Art of Submission

Submission, err, Red Canvas or Art of Submission released in 2009, or 2012, or, oh, forget it, all the same movie. This is a MMA action/drama movie centering around the plight of a young adult who wants to train to be a mixed martial arts star. Of course, he is in troubled times and the movie attempts to juggle the action with the drama but falls short on it. The tempo switching in this movie is often too random to hold the audiences attention, while debating if this is a tear-jerker, or just a beat 'em up flick. The fighting sequences at times are very well done, and other times, just plain silly. Ernie Reyes Jr. does a decent job acting as the main character, often being forced to shift gears from a apprehensive heavy to a sentimental person of the film quite quickly. Ving Rhames (big fan of) plodded through this movie, seemingly unconvinced of why he was there. I may have been a bit more sold on this movie had it not been the length of it. By the films finale, I just felt more or less like "get it over already" so I will. 3.9/10

This movie had great action scenes on par with any best selling film. The music and storyline were hard hitting and it was hard not to root for the underdog. Real life is hard and messy and that is portrayed here.

If you have really seen this movie you know that it has some excellent martial arts fighting. It's about time you see some real good triumph over evil.

Some of us know what it is to hit bottom before we can even consider looking up for help. Everyone needs some hope at the end of the day though.

This film touched all aspects of great entertainment. Action, comedy and love. It pulled on my heart strings, made me laugh out loud and had me intrigued through the whole film. It engages both those interested in martial arts and those didn't know they were. You'll be on the edge of your seat as this story unfolds. There are great actors who deliver to their potential ad well as unknown names who set new standards. There is a hot level of excitement that reaches all crowds, from Vegas nights to fantastic eye candy. There was not one full moment in this film keeping the whole audience engaged. You will not be disappointed. Never has there been a film in martial arts that has actors with such martial art experience. A fight scene is not just a movie, it's true action.

As real as it gets... Real Fighters, Exceptional Full Contact choreography by the legendary Ernie Reyes, Sr. A compelling and meaningful storyline carried by wonderful performances. Ernie Reyes Jr. is awesome. UFC Fight considered the fights "Top Notch." Others give the film's story and direction a "Black Belt." Over 1600 martial arts school owners who screened the film in Orlando gave it great reviews. Won 'Best Picture" at the action on Film Festival... Finally, a martial arts movie made by martial artists, for martial artists... People who have seen it as crushed and streamlined download through pirate internet sites don't have a fair representation by which to criticize the picture or sound mix... Watch it legitimately on the big screen, then make your comments... True MMA fans, fighters, and Martial Artists love it, and that makes me proud of the incredible team that put this project together. Great Work!

ART OF SUBMISSION is a dull drama detailing mixed martial arts fighting in an urban setting. The main character is played by Ernie Reyes Jr. as a tough fighter desperate to make a name for himself but who finds his life spiralling out of control after making some difficult choices. Finding himself in prison, he befriends the warden who has him released so that he can take part in some televised fighting contests.

There's little more plot to it than that, and indeed the narrative exists merely to feature a string of fighting scenes. An early multi-participant brawl in a garage is the highlight here, although there's a whole bunch of MMA fights at the climax. Unfortunately, the fights are very poorly filmed in an ugly style, all quick editing and cross cutting, so that it's very difficult to tell whether any of the participants are truly skilled or not.

This film wants to be NEVER BACK DOWN but doesn't come close. A bunch of seasoned performers make appearances, including a typically weary Ving Rhames who seems to appear in any old thing. '90s B-movie favourite Matthias Hues appears in support but doesn't really get to do much while George Takei makes no impact as the clichéd master villain. Maria Conchita Alonso, of THE RUNNING MAN fame, plays the hero's mother.