a horror movie but what they got is a revenge thriller. Depending on your expectation you might enjoy or hate this movie.

The Reckoning is probably inspired by Withcerfinder General. It is reminiscent of the Hammer Horror subgenre. The costumes design, set pieces, and the lightings induced a heavy Gothic atmosphere. This movie appeared to be "horror" by making some loose connections to the supernatural, but ultimately the story itself is a revenge thriller with plenty of B-movie styled gores.

Personally I like the Gothic atmosphere in this movie. Overall The Reckoning is fun. However, this movie does suffer from identity crisis. It's almost as if the movie couldn't decide whether it wants to be horror, or period thriller, or an action movie. This means horror fans might walk into this movie expecting horror, only to be disappointed to find out it is not. Also, you need a lot of suspension of disbelief to buy the ending of the film. I won't spoil the story but I found the ending unrealistic. Admittedly this movie has a lot of flaws, but you can have fun with this movie if you have the right expectations. This is the sort of movie to watch when you don't feel like thinking too much and just want to relax on a couch on a very late night.

A lot of super hero movies have a common weakness; a weak villain. The first Wonder Woman had an unimpressionable villain also. However, Wonder Woman 1984 improved over this weakness and it actually has two compelling villains. I like that the villains in this movie have motivations and not just cookie-cutter bad guys. In fact I can emphasize with the villains in the story. But Wonder Woman 1984 is not without flaws. The pace in the first third of the film was too slow. I get it that the film maker was trying to build the characters and the world in the first act, but it could have been more compact. The second act was arguably the best of the film, that was when the story got rolling and the drama and actions unfold. The last act was a bit weak. I was a bit disappointed at the showdown between Diana and Barbara, it didn't feel as epic as I hoped it would be. I do like the ending because it does have a good moral message. Overall Wonder Woman 1984 is pretty good and I am glad I saw it in the cinema. I am eager to see Diana's next adventure!

Those who want to watch this movie should know Mulan 2020 is not really the live action adaptation of the Disney cartoon. This version is closer to the original Chinese legend especially in the theme (i.e. filial piety and devotion to family). This movie is not bad, but it is not amazing. The biggest problem with the movie is the editing, the film just feels a little choppy. Otherwise the casts were pretty good, and cinematography was good looking, and it was entertaining. Is it worth paying 30 bux? I guess if you have a family then it is worth it because it is cheaper than going to the cinema. However, I do think this kind of movie should be seen on a big screen in the cinema.

Ignore the reviews from the critics. Messiah is thinking man's thriller and it is outstanding. 100% binge worthy and it will leave you thinking for days afterwards. Bring on season 2 please.

I am always more than happy to see Stallone coming out and do movies like this, Rambo 4, and the expendables are the reason why actions films are worth watching. Pure action, fun and entertainment, in my opinion far better than those modern day sissy films with pretentiously complex plot and so-called "in-depth" storyline.

The Expendables has star cast characters, mainly action film stars who by modern day standards are "wash-outs". I love that Stallone is bringing together these actors to show people what true action movie is supposed to be like!

Screw the so called "movie critics", they are just a bunch of pretentious fakes who won't criticize the pointless violence in "no country for old man", calling that "artistic" and "in-depth", but willing to spat on "heoric violence" in films such as the expendables, which in my opinion, has far more value than those so called "artistic violence".

Nuff said, Stallone rocks! I hope he will make more films in many years to come!

Critics hate Rambo, it seems to me that in modern days. People judge whether if a film is worthwhile by several factors: 1.) complex story line 2.) CGI effect 3.) plots with twists.

Personally, I don't really appreciate any of the factors I listed above besides CGI effect. The truth is, I often find modern day films (films made in the last 5 years) contain complex story line and characters yet, without any sort of motivation or purpose. Movies such as the Bourne trilogy, 300, or any of those movie that preach the idea of "how to live a better life" movies, are essential empty in essence.

Rambo, just like Rocky Balboa both contains one dimensional characters and story line. Rambo is a ex-solider who is haunted by his past war experience and has somehow lost faith in everything in this world. Yet, in the end he was able to come to realise that he should use his ability as a war machine to bring about some change in this world. Even if it is just saving one couple's life.

The film also exposed what really is happening in Burma, while the world is focusing on the Middle East for the interest of oil. People forget that there are other places in the world that deserve if not more, equal amount of attention from the international community, and Rambo exposed this truth to everyone.

Therefore I think this is actually one of the most purposeful movie since Rocky Balboa last year.

A 7.7 at IMDb is an insult, this film deserves at least an 8.5!

Recently I bought the DVD of the 13th warrior. After watching it, I regret not having seen back in 1999 when it was on the big screen.

The sound effect in the movie was awesome, the acting was brilliant as well. The story is short and solid, even though the story is straight forward, yet it contains twist and turns that kept me in my seat throughout the entire movie. I am sure that the movie plot somehow contains elements from the story of Beowulf, I mean, the leader of the warrior is Buliwyf (similar to Beowulf), and a brave, brave warrior at his best. The ending was dramatic and heroic. I watched it twice already, it is likely that I will watch it again and again in the future.