realhiphop

You cant say that there is ever a drought when it comes to Seagal. Unlike JCVD, Stallone or Arnold who are a little more selective in the movies they make and we are lucky to get 1 or 2 movies a year from the action heroes of yesterday, Seagal has had 3 releases in the past month and i think 4 or 5 this year. The problem with such a high output of product is the standard isn't very high. Biggest complaints with Seagal is that he is marketed and billed as the star of the movie and then he ends up in the movie for a total running time of 20 or 30 minutes (if we are lucky), and even then he is usually heavily doubled with the body and voice. I never understood this lack of quality control or respect for his fans to put out something so substandard. But in recent years we have occasionally got a decent one that reminds us that if Seagal is in the hands of a capable director, he can still put out a decent action film. Unlike the releases this year Sniper, Code of Honour, Asian Connection, Killing Salazar & The Perfect Weapon (Both in the last week), Seagal is actually the lead, i would say he is in at least 70 minutes of the 90 minute running time and there is minimal dubbing. He seemed interested in the movie, it was set in Paris and he gets a couple of decent fights (even if the doubles are still present). A couple of smart one liner jokes, this was a decent effort and would say, skip his other 6 releases this year (particularly Killing Salazar and Sniper) and support this one with a purchase. Keoni Waxman is a DTV director that knows how to shoot action, he knows how to get the best out of Seagal. Seagal should make every movie with him. As a DTV release I would say 7/10... compared to every other Seagal movie released in the past 12-15 months, this one is definitely the best one.

It has been a while since UK Martial Artist Action Star Gary Daniels has headlined a movie in a starring role, but it was worth the wait. After turning in great bad guy performances in Expendables 1 (having one of the most memorable deaths courtesy of a jet Li axe kick to the head), and arch nemesis to Wesley Snipes in Game of Death & Steve Austin in Hunt to Kill, it was time for Gary to return to where he is best. The kick ass action hero bent on revenge (this time for his brother). Set in similar scenario as many bloodsport type events, much of the film is stuff you have seen before and while this could dangerously lead the film to be boring...it isn't. From the start, it is clear all the actors can actually act and Gary turns in a good American accent, father and husband who is "Forced to Fight" to protect his brother. Robocop Peter Weller is a great addition as the main villain "Danny G" who orchestrates the fights and is holding Gary's character to ransom. The story never gets boring, the fights have some great moments (a couple of shots could have chosen better angles) but overall an enjoyable Gary Daniels actioneer for a Friday or Saturday night with the boys. Or in my case with my 3 year old martial arts enthusiast daughter. It isn't the best Gary Daniels film ever, but its great to see Gary Back where he belongs - front & centre of the DVD cover, in video shops as the main star. Out on Video on Demand, Blu Ray and DVD in the US now and other parts of the world to follow.