Conan_The_Barbarian

While not Jet Li's best effort, Black Mask is a decent, fast paced action flick which has its merits.

The incredible martial arts sequences are definitely the best part of the film. Lots of punches, kicks and spectacular aerial displays take up the bulk of the film and are a treat to look at. Combined this with the expected explosions, gunfire, non-stop bad guys and smashing glass, there is plenty of chaos for the action fans.

Judging from the dubbed version, Jet Li gives a fairly decent performance. While not as memorable as some of his other films such as Once Upon A Time In China, he gives a decent performance. The supporting cast isn't spectacular but are adequate enough.

Unfortunately, the dubbing is rather appalling. While you can get the gist of the storyline, it's pretty obvious that large chunks of crucial dialog related to the storyline are left out. While there's not too much storyline to follow in this action fare, it's still disappointing all the same.

I was however, laughing non-stop at the dubbing of Commander Hung, played by Kong Lung. It is definitely the most (unintentionally) hilarious dubbed voice i have ever heard. It's worth renting this just to hear how funny it is.

Overall, I recommend this to Jet-Li fans and most action fans. If you're not one or both of these then you would probably be best advised to steer clear. It sells for dirt cheap here in Australia ($5-$8 depending where you shop around) but it's probably worth getting the authentic version if you want the best experience.

Be warned though, it is rather violent (expect to see limbs being taken off and crushed and a fair amount of blood) so beware if you're faint hearted.

I give it 6.5 out of 10.

Clint Eastwood's most underrated film, Hang 'Em High is a throughly enjoyable movie. It has the feel of a John Wayne western, as opposed to the spaghetti western formula in which Eastwood with Sergio Leone combined so magnificently with each other in the Dollars trilogy.

Eastwood gives a very worthy performance as Marshall Jed Cooper. The central dilemma of having to operate within the law in conflict with his own personal view of justice is executed very well by Eastwood. On the whole, Eastwood's performance is certainly a strong point of the film and a great performance in its own right.

The storyline itself is relatively well structured with interesting elements relating to the law and the justice system. However, a rather pointless, rushed and half baked romantic subplot by Inger Stevens (who is sadly woefully out of her acting league alongside Eastwood) adds nothing to the story and becomes rather annoying on repeat viewings.

However, special mention must go to both Pat Hingle and Ed Begley who both give some excellent performances, perhaps even superior to Eastwood himself.

Hang 'Em High is a great Eastwood western, provided you don't expect something magical like The Good, The Bad And The Ugly or Unforgiven. Entertaining and more complex than you would expect but sadly, greatly underestimated. Every Eastwood fan should at least give it a chance.

Overall I give it a solid and well deserved 8/10. Be sure to get a copy of this hidden gem.

While an entertaining buddy-cop flick, Red Heat doesn't really have the luster or charm to keep you coming back for more as other similar films are able to do.

Red Heat has the usual mish-mash of action scenes sprinkled with the expected one-liners. The cold war aspect is the basis for the majority of the humor between Schwarzenegger and Belushi. The action scenes while acceptable, just don't do enough to keep the viewer satisfied for the full duration.

In addition, the majority of the humor just doesn't work. Schwarzenegger and Belushi just don't have the charm of Murphy and Nolte in 48 HRS, Tucker and Chan in Rush Hour and really, most other films of this genre.

In terms of the acting, Schwarzenegger just seems too mechanical and awkward in most of his scenes, and while Belushi is more convincing, he tends to overact in some sections.

Overall, it's a standard fare for some light-hearted entertainment, but quickly forgotten. Not one of Schwarzenegger's better efforts.

I give it 3.5/10.

Passenger 57 is an enjoyable and rather underrated action film. Although there is not too much of a storyline, the slick action scenes combined with some very good performances from Wesley Snipes and Bruce Payne kept me entertained from start to finish.

While Passenger 57 offers nothing really new to the action genre, it does offer plenty of fast paced chaos and explosions and combined with some entertaining hand-to-hand combat skills by Snipes, it is certainly better than a lot of other standard action fares out there.

Snipes gives a very good performance as the lead and Bruce Payne is brilliant as the mentally unstable villain. The other cast are somewhat overshadowed by Snipes and Payne, but do an adequate enough job.

Overall I was very pleased by Passenger 57, so much so that it proudly belongs in my DVD collection. A very good choice for action fans and a must for Snipes fans. 8/10.

And don't forget...."Always bet on black!"

*Review may contain spoilers*

One of the better comedies of the 80's and certainly one of Chevy Chase's better movies, Fletch is a great combination of humor and mystery which i found to be very enjoyable.

Chase steals the show as reporter Irwin Fletcher. He provides a good solid performance with some great jokes and gags without overacting. There are many great one-liners (especially the 'steak sandwich' line) and other crafty remarks.

The supporting cast do a reasonable job but ultimately Chase steals the spotlight. Special mention must go to Richard Libertini who gives a terrific performance.

Overall, Fletch is a good, solid comedy/mystery. For fans of Chase and 80's comedy it's a must have. 7/10.