Icarus

When I picked up and read the DVD box for this Dolph Lundgren movie, my heart sank when I saw it was being distributed by Cinetel Films. For those who don't know, Cinetel Films makes extremely cheap genre movies padded out with stock footage from big-budget Hollywood movies. Actually, the production values for this movie are somewhat higher. It is clearly a low budget movie, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't look as cheap as usual. (And there's no stock footage.) Other things good about the movie are some decent action sequences and Dolph giving another likable, charismatic performance. And it's nice to see a Canadian movie actually set in Canada (for the most part), though the use of Vancouver is so generic the movie could have been set anywhere.

Unfortunately, the movie still has some serious problems. There are a few poor special effects. Some dialogue is hard to make out. The camera-work for the movie is awful - it always seems the camera is jiggling or in someone's unsteady hands. In fairness to Lundgren (who was also the director), he was reportedly given less shooting time than usual, and also was constrained considerably by the producers. So I don't blame him for the movie's faults. Still, the movie is probably only for die-hard Lundgren fans, and they should probably wait until it appears on cable so they won't feel ripped off when watching it.

It makes sense for somebody whose a veteran actor of a specific genre to eventually be a producer, writer or director for said movie. Many a genre stalwart-Angela Bettis, Robert Englund, and Bruce Campbell have all taken a part of directing films, for better or for worse. So for someone like Dolph Lungren, it makes sense, as he's been a veteran of macho action films for a long time, and has already directed some titles in said genre. Which leads to this film, "The Killing Machine."

Dolph stars as Edward Genn, a divorced father and investment broker, whose living a double life. You see, he also used to be a dangerous KGB assassin known as "Icarus." Well, the past comes back to haunt him in the Russian mob, and when they go after his family, it's time to strike back.

As you can tell, "The Killing Machine" is pretty much your meat and potatoes style action/revenge movie. Thankfully, said meal isn't unappetizing, though it's certainly not spectacular. This comes from Anchor Bay, who at least seem to have an eye when it comes to direct to DVD action fair, in that said movies have good production values. It's also got enough bloody violence to satiate fans of mindless action fare, and it's all done with relish without feeling like overkill. Lundgren himself does a fine job as the former assassin, doing what he can with the rather basic material (though I had to turn on the subtitles whenever he delivered a monologue), and it's always fun to see Bo Svenson, here acting with a very unconvincing Russian accent. That's just fine though, as it adds to the escapist tone of the whole thing.

If there are any problems, it's the direction and a few other performances. Sure, Lundgren will always be a convincing bad ass, but as a director, there isn't a whole lot about his style that sticks out (though it's nice to see someone not resort to hyperactive editing choices), as it's all done straightforward to the point of feeling a bit vanilla. Also, Stefanie Von Pfetten and Lindsay Maxwell deliver performances that could only be described as "unsatisfactory at best." They're really bad here, and kinda drag thing down whenever they show up, though they are pretty attractive.

As a whole, "The Killing Machine" isn't bad for a weekend afternoon action movie. It's serviceable enough, though it's more passable than it is exciting to be honest.

Surprisingly good movie, but not box office material.

Decided to watch this over the weekend out of boredom and was semi-impressed. Not going to waste time over-analyzing an obvious B+ movie like some of the other reviewers.

Its like watching Family Man mixed with some assassin for hire type movie. Action isn't bad, good blood spatter. Actresses were deliciously beautiful. Some human elements in the film. Again, if you're looking for sophisticated plot, not the best place for a movie of this grade. The film does make a reasonable attempt at a story. Just enjoy the action film.

It is entertaining, it is exactly what you should have expected with it when you ordered it, and it is not a classic. Lots of shootouts & killing, lots of testosterone, lots of close quarter combat fighting (with lots of fighting 'grunting' noises, though a bit too much shaky camera action), car chases & crashes, and lots of action go along with Dolph and his pictures. Synopsis: Dolph is an assassin, a former KGB operative with a new identity himself, it involves the KGB's old operatives, the Russian mafia, some nebulous oriental mafia group, the American 'crime syndicate', the CIA, and subgroups, with their own special interests, of the above. Dolph still loves his ex-wife & daughter but has a gorgeous hottie to help him make it from dusk to dawn. Suddenly Dolph finds himself a target from all the above groups without anyone to trust. In the end he is in conflict with a former KBG agent, who was a friend, and whose life he once saved. You have to love the infinite ammo cheat whenever it is called on, and that Dolph can be unarmed & can still kill multiple well trained & heavily armed advisories. Lots of dots were not connected and there were unanswered questions. hollywood follows its receipt for moneymaking: Guns, guns, & more guns (You have to question hollywood's integrity when they preach anti-2nd amendment but don't let their statements interfere with the box office gross), pinball speed action, a little skin, a dollop of 'love' to try to make it movie with some 'redeeming quaintly' (which this move does not have). Enjoy it for what it is worth.

Dolph Lundgren is one of those actors that either makes a hit or miss type of action film. Now I do like him, although growing up I didn't seek out his movies, I was more interested in Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan and Jean Claude Van Damme, but Dolph is one of those actors that have a likable quality at least I feel is appealing and charming, even if he's in films that are sometimes over the top.

This was the best film he made in awhile and surprisingly he directed it himself. The film is your typical hit-man with a family, that gets caught up in his dangerous life type. But Dolph made it fun and at least a little fresh.

The body count is satisfying as well as the action scenes, and decently paced. The story is what you've seen before but I feel Dolph made it fun with some OK twists here and there. There are one liners Dolph says but kept to a minimum, because it's more of a serious movie than a tongue-in-cheek one. I originally seen this back in 2013 and I loved it, I was like finally a good Dolph Lundgren movie, because before I had only seen him in some crappy films that were forgettable and they really sucked, you know, really disappointing.

Overall a good film from start to finish and very re-watchable as well. I give it a 5/10. If your an action fan or a Dolph Lundgren fan, honestly check it out. Highly recommended.