jasonradar

Oh my. When I first heard about this project, I was excited like a Pelicot's applicant. I'm a big fan of Sono Sion, who has made some of the most interesting movies from Japan of the last decades. I'm a big fan of Tak, who is an incredible fight choreographer. Even though battefiel baseball was super bad, he has made such numerous great performances, not only in Kitamura's. This Tak deserves much more recognition, as a stunt man and a fight choreographer. Even as an actor.

And of course, we got Nic. No need to say more. All of them, making an Escape from NY ripoff or something? Sold!

Unfortunately, the enthusiasm fell flat rather quickly. Too much weirdness kills the pace. I understand Sono Sion doesn't want to deliver something "regular" and anybody who likes any of his films understands that, but too much is too much. Tak is criminally underused. Nic seems to be lost. Boutella doesn't quite understand her character. Moseley lacks his usual mojo.

Despite this, there is a beautiful setup and scenery. You feel there is a strong author behind, someone who believes in his vision and concept.

I don't really know why it failed. But at least, it's not an irritating one. And Dominique Collignon-Maurin, still present, always adds some vibe to Nic's projects.

Let's be honest, I haven't seen a good action movie from HK since the King of action movies, Time and Tide. Simply, I haven't watched many, for lack of motivation and excitement. I don't even mention John Woo's latest that are below average. And Donnie Yen's are decent and Tsui Hark hasn't worked for a pretty long time.

So, I was curious about this one, I didn't watch the trailer to have the full surprise and I wanted to have a virgin experience and an orgasm like when I discovered Hard-Boiled in the theater.

I just went out of the theater and I was blown away. This is simply the very best action movie since Time and Tide and I can't wait to own it in DVD.

It's a men's story and it's refreshing, not that I don't like girly action such as Hannah, Atomic Blond, Home-Sitters, Lady Snowblood... But well, action is a man thing, no question.

This one delivers an incredible package, full of high masculinity, kicks, punches, superpowers, unbreakable enemy, one vs 10s, gunfights, knives, hammers, deadly stunts, and so on... Marvel should be ashamed as King (Philip Ng) is much stronger than Thanos. Louis Koo has much more charisma than any superhero.

I don't care about the comic book, the novel, or whatever material it is based upon, the movie smashes everything, and it is pure entertainment and pure happiness.