Yan- 130 Reviews

The Beach (I) (2000)

very enjoyable

[7 December 2004]

I refused to watch this film for so long as it was recommended to me whilst i did an English project about 'lord of the flies', which i strongly disliked. however seeing this film advertised to be on the bbc i decided that i would give it a go (probably because i as bored stiff). The only other thing that turned me away from this film at first was the casting of Leonardo di caprio, i enjoyed his performance in 'basketball diaries' but his other later work on films such as 'titanic' and 'the man in the iron mask' made me think he had out grown his talent and become very wooden. The beach returned my liking of leo, may be he is a talented actor, or may be he is just good at playing absolute nutters. his character was very likable as he descended to madness due to the beach being far to beautiful. And the love interest in francoise (the actress name escapes me) was dealt with impeccably by the writer/director. The actress was both convincing and beautiful, every thing the script asked of her. Although some cgi work with sharks is very poor, to the standard of the 3d jaws film, the director captures tohe moment very well and u cna get passed the weak special effects. the film was very enjoyable as i could relate to the characters, especially when leo comments on the fact when u have a crush everything they do seems interestin, even though it is actually very dull. Robert carlyle is excellent as ever, and so are the rest of the cast. i recommend this to everyone who hasn't seen it, especially if u have any preconceptions stopping u from watching this. 4/5

Road House (1989)

classic 80's action

[5 January 2002]

In an era full of buddy action flicks like lethal weapon and 48hrs, when all hollywood wanted was to keep people entertained, they got it right with this one. The story line seems a mixture of cocktail and commando, with womens favorite Patrick Swayze playing the 'best in the buisness'a cooler. BAsically it has all the main features of the 80's flicks, he kicks some ass, gets the girl and saves the day. But they got a great cast also including sam elliott(as Swayze's mentour, its stylish, cool and full of great fighting, rent it if you havent already done so. A great saturday night film 7-10

Rapid Fire (1992)

**** out of *****

[24 July 2000]

Brandon Lee, late son of legendary martial arts king Bruce Lee is Jake Lo, a college student fighting for his life against the forces of good and evil! The last thing Jake for was trouble. So trouble found him. After witnessing a bloody gangland murder he finds himself on the run and caught in the blazing crossfire between the Chicago police force and mafia butchers. With an inferno of terror all around him Jake has only one chance of survival- to fight back with the only weapon he has left.... his lethal bare hands. Brandon Lee isn't the greatest of actors and this film doesn't have to much of a story line but if your looking for a film with excellent action scenes and thats a good watch then choose this. **** out of *****

End of Days (1999)

Excellent

[23 July 2000]

Arnie can act, the action is buzzing and the story line is quality. The action scenes are mind blowing, the way they have been captures and the visual effects can not be beaten( apart from the matrix) If you like action or clever horrors like Devils advocate give this one a try. Arnie takes a role that hopefully will push him in to more clever action flicks. I'd like to see him in a John Woo film. **** out of *****

Tombstone (1993)

Great, Val Kilmer deserves an oscar!

[23 July 2000]

I don't usually like westerns as it reminds me of all those john wayne things. But this is great. All the cast give polished performances especially Val Kilmer, but Kurt Russel,Billy Zane, Michael Rooker, Michael Biehn and Bill Paxton also shine. Some very memorable lines especially from Doc Holiday(V.Kilmer) Watch it, rewind it and watch again. ***** out of *****

Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)

Not as bad as they say!!!

[29 February 2000]

I like Van Dammes movies and Universal soldier was one of my favorites(along with Blood sport and Hard target). I looked forward to a sequel, but when I saw the reviews, "The worst film I've seen" it also earned it self a average of 3.0(29th of Feb 2000) on this sight. But I had to hire it out, and I was honestly surprised. DON'T watch it unless youv'e seen the first or it will make no sense. It doesn't explain the first story, it only says that Luc(Van Damme) was one of the first uni sols. It then doesn't tell you about the new project, and how Luc became involved, also it says about the main female characture in the first, who is now his wife and is dead, how did she die?

Although it doesn't make much sense it is a good action film with some great fight scenes especially ones with Goldburg, and the final showdown. So make your own decision and watch. entertaining 4/10

Masters of the Universe (1987)

"I have the power!!!!!"

[1 January 2000]

No dont write this off from the start because you could be in for a surprise. I grew up watching the He-man Tv show and I had nearly all of the toys, so at around the age of 7 when it was on Tv. I had it taped and have watched it ever since. Lundgren struggles to lose his accent, which is strong in a few sentances including the one line summary and when he tells Skelator " I don't want innnocent people to die" a good childrens film and an interesting watch

Hard Boiled (1992)

Chow Yun Fat is better than ten Van Damme's

[30 December 1999]

I'm a true fan of all action films, even old B-types like "Army of one" or "wanted dead or alive". But after seeing Face-off I seached to find out about an Asian director. I found that he was a legend and had made other Hollywood films "Hard target" and "Broken Arrow". I enjoyed these so much I had to try his Hong Kong flicks. I looked towards Hard Boiled. It is great there is a thick plot, juicy charactures and a very satisfying ending. Although the film is let down by the Dubbing it still beats all of the Seagal films. It has some very good violent scenes which I enjoyed and Chow Yun Fat is amazing, he truly could hold his place even against the greats(Sly or Arnie)This is one which should definatly not be missed and if you liked the Hong Kong feel look towards "The Killer", if you liked John Woo's trademarks then watch "Face-Off" and if you think that Chow Yun Fat is a God then try "Replacement Killers". 10/10

Universal Soldier (1992)

"I'm all ears!"

[7 November 1999]

This film is great, starring two of the biggest action stars of this millenium! Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. Its even buy the director of Independence Day and Godzilla. So why has nobody seen it? Is it because people think it's just another action/ sci-fi. Its not its full of one liners and martial art scenes. One liners like "I'm all ear's" when Dolph Lundgren is asked to have a word, he lifts up a necklace of ears, Hillarious! 10/10

Bloodsport (1988)

One of Van Damme's finest

[30 October 1999]

I'm a huge fan of "the muscels from Brussel's" and I have to say it's one pf the best. When you watch make sure you look past the acting and to the potential martial art ability of young Jean. Bolo Yeung is great as ever playing the same part in all his films( Evil champion). If you liked any Bruce Lee or Van Damme films check it out. It's got all things a kung fu film should have.... Lots of fight scene's, Brutal kiling's and a cheesey ending. 8.5/10