(...though yes, Wincott is Canadian).
Martial Outlaw, a title which has no real bearing on the movie, is more psychologically compelling than most direct to video fare and more morally complex. But really, a martial arts movie is mainly about the fights and it is rare to see an American movie with fights and stunts that are as well staged and fluid as those in Hong Kong movies.
And any movie that has this much fighting and isn't a tournament movie is extra appreciated!
Overall, Martial Outlaw (amazingly) compares to things like Donnie Yen's Flashpoint & Jackie Chan's Police Story II & Yuen Biao's Righting Wrongs. And unlike most American movies that attempt this level of choreography, the fights are not sped up cartoons like in Isaac Florentine's movies (Undisputed II & III & Ninja & Special Forces) or Drive (with Dacascos) or Cynthia Rothrock. Sorry IMDb "martial arts" fans, Martial Outlaw kicks (and backhands) the crap out of that sped up nonsense.
As a fighter, Wincott is great and believable. Compares to brutal but elegant badass Richard Norton and is far above guys like Don "the slow and wooden" Dragon (despite his real life awards).
Overall, Martial Outlaw delivers a lot great and aggressive fights and some solid stunts, and the script has some actual depth. Let it be said that nobody delivers a closed-fist backhand like Mr. Wincott. Bravo!
Martial Outlaw, a title which has no real bearing on the movie, is more psychologically compelling than most direct to video fare and more morally complex. But really, a martial arts movie is mainly about the fights and it is rare to see an American movie with fights and stunts that are as well staged and fluid as those in Hong Kong movies.
And any movie that has this much fighting and isn't a tournament movie is extra appreciated!
Overall, Martial Outlaw (amazingly) compares to things like Donnie Yen's Flashpoint & Jackie Chan's Police Story II & Yuen Biao's Righting Wrongs. And unlike most American movies that attempt this level of choreography, the fights are not sped up cartoons like in Isaac Florentine's movies (Undisputed II & III & Ninja & Special Forces) or Drive (with Dacascos) or Cynthia Rothrock. Sorry IMDb "martial arts" fans, Martial Outlaw kicks (and backhands) the crap out of that sped up nonsense.
As a fighter, Wincott is great and believable. Compares to brutal but elegant badass Richard Norton and is far above guys like Don "the slow and wooden" Dragon (despite his real life awards).
Overall, Martial Outlaw delivers a lot great and aggressive fights and some solid stunts, and the script has some actual depth. Let it be said that nobody delivers a closed-fist backhand like Mr. Wincott. Bravo!