Counterstrike

okay... aside from the movie's actual acting and filming, I've got problem with its story. I am sure the writers are aware of the issue of Taiwan gaining its independence. However this is the first time I have seen Taiwanese pro-independence advocates portrayed as *terrorists*. For decades Taiwan has been peacefully trying to gain international recognition, by applying for United Nation membership, or even World Health Organization observer status. The last thing I would expect to hear from Taiwan was a story like this. Hrmm... did the story writer also hinted that United States was founded by terrorists? Let's just call them *revolutionists*.

Essentially a made-for-TV film masquerading as an actual film. The story is silly, the characters are weak, and the plot points will only make sense (or work) if you have undergone a lobotomy, and even then you might still scratch your head and wonder who thought this movie was a good idea.

Let's see: A historical summit set on a cruise ship. Oh yes, makes perfect sense. After all, why go to Camp David, what with its complete defensive systems, when you could just hop on a cruise ship with a movie star to teach you Tai Chi. Oh sure, why not. If the whole idea of a cruise ship as the setting for a "historical summit" that might just bring about nothing short of world peace doesn't make you roll your eyes, how about the notion that the ship will be "blacked out" from the rest of the world during its voyage. Oy. And to think, this started out as a book that was translated into a movie script!!

A poor movie, especially since it had the enticing Ms. Marie Matiko. Laughably bad, but not as laughably bad as the people who actually considers the film to be worthwhile.

This was billed as "Counter Strike" and it more than likely will be called that as the title on the IMDB is similar to a Sinatra film of quite a few years ago called "Assalt of a Queen".

Anyway this is quite a good action film, there are some nifty Kung Fu bits in it, the story line is also good not to convaluted, and the fact that 99% of the actors are little known makes it better, if you see a "star" running round you loose a bit because you know who it is...#

Steven Segal did it better in "Under Seige"...but l thought it was an ok film and recommend it...

Marks out of 10.....7

Zorro

This movie is an excellent vehicle for Joe Lando, who does action like no other . If he only had some romance to go along with the thrills and spills, I would rate it a 10.

High production values and a decent soundtrack doesn't redeem the hammy overacting and cheesy plot. Chinese nuclear threat meets Steven Seagal's aromatherapist/dietitian/cameraman. The QE2 is a marvelous ship, was a totally enjoyable record (Mike Oldfield), and shall ever be embarrassed to be featured in this film. And, for a Taiwanese national raised in Hong Kong, the vixen speaks remarkably good English - no accent at all.

Worst line: (during dinner, before the sh*t hits the fan) "...then I said, 'After you, Miss Streep.'"

I'm supposed to write ten lines, but I'm afraid this film doesn't merit that much attention (contradicted by the fact that I bothered to comment on it at all.) But, then again, I liked 'Xanadu'. Go figure. At least this one had commercials.