Furious 7 - Review

"One last ride."

At this point, we know those words are bull shit. But to me, this is the perfect last ride for this franchise.... But it won't be.

The Plot

The sins of London from their previous job follows the crew home, as they are hunted by a ruthless assassin (Jason Statham). Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker), Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej Parker (Ludacris) ban together once again to combat an enemy capable of taking down their former nemesis, Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson). But to turn the hunter into the hunted, they must strike a deal with the mysterious Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) in order to find the means to track down their untraceable foe.

Review

Ever since Fast Five steered this franchise into full blown action adventure genre and out of the very niche car racing genre, the movie going audience has become thankful ever since. And with this Seventh installment, we go into over the top territory with every single action movie cliche thrown in to make a satisfying cocktail of fast cars, manly fights, sexy women and most importantly: Family.

But things start immediately introducing us to the film's big bad, Deckard Shaw, played menacingly by Jason Statham. He's pretty much an evil James Bond with the cool cars and gadgets to enforce his cause. Deckard is a completely different animal compared to his brother Owen, the previous film's antagonist played by Luke Evans. From the very opening scene, we are immediately shown just how dangerous Statham's Deckard is, by how far he was willing to see his comatose brother in a heavily guarded hospital. Deckard is definitely the best villain this franchise has created, despite the fact that he only shows up when an action scene is necessary. That's where Dom and his crew come in.

By now, Diesel's Dom, Rodriguez's Letty, Walker's Brian, Gibson's Roman, and Ludacris's Tej have solidified themselves as extremely likable characters. And it helps, because the plot gets a little confusing later on, but luckily we have so many likable characters that make this incoherent plot watchable. However it is pretty clear that a lot of emotions were running high or stirring beneath each cast member, given the circumstances of losing one of their own before production of the film wrapped. Everyone in the main crew is delivering their A-game in acting for this film. Especially Jordana Brewster who plays Mia, sister to Diesel's Dom and wife to Walker's Brian. Her role may have been minimal, but she had the difficulty of delivering some dramatic dialogue to someone who is no longer with them. They're not Oscar worthy performances, but they are the best these actors have given in this type of film. All to honor their late co-star.

The handling of Paul Walker's passing in this film is definitely one of the highlights of the movie. It was treated with respect, yet it also shows how difficult it was to create something coherent when a major player in the film has to be slightly sidelined or shot in weird angles in order to get his side of the story across. But with what Walker's brothers, Caleb and Cody, could do by standing in his place and Weta Digital for placing Paul's face over their's, it all worked out in the end. Especially for the final moment in the film. But it is pretty obvious that it hurt the plot of the film, as it was definitely all over the place at times, but still finds a way to stay a little bit on course.

The action is as spectacular as ever, though this may also prove to be a growing weakness of the franchise for later films to come. This film pulled off some amazing set pieces involving cars, but the danger has become too heightened to the point where it becomes apparent that no one is going to die if they're in a car. And while new director James Wan is new to action, his car sequences are amazing, but his hand to hand combat sequences could use some work. They were not shaky cam, but they were rapidly editing almost to an unrelenting point of not being able to tell what is going on, that it might as well have been shot with shaky cam. They are still spectacular action, but it is obvious that this is the work of a director who hasn't fully grasped how to shoot action yet. But perhaps someday he'll fully engage in it.

While the film is ridiculously dumb fun that doesn't take itself too seriously, something the Transformers films should learn how to do, there are several negatives. The first being the plot. What started out as a simple revenge movie turned into the hunt for a MacGuffin in a government conspiracy movie. Yes, it is awesome to have Kurt Russell as a new badass character. And yes... Nathalie Emmanuel makes a God damn fine ass hacker in a bikini. But their involvement, along with the terrorists played by Djimon Hounsou and Tony Jaa, completely derails what could've been a simple straight forward plot like the previous two films. It could've been a simple horror movie on wheels with Statham's Deckard hunting down Dom's crew one by one till there is a final face off. And while that does happen, the government conspiracy plot looked more like a means to keep everyone alive and useful than have any real danger for the characters.

Then there is Brewster's Mia and Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs. Both of them are heavily important characters in the franchise, but only show up at the beginning and end of the film. Johnson's Hobbs, arguably the character that helped save the franchise in Fast Five was heavily missed as part of the team. But when he comes back into action, he does bring in the cavalry. One could only wish for more of him and Mia, and less of Ronda Rousey's attempt at acting. Yeah, she was only in one scene in the movie, but her acting was so bad that it stuck out in a movie that should be dumb fun. And the ending does enter superhero blockbuster final battle territory, which kind of felt out of place, but it's still pretty awesome!

Final Thoughts

It's really hard to truly be mad at any of the bad things in this film because it is definitely the most fun out of the re-energized franchise. I will say that it is the most rewatchable film in the franchise, but Fast Five and Fast Six are definitely the better films. But what this film does have to offer is a terrifying villain, spectacular action, melodrama about family, and most importantly of all: a touching and very appropriate send off to someone who is considered the most nicest man in Hollywood, Paul Walker.

SCORE: 8/10 - This movie should not work, but thankfully it did. RIP PAUL WALKER

John Wick - Analysis and Review

Yeah, I'm thinking he's back

I once saw him kill three men...with a pencil.

The Plot

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) just lost his wife to cancer (or some sort of non-specified disease) and was given puppy from her before she died to help him cope. But when four Russian wannabe gangsters break into his house to steal his car, they kill the puppy. What the four Russian wannabe gangsters didn't know is that John Wick used to be the Russian Mob's (and possibly the world's) most dangerous hitman. And he's coming for them. And nothing will get in his way.

Analysis

There really isn't one for this because...it is what it is. Pretty much all I'm going to say is that if you know what you are and embrace it, then there is a big chance that others will embrace you as well. That same mentality fits with movies. This movie knows what it is, and it is making damn sure that you know what it is. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. But in this instance, it does.

Review

This is probably the best action movie coming from the states this year. Of course it is nowhere near as good as The Raid 2 in terms of groundbreaking action, but this movie sure has some spectacular action. And that shouldn't be surprise given that the directors of this film were the stunt men from The Matrix. There was another film directed by a stunt man that came out this year called Left Behind starring Nic Cage. But where that stunt man failed, these stunt men succeed. And they bring along their old collaborator and star of The Matrix, Keanu Reeves, back into action.

It should be said right off the bat that if you think the premise sounds silly, don't worry, this movie doesn't take itself too seriously to dwell on it. Yes, it is the story about a man who takes down the Russian Mob because they killed his dog. But it was the dog represents to the titular John Wick that really sets him off. And for the most part, the first 30 minutes of the film handled it really well. Some might even say that the first 30 minutes might almost have crossed the line into "we're taking this seriously" territory. But luckily for the audience, the filmmakers know when to pull the plug before it got too serious. Otherwise everything else that happens, while predictable, would not have been as fun as it is.

Reeves is excellent as John Wick. In the first 30 minutes of the film, we really do buy him as a loner type who loses the one person who made him feel vulnerable. And with the loss of the dog, Reeves was able to convince the audience that John is a man who held back his dark side only to unleash it at this moment we're witnessing. This may probably be Reeves best performance in years. Which is saying a lot since he's not the greatest actor in the world. But with this type of role, he will definitely excel in spades. It also doesn't hurt that his fighting style in this movie is incredible. It is not the martial arts he proficiently displays in The Matrix, but it is a believable form of close quarter combat intertwined with firearms. He really sells that when John Wick goes into beast mode, this guy is efficient and will always try to go for the headshot. And if he doesn't, he would use his ammunition conservatively in order to buy more time for him to get the headshot. He is probably the best original action hero since Liam Neeson in Taken. And I'm glad he has this role to make his comeback.

The film is filled with people who have played villains or have been known for being in these types of movies. Willem Dafoe, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, John Leguizamo, Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen pop up as various players in the underworld. Dafoe plays a fellow assassin and appears to have been a mentor figure to Reeves' character. McShane plays the owner of The Continental Hotel, a safe haven for assassins who use their own form of currency and operate on a strict no kill policy while staying at the hotel. While I'm sure it is not original, it is definitely a fascinating concept that makes this film that much more enjoyable. It also helps to have Reddick as the manager of the hotel. Leguizamo has a cameo as a car shop dealer who brings the bad news to the Russian Kingpin played gleefully by Nyqvist. Theon Greyjoy, aka Allen, plays the wannabe Russian gangster and son of the Kingpin who causes the monster to be unleashed. That guy can't catch a break can he? And in a surprising turn of casting is Adrianne Palicki who plays the singular hit woman in the film who is willing break the rules of the Continental in order to get a massive pay.

All of these colorful characters fit nicely in this well constructed fictional underworld. While the mob is very real, these criminals and assassins operate in a highly fictional manner. Which works in favor of the film as it shot in a way to mirror a stylized comic book with a little mix of neo-noir. I mean, seriously, there's a Hotel specifically for assassins to stay in when they're on the job! That should not work, but it does! What also works is that even though the audience can predict what is going to happen along the way, you want to see how it goes down instead of dreading seeing it happen. Because the action is so much fun and the screenwriter should be applauded for making some very witty cliche lines that just add to the fun of this film. It is pretty much a near perfect action movie just because it accepts that fact that it is not trying to be a great action movie. One can even say that it is a satire on the action genre, but not so much that it becomes a bad joke. Good thing it doesn't.

I also gotta commend the filmmakers for not overblowing the violence to Paul Verhoeven levels. This is a pretty violent film, and the head shots are bloody. But at least it was just the right amount of violence that shows brutality without overdoing it.

Final Thoughts

This is definitely one of my favorites of the year. It is a film that came out of nowhere and is pretty much one of the biggest surprises. Will it be in my top 10? Only time will tell. But know this. You need to know what you're getting into with this movie. It is a fun movie that knows what it is and expects you to go along with the ride without expecting anything more. If you can accept that, then this movie will be an awesome experience. If not, then skip this because you're intellectually incapable of having fun.

SCORE: 8.5/10 - The most fun American action movie (not superhero) made in a long time

The Raid 2 - Analysis and Review

"With all due respect..."

I can't believe how many times that line is said in that movie. Regardless, it is not like one would go into this movie expecting to hear Oscar Worthy dialogue. But the fact that the dialogue is actually pretty interesting is definitely a bonus. But of course we all know the real reason why we watch this movie: ULTRA VIOLENCE!

The Plot

Straight after the events of the first movie, Rookie Officer Rama (Iko Uwais) gets recruited to go deep undercover to track down cops who have gone rogue. In order to do so, he must gain the trust of the local mob boss's son, Uco (Arifin Putra), to begin his mission. What entails is a world full of lies drenched in blood. This is far more than a simple raid. It is a massacre. 

Analysis

Jonathan Liebesman, director of the newly rebooted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, cited The Raid as inspiration for what he wants to do with the turtles. Having seen The Raid, I find it hard to believe that would be possible. Though copying The Raid would probably benefit the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie more so than it already is, it is clear that the action will never live up to it. And that's one thing that I've been discovering about American cinema lately. Most of their action movies are not that great.

Sure there are a few cases when it comes to Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Man of Steel. But for true martial arts action, there hasn't really been anything as mesmerizing or as visceral as what Gareth Evans has done with The Raid. Sure, its plot may mirror the same plot as Dredd, which ironically was being made around the same time and therefore not a rip off, with a very simplistic premise. And its in this simplicity that we get a symphony of action. So one could wonder if the reason why there hasn't really been good action movies is because we have now evolved to caring more about the story first then the action is the icing on the cake. The reversal was for The Raid which pride action over plot. And it paid off by being something almost original. Which is why it worries me that this film is going to get the American remake treatment.

There is a skill displayed in front and behind the camera that makes these movies cinematic achievements. And it truly shows here, now that the movie actually has a complex plot. But does it take away from the action?

Review

A lot of complaints about the first Raid movie have been directed at the simplistic plot. Well with this iteration, that should not be a complaint anymore. Director Gareth Evans crafts a plot that jumps off from the original and expands the corrupt universe that the first film only hinted at. In here we get to see it in full force with are nearly unstoppable protagonist fighting his way through.

Iko Kuwais returns in the role of Officer Rama, who is sent deep undercover to hunt down rogue cops. For an action star, the acting from him is pretty solid. But then again with the language barrier, I'm probably not able to know if his acting is good or not. After all, line delivery is one way of showing the talents of a good actor. But having to work with just subtitle and facial expressions, I have to say he is pretty good. His role is a lot more heavier in this film as he is thrown into a role similar to Leonardo DiCaprio's in The Departed and Tony Leung's in Infernal Affairs. The toll of being undercover definitely shows on him as he tries to keep hold of his humanity while dealing with an overly ambitious spoiled brat.

That spoiled brat is Uco, the son of a mob boss and played by Arifin Putra. Again, due to the language barrier it is difficult for me to get a hold of his acting talent. He does seem to have range and the emotions are definitely there. So I'd say he did pretty good. In fact I can praise everyone in this film for being good. Which is surprising that for such an over the top action movie, it comes off as more of a hard hitting drama akin to The Departed and Infernal Affairs.

The fact that I keep mentioning those two movies should give you an idea about the plot. But how it was filmed was strikingly different from those two movies. This is definitely an art house film disguised as a mainstream action movie. The way the shots are composed and camera movements are what one could find in Nicolas Winding Refn films: Drive and Only God Forgives. Though I would argue that The Raid 2 is a far more interesting movie than Only God Forgives, they do share some similarities in scene composition and usage of lighting. It may be an action film, but it is definitely a beautiful one. Which brings me to the point that everyone wants to know: is the action good?

HELL F#@%ING YES! While the action is more spread out in this film, it is a welcoming change to the relentless nature of the first film. The choreography is spell bounding and will keep one mesmerized by how well shot and the skill it takes to pull off such a gruesome fight. It is a testament to the stunt team and star Iko Kuwais for delivering such powerful fights that Gareth has carefully shot to ensure that we can clearly see the gruesome nature of the fights. One could get anxious through the dramatic scenes waiting for something bloody to happen, but one doesn't really have to wait too long. In fact while it does seem boring between the fights, you will not be completely bothered by it once you reach the end. It is definitely well placed throughout the film in the most perfect way. Especially when colorful characters such as baseball guy and hammer girl step in to play.

And yes, the final fight of every action film is definitely a lot better than the final fight from the previous. 

Final Thoughts

This is definitely the best action movie of the year. There is no doubt about it. It has great cinematic filmmaking and incredible choreography to make it stand out from the rest. It's a shame that this is being remade by an American studio so soon. It is hard to imagine how a remake can live up to the action that this film has shown us. Only time will tell, but for now enjoy this great cinematic achievement.

8.5/10 - The best action movie of the year and probably will stay that way