Tall Man, The (2012)

Director: Pascal Laugier
Notable Cast: Jessica Biel, Stephen McHattie, Jodelle Ferland, William B. Davis

Even with many reviews claiming "The Tall Man" to be more of a dramatic thriller, I must not have believed it. How could the long awaited follow up to "Martyrs" by director Pascal Laugier not follow in the same horror style that he basically perfected? Yet, that is exactly how "The Tall Man" plays out. Even though this film could have taken a more ventured and by-the-numbers horror focused road, it instead bides to twist and turn with dramatic effects and plays on the expectations of the viewer. Unfortunately, despite my respect for gunning in some unusual directions, the results of it are a mixed bag. "The Tall Man" is meticulously executed at times, but its end game comes off as muddled in narrative and oddly structured.

In a small town in Washington, there has been a odd turn of events in the last few years. A slew of children have gone missing, one after another, and rumors of a mysterious 'tall man' have been at the heart of the events. Even local nurse Julia (Biel) finds her skepticism of the subject waning. And she doesn't fully believe until her own son is taken by a mysteriously cloaked figure. Now its up to her to find out just who this Tall Man is and what his agenda is with all of these children.

Keep running! The movie will make sense eventually!

Pardon me if you find my review to be the a little vague in the details. Truth be told, despite my mixed feelings on "The Tall Man" the film unfolds in some very odd and surprising ways and I would hate myself to spoil any of its twists to you. I would argue that it's these inventive and often smartly written twists that are the highlight of "The Tall Man". It has you looking one direction and then moves in another with its characters and how it plays out. It almost toys with the viewer in how it does it. This is the true highlight of the film and one that I suggest fans of unique film making look into.

BUT...

Many of the problems with "The Tall Man" stem from its focuses on twists. The basic plot sounds like a great scary time, but when done in a more dramatic thriller it almost feels like a Lifetime movie. An artistic one with some great performances, but a Lifetime movie nonetheless. And the structure itself is a bit baffling. As most films do, this one structures itself around the twists and the really clever twist comes at the halfway point of the film. The halfway point, you ask? Yes. Smack dab in the middle of the film we are nailed with a great twist and the film never can live up to that moment after that. In fact, it sort of drags on as Jessica Biel's character takes a back seat in the third act to focus on a young girl from the town and her obsession with finding the truth. Now both Biel and this young girl, ably portrayed by Jodelle Ferland, eat up the scenery they are in with vigor and strong emotional acting - but the story narrative often negates some of this in favor of the twists. Not the best choices perhaps.

If you have seen "Martyrs" (and if not then I suggest you do so immediately), you already know that director Pascal Laugier loves to mess with your expectations for a film and the general narrative. Visually he ably pulls some solid tension and artistic merit into this film including a very intense chase sequence with a flipping van and everything, but with "The Tall Man" he embraces a sense of mystery and film structure undermines the experience rather than injecting it with fresh vision. A disappointing turn of events for a director that I had significantly high hopes for in his career.

"The Tall Man" was most definitely a surprise film for me. It has a bitchin awesome twist half way through the film, the visuals are strong, and the acting superb. Unfortunately, the concept degrades into something one would see on television and the structure will leave one scratching their head in confusion. Although there are those things to love about "The Tall Man", I have to say that this was a massive miss for director Laugier and one that is sure to disappoint many of his fans.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Want to try your hand at "The Tall Man" and see if you are one of the ones that love it? Click on the links below to pick up your copy now!

Sector 7 (2011)

Director: Kim Ji-hun
Notable Cast: Ji-won Ha, Sung-kee Ahn, Ji-ho Oh

To say that South Korea has established themselves as one of the best cinema markets in the world might be the understatement of the year. Although many of their films fail to find mainstream US success, their critical acclaim overrides much of that. I, for one, will put all of my money on their continued success as genre film makers. Which is perhaps why the relative mediocrity of "Sector 7" came as a shock. Giant monster film set on an oil rig? I saw "The Host". I know that this film has potential to be relatively...scratch that...absolutely fucking awesome. Yet, "Sector 7" stumbles too often and relies too heavily on its visual effects to properly come off as it could have. The film is fun and has some great character work in it, but the plot plays off painfully predictable and the focus on CGI tends to make some laughable moments. Not quite what I was expecting at all.

Sector 7 has always been a lost cause when it came down to actually striking oil. The offshore rig is minimally ran, but Hae-jun (Ji-won Ha) is determined to find the oil that her father died looking for. She has to battle it out with the captain more often than not and her crew is talented, but rather odd. When the crew actually does find success and oil, they dredge up something else. Something hidden and dangerous...something that holds a secret that will either make them all rich or kill them in the process.

I love blue collar heroes in these kinds of movies! It's like "The Thing," but not!

There is plenty to enjoy about "Sector 7" in all of its oddities. Believe it or not, I think many of its scripting foundations are quite solid and for a movie like this - this is where the problems normally occur. Not with "Sector 7" though. We have likable and intriguing characters that all have some impressive acting to go along with them and the film has a nice build in the first half. It does has a relatively underdeveloped romantic subplot, but in a film like this I wasn't expecting too much of one to be fleshed out. The situation and their drive to be successful at finding oil in a forsaken sector is paced well and even when they begin to introduce the "monsters" of the film, it really is somewhat of a fascinating venture into how it will all play out. I think the script, at least for the first half, seems pretty well developed and put together.

It's the latter half and some of its executions that drown this creature feature. The film focuses far too much on its CGI and it's only mediocre CGI at that. They green screen a ton of the oil rig back grounds (giving it a false, almost comic book-like look) and the monster's design is a bit baffling. It's definitely not the sleek and killer design with execution "The Host" had and my expectations were undercut there. Then to top it off, the film decides to give the monster portion of the film a "secret developmental program" reasoning for the 'why' to the 'what'. While it's rarely hinted at before hand, it seems like that motivation was definitely tacked on as an afterthought and far from developed to make the shock moment worth it. 

One order of crispy monster...coming up!

"Sector 7" was almost like watching two different movies. The first half is a dramatic well developed premise with strong characters and some well placed kooky humor. The second half is an action fueled "Sin City" inspired CGI fest that lacks cohesive narrative and atmosphere that it desperately needed to work. Although the film is fun and the characters were enough for me to stay interested, my disappointment in the overall execution became overwhelming by the time the credits rolled. Perhaps "The Host" just had me spoiled in great monster movies...

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Cabin In The Woods, The (2012)

Director: Drew Goddard
Notable Cast: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradly Whitford, Sigourney Weaver

So for my first review into my long list of horror films to pummel my through this October, I felt it necessary to finally watch "The Cabin In The Woods." Over hyped with reviewers claiming it to be one of the best horror films ever and such, it was hard not to go into it with a bit of hesitation - despite my own excitement to see Joss Whedon taking a crack at co-writing a horror film. I will initially state that I certainly do not believe this to be one of the best horror films ever as it has plenty of its own issues to contend with (and essentially being more science fiction/fantasy more-so than horror in my opinion), but "The Cabin In The Woods" is a fun and goofy experience that will attract Whedon fans more than true horror fans.

When five friends, on break from college, decide to go visit a cousin's newly purchased remote cabin in the woods for a little R & R, they think they are in for a fun and wild weekend of drinking, sex, and general youth debauchery. What is in store for them, all under the watchful eye of office workers setting up some kind of event that is taking place in multiple places throughout the world, is nothing of the that sort. When the dead arise to play, it's these young people who will have to survive...and uncover a mysterious reason to their sudden demise in the woods.

Beating zombies to death with a coffee mug bong...quintessential teen horror humor?

Before I really get into reviewing the actual film, I must say that I did go into "The Cabin In The Woods" with a chip on my shoulder. Whedon has made mention that this film was meant to revitalize the horror genre as a "loving hate letter" that was meant to mock torture porn horror that had devolved the genre. Revitalize? A devolved genre? I mean, I'm not one to really love torture porn films (in fact, I sincerely hate that term as it really is used derogatorily for many films that are better than what that would indicate - but that's another discussion to be had), but after seeing "The Cabin In The Woods" it was essentially nothing more than an homage film with a clever twist and one that uses many of those techniques of "torture porn" to garner it audiences. Please, I enjoy your movies Joss Whedon, but I'm not a fucking idiot and your snobbish comments to your "loved" genre leaves quite a bad aftertaste considering what the film presents and underestimating your audience.

Now that my rant is over, it's hard not to enjoy "The Cabin In The Woods" in many ways. It's got a great play on the cliche characters it uses and many of the homages to horror film structures, elements, and even direct moments (including some Cenobyte looking characters with a puzzle ball at the end) that work to please the horror fan in me. Hell, even the Whedon/Goddard script has strong fun quips of dialogue (including a fun and silly moment when the group decides to split up) and some interesting twists to why this particular horror story is being played out...that releases a blood bath of epic proportions with a massive variety of monsters and horrors at the end. Goddard has an eye for great comedic timing and visually he uses both CGI and practical effects to a pretty strong balance. Even the casting and acting is fairly strong for a film of this type and for these reasons, I enjoyed "The Cabin In The Woods" as a horror fan and Whedon fan.

"Please let this cabinet be pine and not press board..."

But long after the credits had rolled and as I thought about the experience I had with the film (and its rather disappointing and lackluster ending that tries far too hard), the more I began to withdraw from its fun and clever atmosphere. The best way to describe how I feel about the film now is to compare it with another homage horror film like "Dead Snow." While "Dead Snow" distinctly homaged many horror elements and styles in its snowy zombie tale of kids trapped in a remote cabin, it treats its sources with delicate hands of individuals that truly love and care of the genre. "The Cabin In The Woods" does this on a surface level, but appearances can be deceiving. This film treats its horror elements as more of a sweet topping while the main foundations of the film lie distinctly within the science fiction genre. And then these horror moments, zombies attacking a loving young couple in the dark woods or the like, are treated with a very obvious "wink wink" style of homage - as if it didn't trust us to pick up on what it is saying. A move that leaves me a bit irritated the more I think about it. Particularly when one thinks about some of the things Whedon had to say about the film before its release.

Then again, I'm obviously the black sheep of the reviewing family on this one as it has plenty of wide spread love across the world. And I will admit, that I definitely had fun with the film and its satirical side remarks on corporate business, office workers, and why these cliches play out the way they do. In fact, I'll give the film the benefit of the doubt with a 3 blood drop rating just for that. The dialogue is witty with actors able to do the job and the special effects are quite impressive (wait til you see the merman!). I just wish that conceptionally the film didn't treat me like I don't know my favorite genre and had a better ending that carried a bit more depth to it.

Now its off to continue my horror marathon...

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Looper (2012)

Director: Rian Johnson
Notable Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Jeff Daniels

For my first review back from a brief "work vacation," my wife and I traipsed down to the cinema to partake in the recently released "Looper." My expectations were mixed on it as many theatrically released films marketed as 'science fiction/action' tend to focus on the latter by watering down the former. That and despite owning "Brick" I have yet to see the acclaimed director Rian Johnson at work. The film does feature the dynamic duo of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, so could it be all that bad? Luckily for all of us cult film fans, its fucking awesome. Perhaps not quite to the caliber that "Moon" or "Prometheus" sit as modern great science fiction, but damn close. It rocks with solid action and it surprises with its depth of thought, but more importantly - its able to blend the two into some easily digestible yet quite filling celluloid.

Joe (Gordon-Levitt) is, at his core, a hitman. A hitman hired by crime syndicates from the future, reigned in by man of the future Abe (Daniels), and trained to kill victims sent back in time for easy disposal. He has enjoyed his life thus far partaking in drugs, wealth, and violence, but that's brought to a screeching halt when his latest mark happens to be his future self (Willis). For a man with a plan, things have hit the fan as he has to chase down himself to discover just why he would want to change the future...and discover just who is the mysterious and monstrous future overlord The Rainmaker is...

JGL has quite come into his own as one of the best actors currently. Sans Cobra Commander in "GI Joe". Let's forget about that movie.

I was quite surprised by the quality of "Looper." It does have moments where it simplifies its rather complicated time travel story for the audience, but really the film is far more clever and violent then I expected. Clever and violent. Two things I certainly love in my science fiction and "Looper" ably handles both. It navigates its time travel inconsistencies with enough self awareness to make them seem plausible and justified to the viewer and adds in some very cool twists with moral dilemmas (about selfishness and how are actions may create the catastrophes that we are fighting) that really make the film a hard core thinking one. At times, I did almost want the film to push even further with some of its subject matter (perhaps adding in some social commentary and further detail about the futures), but for a mainstream released science fiction film I was more than impressed.

Director/writer Rian Johnson definitely plays off the audiences expectations though. The trailers made the film seem like a more standard actioner featuring shootouts with both JGL and Willis (which the film does), but they rarely touched on the whole second half of it. Not giving too many secrets away, it really embraces its science fiction roots at this point and with some great thoughtful writing from Johnson (who does not shy away from the genre) and an eye for details visually, "Looper" goes to some unexpected places and does so with as much glory and grit as is required to work. This is built on some stellar performances from both Willis and JGL, where the latter does an amazing Willis impression without ever seeming out of place while doing it, and some extraordinarily violent and effective action set pieces to give us what we all initially are coming to see the film for. This is not a film for the weak of stomach or thought as its pretty hard "R" with what it presents both conceptionally and visually - but that's just how we like it here at Blood Brothers.

It takes two to tango. And hold a hostage.

"Looper" might not quite reach the science fiction quality heights of Duncan Jones' material lately, but its still a massively well executed film that really embraces its elements. It's driven, smart, and ultimately a film that will leave you thinking of consequences for a long time. A trick that many films lack in the genre. It has a stunningly talented cast (including a rather underrated performance from Emily Blunt) and for fans looking for Willis to kick some ass it has that too. It might have a few flaws here and there, but that doesn't stop it from gunning for the gold in full gear and its that final piece that will set it aside from its peers. Highly recommended.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Demolition Man (1993)

Director: Marco Brambilla
Notable Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Benjamin Bratt, Denis Leary

When I was on vacation, I decided it was high time I revisited Sylvester Stallone's 90s action film catalog. This means I had to start with one of my favorite Sly films of all time. The science fiction, action, comedy film "Demolition Man." Although there is still plenty of debate to the worth of this film, it holds up to this day with how finally tuned (and ridiculously silly) the film rides that line between the genres. It definitely knows what it is and it simply runs with the concept as fast and hard as it can. Something to be admired for a film that essentially mocks itself and other action films the entire time.

In 1996, the world of the near future (snicker) has become somewhat of a hell hole. A rogue cop John Spartan (Stallone) is bound determined to finally take down domestic terrorist Simon Phoenix (Snipes) in a final showdown in L.A. The bastard tricks him though and both are thrown in a new type of prison, one where the inmates are cryogenically frozen until their parole time. That brings us to the current year of 2032 (snicker) and now the world is completely at peace...until Phoenix escapes. Now the law enforcement have only one choice...thaw out The Demolition Man and use his talents of violence and ass kicking to bring down the vicious villain once and for all.

"Why?! Why was "Blade Trinity" such crap?!"

I'm sure there are skeptics to the quality of "Demolition Man". If you read that synopsis above and see that its a mixture of science fiction, action, and comedy then I actually would agree with you. On paper, this early 90s romp into the future looks like it shouldn't work at all. The trick to the film is that it never takes itself overly serious and it simply has fun with its concept. Remember that? Fun at the movies? Well "Demolition Man" redefines fun in how it blends the genres and runs with it making it easily one of the most entertaining movies of the period and of Sly's career.

It has to initially stated that one of the reasons that "Demolition Man" is such a blast (pun intended) is its ridiculously over the top set up. It's your cliche action hero and goofy 90s villain, but its the weird, an oddly satirical, vision of the future that works. A place where violence simply doesn't exist, anything bad for you is outlawed including sex, red meat, and swearing, and you wipe your ass with sea shells. It's taking this humorous world of silly dialogue and subdued emotions and throwing two of the most outrageously violent and abrasive men into it. It's comedy/action gold if you could ever think of it! Not only that, but the cast is more than up to out act one another in cheesy one liners and strong chemistry. Sly is ably his 90s self, ready to spout horrible one liners and generally kick everyone's ass at the drop of a hat all in heroic fashion and his supporting cast really sets him up for great moments - whether its the air head Sandra Bullock or the homeless Denis Leary. It just works.

The Dream Team...with Bullock and Bratt in addition.

Perhaps though the best part of "Demolition Man" outside of its fun writing and strong pacing, is Wesley Snipes. Besides his role as Blade, this is by far the greatest role and performance he has pulled off on celluloid. Not because he's a great actor. Not because his character has a strong arc of growth. Because Simon Phoenix is Wesley Snipes done in exponential folds. He spouts off puns and one liners non stop, kills and injures endless amounts of people, and generally does really odd things. The sequence where Snipes is at the computer phone booth is cinematic genius for the genre.

Snipes doing what Snipes does best: crazy.

Although "Demolition Man" is certainly a silly film whose political/society subtext is sometimes a missed opportunity, its hard not to love the shit out of this film for what it is. The comedy works in spades with great chemistry between its actors, the action is intense with great set ups and locations, and the pacing is perfectly set to use its cliche elements to perfection. On a depth level this 90s Sly vehicle might come up a bit shallow, but its a brilliant film in the entertainment sector and one that handedly works as one of the best of the genre not just of the era.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Spice And Wolf Season 1 1-13 (2008)

The journey. The trip. The travel. It's all a part of getting somewhere. No matter if its for work, for family, fun or pleasure, we all must travel. Watching "Spice and Wolf" Season 1 was in fact a journey for myself as well. You see as an avid anime viewer I tend to stay in a comfort zone of sorts. I watch mainly what I think interests me. However after seeing countless articles about this series, I decided it was time to take a little trip of my own outside of my comfort zone. So off I go to a far away land and I hope you come along with me.

The story - This adventure centers around a merchant named  Kraft Lawerence who travels from town to town selling his various items to the locals. During one of his town visits he is startled to discover a young woman hidden in his cart of furs. This of course is no ordinary woman. The young lady is actually Holo, a pagan god. She appears in human form with a set of wolf ears and a tail, completely nude, and explains to Kraft that she is the goddess of harvest and has blessed the area with bountiful crop for years. Having heard this tale during his travels Kraft was interested to learn more about her claims. This series is very interesting to me for many different reasons. One being it is set during an era that is similar to medieval Europe. Two, it takes on Pagan gods and beliefs. Third, this anime series some how manages to tell a story about economics and kept me drawn in and completely interested. Last, but not least, there is a romance story to add without really focusing on it. It is the bond between the two that really sets it apart from other romance stories, well at least in my opinion.

The business duo of Kraft and Holo really have a great chemistry about them. Holo helps Kraft during several of his transactions with great monetary success. She is crafty after all. She is there for him when everything crashes as well.

With the Church running a lot of the towns economic systems it is important that no one discovers her true identity as it would lead to her demise. So with the understanding that the church is looking to do away with all Pagan gods, Holo hides her ears and tail in her cloak. However as with any adventurer she has more than one occassion of close calls.

Kraft is the guy every girl's parents would want her to bring home to dinner. He is a man of his word, handsome, and charming. His characteristics really were a large part of the story. They also cause him trouble with the towns folk on occasion. Overall I think this story has it all. Action, adventure, romance, and good writing.

The artwork- The art of this series is so pretty. The pastal coloring just sets the mood so well.

The series looks like the era it is set in. Nothing flashy or hemorrhage inducing. It's so calm and I think that is part of what kept me so into it. The landscapes are beautiful and full of life. I loved the overall look of this series.

The music- The intro song is a solid piece of work. It sounds like a love song and it wasn't overbearing or distracting. The end song was kind of unique, but it was fun and a bit silly. I know most of the words to that song though. The rest of the music was really unnoticable to me. It was subtle and didn't command and attention from my viewing. Which is pretty much how I think it should be. Overall, I give the music a thumbs up!

The voice acting- The actor that voiced Kraft was J. Michael Tatum, and he was excellent. It's hard sometimes with voice acting for me to enjoy a voice over an entire series, but I am totally okay with this one.  Brina Palencia voiced Holo and she too was great for the part. Being that these two characters take up most of the screen time I won't dive into any other voices. So overall I think the talent shows up in this series. Thumbs up again.

Overall- "Spice and Wolf" delivers were others have failed. I started out blind to this series and finished it with hearts in my eyes. The pacing of the story is great, the art is so beautiful, and the characters are brilliant. I honestly don't know why anyone wouldn't fall in love with it. I say to all you folks out there that only watch comedy or fighting animes do yourself a giant favor and watch "Spice and Wolf," you will not be disappointed. My highest recommendation!!!! To end on another positive note, I can not wait to see the second season. Til next time gang, watch more anime!

Written By John Price

If "Spice And Wolf" sounds like an anime you just have to see from John's recommendation, then feel free to purchase it from Amazon at the links below. There is also another recommendation from Blood Brothers' resident anime expert!

Loved Ones, The (2009/2012)

Director: Sean Byrne
Notable Cast: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, Victoria Thaine, John Brumpton

As you will have noticed, the date beside the title has two numbers. The first number is when the film was originally released and the second is when we finally saw it released in mass for the United States. That means, if my math is correct, we had to wait THREE YEARS to see this highly acclaimed horror film in my part of the world. Call it punishment. Call it a test of patience, but it's about fucking time either way. The wait was worth it too as "The Loved Ones" bats a strong independent horror right out of the ballpark. It's brutal with its terror, quirky with hits dark humor, and ultimately the best of both.

Brent (Samuel) has had his life torn up. His father died recently in a car wreck where he was driving and his mom as all be checked out of their life. The only thing that has kept him going is his girlfriend Holly (Thaine) and their potential together. School is about to end and the final dance is coming up, so when Brent tells the odd girl in school Lola that he can't go with her he doesn't realize the situation he just put himself in. Now Lola and her father have a plan for Brent. A plan to hold a dance of their own to see if he truly is the prince charming she thinks he is...

I've had those mornings too, bud. Wrong side of the bed rarely describes those kind of mornings.

What genuinely makes "The Loved Ones" so damn impressive is that, on paper, the film looked like a pretty run of the mill torture horror flick. The film and its top notch young director then take those assumptions inject them with enough heart, black souled comedy, and an eye for artistic that the end result is something far more than the sum of its parts. A terrifying and emotionally disturbing roller coaster ride of adolescent whims dictated by violence and skewed realities put to a modern sense of quirky writing and visual prowess. I was completely glued to the film with its horror and its oddly funny sense of timing and it was a damn fine film experience.

A lot of this is driven by some very talented actors/actresses that push this film to the limits. Xavier Samuel (which many of you may only know from his villainous role in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse") simply hones in with his performance as the lost and emotional Brent while the driven and scary Robin McLeavy perfectly counterbalances that with her slot as the crazy bitch who could. Hell, even some of the throw away roles such as Lola's father and Brent's girlfriend Holly are packed with their own depth and the actors seem to run with it.

I'm not sure what's scarier: the hammer or the eyes. But I do know that combined...bad things ahead.

This is partnered with a rather brilliant debut for director/writer Sean Byrne. His ability to create tension in some of the most mundane moments (like having Brent lick the finger of Lola) and then add in just enough comedic timing to get us to giggle before horrifying us is staggering in the film. Visually its a stunner with beautiful shots, creepy timing, and solid use of setting while his use of music is completely enamoring with its strongly written characters and plot progressions. Byrne is most certainly a name to keep your eye on as "The Loved Ones" is one of the strongest debuts for a horror director/writer that will catapult him into the ranks with modern legends like Eli Roth, Ti West, and Adam Green.

It's a lonely road when you're bat shit insane.

At many times "The Loved Ones" could have crossed into the lines of too campy, too cliche, or too torture focused. It never does. This Australian ditty perfectly balances all of its elements with razor sharp exactness taking the horror, comedy, and thoughtful human senses to levels that only a few horror films ever can accomplish. And its a debut film. Easily one of the best modern horror films I have ever seen and one that is a must own in any one's collection.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

I said "The Loved Ones" was a must own, so what are you waiting for? Use the links below, purchase yourself a damn copy, and see one of the best modern horror films ever made!

Assassins (1995)

Director: Richard Donner
Notable Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore

Don't you just hate it when you compile a massive amount of talent and positive pieces to watch it all fall apart in some sort of weird missed opportunity. This is how "Assassins" goes about things. A script originally drafted by the Wachowski siblings, directed by the legendary action man Richard Donner, and starring both Sly Stallone and Antonio Banderas. How could this go so completely and utterly wrong? Yet it does and "Assassins" might be one of the biggest disappointments I've had in my action film watching career.

Robert Rath (Stallone) has been looking to get out of his hit man life style for quite some time, but a record like his can be quite tough to shake. His mysterious contractor seems to keep pushing some new jobs on him and when another assassin (Banderas) shows up to steal his contract, Rath begins to suspect there is more to this game then he knows about. With one last job on the line, he decides to turn the wheels and get himself out.

Hopefully they are bringing that to a knife fight.

Underneath it all, "Assassins" is a decent film. It has a solid relatable character in its hero Rath and the script itself has some great solid moments. The chemistry between Banderas and Sly is fun and energetic and it has a couple of stellar action sequences - including a car chase with the two clashing assassins in the same car. There are a lot of great pieces to take from "Assassins" and the film does come off as rather un-offensive as an action film.

Which just happens to be the damn problem. Nothing really flows in the film and many of Donner's choices are uninspired. The film is choppy in its execution, sluggish in pacing, and has far too many underdeveloped tones to its script and on screen execution. The romantic subplot between Moore and Stallone is handedly forced while Moore herself has little depth or connectivity for the audience. Even Banderas seems like a bit of caricature. The action can be hit or miss and the finale is a massive let down as it throws in a few twists that seemed more forced than shocking. "Assassins" just fails to use its elements properly.

I guess proper typing is something that most assassins take for granted.

Since its release, Donner has publicly "apologized" for its misgivings saying he should have punched up the violence, switched Banderas and Stallone in their roles, and generally make a more competent film. I agree with him on all accounts. "Assassins" is simply an uninspired action film that rarely utilizes its premise or talent to what would have been needed for it to succeed. With Sly and company doing much better films in the 90s, I highly suggest taking a look at those instead.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Feel like "Assassins" might surprise you more than it did me? I won't stop you from clicking the links below and purchasing a copy. 

Web Of Death, The (1976)

Director: Chor Yuen
Notable Cast: Yueh Hua, Ching Li, Lo Lieh

Director Chor Yuen has always had a knack for the epic. Not necessarily for 'good' films, but he can definitely work the epic like it was a fairly easy thing to do. That's just how "The Web Of Death" works. It's often a silly film with its fantasy like elements and ridiculous concept, but Chor Yuen works its characters in some strong ways to really build its complex script up.

Fei (Yueh Hua), a senior student of Mount Wudang, has been sent to unravel a rumor. The rumor has it that the Five Venoms clan is going to unleash their ultimate weapon, the Five Venoms Spider, at the upcoming fighting festival. What he does stumble into is a plot by one of the Five Venoms leaders to overthrow his comrades, steal the spider, and take over the world! Now he must rely on newly forged romantic interest (Ching Li) to make sure that the world doesn't come under tyrannical rule.

An example of the ridiculousness (and awesomeness) of the sets.

You read that correctly. An evil clan ruler is going to steal a magical spider and conquer the world! If you think that sounds ridiculous, then you are more than certainly going to shit yourself when you see how this Shaw Brothers film plays out. Chor Yuen tends to lend himself towards a more fantasy focused style of culturally influenced films and "The Web Of Death" embraces that. The costumes are over the top, the sets are even more over the top (including an acid lake in the middle of the venom's compound), and the way that the spider is used can result in some hilarious moments. I mean, its a tarantula that's carried in a lantern, glows, roars like Godzilla, and spews venomous multi-colored shimmering webbing. If you can't handle the fantasy elements, which there are plenty of them and they are ridiculous, then skip this film.

Yes, that would be a spider in that lantern spewing that much smoke.

Beyond that its often too-silly-for-it's-own-good fantasy elements, "The Web Of Death" is actually a fairly strong martial arts film with its frame. The acting can be hit or miss as is the comedy, but the script is pretty damn strong. It's fun at its core particularly as our two leads (Hua and Li) become more entwined in horrible circumstances with betrayals and half truths. The rather complex way it unfolds really does keep you on the edge of your seat though and it does have a great story to build it all on.

The biggest issue with "The Web Of Death" though is it's inability to navigate the two styles of film. The fantasy elements hinder the actual action and fighting of the film and the seriousness of its complex story doesn't do its fun ridiculousness any favors. Even though I had a blast watching it, the film itself is one of the weaker ones from Chor Yuen. It is fun flick, but one that doesn't necessarily work like it could have.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Feel like you need to see "The Web Of Death" to believe it? Purchase it at the links below. I highly suggest the Blu Ray to really make the most out of the visuals of the film! 

Safe (2012)

Director: Boaz Yakin 
Notable Cast: Jason Statham, Catherine Chan, Robert John Burke, Reggie Lee, and James Hong

It's no secret that we love us some Jason Statham around here at Blood Brothers and the sheer amount of awesome movies that this action star has been in for the last decade is stunning. You would think that eventually he would have a misstep...but no. He just keeps pumping out awesome movie after awesome movie like its nothing. That includes "Safe." Despite a rather brief theatrical run, I never had doubts. Not at all and its nice to know that in the end you can always count on Mr. Statham to deliver energetic massive amounts of ass kicking on a whim when you need. Which he does here...in spades even if the film can be hit or miss with its execution.

Luke Wright (Statham) was in wrong with the Russian mob after blowing a fight. They murdered his wife and only spared him if he were to become a drifter never to get close to anyone without them being slaughtered. And that's when he meets Mei (Chan), a young girl with amazing skills with numbers, who has a slew of Triads and Russian mobsters after her. Now is Luke's chance to redeem himself by saving the girl and figuring out why these gangs want the number she has in her head.

Jason Statham, disgruntled as ever.

A friend of mine once commented on how Statham is the new Charles Bronson. After seeing "Safe", I'm damned near inclined to agree with that statement (even without "The Mechanic" connection). This film isn't one to focus on massive action set pieces with ridiculous stunts and outrageous one liners. It has some of those things, but its details instead of foundations. This is a film that takes a "normal" man, throws him into some dire situations, and let's the character be a hero even if he doesn't want to be. Which is damn near the same concept of most Bronson films from the 70s and 80s. And for the most part, it works with "Safe". Although the film tends to over-complicate itself with corrupt police officer sub plots that aren't quite as deep as they would seem, the 70s crime/action vibe matched with the rather surprisingly artistic eye of director Yakin and the screen presence of Statham is one that beats its way into your heart.

The plot of the film gets a bit muddled with too many characters and an unrelenting need to twist the story too much, but "Safe" has a killer pacing and strong sense of badass action to go with it. The chemistry of the film just works. Whether its the fun and awkward relationship between Luke and Mei, the brutally fierce action, or Yakin's ability to bring a little heart and soul to rather by the book characters (particular nod goes to the scene where Luke finds his wife with the mobsters dictating the rules of his exile and how Yakin really brings out a burdensome amount of tension by slowing zooming in on Statham's face) - "Safe" rocks the chemistry. The action is particularly intense with just how many people get capped in the film (the body count has to be huge here) and Yakin does his best to make it relevant. A nice touch for those who watch a lot of these kind of films, like myself.

A fist fight with Statham is a bad day for you.

"Safe" does tend to run muddled like I said. Too many villains hinders all of them from reaching true evil heights, including a "hit man" who shows up at the end for the finale which could have been epic but wasn't, and the film wants to often over explain itself. Sometimes, its okay not to want to give a reason for EVERYTHING, but "Safe" often thinks it has to. A lot of the issues in this film arise from its need to over complicate matters when, in the end, all it needed was its chemistry to really work.

With this review coming to a close, I will say that I enjoyed the shit out of "Safe" despite its obvious foundational flaws. Statham fans rejoice because he's done it again. This time with a little help from a surprisingly effective director and a film that allows him to do what he does best. I give this high recommendation for action fans, even if those outside of the genre may see less in it.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Think you would enjoy "Safe"? Then you can purchase the film at the following links to help support Blood Brothers in their endeavors! Take a moment and click!