The Liberator

I think this movie falls victim to the times it was made in. Had it have been made in present times, technology would have been able to lend a huge helping hand in supporting the overall production value of the project. Unfortunately, this is a movie made right at the end of an era that didnt have the digital filmmaking technology boom that has really come post 2020. That being said, the performances are great! Lettieri is memorable and pleasant to watch. Although a bit humble for a leading man. He needs a bit more swag at times. I guess he makes up for that with his undeniable charm, and he's obviously a real kickboxer as well, not just an actor. The fight scenes are good but not great. The choreographer doesn't quite pull his weight unfortunately and you can taste it. It feels like the cast are all capable of so much more too. Other reviews have stated that the end fight makes up for this and I'm inclined to agree.

Bottom line, if you're a fan of older martial arts movies, 70s Chuck Norris era. You'll probably enjoy this a lot more.

A lot of people site the lack of budget as an issue for this film. Personally, I think it does a really good job of delivering within the budget restraints. There is more storyline than the average B-Movie action film. Superb chemistry through the entire cast, especially with Melinda, the love interest and Ben. The pacing is really good too, it feels like a quick watch. Plus the finale is climactic and thoroughly satisfying.

My issues are with the fight scenes. It's not that they're not good, but more that they could be better. Judging from the ending, it's clear that Ben Lettieri is capable of doing a lot more and his talents are wasted throughout the rest of the movie. What they've tried to do is showcase all the cast too much, making the fights more even. Hence the title of this review. It works in a heroic underdog context, but you expect to see your hero kicking ass a bit more than he gets to. Still an enjoyable movie regardless. I totally get the nostalgia feel people talk about. Very 70s/80s martial arts vibes.

Clearly lacking in budget and production value. Which is a shame as the cast are all really good. Particularly Keith Chanter, Ben Lettieri and the villain, Daniel Jordan, who seem to have more acting gravitas than the other cast members. Though the rest of them make up for this with their good looks and skilled fight scene performances.

I also feel that the fight scenes could have done with a better choreographer, although the climactic sequence is quite wild and entertaining. The film certainly finishes with a bang which is thoroughly enjoyable. A great effort goes into the finale, which is what you'd come to expect from a film of this genre.

What can I say. I have to admit I loved this film! The Liberator is a total 'badass' character. He's reminiscent of traditional actors from previous generations, reminds of a cross between Sean Connery and Roger Moore. And I like his fighting style, kind of a raw emotion and determination behind him that we used to see from the likes of Van Damme as opposed to the more robotic matrix type of fighting in most films these days. The other martial arts guys are really good and have the same feel to them. Keung is amazing! I also appreciate more than the director knows the fact that they have added such classic old school comedy to it as well. Especially good is the main villain, Miller and I was also fond of Detective Stevens. If you like your leading ladies to be elegant, sexy and Bond-esque then you're in for a real treat! After watching something else totally diabolical right after this, I can honestly say that watching this movie made Saturday night.

If you've ever watched any of the old British adventure series' of the 60s and 70s, i.e The Saint, The Persuaders, The Professionals etc., then you understand The Liberator. It's clearly a throw back to a more swash buckling time. For me, it doesn't have a movie feel. More of a TV pilot for an old show as mentioned above. I guess budget restraints are more the reason for this than anything else.

That being said, it's still a fun watch and if you're a fan of that sort of thing you'll probably really like it. The cast are above average and the leading man, Ben is actually really likable, especially compared to most Z-Movie action stars who are often intolerable.