I went to the cinema to see EXISTENZ, but my train was late, so when I got there, this was the only film that hadn't yet started - so I went into the cinema having no clue as to what to expect...
Film snobs will probably turn their noses up at this film - but I thoroughly enjoyed it - and that's coming from someone who usually hates Van Damme films!
Whilst the recent Hollywood movies directed by or starring the leading names from Hong Kong cinema - John Woo, Ringo Lam, Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat, have been rather inept, watered down KNOCK OFF's of their oriental predecessors - this film works as it is still, in essence a Hong Kong Action movie, - just one that happens to feature a largely Western cast.
It has little of the usual Van Damme hallmarks - with far less emphasis on the usual high circular kicks, and low sliding punches - the action scenes instead work on brilliant cinematography, good use of slow motion, and post martial-arts gunfighting. It's no THE KILLER by a long shot, but still a competent action movie, and perhaps the first Hollywood film to successfully marry the US and Oriental styles of movie action.
The plot is rather daft, and at times rather confusing - whilst this does let the film down - the alternative would have been to let too much story get in the way of what is primarily an action film.
If you're looking for a film to get out the Oscars for, then you'll be solely disappointed - but KNOCK OFF is an entertaining film to unwind in front of after a busy day. 7/10
Simon
Film snobs will probably turn their noses up at this film - but I thoroughly enjoyed it - and that's coming from someone who usually hates Van Damme films!
Whilst the recent Hollywood movies directed by or starring the leading names from Hong Kong cinema - John Woo, Ringo Lam, Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat, have been rather inept, watered down KNOCK OFF's of their oriental predecessors - this film works as it is still, in essence a Hong Kong Action movie, - just one that happens to feature a largely Western cast.
It has little of the usual Van Damme hallmarks - with far less emphasis on the usual high circular kicks, and low sliding punches - the action scenes instead work on brilliant cinematography, good use of slow motion, and post martial-arts gunfighting. It's no THE KILLER by a long shot, but still a competent action movie, and perhaps the first Hollywood film to successfully marry the US and Oriental styles of movie action.
The plot is rather daft, and at times rather confusing - whilst this does let the film down - the alternative would have been to let too much story get in the way of what is primarily an action film.
If you're looking for a film to get out the Oscars for, then you'll be solely disappointed - but KNOCK OFF is an entertaining film to unwind in front of after a busy day. 7/10
Simon