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September is among us and as I prepare to relocate to Florida in just over five days, I finally had a moment to catch my breath and breath. 2023 has certainly been a return to form for action cinema with several titles already worthy of the best of list for this year. From the return of Johnny Strong in Warhorse One to John Wick running the gauntlet for a fourth time, action fans have had more than their share of bang for their buck.
I thought I would do something a little different this year and do my best of in two parts as there are several movies that are worthy of it. Below are my original reviews for each movie and why I feel they are the best the year had to offer. I will be doing a round two after I have officially moved to the land of sun, palm trees and beaches with bath warm water. At then at the end of the year, I will officially name my Top 10 all time winners with the clear number one but for now, these are in no particular order. From mainstream blockbusters to smaller action drenched indie fair, 2023 has had something for everyone so without further ado, lets dive right in and Lock N Load! Here’s my first round of the best of firepower, fisticuffs and explosions!!!!
10) TRANSFORMERS- RISE OF THE BEASTS Brings the Franchise Back to its Raw Roots (And that Ending!)
I’ve always considered myself more of a Yo Joe fan than a Roll Out fan but don’t get me wrong. I’ve enjoyed Transformers just as much as GI Joe and I still remember to this day going on vacation with my family and seeing Transformers The Movie at a local cinema in South Carolina and walking out a changed kid when I witnessed Optimus Prime meet his end.
A lot has been said about the live action films and they have definitely been hit or miss with the original movie and Dark of the Moon being my two faves. Don’t look at me like that. The ending of the third movie was like Blackhawk Down with robots. Just awesome on so many lives. Change my mind I dare you. You won’t.
After that and with Mark Wahlberg joining the franchise, it massively went off the rails but in a guilty pleasure way. The Last Knight was so unapologetically way out there that I loved all its glorious chaos and eye bleeding visuals. Bumblebee was a return to form and I dug the low key vibe and the fact that it wasn’t as bombastic as Michael Bay’s creations. Plus I thought the chemistry between Hailee Steinfeld and Bee was sweet and simple.
Now we have the latest entry titled Transformers Rise of the Beasts and with it and like Bumblebee we have a more stripped down installment. No worries though, there’s enough action set pieces to satisfy the last 30 minutes is spot on. In the middle however, there seems to be more substance and the humans get to do more than just run around.
This time around, the action and story take place in 1994 so it’s a prequel to the original series of movies and that aspect was refreshing. Also, throw in the fact that we have Unicron, the planet eater, and a new arch nemesis besides Megatron in Scourge, I liked what was brought to the table and adding the Primals from Beast Wars was icing on the cake and they looked terrific on screen and made these movies fresh again.
The plot deals with the Primals, led by Optimus Primal (one cool ass looking mechanized gorilla), fleeing their refuge after Unicron and the Terrorcons destroying the entire planet. With Unicron on his way to destroy everything in its path, they team up with Optimus Prime and his team consisting of Arcee, Bee and Mirage who I loved as a character. He’s hilarious and Pete Davidson, who lends his voice talent to him, is is spot on with the timely levity. There’s also the human element in Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos), an ex-soldier who’s a whiz with electronics and his little brother Kris (Dean Scott Vazquez) who is suffering from an illness. They’re dynamic gives the movie its heart and along with Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback), an expert in ancient culture and civilizations, they get sucked into the battle to save earth and the galaxy for that matter.
It’s a simple plot in that Unicron wants the Time Warp Key so it can go from planet to planet and…well…eat them. It’s what he does. Optimus and crew need it so they can get off earth and head back to their home of Cybertron. Its a simplistic plot, like in the cartoon show, but it works and is far better than the last two flicks.
The movie as a whole looks and just like always, the interaction between humans and CGI robots looks believable. With the movie taking place in the 90’s, we’re treated to some memorable favorites in song usage and the original score is fitting and epic molding each set piece into a thrill ride of sight and sound.
The action was handled differently as well, with a few sequences of adrenaline and special effects laced chaos peppered through the first two thirds. It’s the finale that is a true testament as to why these movies make for great popcorn eating affairs. It’s exciting, exhilarating and the choreography is easy to follow and even though there are the usual quick edits, fit the most part, it’s shot with fans in mind.
Noah is very instrumental to the action at the end too and it was nothing short of original to have him factor in so much to the outcome. His Transformer suit was pretty rad to boot.
The voice cast is incredible too with the iconic Peter Cullen back as always as Prime with Ron Pearlman as Primal, Peter Dinklage as Scourge, Michelle Yeoh as Airazor and Liza Koshy as Arcee. It’s like adrenaline team for a movie like this and adds another element to the experience
Overall. I went into watching with my expectations set to low and because of that, I was thoroughly entertained and the characters were ones that you cared for and wanted to see win and overcome. Not to mention, the fact that there is more than enough carmageddon action to be had with a new set of animalistic protagonists, and Rise of the Beasts takes the franchise one step in the right direction.
*SPOILER ALERT* If you haven’t seen the film yet, then stop reading as I need to talk about the final scene in detail. The last scene culminates in Noah being recruited into a secret, clandestine organization that is…Wait for it!…GI JOE! That’s right. After years of teasing us about a potential crossover between the two Hasbro toy properties, it might finally become a reality. I have reservations to go along with my elation as this undertaking will be massive and one has to think about how they will actually be able to do it. There’s so many characters in both properties and it will cost a large furtive to bring it to life.
I feel that if they do this, they will need to make their own separate franchise with a series of films having the Autobots and GI JOE take on Cobra and the Decepticons. It could truly be epic with action set pieces that will make fanboys like me grin for days. Can you imagine Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow taking on killer robots? Glorious!
Hopefully, it does happen and it’ll be very ambitious to say the least. For now, Rise of the Beasts is a solid entry in the franchise with heart and humor to go along with the ass kicking. Fans should enjoy themselves as I know I did and the last act is worth the price of admission. I always get in touch with my inner child when I watch these movies and it’s like it’s 1984 all over again. What else can I say but…Autobots! Rooooolllll Out!
Verdict: 3.5 Out of 5 Stars
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts strips the franchise down, lowers the bombastic factor and delivers an exhilarating action spectacle with heart and humor.
9) Marko Zaror’s FIST OF THE CONDOR is a Bone Crunching Mixture of New Wave Fight Flick and Old School Kung Fu Slug Fest!
If there ever was a time we needed an injection of old school, kick ass Kung Fu cinema, it would be today. With John Wick Chapter 4 tearing it up at the worldwide box office, it’s once again cool for the mainstream world to jump on the bandwagon for love of all things that punch, kick, shoot and explode. What of us niche fans who digest this stuff on a regular basis? You know what I mean. Those of us that worship action cinema like it’s our religion, our bible because it is. Well, I’m here to tell all of you fair weather fans that only come out to play when something like John Wick hits, that action cinema is one of the proudest and most beloved genres in all of film.
Preaching aside, this April 7th, HI-YAH! will unleash the latest empty handed fight epic and it comes courtesy of one of the stars of Chapter 4 and his longtime friend that he has collaborated with in the past. I love Well Go USA, who runs the martial arts streaming service, because they know what we crave and what we need in terms of foreign action product that is way less mainstream than Keanu Reeves doing his thing on the grandest stage possible. Reeves’ John Wick co-star, Chilean international martial arts action star Marko Zaror, is back and he’s bringing the old school homage with him with his latest effort aptly titled Fist of the Condor. Even the name screams Saturday afternoon Kung Fu theater and when you watch it, you’ll be transported back to a time when these films ruled the airwaves before streaming services were even a glimmer in the eye.
Fist of the Condor sees Zaror playing double duty as twins who are at odds with each other. Throw in the fact that there is an old manuscript that teaches the lost art of the Condor (God, I love this stuff) that is missing and the one that possesses it will be the supreme of the supreme fighter ever, we have the makings of 80 minutes of extreme Latin flavor martial arts action that will definitely need to be viewed again.
Zaror reunites with longtime collaborator and childhood friend, director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza (Kiltro, Mirageman, Mandrill, Redeemer) for a timeless and face pounding tale of a secret Kung-Fu manual that divulges the lethal and deadly art of the condor fist. Said manuscript was hidden by the Incas at first and since has been passed down throughout the generations for safe keeping. It is here in the present that we are introduced to our twins, which are played by Zaror Double Impact style, and one of said siblings is rumored to be the latest keeper of the sacred text. The twins, who both sport long hair and a shaved dome, have been separated for years, and for nefarious reasons, they want vengeance on one another for reasons that are unfortunately never fleshed out in full detail in the movie’s short 80-minute running time. 75 minutes if you take away credits. What follows is a barrage of fight set pieces that will most assuredly satisfy even the most jaded of action afficionado.
From the get-go, it’s clear that Zaror and Espinoza are in this to pay their respects to those timeless Kung Fu classics of the day as we are treated to tropes that flooded these movies when they were viewed on your local TV affiliate. You know the tropes I mean. From our gravity defying protagonist suffering from a rare phobia that makes him afflicted to bright light to the extreme close ups and sound effects that would accompany each and every film from the 70’s and 80’s. There are the gratuitous money shots of elite fighters leaping in the air in ultra slo-mo as their feet come crashing towards the camera lens and the sound effects of flesh hitting bone that will make the strongest wince in pain. They’re all here. We even have the villain who sports black mascara which he is not ashamed to wearing let me tell you. While watching this film, Jackie Chan’s Fearless Hyena and others will assuredly come to mind and that is exactly what star and director want to happen.
The narrative even plays out like a plot from a movie that saw itself get a re-release from the Wu Tang DVD collection and that is perfectly how it should be. there’s no romance to get in the way here. No levity to lighten the mood. It’s just the world’s deadliest warriors going full on combat to acquire the power of, yep you guessed it, The Fist of the Condor. This is just pure unadulterated fight action that infuses the new with the old and when the smoke clears and the bodies litter the floor, fans will be craving more in a good way. Make no mistake, this is a niche movie and sadly it won’t find the kind of audience that John Wick will but that’s OK because for all of us that gets it, Christmas has come early, and Santa Claus is being played by Marko Zaror.
What can I say about the fight action that fills the running time? It’s everything you would want and more. Zaror’s signature action is on display in all its grandeur and unlike the blockbuster that is now in theaters, he’s front and center in dual roles doing what he does best. Zaror has the kind of moves that will make one want to look for wires but alas to no success as the man is a human special effect just like a certain British martial arts star that is sporting a fat suit in the same blockbuster. Jaws will drop when fans bear witness to what this man can do and that’s to constantly defy gravity at a moment’s notice. He’s fluid like water my friend to paraphrase a quote from one of the greatest martial artists and action stars ever.
Now of course, a man of Zaror’s talents needs opponents and martial artists of equal footing and with that we have a grand supporting cadre of players that include Puerto Rican banger Jose Manuel, Eyal Meyer, who happens to be a student of one of the oldest martial arts in the world called Kalarippayattu and Korean Hapkido grandmaster Man Soo Yoon who has been with our filmmaker duo since 2006’s Kiltro. You know a man is a legit bad ass like Zaror when he’s not afraid to go toe to toe with fighters of his caliber in movies. he does it for the art and the simple fact that to be the best, you have to take on the best. There are no egos here as everyone involved just wants to make the best picture they can and in terms of sweat inducing, body gouging action, this one delivers in spades.
Each fight in the movie is its own character and just like Bloodsport, there are many different styles to gawk at here and the actors pull no punches to deliver the best. From high flying aerial kicks to ore intricate joint locks and holds, the fights are a blending of the extreme and the complex and it’ll take more than one viewing to take it all in. Watching this movie and being a student of the game, I was in heaven watching all the tirelessly mapped out choreography on display. When talent of this caliber come together for the action sequences, we all win.
The cinematography is a sight to behold as well and Espinoza and Zaror showcase their country to its fullest extent. Fist of the Condor was a passion project for both and when the quarantine happened, they grabbed their cameras and went off into the countryside to film a movie that is beautiful and at the same time dangerous. From the scenic cliffs to the pristine beaches of Latin America, the landscape is its own character, and it suitably ensnares the cast from beginning to end. It’s nothing short of breathtaking and the Yin to the movie’s deadly Yang.
If I’m going to get nitpicky and drum up negatives, it would have to be the narrative that isn’t truly fleshed out in the short span the movie is playing. Like I said the twins’ animosity towards each other could have been mapped out a whole lot better and characterization takes a back seat to the on-screen fisticuffs as it does like so many times in the past. Fas of the lethal science will forgive the movie for this flaw but that is why it will only please audiences who worship this stuff like Sunday Church.
Overall, you know what you’re going to get with a movie called Fist of the Condor. 80 minutes of CQB action like no other demonstrated by pros that know what they’re doing. It’s a spectacular mixture of the old and the new and it’s the kind of old school fight film that has gone dormant in this generation. Marko Zaror proves why he’s the best of the best in the business and if you want mind blowing martial arts movie like no other that he’s the man to watch. Zaror is a passionate talent, and it comes off in all that he does. Even in his films that never rise to the top, he still gives it his all and delivers just what fans are craving. This is stripped down adrenaline in its purest form. When you go to see John Wick Chapter 4 this week, make sure to come home and give this little film some love as well as we need more like it. Ironically, it’s the edited trailer to this movie that got Zaror his coveted role in this weekend’s blockbuster movie. Weak narrative aside, it’s all about the combat here and with that, you’d be hard pressed to find something better right now. With Fist of the Condor and John Wick, action fans have the perfect one-two punch of Marko Zaror!
VERDICT: 4 Out of 5 Stars: Action-Flix Approved and essential!
⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 4 out of 5.
Fist of the Condor is the near perfect infusion of the new and old with extreme action set pieces and an equally extreme action star that delivers the thrills!
8) THE FLOOD Delivers Classic 80’s Vibes Combining Horror & Action for a Relentless Experience!
What is it about this year and action cinema? It’s only July but in terms of big budget flicks and indie action fare, fans have had plenty to be exited about when it comes to adrenaline, bullets, fisticuffs and explosions.
Well, I have another notch in the belt of 2023 action fare and this one has killer alligators to boot so strap in and read on as to why you should check out Director Brandon Slagle’s newest slice of action-horror with The Flood. We’ve got cops, criminals, anti-heroes and those pesky reptiles to quench your thirst for all things chaotic and violent with this one.
Did I forget to mention that this one features an eclectic cast of ass kickers including Johnny Ricco himself, Casper Van Dien, as Russell Cody along with killer Sue from The Debt Collectors Louis Mandylor as Rafe Calderon who are more than willing to get wet and their hands dirty for the sake of action cinema. Nicky Whelan, who is also no stranger to action, heads the lineup as a no nonsense Sheriff named Jo Newman who is in charge and proceeds to make some new boots out of alligator when all is said and done.
When you have a movie that takes the best elements of thrillers like Con Air and Assault on Precinct 13 and mashes it all up with creature features like Jaws and Alligator, you know what you’re in for and Slagle once again puts the pedal to the metal and delivers the blood and water soaked goods with little to no opportunities to catch your breath once things get going. It’s bad enough the there’s human enemies but when nature comes calling in all its fury, it’s a full tilt boogie adventure that is filled with bullets and blood.
The plot, once again this is but a necessity, involves prisoners being transported to a prison when a massive hurricane hits. Things go from bad to worse when the inmates decide to rule the asylum and attempt a breakout in the middle of all the chaos.
Enter…the alligators. With this new threat, Newman is forced to put her trust in some of the prisoners in a desperate attempt to stay alive long enough so humans can get back to killing humans. of course, some of the said humans still decide to go after the cops and attempt to escape which leads to glorious carnage all over the place.
I have to hand it to action cinema and especially independent films as they are keeping the spirit of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s alive with their throwback style of storytelling. Slagle as I’ve said in the past, is a huge fan of these kinds of films and it shows in his execution with flaring results. The alligators look damn good and even though you know it’s CGI, it’s believable when they hit and hit hard they do.
Van Dien is solid as always and here his Russell Cody is the epitome of the anti/hero as he’s done bad things but still has a certain moral code when it comes to what transpires. Van Dien is always a welcome sight in any action movie or genre for that matter and he always brings it.
Mandylor continues his action hit streak that has included turns in Battle for Saipan and Breakout. Here he’s a supporting player but that’s ok as he accepts the role full force and still gets to liven things up. His chemistry with Van Dien is spot on and the two definitely have friction which makes things interesting when the chomping commences.
It’s no shock that this movie was written by genre favorites Chad Law and Josh Ridgway as the two know what we want from our bloodletting. They pay homage to what has come before while at the same time doing their own thing and telling everyone to hold their beer. When you see both of these men attached to any project in any regard, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
Overall, The Flood is another notch in Director Brandon Slagle’s belt as he continues to accept the role of go to filmmaker when it comes to high-octane on screen. This movie is a fan perfect blend of action and horror with enough grisly kills to make audiences happy.
The alligators are extremely menacing and the sequences of nail biting tension refuses to let up until the final credits roll. I won’t spoil much for you as you should definitely check this out come Friday and grab some buddies, beer and popcorn to enjoy as you watch the mayhem unfold onscreen.
The cast is great and they go all in as audiences will be able to tell that they gave it their all for the love of it. Van Dien, Whelan and Mandylor are a trinity of awesome and the rest contribute nicely to the proceedings.
If you like your action sprinkled with a little bloody horror then The Flood is right up your alley. Chomp, chomp everyone!
VERDICT: 4 Out of 5
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED!
7) SHRAPNEL Instills a Gritty & Brutal Actioner of Blood, Bullets and Bravado!
I’m not one to read other reviewers’ takes on movies. After all, the only opinion I trust is my own. OK, there are a few close circle friends in the blogging business that I discuss with but for the most part, I watch a movie and then I come up with my own take on it and you can agree or agree to disagree.
This weekend saw the release of the second bullet infested indie action epic Shrapnel from director William Kaufman. Earlier this month, he delivered the brutal and gritty crime epic The Channel which was his best output to date as it delivered a retro HEAT vibe with way more firepower. Clearly one of the best action pics of 2023.
Now we turn our attention to Shrapnel which stars Jason Patric as a rancher and former Marine who decides to take the law into his own hands when his daughter disappears along with her friend while on vacation in Mexico. To make matters worse, he finds out that the local cops are on the take with the ruthless cartel that is behind so he enlists his Marine comrade played by Cam Gigandet to launch an over the border assault to get the girls back at all costs.
Kaufman (The Hit List, Jarhead 3) directs from an original screenplay by Chad Law (Daylight’s End, Section 8) and Johnny Walters. Definitely good company to have around while making an action film as Law and Kaufman have been collaborating on action films for years now churning out such indie classics as Daylights End, Jarhead 3: The Siege, and The Hit List. When you see one let alone both men’s names on a project, you know you’re going to get your money’s worth.
So I’ve seen some blurbs from reviews calling this one dull, lifeless and tiresome. Once again, to each their own and I respect other people’s takes on films but come on. Now I will admit that we’ve seen this type of film before and Rambo himself even took it head on a few years ago and Liam Neeson made a franchise out of it but here we have a movie with way more limited resources than that one and here it delivers on blood, bullets and bravado for a bloody satisfying exercise in extreme filmmaking.
Now I will admit that Shrapnel doesn’t go weapons free for a little bit as we are introduced to Patric’s character of Sean who is a former trained killer now trying to live a quiet and normal life in Texas as a rancher. Things don’t go as planned when Sean learns that his daughter Leigh (Teresa Decher) has vanished while on holiday with her best friend in Mexico. Sean’s now tranquil life starts to spiral out of control as he ventures across the border to find out what happened.
Once in the foreign land so close to America, Sean discovers that the local authorities headed by officer Hector Montoya (David DeLaO) is not all that he seems as the car that the two girls were traveling in suddenly disappears without a trace and Sandoval threatens Sean with a trespass charge. It’s clear that he’s on the take which adds to Sean’s nightmare of helplessness for a man who was used to going Gung Ho most of his life as a Marine.
While investigating, Sean discovers that the cartel is called Los Mercenarios and is headed by the merciless Garza (Mauricio Mendoza) who leads an army filled with US trained killers who work for the highest price. Can you say mercs? To add more difficulty to the structure is a shady American official who urges him to cut his losses and go back home.
Before the adrenaline starts, screenwriters Chad Law and Johnny Walters showcase Sean’s disparity for the audience as his hands are tied at the beginning to do anything. Guilt and torment eventually lead to wrath and anger as Sean finally lets loose as he calls on Max (Cam Gigandet), a fellow Marine comrade, to assist him in eradicating any and everyone that is responsible for his daughter’s kidnapping. Knowing war, these two men branch out to inflict as much damage as they can in the film’s remaining running time that serves up a new meaning of extreme prejudice.
In terms of story and action, Kaufman, Law and Walters balance the tight rope of human drama and vicious action as the initial setup plays out unfolding into a no holds barred action fest of shootouts and beat downs. When Sean finally does what he does best along with Max, it’s ferocious and simple in its wrath and once again, Kaufman and company showcase tactical precision in the choreography that adds to the realism in the set pieces. From maneuvering to weapons transition, no one is doing it better than Kaufman and company in the realm of action cinema these days.
Patric as Sean delivers a performance that is spot on for any father watching as if this were to happen to my child, what would I do? As a father of three, I resonated with him and could feel his torment. Plus Patric has done this role before in the past action-thriller The Prince where he played a former assassin who takes up guns again when Bruce Willis kidnaps his daughter for revenge. Patric is an actor that is able to communicate to the audience through actions and looks as well as words.
As Max, Gigandet is the right hand man and friend to the end that Sean needs. Gigandet is no stranger to action as well and he is the perfect compliment to Sean as a friend who is willing to die to help him. The two share a bond of brotherhood that equals Clayne Crawford and Max Martini in The Channel.
The standout sequence is the home invasion set piece when the cartel rolls up on Sean’s ranch to take out him, his wife and younger daughter. It’s pedal to the metal for minutes and it highlights what Sean can do when put into this type of situation. He doesn’t even go stealth as he blows off the head of one invader even before they have a chance to lock n load. He’s a battering ram with heavy firepower and it just goes to show you that bad guys should really do their research on someone before they mess with him,
Shrapnel is a dirty and grounded film that is a refreshing change of pace to all the CGI infused films we are getting as of late. This weekend saw the release of Hidden Strike with Jackie Chan and John Cena and while that film was alright, it was bogged down by excessive computer imagery and wire work. If you’re looking for something different than look no further as Shrapnel captures a high-octane feel through more practical means and done by a cast and crew that love the genre.
Overall, Shrapnel is a dialed in rescue thriller that is as advertised. Bonus points for character building and dramatic intake before the bullets start to fly because when they do, it’s gritty, brutal and satisfying. When you watch the trailer for this type of movie, you know what you’re going to get so fans of the genre and the filmmaker won’t be disappointed. If you know the genre then you’ll get it.
Patric and Gigandet are solid in their roles and showcase a bond of brotherhood that is unflinching and also that you don’t have to look like Rambo or Commando to be a lethal killing machine. The excess of the 80’s is over in terms of action stars looking like they came out of a bodybuilding competition and these men are more realistic in their portrayals as trained killers can look like the neighbor next door.
Make no mistake though as Shrapnel may not have the excess of the 80’s but it still has the old school look and feel of the decade with practical effects and good old reliable stunt work. Once again, this is my go to type of movie when Blockbuster was open. When the action hits, it hits you like blunt force trauma that is unwavering in its violence and execution.
This might be a story told many times before but Kaufman and company put their own stamp on it and create a little, independent actioner that has as much bite, if not more. as a film with three times its budget. That makes Shrapnel all the more impressive.
VERDICT: 4 Out of 5 Stars
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED!
Shrapnel is an Independent Actioner that Hits the Audience with Brotherhood, Bullets, Blood and Bravado for a Satisfying Film tat Takes No Prisoners.
6) Louis Mandylor’s 3 DAYS IN MALAY is a Brutal, Harrowing and Battle Tested WWII Actioner!
This has been a busy weekend for reviews for me and I had to probably save the best for last as this indie war epic was far more satisfying that Netflix’s big franchise hopeful that also came out on Friday. To make it even more impressive is that this movie probably had a third of the budget and shooting schedule that said Netflix movie did so what was accomplished is a brutal, harrowing battle tested true event story of heroism and bravado when all seems lost.
I’m talking about the WWII action-thriller 3 Days in Malay which hails from genre icon Louis Mandylor who not only stars in but directed as well. Just like last year’s Battle for Saipan, which also starred Mandylor, 3 Days in Malay is one hell of a war pic that reminded me of the classic turns we got in the 70’s and 80’s. Think Saving Private Ryan meets The Big Red one with a cast that is all in. Surrounding Mandylor on screen are MMA champions Cowboy Cerrone and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson who play servicemen who are put against a rock and a hard place when they are forced to hold the line against thousands of Japanese troops for three brutal and unforgiving days in Malay. Thios one is based on real events and that makes it all the more harrowing in its depiction of men at their best when all seems lost.
Maylor stars as John Caputo who is recently transferred with a group of soldiers to an airstrip in Malay and it’s not an easy assignment as he must deal with a former comrade, James (Cowboy Cerrone), who has massive issues with him from past events that went array. To make matters worse, Malay is a hot spot that Axis forces want in a big way so it’s basically hundreds against thousands with no real backup in sight. Just another day at the office. Jackson stars as Reverand Conte who is a man of faith but one that also steps up to protect his brothers when the shooting commences. Rounding out the cast are veteran actor Peter Dobson as Foley and Randall J. Bacon as Benny Conroy.
Mandylor has helmed before, but this might be his best effort to date as he has crafted an unflinching indie war movie that is chock full of brutal battle sequences and scenes of bravado when it looks like no one is going to survive, A lot do not but that makes it realistic as this is what war is like when two steadfast forces engage in the ultimate combat. Mandylor takes a little time to get things going as he give the audience a little time with the men, so we see who they are before the action starts because when it does, it never lets up and the blood, dust and bodies liter the screen for the remaining running time.
Action filmmaker Brandon Slagle, who directed Battle for Saipan, penned the script and I couldn’t help but be reminded of that picture which made it to my best of 2022 list as there are sequences of extreme CQB and hand to hand action to go along with the firepower. For me, this is when it gets real because when enemies are so close, it’s only a matter of time before things get really up close and personal and the choreography is solid with realistic moves and tried and true gimmicks that showcase just how much these American soldiers are willing to die for what’s right.
On a negative note, this is a lower budgeted affair like I said so there will be those who turn their noses up to it because they are simple minded in their thinking that movies have to contain certain things. It’s hard to explain but as a blogger who has supported independent filmmaking for years, I’m one to say that some of these films outdo the big studio ones. 3 Days in Malay is one of those pictures that unfortunately won’t get the audience of a Netflix film, but it damn well should so I’m doing my part to bring it to people and especially those who love a damn good war pic.
Louis Mandylor is one of the industry’s most underrated talents and he’s done action for years, but it’s really been the past few years where has really turned on the action star bravado. Mandylor has a commanding presence and gravitas to spare and in a role like this, he excels and carries it in front of and behind the camera. Cerrone is also establishing himself as a gritty and unapologetic action star and here he clashes with Mandylor’s character and, of course, turns the tables on his performance when he has to. Jackson turns in a quieter performance that flips the 180mwhen the fighting commences, and I always felt he should have become a bigger star after appearing in the big screen version of The A-Team.
What you see is what you get with 3 Days in Malay but that’s alright as John Wayne made a great career out of that as his war movies were solid if not predictable. The war subgenre has always been a favorite of mine so I might be a little biased when it comes to this movie, but I find nothing wrong with that because I tell it like it is. If it wasn’t good, I would tell you and I’m sure there are those real-life veterans who will tear apart the realism of it, but these films are made to entertain and make you think about the ultimate sacrifices men and women make on a daily basis to protect or way of living. I feel that war movies, for the most part, are made to honor them and history and 3 Days in Malay is no exception.
Overall, 3 Days in Malay is a solid directorial effort for Louis Mandylor who also turns in a take no shit performance. Cerrone and Jackson back him up as well as the other cast members and this is truly war at its worse with men rising up to be their best. There is enough time to get to know the men and the action is relentless, unflinching and brutal in its depiction of how war really is. It’s not a happy movie with an ending that will make you smile but it will make you think and hopefully thank a veteran when you see them out and about. This movie deserves a wide audience and hopefully through great word of mouth it will achieve that.
War movies, especially indie ones, can be hit or miss and I’ve seen some truly awful ones, but this isn’t one of them and you can tell it was made by people who wanted to put out the best product they could and do it to honor those damn men who were outnumbered and outgunned but still fought until the last man. Check it out and tell a friend about it because it needs to be seen. 2023 has been a fantastic year for action cinema and 3 Days in Malay is another notch on the utility belt and has a strong chance of making it on my 2023 best of list. Job well done!
VERDICT: 4 Out of 5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED and ESSENTIAL
3 Days in Malay showcases heroism and bravado in an unflinching and quite brutal WWII epic that should not be missed!
5) The Japanese Action-Thriller BAD CITY is Simply Bad Ass!
You know when you watch a trailer to an action movie and when it’s over you immediately watch it again , it’s probably going to be a good one. 2023 has been a bounce back year for action cinema and the pandemic certainly did its best to crush it a few years back so it’s been nothing short of exhilarating to see this amount of top notch output this year. From early on, this year has shown us that whether it be full on blockbusters like John Wick or Extraction 2 or smaller indie fair like Warhorse One and The Channel, this genre is kicking ass once again.
Asian action cinema is also making a name for itself this year and now we have another notch in the belt for 2023 with the Japanese import Bad City which features the very underrated, and one of my all time favorite ass kickers, Tak Sakaguchi. There’s just something about a criminal underworld thriller that gets your blood pumping and Bad City hits you over the head from the beginning until the credits roll.
In terms of plot, this one is easy to follow. Kaiko City is a place besieged by crime and violence. It’s the kind of place where you probably want to wear Kevlar when you venture out of your home. To make matters worse, a corrupt businessman is running for mayor and to make sure he secures his place of power, he proceeds to eliminate rival mafia members with brutal and efficient extreme prejudice.
To counter act this, the good guys call on former police Captain Torada (Hitoshi Ozawa) who is currently serving time in prison because he was given the rawest of deals. Upon release, Torada is out and immediately put in charge of an elite task force to battle the corruption and stop the mayoral candidate by any means necessary.
Upon seeing the initial trailer, I pretty much assumed that this was going to be right in my wheelhouse and sure enough, upon completing my viewing I was 100% correct. Bad City is a mean movie that isn’t for everyone but fans of action and this particular subgenre will gravitate towards it with no problem. It oozes a dark, foreboding atmosphere with characters that aren’t very likable and that’s the good guys and the tone is equivalent to what came out of the 70’s when it came to morbid crime thrillers.
As Torada, Ozawa is cast perfectly as the take no shit cop who runs his unit with the strongest of iron fists. He knows they’re in for the fight of their lives so no mistakes will be tolerated with him. Ozawa doesn’t look like your average action anti-hero but even though he’s older, he proves that age is just a number and he excels in the film’s numerous set pieces.
The biggest draw for me is Tak. One of Asia’s most underrated stars, Tak is one of those actors that believes in quality over quantity as he has starred in only a handful of movies over the years. Think of him as the Japanese Johnny Strong. Tak is a phenomenal action talent and he moves like nobody and it’s literally a ballet of extreme when he breaks into action. Here, he’s on bad guy duties as he stars as the main henchman and he gets ample opportunity to shine and showcase his signature and lethal empty handed skills. His fights are always top tier with no equal and in Bad City, he never utters a word as he lets his actions and his fists and feet do the talking. The sequences involving Tak are some of the most impressive to date.
Director Kensuke Sonomura has really set the bar high here with some of the most technically fierce fight action that has surfaced in 2023. Sonomura knows action and how it should be represented onscreen and he delivers some of the most innovative clashes ever. The camera captures all the bloodletting with near perfect execution and this movie is the best compliment to some of the more over the top actioners like Extraction. Sonomura orchestrates a bloody ballet of excess, and this is throwback cinema to a tee.
The pacing in Bad City is probably one of the biggest problems I had with the film as it takes a while to get things going. There’s moments of violence sprinkled through but it’s not until the second half and most importantly the last half an hour where action fans will feel elated as the finale is everything you could hope for in terms of high-octane, adrenaline soaked carnage.
It’s important to note that the choreography in the set pieces are extreme but realistic with no extreme flash but just authentic and natural violence that hits the viewer over the head with some major blunt force trauma. When the dust settles and the credits roll, viewers will need to wipe the sweat off their brows as if they were involved with the bloody altercations.
Overall, Bad City is as advertised. It’s a gritty, brutal and unapologetic look at the world of the Yakuza, the criminal underworld and the cops who have the thankless and deadly duty to quell the violence. The pacing lags at the beginning but the second half more than atones for it with some of the most ballistic scenes of mayhem caught on film this year.
Hitoshi Ozawa is perfect as the stalwart anti-hero in charge of the forces of good and Tak Sakaguchi once again proves that he’s the best in the business of ass kicking on celluloid. His henchman is one of the most effective villains this year and I can’t wait to see him on screen again
Bad City reminds action fans that Japanese action cinema, when done right, is one of the most effective that Asia has to offer. We’ve been talking a lot about Korea and what they’ve been doing but here it’s like it’s the 90’s all over again when Japan was tops in the genre.
VERDICT: 4 Out of 5 Stars
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED & ESSENTIAL VIEWING
Bad City is an Action Movie that is Just Simply Bad Ass!
4) THE CHANNEL is a Relentless Powder Keg of Bullets & Brotherhood!
There’s just certain things one can expect from a film directed by William Kaufman. One can expect a dark story. Flawed but worth rooting for anti-heroes. A massive amount of ammo spent and above all, one hell of an action flick. From his opening salvo in The Prodigy to his most recent movie The Channel, true fans can see just how much he has come throughout the years. Kaufman has made some of the most influential indie action films of late like the slick crime thriller Sinners and Saints to the apocalyptic beast that is Daylight’s End and now he has given us his most welcomed entry to date. The Channel.
From watching the initial trailer, The Channel looks like your average cops and robbers flick but in its center, it’s a tried and true testament to brotherhood and loyalty and those who will do anything for the ones they love. Oh yes, there’s the usual amounts of brutal action set pieces highlighted by immense firepower and spot on tactical precision and here it’s all on full display in a leading candidate one of the best action pictures of the year.
The heart of our story centers around the Sheridan brothers…Jamie and Mic. Both casualties of war and both clinging to what lives they have. Jamie has much more to live for as he’s a father and Mic is a rabid dog that at his core is an undying love for his brother.
Tough times have forced the brothers to engage in armed robbery and unfortunately as the movie opens, a bank heist goes disastrously awry as federal agents and police officers respond forcing the crew into a hailstorm of bullets. When the dust clears, only Jamie, Mic and a fellow comrade are left and now with a very determined FBI agent hot on their heels, they’ll have to navigate the dangerous criminal underworld of New Orleans in one night to make it out alive. But at what price?
This is the question that Kaufman raises for the audience and Clayne Crawford as Jamie and Max Martini as Mic deliver high caliber performances punctuated by great onscreen chemistry that is highlighted by just how different each one is. Crawford portrays Jamie as a desperate man who has nowhere else to turn to help his child while Mic still needs a war to fight and is savage in his loyalty to Jamie that will be tested before the credits roll.
The supporting players are all game too with Nicoye Banks delivering a solid turn as Special Agent Frank Ross with E.K. Spilla bringing up the rear in a pivotal role. Mike “Lobo” Daniels is always great to see and I always want more from his characters and here he shows up at the beginning as one of the Sheridan Brothers’ crew named Vee. I just wish he would have stuck around longer as he could have added to the narrative.
Julienne Joyner comes out of nowhere as Jamie’s girlfriend Ava and she ties everything together with a performance that is both sensitive and animalistic at the sane time. There’s more to her character and it’s a welcome sight to see that she can handle herself but still convey a sympathetic side all at the same time as she’ll do whatever it takes for her child.
The Channel is a stripped down slice of life shown through the eyes of desperate human beings and while on the outside these men are criminals who have done very wrong, you can’t help but root for them to make it to the other side when the sun comes up.
Kaufman makes sure that we just don’t get to know one side as he gives the agents on the case character arcs as well. It’s a Yin-Yang analogy that plays off in the sweltering heat of the New Orleans landscape and we get to see the worst that the city has to offer. Kaufman always makes the city it’s own character and here it’s unforgiving and cruel just like the elements that our brothers are up against.
At 95 minutes, the movie is a lean and mean show of force with several standout firefights that serve up in your face violence but here it’s done in a way that it’s a statement of the times. The opening is a barrage of images that is punctuated by green night vision and a first person shooter viewpoint that recalls anything out of a video game and it starts off the ride perfectly for what’s to come.
The true action extravaganza is the Heat like shootout during the robbery that is long and hard and is punctuated with precise military tactics and weapons handling. It may not have the scope of Michael Mann’s classic but it rivals it in so many ways and begs to be viewed more than once in its sheer unapologetic force that hits you over the head like blunt force trauma. It may be one of the best action sequences this year and that’s coming from a year that includes John Wick and Extraction.
Overall, The Channel deserves the biggest audience possible as it reminded me of such great crime thrillers like the aforementioned Heat as well as Taxi Driver and Scarface. It’s loaded with in your face action and a story that makes you care about these people and what makes desperate individuals do what they do. Filmmakers like William Kaufman prove that action and good storytelling can be done with limited resources along with a cast and crew that believe in the movie they are making and this is one film that deserves a theatrical release.
Clayne Crawford and Max Martini are spot on and they are the ones that drive this movie and make us want to take this violent and grotesque ride through the criminal lifestyle. The supporting cast are top notch as well and you can tell that all involved really wanted to make the best movie possible that is a legit notch in the genre.
The Channel is a crackling crime thriller filled with raw intensity that combines ferocious gunplay with a story that is more heart than violence. Kaufman balances both nearly perfectly and it’s his best to date. A top contender for best action pic and it continues the trend of 2023 being a bounce back year for action cinema.
VERDICT: 4.5 Out of 5 Stars
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED and ESSENTIAL
The Channel is a Ferocious Tale of Brotherhood and Loyalty Amidst a Hailstorm of Automatic Weapon’s Fire!
3) WARHORSE ONE- Johnny Strong Delivers Lone Hero Bravado in the Harrowing War Actioner that Immerses the Audience!
From roles in mainstream flicks like THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, and BLACKHAWK DOWN to indie fair like Daylight’s End, Johnny Strong is an enigma when it comes to understanding the artist and the man. Having left Hollywood behind years ago to focus on indie cinema and utilizing more creative control in his projects, Strong is an avid believer of quality over quantity having only starred in a handful of movies over the last two decades. In such fan favorite films such as SINNERS AND SAINTSand DAYLIGHT’S END, Strong has been a part of all the facets of production including the scripts and utilizing realistic martial arts choreography and firearms and tactical knowledge to make his action films as authentic as possible and the reel deal. While also being a musician and songwriter, releasing several albums with his band Operator, Strong has also scored the movies as well delivering a hard-edged sound that compliments the action on screen. Teaming up with fellow indie director William Kaufman on the aforementioned movies, Strong has been able to showcase his true vision onscreen without interference from big name studios. These action films have the retro vibe of the glorious days of VHS action, and I’ve said many times in the past that Strong is the take no shit type of action star that the genre so desperately needs.
Strong has arrived once again with his directorial debut, the military actioner Warhorse One which he co-directed and wrote with longtime collaborator William Kaufman and the movie takes its cues from Strong’s previous work on the real life action-drama BLACKHAWK DOWN as well as LONE SURVIVOR and the two have crafted a harrowing tale of a lone Navy SEAL who must overcome the odds as he is outgunned and out manned to complete his rescue mission and save a little girl by running a gauntlet of insurgents as well as the harsh Afghanistan terrain. Filled with unflinching drama and harrowing military action set pieces, Warhorse One continues the excellence in action cinema output for 2023.
With all the hoopla of recent action fare like John Wick Chapter 4 and Extraction 2, Warhorse One arrives under the radar and even though it is a more stripped down affair that forgoes the bombastic style set pieces of the aforementioned films, this military action-thriller still delivers the adrenaline and bravado that one expects from these types of films. Strong knows what he wants and how to convey it to the audience and fans will get their fair shot of bullets and explosions especially in the movie’s finale that showcases just how special these types of war fighters truly are.
The plot is simple and to the point and that’s the way it should be. The 2021 American pullout of Afghanistan is in full effect and a group of stranded U.S. citizens are trapped behind enemy lines. Strong stars as Master Chief Mirko, who becomes the last hope of mission success when his chopper is shot down killing all of his team. By a miracle, Mirko is jettisoned from the craft just before it crashes and so our story unfolds as the lone survivor dusts himself off. There’s no quit in these men and Mirko is no exception as he knows he’s all alone but still proceeds to finish the job.
Unfortunately, the American party the SEAL Team was to rescue are all dead except for a little girl named Zoe, played to Oscar caliber perfection from little newcomer Athena Durner. With Zoe in tow, Mirko begins to battle the harsh and unforgiving terrain as well as an army of insurgents who are hell bent in taking out the SEAL and his companion.
I’ve followed WarHorse One since it’s inception and it’s great to finally see Strong back on screen doing what he does best. This is a passion project for the artist and besides co-directing with Kaufman, Strong also co-wrote the script and created the musical score. Strong is an expert in tactical warfare and weaponry and it always comes across flawlessly on screen. Throw in CQB choreographed encounters throughout and this action pic is a combo of heart, sentiment and heroism.
At the center of the story is Mirko’s relationship with Zoe and the two have wonderful chemistry together as the little girl is the polar opposite of her savior. Zoe is still innocent and young while Mirko has seen it all and done things that he’s not exactly proud of to get the job done but the two need each other to survive and Strong makes sure that the audience feels the connection between them.
The movie doesn’t stop to take a break as Mirko battles the treacherous landscape which includes a death defying stunt where Strong actually jumped off a cliff into the raging waters below. It’s a sweat inducing sequence that is coupled with the fact that it’s actually Strong who defied death to capture it on film. There’s several scenes like this and it’s a wonder that Strong is still here as he literally sacrifices his body for his art.
Make no mistake, there’s plenty of firefights to be had and Strong once again proves that he’s the best around when it comes to authenticity in weapons handling. Like I said, the sequences never go over overboard like John Wick and Extraction but that’s it’s strength as the low scale skirmishes are just as exciting as anything that has come before this year. Mirko becomes a one man army as he uses every weapon and skill to his advantage and being that it’s just him fighting off the insurgents throughout much of the movie’s running time makes it even more harrowing and nail biting.
The finale is as advertised and it makes the most of it with Mirko making his final stand against a swarm of enemy combatants. The choreography and camerawork are flawless and you can almost feel every gunshot and explosion that erupts on the screen. It’s an ending that you’ll want to watch over again and I love how it displays the special qualities of special forces soldiers as Mirko is the embodiment of all these real life heroes.
Overall, Warhorse One has a limited theatrical run last week but it’s a shame that it didn’t get a wider release as it’s just as high/octane as the big budget studio affairs. It’s a more gritty, personal and stripped down actioner that doesn’t go the flamboyant route. Johnny Strong proves once again that he’s an ace in the action department and now that he’s behind the camera as well, there’s no limit to what he can accomplish in the genre.
Athena Durner has literally come out of nowhere and she has a strong future in this business as she’s a natural. Durner delivers a performance her first time around that is Oscar worthy and it’s her involvement that makes you care even more.
The action is realistic, dark and brutal with sound effects and visuals that’ll immerse you into the action. It’s a literal harrowing experience that’ll engulf you and grip you until the final credits roll. 2023 has been a big comeback year for action and Warhorse One is a bullet riddled welcome addition that combines heart, heroics and vivid set pieces that’ll make you think after it’s over.
VERDICT: 4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
ACTION-FLIX APPROVED AND ESSENTIAL
Warhorse One is a Harrowing Tale of Heroics, Heart and Adrenaline that’ll Immerse the Audience into its World.
3) Shocking News- EXTRACTION 2 is Bigger, Badder and Louder than the Original!
2020. The pandemic had just started and everything was closing down. Including the movie theaters. Facing uncertain and troubling times, people didn’t know what the future held or how they would be able to forget about their problems. With cinema chains vacant, streaming swooped in to save the day and even though 90% of the offerings were subpar to say the least, we still had welcome distractions to pass the time while we were at home.
At the start of the pandemic, Netflix unleashed the best action movie of the year in Extraction which starred Chris Hemsworth in his biggest starring role there he wasn’t throwing a hammer. Hemsworth was well established as one of the leading faces of the MCU but could he succeed at leading a movie other than that? In short…yes.
Starring as black ops mercenary Tyler Rake who had physical and emotional scars, Hemsworth rocked the role from first time director Sam Hargrave who coincidentally was a stunt professional and an MCU one at that. Extraction was another example that stunt performers were the best candidates to direct action movies as this one was loaded with sensation set pieces, blistering and brutal fight and gun battle choreography and a damaged hero you wanted to root for. It was the closest thing to action perfection that year and it was my pick for best film of 2020.
The ending to Extraction was ambiguous as Rake was mortally wounded on his rescue op but there was some light at the end of the tunnel before the credits rolled. Netflix immediately announced a sequel and more as the film was a monster hit for them but the question remained was Tyler Rake alive? Was the new movie going to be a sequel or a prequel. Most importantly, would it top the original? Well to answer those questions in order…Yes…Sequel…and a resounding HELL TO THE YEAH!
This weekend saw the long awaited follow up blast it’s way onto Netflix and Hemsworth, Hargrave and company have created another film that kills it with its action sequences, offers more character development and broadens the scope and spectacle of this black ops universe. The plot, like the first one, is simple in its execution which is Rake venturing on another do or die extraction mission where the stakes are even higher and it hits closer to home.
This mission sees Rake accepting a mission to rescue his one time sister-in-law and her children from a vengeful man who will do anything to have them and employ his army to do it.
First off however, the beginning of Extraction 2 gives fans a glimpse at what transpires when Nik (Golshifteh Farahani) and Yaz (Adam Bessa) rescue Rake after he plunges into the water. Tyler’s road to recovery is a grueling one and the subsequent scenes show him leaving Dubai to live out his days in the isolated mountain forests of Germany, where all he wants to do is retire. Unfortunately for Rake, the mysterious Alcott (Idris Elba), who shows up like this franchise’s version of M, visits the ex-Merc to employ him for a mission only he can pull off. Tyler’s ex-wife, Mia (Olga Kurylenko), wants him to tack up once again to rescue her sister and her children from a ruthless and unforgiving prison where she is being held by her husband, who just happens to be vile and the co-leader of a revolting gang known as the Nagazi.
After Rake readies himself with a training montage like the 80’s, he reteams with his former comrades Nik and Yaz to liberate Mia and her children from the Georgian prison. This culminates in the movie’s first set piece which is a bad to the bone sequence that surpasses anything from the first Extraction and punches the action in The Fast Saga and John Wick in the face. Hargrave has created a sweat inducing, adrenaline laced twenty-five-minute one take action sequence that has to be seen to be believed. BTW, I know it wasn’t shot all at once but it still looks friggin’ cool as fuck. The sequence literally goes from the prison breakout to a high-speed road chase through the forest and ends with an assault aboard a moving train which sees Rake mow a chopper down with a friggin’ mini-gun. Yeah, it’s that awesome people.
Extraction 2 is the remedy for all those bitching about today’s action movies as practical effects and stunts outweigh the CGI and it’s lead star performs most of his own stunts. This delivers the action to a whole new level and a lot of the kills are of brutal R rated fashion with multiple types of weapons used. We’re talking machine guns, side arms, knives, grenades, and the kitchen sink. Did I mention the mini-gun tearing through an attack chopper? On top of a speeding train? Ok, just making sure.
Extraction 2’s action is violent, visceral and in your face and there is enough to fill at least two movies and that’s just the first sequence. Remember when I said that every set piece in John Wick: Chapter 4 was worthy enough to be the finale in any other movie? Well this is true ten fold in Extraction 2. Hargrave basically tells you, “oh yeah, did you like that? Well you ain’t seen nothing yet.” When your action hero is on fire and still kicking the shit out of assailants, you pretty much know that you’re watching one hell of an action flick. Just saying.
At the heart of this sequel, in between all the blood soaked carnage, is a more heartfelt story as well as the quieter moments are way more emotional this time around and viewers are immersed more into Rake’s past as Hargrave sheds new light into the death of Tyler’s son and how it destroyed his marriage and his view on life and the world around him. This is a true testament to screenwriter Joe Russo who gives us more than just a bloody man on a mission film.
Another huge change this time around is that supporting players Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa have a lot more to do and get their hands dirty during the action sequences. The trio form one hell of a tactical unit and it’s fitting that we see Rake have some stone cold back up this time around. Also, the film’s main antagonist this time, Tornike Gogrichiani who plays Zurab, the brother-in-law of the woman Tyler rescues, is just as lethal as Rake and he’s a vengeful killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. This makes him just as formidable as Rake which raises the stakes. Hey, that rhymed.
It’s also fitting that in an action movie that calls back to the glory days of action that we see old school action star in the form of Daniel Bernhardt in a supporting role. Just like his role in the first John Wick, Bernhardt is utilized here but it is unfortunate that his stand off with Rake was short lived. I was hoping for a longer scrape but I’ll take what I can get.
Sam Hargrave made a directorial debut with Extraction that all aspiring filmmakers can only dream for. Hargrave, who I mentioned is a veteran stunt performer, dives in head first to give fans the most immersive experience as possible. It’s almost like you have a VR headset strapped on your head while your watching this. Hargrave is one of those directors that will risk life and limb to get the shot that he wants which includes strapping onto a car driving 60 MPH to make it feel like your going 60. That’s dedication people and why he has one king career ahead of him in this business.
Of course, Hargrave will say it was a team effort and I have to mention cinematographer Greg Baldi and editor Alex Rodriguez who were masterful in their executions. This is essentially the new go to crew if you want action films done right. Keeping these individuals together for future entries will assuredly give us more or better in the future. They have crafted something special here and if you here anyone complaining about this movie come Monday, unfriend them immediately.
Overall, Extraction 2 is the rip-roaring, crowd-pleasing action epic fans were hoping for. It’s scale is the stuff of legends, and it’s a crying shame that it’s on Netflix because this is the type of actioner that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen imaginable. The films on the streaming service have been hit or miss over the years for sure but this movie has finally given the streamer the big budget tentpole franchise they so desperately need.
The ending of Extraction 2 outdoes the previous one as it teases bigger and better things for Tyler Rake and Chris Hemsworth has definitely put his name in contention for one of the best action stars working today. Dare I say, move over Tom Cruise? Forget Thor as the Extraction franchise is Hemsworth’s signature role. It’s top tier blockbuster material right in your own living room.
The action, stunts, violence, scope, and set pieces are all bigger, louder and badder than the first and I said before that this movie may be the one film that could overthrow John Wick for best action film of the year. Spoiler Alert, and this is coming from a fan that loves John Wick, Extraction 2 does and 2023’s impressive year for action cinema continues.
VERDICT: 5 Out of 5 Stars- Essential
Extraction 2 is bigger, louder and badder than the first and Hemsworth is officially an action god among mortals.
1) JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4 is Action Perfection & Hands Down Contender for Best Film of the Year!
After a long delay, the last salvo in the John Wick franchise (at least for now) has finally assaulted theaters this weekend and the fourth entry in the blockbuster saga is worthy of being called one of, if not the, greatest action movies of all time. From Keanu Reeves returning as the lone wolf assassin John Wick to the stellar supporting cast that includes martial arts action stars Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada and Marko Zaror, Chapter 4 is action nirvana and the reason why us fans worship this genre like a religion. The action set pieces crafted by director Chad Stahelski and the 87Eleven Action Design team are equal to none and each hyper-kinetic sequence is worthy of being a finale in most action films. The John Wick franchise has reinvented the genre and the fourth installment is the most brutal, heartfelt and bone crunching yet.
On this episode of The Action Fix Podcast, I give my thoughts on why this is essential action viewing and why we need more action cinema like John Wick. It’s my 5 Star review of John Wick Chapter 4 on this episode of The Action Fix Podcast. Enjoy!
COMING SOON- BEST OF ACTION CINEMA 2023 ROUND 2!
Round One of the Action-Flix Top Action Films is in the books. Of course, the year isn’t over yet, and we have more adrenaline-charged films yet to come including the long awaited Expend4bles which is my most anticipated movie of the year as well as The Equalizer 3 which just hit theaters that I’m yet to see. Apologies on that one but it’s been hectic with work and the move and I haven’t made it to the movies in a while. Let’s not forget about Zack Snyder’s ambitious film Rebel Moon Part 1 which combines Star Wars with The Magnificent Seven for what looks to be a rousing cinematic experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Before a lot of you cry foul and serve me hate mail, I haven’t forgotten about other best of films like Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, that one will be on round 2 and I have a feeling it will make it to the all-time top 100 for the year so no worries. I’m saving that one for Round 2. Hell, I’m even going against the masses and putting Meg 2 on there as that movie was just plain summer popcorn fun with Statham at his action hero best. Sue me. There’s still a lot more to come when it comes to bullets, fisticuffs, firepower and explosions so buckle up for the rest of 2023 which is assuredly going out with a bang! Lock N Load right here as we are your Action Fix!!!!!
