Sony got the rights to distribute this Indonesian martial-arts film back in March. I tried to catch a screening of it based on the trailer alone...
Enticing, no?
...but, unfortunately, I had to bail on seeing the film on the big screen and just wait until its DVD release. Well, I finally got to see it this past week (at least back when I started writing this eons ago) and it was well worth the wait.
It's been a while since I can remember a decent action/martial-arts movie being released. (Note: I did get a chance to see Expendables 2 not too long ago and it's a steaming pile of poop. I know everyone's seeing it for its ensemble cast - that's why I went - but its poor acting and poor action sequences by actors who are getting too feeble to throw a decent punch just ruins it. The only actors who still hold their own are Jason Statham and Liam Helmsworth... and they kill him off in the first act. Whops? Already ruined the movie for you. Good.) We see a lot of action and super heroes films, but rarely are we treated to some solid martial-arts. No CGI. Just trained actors who really know how to throw a punch... or more importantly, take one.
The plot is fairly simple. An elite police squad arrives at this apartment building that's home to some of the toughest criminals in the city. Their goal: to sneak in at dawn and take down the crime syndicate in one fell swoop. Everything starts smoothly. They break into the compound unnoticed, ascending each floor, getting closer to taking out the crime lord stationed at the top. On the sixth floor, a child notices them and alerts the building of the police invasion. After that, hordes of thugs descend upon them, blocking off the fifth floor, sealing them into the building. Soon hearing from the police commander that this mission is not sanctioned by the city and that no back-up will be provided, the squad learns that they must fight their way up through each level to not only bring down the crime syndicate, but to keep themselves alive.
The fighting in this flick is outstanding. (Once again, just refer to the trailer if you need a taste.) Not too long after the cops get trapped in the middle of the building, they are forced to abandon their weapons - or maybe they just run out of bullets? Regardless, from that point on, guns are removed from the equation leaving everyone to fist-to-fist combat. And this isn't some clean fight. It's blood and gore galore. The final battle is this 2 vs 1 that is just great to watch - if you're already into this kind of thing. Anywho... if you need a martial-arts fix, get it here.
PS - Sorry this entry took so long to post, but finally made it out to Chicago.
PPS - I'm coming home next week (9/26 - 9/29) for anyone that's available to hang out.
PPPS - I'm also engaged... couldn't wait till Halloween. Latronyx.
The plot is fairly simple. An elite police squad arrives at this apartment building that's home to some of the toughest criminals in the city. Their goal: to sneak in at dawn and take down the crime syndicate in one fell swoop. Everything starts smoothly. They break into the compound unnoticed, ascending each floor, getting closer to taking out the crime lord stationed at the top. On the sixth floor, a child notices them and alerts the building of the police invasion. After that, hordes of thugs descend upon them, blocking off the fifth floor, sealing them into the building. Soon hearing from the police commander that this mission is not sanctioned by the city and that no back-up will be provided, the squad learns that they must fight their way up through each level to not only bring down the crime syndicate, but to keep themselves alive.
The fighting in this flick is outstanding. (Once again, just refer to the trailer if you need a taste.) Not too long after the cops get trapped in the middle of the building, they are forced to abandon their weapons - or maybe they just run out of bullets? Regardless, from that point on, guns are removed from the equation leaving everyone to fist-to-fist combat. And this isn't some clean fight. It's blood and gore galore. The final battle is this 2 vs 1 that is just great to watch - if you're already into this kind of thing. Anywho... if you need a martial-arts fix, get it here.
PS - Sorry this entry took so long to post, but finally made it out to Chicago.
PPS - I'm coming home next week (9/26 - 9/29) for anyone that's available to hang out.
PPPS - I'm also engaged... couldn't wait till Halloween. Latronyx.
Congrats on Chicago and congrats on the engagement. THIS CALLS FOR CELEBRATION. Unfortunately I will be out of town for the three to four days you are in it! I'll catch you next time bud.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't get married next October.