Like undoubtedly 90% of the people who will watch this movie, I was whole-heartedly expecting something in the vein of those awful 80's movies like American Ninja or Master Ninja. Well...OK...I was partially right. But this seems to have a little more going for it. Namely: Scott Adkins. Look, I know martial arts doesn't have a nationality, but it's been a long time since I saw a westerner do such a good job in a screen fight. I didn't even realize this was the same guy from The Tournament and Undisputed II. I guess he's got a thing for low balling his own talent and being in cheesy movies? Regardless, this guy has the screen fighting ability to carry a whole movie...but he's settling for this? To each his own, I suppose.
The plot is...lacking. That's a nice way to say that, right? It's basically about a disgraced member of a dojo who sets out to steal it's prized possession...some dumb box. Whatever. So the sensei (you knew there'd be a sensei, right?) sends two of his best to protect said dumb box. Well, OK, to be fair one of them is his best student. The chick doesn't do much except get knocked around and kidnapped...constantly. You can probably guess where this is going, so I'll spare you. Oh...there's a secret society bent on evil. Can't forget that.
But like I said, it's still pretty enjoyable. The fight scenes are very well done...surprisingly so considering they didn't come out of Hong Kong or Thailand. A lot of the "stylized violence" (a really stupid term meaning pretty much all blood is CGI) is pretty poorly done, but it can be excused. I just can't imagine it's cheaper to do than practical effects. All in all I actually liked this movie, flaws and all. Definitely a movie you can crack a few beers open and watch.
The plot is...lacking. That's a nice way to say that, right? It's basically about a disgraced member of a dojo who sets out to steal it's prized possession...some dumb box. Whatever. So the sensei (you knew there'd be a sensei, right?) sends two of his best to protect said dumb box. Well, OK, to be fair one of them is his best student. The chick doesn't do much except get knocked around and kidnapped...constantly. You can probably guess where this is going, so I'll spare you. Oh...there's a secret society bent on evil. Can't forget that.
But like I said, it's still pretty enjoyable. The fight scenes are very well done...surprisingly so considering they didn't come out of Hong Kong or Thailand. A lot of the "stylized violence" (a really stupid term meaning pretty much all blood is CGI) is pretty poorly done, but it can be excused. I just can't imagine it's cheaper to do than practical effects. All in all I actually liked this movie, flaws and all. Definitely a movie you can crack a few beers open and watch.