Tzi-Ma Movie Reviews
VHS movie reviews for "Tzi-Ma" sorted by average review score:
Forgotten
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Home Video (19 April, 1990)
Average review score: 
Action, supenseThis film is typical of the usual action dramas but is a cut above most because of the acting of the main characters. Yes, the theme is a bit far-fetcher, perhaps, but it is a good romp and keeps you intersted right up to the rather ambiguous ending. Performances by Keith Carradine and Steve Railsback are excellent, but I have a prejudice as a Railsback fan. Stacy Keach is a great villain, you love to hate him. Some scenes of torture are graphic but fleeting and are necessary to background. Not for the kids.
Rush Hour
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (02 September, 2003)
Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
The plotline may sound familiar: Two mismatched cops are assigned as reluctant partners to solve a crime. Culturally they are complete opposites, and they quickly realize they can't stand each other. One (Jackie Chan) believes in doing things by the book. He is a man with integrity and nerves of steel. The other (Chris Tucker) is an amiable rebel who can't stand authority figures. He's a man who has to do everything on his own, much to the displeasure of his superior officer, who in turn thinks this cop is a loose cannon but tolerates him because he gets the job done. Directed by Brett Ratner, Rush Hour doesn't break any new ground in terms of story, stunts, or direction. It rehashes just about every "buddy" movie ever made--in fact, it makes films such as Tango and Cash seem utterly original and clever by comparison. So, why did this uninspired movie make over $120 million at the box office? Was the whole world suffering from temporary insanity? Hardly. The explanation for the success of Rush Hour is quite simple: chemistry. The casting of veteran action maestro Jackie Chan with the charming and often hilarious Chris Tucker was a serendipitous stroke of genius. Fans of Jackie Chan may be slightly disappointed by the lack of action set pieces that emphasize his kung-fu craft. On the other hand, those who know the history of this seasoned Hong Kong actor will be able to appreciate that Rush Hour was the mainstream breakthrough that Chan had deserved for years. Coupled with the charismatic scene-stealer Tucker, Chan gets to flex his comic muscles to great effect. From their first scenes together to the trademark Chan outtakes during the end credits, their ability to play off of one another is a joy to behold, and this mischievous interaction is what saves the film from slipping into the depths of pitiful mediocrity. --Jeremy Storey
Average review score: 
Tuckers finest hour, Jackie can do so much more.The buddy movie has been done a hundred times and although Lethal Weapon still holds the crown its time has passed. As Chris Tucker says, he and Jackie are the team of the nineties. The chemistry between Tucker and Chan is great. Tucker excels as 'the new Eddie Murphy' and Chan, well Jackie Chan is just one of a kind. Although it is no match for his Honk Kong movies (Police Story 1&2, Project A, Drunken Master 2, Wheels on Meals etc.) Rush Hour is the best Hollywood flick JC has made. And it is a breath of fresh air following the appalling Rumble In The Bronx. If only Hollywood would realise how much talent he has and let him make a proper Jackie Chan movie with their money. I can't wait for the sequel. Also watch out for the behind the scenes footage of Jackie choreographing a fight scene, it's better than the film itself.
SpectacularRush Hour starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan is the new breed of all action packed and humorous police films. This film will keep you laughing from start to finish. Chris Tucker is too funny for words and Jackie Chan still has the quickest hands of any martial artist I have ever seen-other than the great Bruce Lee. It is a great story of how two cops from two different worlds and with two completely different personalities join up under the premise of steering clear of an FBI investigation involving the kidnapping of a Chinese dignitary's daughter. Of course, Detective Carter (Tucker) eventually fails in his attempt to keep Inspector Lee (Chan) out of the investigation. The two, however, ultimately bond and join forces to crack the kidnapping case without the help of the FBI. Rush Hour is full of explosive action and comic wit. I especially enjoy the feature on this DVD that allows the viewer to see those scenes that were deleted from the film and the feature that allows you to jump to a particular scene. Rush Hour is a must have for all movie lovers. Kudos!!
What huh yeah!This movie is so funny! i cracked up when i first saw the movie i like that song in the movie that says what huh yeah! what is it good for!
Rush Hour
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (02 September, 2003)
Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
The plotline may sound familiar: Two mismatched cops are assigned as reluctant partners to solve a crime. Culturally they are complete opposites, and they quickly realize they can't stand each other. One (Jackie Chan) believes in doing things by the book. He is a man with integrity and nerves of steel. The other (Chris Tucker) is an amiable rebel who can't stand authority figures. He's a man who has to do everything on his own, much to the displeasure of his superior officer, who in turn thinks this cop is a loose cannon but tolerates him because he gets the job done. Directed by Brett Ratner, Rush Hour doesn't break any new ground in terms of story, stunts, or direction. It rehashes just about every "buddy" movie ever made--in fact, it makes films such as Tango and Cash seem utterly original and clever by comparison. So, why did this uninspired movie make over $120 million at the box office? Was the whole world suffering from temporary insanity? Hardly. The explanation for the success of Rush Hour is quite simple: chemistry. The casting of veteran action maestro Jackie Chan with the charming and often hilarious Chris Tucker was a serendipitous stroke of genius. Fans of Jackie Chan may be slightly disappointed by the lack of action set pieces that emphasize his kung-fu craft. On the other hand, those who know the history of this seasoned Hong Kong actor will be able to appreciate that Rush Hour was the mainstream breakthrough that Chan had deserved for years. Coupled with the charismatic scene-stealer Tucker, Chan gets to flex his comic muscles to great effect. From their first scenes together to the trademark Chan outtakes during the end credits, their ability to play off of one another is a joy to behold, and this mischievous interaction is what saves the film from slipping into the depths of pitiful mediocrity. --Jeremy Storey
Average review score:
Tuckers finest hour, Jackie can do so much more.The buddy movie has been done a hundred times and although Lethal Weapon still holds the crown its time has passed. As Chris Tucker says, he and Jackie are the team of the nineties. The chemistry between Tucker and Chan is great. Tucker excels as 'the new Eddie Murphy' and Chan, well Jackie Chan is just one of a kind. Although it is no match for his Honk Kong movies (Police Story 1&2, Project A, Drunken Master 2, Wheels on Meals etc.) Rush Hour is the best Hollywood flick JC has made. And it is a breath of fresh air following the appalling Rumble In The Bronx. If only Hollywood would realise how much talent he has and let him make a proper Jackie Chan movie with their money. I can't wait for the sequel. Also watch out for the behind the scenes footage of Jackie choreographing a fight scene, it's better than the film itself.
SpectacularRush Hour starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan is the new breed of all action packed and humorous police films. This film will keep you laughing from start to finish. Chris Tucker is too funny for words and Jackie Chan still has the quickest hands of any martial artist I have ever seen-other than the great Bruce Lee. It is a great story of how two cops from two different worlds and with two completely different personalities join up under the premise of steering clear of an FBI investigation involving the kidnapping of a Chinese dignitary's daughter. Of course, Detective Carter (Tucker) eventually fails in his attempt to keep Inspector Lee (Chan) out of the investigation. The two, however, ultimately bond and join forces to crack the kidnapping case without the help of the FBI. Rush Hour is full of explosive action and comic wit. I especially enjoy the feature on this DVD that allows the viewer to see those scenes that were deleted from the film and the feature that allows you to jump to a particular scene. Rush Hour is a must have for all movie lovers. Kudos!!
What huh yeah!This movie is so funny! i cracked up when i first saw the movie i like that song in the movie that says what huh yeah! what is it good for!
Rush Hour (Widescreen Edition)
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (02 September, 2003)
Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker
The plotline may sound familiar: Two mismatched cops are assigned as reluctant partners to solve a crime. Culturally they are complete opposites, and they quickly realize they can't stand each other. One (Jackie Chan) believes in doing things by the book. He is a man with integrity and nerves of steel. The other (Chris Tucker) is an amiable rebel who can't stand authority figures. He's a man who has to do everything on his own, much to the displeasure of his superior officer, who in turn thinks this cop is a loose cannon but tolerates him because he gets the job done. Directed by Brett Ratner, Rush Hour doesn't break any new ground in terms of story, stunts, or direction. It rehashes just about every "buddy" movie ever made--in fact, it makes films such as Tango and Cash seem utterly original and clever by comparison. So, why did this uninspired movie make over $120 million at the box office? Was the whole world suffering from temporary insanity? Hardly. The explanation for the success of Rush Hour is quite simple: chemistry. The casting of veteran action maestro Jackie Chan with the charming and often hilarious Chris Tucker was a serendipitous stroke of genius. Fans of Jackie Chan may be slightly disappointed by the lack of action set pieces that emphasize his kung-fu craft. On the other hand, those who know the history of this seasoned Hong Kong actor will be able to appreciate that Rush Hour was the mainstream breakthrough that Chan had deserved for years. Coupled with the charismatic scene-stealer Tucker, Chan gets to flex his comic muscles to great effect. From their first scenes together to the trademark Chan outtakes during the end credits, their ability to play off of one another is a joy to behold, and this mischievous interaction is what saves the film from slipping into the depths of pitiful mediocrity. --Jeremy Storey
Average review score:
Tuckers finest hour, Jackie can do so much more.The buddy movie has been done a hundred times and although Lethal Weapon still holds the crown its time has passed. As Chris Tucker says, he and Jackie are the team of the nineties. The chemistry between Tucker and Chan is great. Tucker excels as 'the new Eddie Murphy' and Chan, well Jackie Chan is just one of a kind. Although it is no match for his Honk Kong movies (Police Story 1&2, Project A, Drunken Master 2, Wheels on Meals etc.) Rush Hour is the best Hollywood flick JC has made. And it is a breath of fresh air following the appalling Rumble In The Bronx. If only Hollywood would realise how much talent he has and let him make a proper Jackie Chan movie with their money. I can't wait for the sequel. Also watch out for the behind the scenes footage of Jackie choreographing a fight scene, it's better than the film itself.
SpectacularRush Hour starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan is the new breed of all action packed and humorous police films. This film will keep you laughing from start to finish. Chris Tucker is too funny for words and Jackie Chan still has the quickest hands of any martial artist I have ever seen-other than the great Bruce Lee. It is a great story of how two cops from two different worlds and with two completely different personalities join up under the premise of steering clear of an FBI investigation involving the kidnapping of a Chinese dignitary's daughter. Of course, Detective Carter (Tucker) eventually fails in his attempt to keep Inspector Lee (Chan) out of the investigation. The two, however, ultimately bond and join forces to crack the kidnapping case without the help of the FBI. Rush Hour is full of explosive action and comic wit. I especially enjoy the feature on this DVD that allows the viewer to see those scenes that were deleted from the film and the feature that allows you to jump to a particular scene. Rush Hour is a must have for all movie lovers. Kudos!!
What huh yeah!This movie is so funny! i cracked up when i first saw the movie i like that song in the movie that says what huh yeah! what is it good for!
Catfish in Black Bean Sauce
Released in VHS Tape by First Look Pictures (22 July, 2003)
Average review score:
A Blended Family Story and Sanaa Lathan...
Catfish is a delightful independent film that allows its audience to experience both emotional extremes from laughter to tears. The story is about a childless African American couple (Harold and Delores Williams) who have adopted and successfully reared two ...
Each character of the movie is poignantly forced to reexamine their own identity as well as his / her heartstring relationships with others ...
Choi as director somewhat effectively uses flash backs to the past and imaginary images of the future to bring us the audience into what is going on in his head. A weird comedic subplot is somewhat developed between Dwayne and his roommate who is dating a ... Overall I must say that the movie was worth the [$$] I paid. I didn't get bored or go to sleep even though the audience consisted of me and one other person... 3 1/2 stars out of 5...
Well Worth the Time and MoneyI watched this movie first on Blackstars Network, the title really caught my attention. It turned out to be the best movie about real family life that I have seen. I have recommended it to everyone I know and they all have agreed that it's a great movie. We don't get many independent movies here in this small southern city, so I had never even heard of the film. Thank you cable T.V.. I will continue to look for more movies from this very talented young man and all the cast members.
Great movieI wish more people knew of this fantastic movie. It's funny, poignant, brilliantly cast and too wonderful to be discounted. A rare winner.
The Quiet American
Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (03 February, 2004)
Starring: Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, and Do Thi Hai Yen
The Quiet American proves that elegant and intelligent filmmaking can be emotionally powerful. Michael Caine plays Thomas Fowler, a British journalist in 1950s Vietnam with a lovely Vietnamese mistress named Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen) and a jaded view of the political strife teeming around him. He befriends a seemingly innocuous American named Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), who falls in love with Phuong--and slowly, Pyle's real purpose in Vietnam becomes revealed. Fowler finds that, to hold on to the carefully balanced life he's created for himself, he must make choices he's long avoided. Caine and Fraser are both superb and give a human face to complicated politics; as a result, The Quiet American manages to be compelling as both history and a story about very specific people embroiled in a very personal conflict. An impressive film from director Philip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence, Patriot Games). --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:
Caine Shines in a Mediocre MovieThis 2002 film version of Graham Greene's novel "The Quiet American" got its fair share of controversy by employing a topic politically not correct enough in a post 9/11 era -- America's involvement in Vietnam. In fact, the belated release helped the movie to garner more audience (and favour), which was good for it, as the transition from book to screen could be more successful. However, Michael Caine (nominated for Oscar) proves once again he still ranks among top actors around, giving a full-circle performance of British journalist Thomas Fowler who covers hectic weeks of 1950's clashes in Vietnam. He strikes an unusual friendship with American Alden Pyle (played by typically clumsy Brendan Fraser) and by the time the cards between the two are finally on the table, Pyle is head over heels in love with Fowler's lover, a beautiful Vietnamese Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen). The later developments concern deeply political, business, and even marital and psychological matters. It's maybe too a complex mosaic to cover, which ultimately makes the film rather forgettable. The movie is potent in conveying just about everything it wants to, but mostly it only skims the surface. The potential of the novel is thus not fully realised, perhaps also due to the fact that Caine's acting outshines the rest of the cast.
At the edge of the abyssCrackling with tension from the opening scenes, this is an outstanding film. Noyce's team responds brilliantly to his direction in this tight drama about pre-American Viet Nam. The film captures the nature of the changing struggle as the almost invisible Viet Minh probe Saigon's defenses. The French, clearly floundering, are minimally represented. The war, the politics, the corruption are merely background to this story of desperate love. Yet all those subdued elements intrude on the three protagonists who must react to them. Love and war are a common theme in many films, but are brought together in this one with uncommon sensitivity. The Viet Nam conflict nearly tore America apart in later years. The time for this film is long past, but the way Noyce has adapted Greene's novel makes it enduring and pertinent today.
Michael Caine, as the indifferent British journalist, provides his paramount performance. A superb actor in all his roles, with this one he assumes status among the very best. Given the power of his presence in this film, it might be expected that Brendan Fraser be overshadowed. Yet this rather bumbling character from The Mummy assumes a more confident stance. As the American intruder on both Caine's own love affair and the struggle to restrain the Communist forces, he fulfills the role with unexpected polish. Do Thi Hai Yen, the woman caught up in both the political and personal conflicts, applies a tender counterpoint to the many levels of strife displayed elsewhere in the film. Noyce's use of close-up in many scenes heightens feeling while keeping the characters as the film's focus.
Greene's novel demonstrated how Viet Nam might become a morass of misdirected action. It was, he predicted, not a place for the clumsy. Fraser's role illuminates how prescient Greene was in the book. The withholding of this film by the studio was an error. Noyce's direction is flawless as he portrays the languid journalist becoming alert as he senses Fraser's presence is more than circumstantial. His boldly asserted simple-minded faith in America's ability to solve geopolitical issues by brute-force presence is a message that should have been heeded when the book was published. Hopefully, this film will again confront viewers with that clear message. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
A Superb Film & A Gripping Performance By Michael Caine!Rarely does a novel translate well into a screen production. "The Quiet American" proves to be the exception to the rule. Philip Noyce and his team have brilliantly adapted Graham Greene's historical novel about Vietnam, during the waning days of French colonialism and the beginning of American intervention, into a powerful film. The book was published in 1955 and foreshadowed America's war in Vietnam. Kudos go to Michael Caine, who certainly deserves an Oscar for his spectacular performance.
The movie is set in Saigon during 1952. Thomas Fowler, (Michael Caine), a cynical, veteran correspondent for The London Times is our narrator. Fowler has "gone native." He has fallen in love with Vietnam and with Phoung, a one-time bar hostess who is young enough to be his daughter. Enter Alden Pyle, (Brendan Fraser), a seemingly innocuous, somewhat bumbling American who supposedly works for the US Economic Aid Mission, specializing in eye diseases. The two men meet and become friends until Pyle intrudes on Fowler's love affair.
Tension builds as this triangle becomes more intense, and as the war between the French and the Communists is joined by a third party, a Vietnamese general, backed by the Americans. Fowler, who has long remained indifferent to the conflict is finally forced to take sides. Pyle is drastically transformed from a "quiet" American to a skilled CIA operator, willing to condone the deaths of innocents for long term political interests.
This is an intensely passionate film. The love both Fowler and Pyle feel for Phuong, (played by the incredibly lovely Do Thi Hai Yen) transforms both men. In one scene, when Fowler realizes his potential loss, he says, "The fear of losing Phoung is more terrifying than any bullet. If I lose her, it would be the beginning of death." And it is a film passionate about the war being fought on the streets of Saigon and in the villages. Director Noyce is able to portray the conflict in simple enough terms without taking a strong political stance. This film is anti-war not anti-American.
Graham Greene's haunting and elegant narrative comes to life here. The photography eloquently captures the steamy beauty of Saigon, the glorious tropical countryside, the serenity of Phoung's face in close-up, the chaos of a bomb-torn street and the horror of a village massacre. One of the best films I have seen in a long time. Highly recommended!
JANA
The Quiet American
Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (29 July, 2003)
Starring: Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, and Do Thi Hai Yen
The Quiet American proves that elegant and intelligent filmmaking can be emotionally powerful. Michael Caine plays Thomas Fowler, a British journalist in 1950s Vietnam with a lovely Vietnamese mistress named Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen) and a jaded view of the political strife teeming around him. He befriends a seemingly innocuous American named Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), who falls in love with Phuong--and slowly, Pyle's real purpose in Vietnam becomes revealed. Fowler finds that, to hold on to the carefully balanced life he's created for himself, he must make choices he's long avoided. Caine and Fraser are both superb and give a human face to complicated politics; as a result, The Quiet American manages to be compelling as both history and a story about very specific people embroiled in a very personal conflict. An impressive film from director Philip Noyce (Rabbit-Proof Fence, Patriot Games). --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:
Caine Shines in a Mediocre MovieThis 2002 film version of Graham Greene's novel "The Quiet American" got its fair share of controversy by employing a topic politically not correct enough in a post 9/11 era -- America's involvement in Vietnam. In fact, the belated release helped the movie to garner more audience (and favour), which was good for it, as the transition from book to screen could be more successful. However, Michael Caine (nominated for Oscar) proves once again he still ranks among top actors around, giving a full-circle performance of British journalist Thomas Fowler who covers hectic weeks of 1950's clashes in Vietnam. He strikes an unusual friendship with American Alden Pyle (played by typically clumsy Brendan Fraser) and by the time the cards between the two are finally on the table, Pyle is head over heels in love with Fowler's lover, a beautiful Vietnamese Phuong (Do Thi Hai Yen). The later developments concern deeply political, business, and even marital and psychological matters. It's maybe too a complex mosaic to cover, which ultimately makes the film rather forgettable. The movie is potent in conveying just about everything it wants to, but mostly it only skims the surface. The potential of the novel is thus not fully realised, perhaps also due to the fact that Caine's acting outshines the rest of the cast.
At the edge of the abyssCrackling with tension from the opening scenes, this is an outstanding film. Noyce's team responds brilliantly to his direction in this tight drama about pre-American Viet Nam. The film captures the nature of the changing struggle as the almost invisible Viet Minh probe Saigon's defenses. The French, clearly floundering, are minimally represented. The war, the politics, the corruption are merely background to this story of desperate love. Yet all those subdued elements intrude on the three protagonists who must react to them. Love and war are a common theme in many films, but are brought together in this one with uncommon sensitivity. The Viet Nam conflict nearly tore America apart in later years. The time for this film is long past, but the way Noyce has adapted Greene's novel makes it enduring and pertinent today.
Michael Caine, as the indifferent British journalist, provides his paramount performance. A superb actor in all his roles, with this one he assumes status among the very best. Given the power of his presence in this film, it might be expected that Brendan Fraser be overshadowed. Yet this rather bumbling character from The Mummy assumes a more confident stance. As the American intruder on both Caine's own love affair and the struggle to restrain the Communist forces, he fulfills the role with unexpected polish. Do Thi Hai Yen, the woman caught up in both the political and personal conflicts, applies a tender counterpoint to the many levels of strife displayed elsewhere in the film. Noyce's use of close-up in many scenes heightens feeling while keeping the characters as the film's focus.
Greene's novel demonstrated how Viet Nam might become a morass of misdirected action. It was, he predicted, not a place for the clumsy. Fraser's role illuminates how prescient Greene was in the book. The withholding of this film by the studio was an error. Noyce's direction is flawless as he portrays the languid journalist becoming alert as he senses Fraser's presence is more than circumstantial. His boldly asserted simple-minded faith in America's ability to solve geopolitical issues by brute-force presence is a message that should have been heeded when the book was published. Hopefully, this film will again confront viewers with that clear message. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
A Superb Film & A Gripping Performance By Michael Caine!Rarely does a novel translate well into a screen production. "The Quiet American" proves to be the exception to the rule. Philip Noyce and his team have brilliantly adapted Graham Greene's historical novel about Vietnam, during the waning days of French colonialism and the beginning of American intervention, into a powerful film. The book was published in 1955 and foreshadowed America's war in Vietnam. Kudos go to Michael Caine, who certainly deserves an Oscar for his spectacular performance.
The movie is set in Saigon during 1952. Thomas Fowler, (Michael Caine), a cynical, veteran correspondent for The London Times is our narrator. Fowler has "gone native." He has fallen in love with Vietnam and with Phoung, a one-time bar hostess who is young enough to be his daughter. Enter Alden Pyle, (Brendan Fraser), a seemingly innocuous, somewhat bumbling American who supposedly works for the US Economic Aid Mission, specializing in eye diseases. The two men meet and become friends until Pyle intrudes on Fowler's love affair.
Tension builds as this triangle becomes more intense, and as the war between the French and the Communists is joined by a third party, a Vietnamese general, backed by the Americans. Fowler, who has long remained indifferent to the conflict is finally forced to take sides. Pyle is drastically transformed from a "quiet" American to a skilled CIA operator, willing to condone the deaths of innocents for long term political interests.
This is an intensely passionate film. The love both Fowler and Pyle feel for Phuong, (played by the incredibly lovely Do Thi Hai Yen) transforms both men. In one scene, when Fowler realizes his potential loss, he says, "The fear of losing Phoung is more terrifying than any bullet. If I lose her, it would be the beginning of death." And it is a film passionate about the war being fought on the streets of Saigon and in the villages. Director Noyce is able to portray the conflict in simple enough terms without taking a strong political stance. This film is anti-war not anti-American.
Graham Greene's haunting and elegant narrative comes to life here. The photography eloquently captures the steamy beauty of Saigon, the glorious tropical countryside, the serenity of Phoung's face in close-up, the chaos of a bomb-torn street and the horror of a village massacre. One of the best films I have seen in a long time. Highly recommended!
JANA
Rapid Fire
Released in VHS Tape by Twentieth Century Fox (02 April, 2002)
Starring: Brandon Lee and Powers Boothe
Brandon Lee’s penultimate picture isn’t much on paper--a dour college kid, bitter over his activist father’s death in Tiananmen Square, is targeted by a Chicago mobster after witnessing a gangland killing and reluctantly joins forces with brooding, obsessed cop Powers Boothe--but then who was watching this for the story? Consider this his screen test for the superior The Crow. Lee bites off bad dialogue with surly sneers, swaggers through scenes with the confidence of a movie veteran, and moves... well, his moves are the real reason to see the film. Nick Mancuso has a good time as the weasely mobster getting sloppy in his desperation, and Powers plays the father figure with less conviction than sheer tenacity, but Brandon Lee is the star-in-the-making of this production. This, unfortunately, is no star vehicle, but it provides enough bone-crunching, butt-kicking martial arts action for any action junkie. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:
Lee blazes!!!Lee blazes and fights away in this sometimes good action movie but Lee is the glue that holds this up...remember the fridge part in the movie..yeah, yeah....though Lee sprouts some crappy dialouge you just cant get enough of his beautiful baby face..yes I said that...I highly recommened THE CROW because its his best and last work ever..though if you rent SHOWDOWN IN LITTLE TOKYO starring him and oppisite sucky Doplh Lundgren..somethings wrong with you
Among the martial arts/action eliteNo matter how many times I watch this movie, it never seems to get old. Combining elements of American action shoot 'em ups with the chop-socky combat of the Hong Kong martial arts genre, "Rapid Fire" seems bent on squeezing as many action sequences as possible into its brisk 90-minute running time. However, in between fight scenes, the writers and director actually take time for little things like plot and character development, which are too often lacking in martial arts flicks (can you say Steven Seagal)? The main characters, Brandon Lee's reluctant crime fighter and Powers Boothe's grizzled cop, actually have some beliefs and internal conflicts that motivate their actions. And on top of that, there are some actors in this movie who can actually act! In the action department, the fight scenes are extremely well done, devoid of camera tricks, multiple angles, fancing directing, or any other gimmicks that distract from the fight scenes themselves. It seems the makers of this film knew what they had in Brandon Lee and let him and the other actors carry the action on their own, a decision that definitely paid off. Highly recommended for those who want a little brains to go with their action.
Brandon Lee is truly the best martial artist of the 90s'!In this movie,Lee shines throughout as Jake Lo,an college student who witness a brutal mob hit and is targeted by a tauting mob boss and is helped by Ray(well performed by Powers Boothe)and his sexy,femme-fatale partner(the ever lovely Kate Hodges)Jake fights the mob with his martial arts knowledge.Brandon Lee shows why he is the best there ever was(even better than Van Damme or Seagal).It's too damn bad his life got cut short cause I believed he could have stolen many of Van Damme and Seagal's roles for those movies.A+!
Rapid Fire
Released in VHS Tape by Fox Home Entertainme (02 April, 2002)
Starring: Brandon Lee and Powers Boothe
Brandon Lee’s penultimate picture isn’t much on paper--a dour college kid, bitter over his activist father’s death in Tiananmen Square, is targeted by a Chicago mobster after witnessing a gangland killing and reluctantly joins forces with brooding, obsessed cop Powers Boothe--but then who was watching this for the story? Consider this his screen test for the superior The Crow. Lee bites off bad dialogue with surly sneers, swaggers through scenes with the confidence of a movie veteran, and moves... well, his moves are the real reason to see the film. Nick Mancuso has a good time as the weasely mobster getting sloppy in his desperation, and Powers plays the father figure with less conviction than sheer tenacity, but Brandon Lee is the star-in-the-making of this production. This, unfortunately, is no star vehicle, but it provides enough bone-crunching, butt-kicking martial arts action for any action junkie. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:
Lee blazes!!!Lee blazes and fights away in this sometimes good action movie but Lee is the glue that holds this up...remember the fridge part in the movie..yeah, yeah....though Lee sprouts some crappy dialouge you just cant get enough of his beautiful baby face..yes I said that...I highly recommened THE CROW because its his best and last work ever..though if you rent SHOWDOWN IN LITTLE TOKYO starring him and oppisite sucky Doplh Lundgren..somethings wrong with you
Among the martial arts/action eliteNo matter how many times I watch this movie, it never seems to get old. Combining elements of American action shoot 'em ups with the chop-socky combat of the Hong Kong martial arts genre, "Rapid Fire" seems bent on squeezing as many action sequences as possible into its brisk 90-minute running time. However, in between fight scenes, the writers and director actually take time for little things like plot and character development, which are too often lacking in martial arts flicks (can you say Steven Seagal)? The main characters, Brandon Lee's reluctant crime fighter and Powers Boothe's grizzled cop, actually have some beliefs and internal conflicts that motivate their actions. And on top of that, there are some actors in this movie who can actually act! In the action department, the fight scenes are extremely well done, devoid of camera tricks, multiple angles, fancing directing, or any other gimmicks that distract from the fight scenes themselves. It seems the makers of this film knew what they had in Brandon Lee and let him and the other actors carry the action on their own, a decision that definitely paid off. Highly recommended for those who want a little brains to go with their action.
Brandon Lee is truly the best martial artist of the 90s'!In this movie,Lee shines throughout as Jake Lo,an college student who witness a brutal mob hit and is targeted by a tauting mob boss and is helped by Ray(well performed by Powers Boothe)and his sexy,femme-fatale partner(the ever lovely Kate Hodges)Jake fights the mob with his martial arts knowledge.Brandon Lee shows why he is the best there ever was(even better than Van Damme or Seagal).It's too damn bad his life got cut short cause I believed he could have stolen many of Van Damme and Seagal's roles for those movies.A+!
Rapid Fire
Released in VHS Tape by Fox Home Entertainme (15 April, 2003)
Starring: Brandon Lee and Powers Boothe
Brandon Lee’s penultimate picture isn’t much on paper--a dour college kid, bitter over his activist father’s death in Tiananmen Square, is targeted by a Chicago mobster after witnessing a gangland killing and reluctantly joins forces with brooding, obsessed cop Powers Boothe--but then who was watching this for the story? Consider this his screen test for the superior The Crow. Lee bites off bad dialogue with surly sneers, swaggers through scenes with the confidence of a movie veteran, and moves... well, his moves are the real reason to see the film. Nick Mancuso has a good time as the weasely mobster getting sloppy in his desperation, and Powers plays the father figure with less conviction than sheer tenacity, but Brandon Lee is the star-in-the-making of this production. This, unfortunately, is no star vehicle, but it provides enough bone-crunching, butt-kicking martial arts action for any action junkie. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:
Lee blazes!!!Lee blazes and fights away in this sometimes good action movie but Lee is the glue that holds this up...remember the fridge part in the movie..yeah, yeah....though Lee sprouts some crappy dialouge you just cant get enough of his beautiful baby face..yes I said that...I highly recommened THE CROW because its his best and last work ever..though if you rent SHOWDOWN IN LITTLE TOKYO starring him and oppisite sucky Doplh Lundgren..somethings wrong with you
Among the martial arts/action eliteNo matter how many times I watch this movie, it never seems to get old. Combining elements of American action shoot 'em ups with the chop-socky combat of the Hong Kong martial arts genre, "Rapid Fire" seems bent on squeezing as many action sequences as possible into its brisk 90-minute running time. However, in between fight scenes, the writers and director actually take time for little things like plot and character development, which are too often lacking in martial arts flicks (can you say Steven Seagal)? The main characters, Brandon Lee's reluctant crime fighter and Powers Boothe's grizzled cop, actually have some beliefs and internal conflicts that motivate their actions. And on top of that, there are some actors in this movie who can actually act! In the action department, the fight scenes are extremely well done, devoid of camera tricks, multiple angles, fancing directing, or any other gimmicks that distract from the fight scenes themselves. It seems the makers of this film knew what they had in Brandon Lee and let him and the other actors carry the action on their own, a decision that definitely paid off. Highly recommended for those who want a little brains to go with their action.
Brandon Lee is truly the best martial artist of the 90s'!In this movie,Lee shines throughout as Jake Lo,an college student who witness a brutal mob hit and is targeted by a tauting mob boss and is helped by Ray(well performed by Powers Boothe)and his sexy,femme-fatale partner(the ever lovely Kate Hodges)Jake fights the mob with his martial arts knowledge.Brandon Lee shows why he is the best there ever was(even better than Van Damme or Seagal).It's too damn bad his life got cut short cause I believed he could have stolen many of Van Damme and Seagal's roles for those movies.A+!