Reviews

A Chinese classic of 70's cinema. The story here portrays the fictional story of Chen Zhen set during the Japanese occupation of China in the early 1930's. Following the death of his master he retaliates against a slur made by a rival Japanese martial arts dojo, encouraging Chinese resilience to oppression and subjugation.

Unfortunately although Lee is on fine form displaying his indomitable prowess in the martial art of Jeet Kune Do, the acting here is far from exemplary. This film does not reach the calibre of the Legends later swansong movie Enter the Dragon. An enjoyable romp although this story has been better told in the Jet Li film Fist of Legend.

Fast forward through the story to see Bruce in all his combative glory.

Not bad, a definite improvement on the first.

Laughs a plenty in the first half (you can tell James Gunn is presiding) ... with a little more free reign on the tone than in his Marvel endeavours.

This one definitely stands shoulder to shoulder with the non tent pole Marvel releases.

I have read a plethora of "fans" reviews for this film prior to writing this. I am sure that the majority were children when the original trilogy was shown in cinemas back in the late 70's and early 80's. These films were originally conceived by George Lucas to be a modern / up to date answer to the Saturday morning adventure serials screened for children at cinemas in the 1930's. The point being they were made for children, his films a loving tribute made by him and updated for the next generation of children to enjoy. I am sure that all fans agree that what he achieved was a phenomenal success and there mere fact that films are still being produced today over 40 year later stands testament to this. Unfortunately I find, unlike George Lucas, these fans are unwilling to pass this experience (a child friendly movie) on to the next generation of children (their families) and choose to overanalyse and criticise every plot turn and character arc. I believe a conscientious effort has been made by Rian Johnson to placate fans whilst essentially keeping true to the films original intention which was light hearted, escapist adventure for children. Sure there is peril in the original trilogy which gives weight to the hero's undertaking but above all else it is a family oriented adventure story, suitable for children to watch unsupervised.

As times change we are faced with a different world than we lived in, in the late 20th century. With themes like sexual equality, terrorism and oppression being represented in a format that can be conveyed to a young audience in an escapist setting without scarring them I think Rian Johnson has done an admiral job of inspiring future sci fi / movie fans. I hope fans that were children when the original films were delivered can reappraise in time what I see as a legacy franchise that is still giving to their children top quality entertainment that we enjoyed when we were their age. After all, all episodes start with the introduction "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away ...." a take on all good bedtime stories.