We went to a book store the other day, where I got an updated version of Maltin's movie reviews. Peg said I should write my own reviews, so what the heck - why not?
First up, I'm going to review a review of a movie I haven't seen (and will undoubtedly never see)! Well, that sounds a bit bizarre (to quote another movie that I have seen). The movie reviewed (in Maltin's book) is Bloodsport, and the review states "Belgian-born Van Damme joins the movie macho brigade in this story (based on true events)[my emphasis] of American Ninja Frank Dux, the first westerner to win the Kumite ..." In Stolen Valor, it is shown that the "true events" are anything but. "Kumite" is a form of karate, not a tournament (though many karate tournaments use this form in scoring) and the "trophy" that Dux supposedly "won" for this tournament was paid for by him. The "tournament" took place at his own address. Though I enjoy the occasional chop-socky, I'll skip this one. Dux claimed to be a decorated Marine from the Viet Nam war - and research shows that he made all that up. I wish Maltin or his reviewers would correct the review.
As long as I'm discussing "chop-socky" movies, let me review a couple I do like. Jet Li's Fearless is definitely a good one in that the emphasis is more on personal morality (though there's plenty of punching to be seen). Ego gets in the way of the main character, and leads him to make some disastrous choices. After retreating to the country and falling in love with a blind peasant girl, he learns what must be done. There is no happy ending to the story, but that's ok.
The other Jet Li movie I like a lot is Hero. Again, while the fighting is important (and impressive - much better than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), what matters is the story and the choices the main character ("Nameless") makes. Another great example of self-sacrifice in the interests of a larger goal.
I bought The Karate Kid a long time ago, and I've watched it once since I got it. The story is ok, though the protagonist can get on one's nerves, but once again Viet Nam veterans are portrayed as psychopaths. Can we move past that, please?
In the near future, I'll start reviewing some international movies that I've enjoyed. Cheers!
