Just stand still for a moment.
I'm looking at him now.
It's great to see you back, Mr. Reeves.
// Am I?
// I'd say so.
This is your most successful action movie in more than a decade.
// Yeah.
I kind of enjoyed that.
// Damnit Keanu!
This is no laughing matter!
Somebody punch him!
// how does an actor like you even have a career anyway?// Luck, I guess.
// Alright, enough screwing around.
It's time to review some films.
// On that, we agree.
// Good... because this is Movie Night!
Hello and welcome to Movie Night, in-depth reviews in less than five minutes.
I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
In the final episode of this years' "Action Movie Month", I've combined the last two actors
into one episode, and I'll be throwing in a new film just for good measure.
Let's start with the oldest of the bunch, "Point Break".
This $24-million production was a box office success when it was released in July of 1991,
scoring over $80 million in proceeds.
The film has also gained a sizable cult-following on home media.
The action crime picture was helmed by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, and executive produced
by her then-husband, James Cameron.
The unique 124-minute story stars Keanu Reeves as a young hotshot FBI agent who goes undercover
to infiltrate a group of surfing bank-robbers lead by the sexy Patrick Swayze.
The R-rated plot is certainly an interesting one; and even prompted a humorous debate between
my wife and I over its purported brilliance while we attended the US Surfing Open a few
years back.
For better or worse though, that's its legacy: a movie about surfers, their laid back culture,
and the passion that drives them... to steal money.
Reeves is honestly pretty unconvincing... unable to really sell his skills as a law
enforcer, or his ability to hang with the beach crowd.
Swayze however seems tailor-made for his role, effortlessly dishing out spiritual mantras
about hippie attitudes, and menacing when he's wielding a gun.
His complex character seems like a cool dude at first, but he's really just an asshole
who will do anything for a new rush, even if it puts his friends in danger, advising,
"If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price."
This Keanu / Patrick pair play off each other extremely well, and their perpetual frenemy-relationship
is a very intriguing one to watch.
A standout sequence, as alluded to earlier is when the duo decide to jump out of an airplane;
neither one able to fully trust the other - resulting in a game of chicken as to who
will deploy their chute at last possible moment.
Gary Busey plays Keanu's eccentric partner, and the boyish Lori Petty is featured as a
love interest.
She's fantastic with the material given, but the romance plot feels rushed, and very underutilized.
Bigelow's cinematic motif here seems to be an excessive use of telephoto shots and unnecessary
slow motion.
The later feels particularly jarring, as the accompanying audio remains at normal speed.
Meanwhile, warming filters bathe the entire picture in an orange glow... expect for a
few scenes that were rather obviously shot day-for-night.
A low-angle "Pogo-cam" foot chase between the narrow alleyways of Venice Beach provides
for some fast-moving excitement, that's backed by an appropriate score from Mark Isham.
Thematically, the R-rated film is all over the map.
First it seems to suggest that duty should come before all else, but later Reeves has
a change of heart, and puts his conflicted relationship with a criminal above the law...
only to seemingly doubleback on it once again.
Despite its flaws, this picture has an undeniable and lasting appeal - which explains why Warner
Bros. is producing a reboot scheduled for release Christmas 2015.
Enjoyable, but not really worth watching twice, "Point Break" provides fast and loose action
with interesting characters.
Let's take a look at some your reviews.
Recognizing its many flaws, and dated style, you still appreciate this enough to score
it a GREAT.
A very fun, if corny picture, I have to score this a COOL myself.
Next up, the sequel to the first film I ever reviewed on "Movie Night", "Under Siege 2:
Dark Territory".
This Geoff Murphy action film took home over $105 million following its July 14th release
in the summer of 1995.
Martial arts master Steven Seagal returns to one of the few roles that actually made
a profit, as the ex-Navy SEAL who once again finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong
time.
When a cross-country train is hijacked by terrorists for use as their mobile uplink
for a city-destroying satellite weapon, only Seagal is brave and clever enough to stop
them.
The inconvenient catch however is that his teenage niece, played by Katherine Heigl in
one of her earliest appearances is also on board the train, and is in danger herself.
Steven is an anomaly in the action-genre.
Unlike his peers, he never seems normal, vulnerable, or even likable: he always plays a stoic,
stubborn version of himself: a big guy with a bad haircut, who is really good at throwing
a punch.
Because the audience is unable to relate to a man who doesn't seem to fear anything, care
for anyone, or ever struggle in a fight - the 100-minute story plods along with little tension.
That's not to say "Under Siege 2" isn't fun however: as there are plenty of exciting stunts
and shootouts above the unstoppable train, as it barrels over bridges through the Rocky
Mountains.
Plus, watching our 6'4" hero throw people off and under the speeding locomotive is immensely
satisfying.
Heigl is primarily included as the requisite damsel in distress, but manages to hold her
own alongside her macho co-stars.
When Seagal learns he has to deal with her bratty teen behavior for the long train ride,
he quietly remarks to himself, "I guess I'm not trained for this."
The dozens of highly organized terrorists are led by Eric Bogosian, a low-rent Dustin
Hoffman nerd who spends most of his screentime monologing about how great he is.
Although the bloated supporting cast includes two more villain sidekicks, neither of them
is Kurtwood Smith - who is completely wasted as an Air Force general, who just watches
everything from the sidelines.
Much like the lackluster original, this R-rated follow-up once against portrays America's
military leaders as entirely incompetent individuals who inept at defending themselves against
even the most obvious of attacks.
Steven is apparently the only solider in the country capable of throwing a punch or paying
attention.
Even though the action and dialogue is paced well enough, this $60-million dollar follow-up
has little connection to its predecessor.
In fact, the script was originally written to be a standalone picture, before producers
found a way to shoe-horn in some existing characters.
Basil Poledouris contributes an unremarkable score, which goes hand-in-hand with the traditional
cinematography and simplistic editing.
A bit more focused and inventive than part one, this sequel is hardly anything special
- but it goes out with such a preposterous ending, you can't help but smile.
It is seriously one of the most laughably ridiculous and over-the-top climaxes in action
history... which sees Steven sort of casually sauntering through a train as it falls off
a cliff and explodes.
Fans of cheesy 90s action might enjoy this enough for a single viewing - but its appeal
is definitely limited.
Although it's not saying much, this might actually be my favorite Seagal flick, as it
is just slightly stronger than the original.
"Under Siege 2: Dark Territory" is generally stupid, but makes for disposable fun, I thought
it was GOOD.
Next up, my review of "The Glimmer Man"
This American action film by John Gray was released in October of 1996, where it failed
to earn back even half of its $45-million dollar budget.
I suppose that was for the best though, as this 92-minute picture is endlessly generic.
Steven Seagal and Keenan Ivory Wayans star as a pair of mismatched cops forced to cooperate
on a serial-killer mystery.
Gee... where have I seen that before?
The eldest of the Wayan brothers, Keenen has always been the most talented in my opinion
- but he's so poorly utilized here, it's just depressing.
Meanwhile, Seagal is featured as the title character, who once again shows up in a movie
wearing a gold plated bathrobe and his trademark pony tail.
Honestly... how does he convince producers to let him dress like this in every one of
his films?
On the bright side, at least the other characters make references and jokes about Seagal's odd
behavior and curious wardrobe choices.
When confronting a nervous gunman, Seagal advises, "I don't want to shoot you, and you
don't want to be dead."
You'd be forgiven for assuming that this is a joke, but unfortunately, the line is delivered
with complete sincerity.
Individually these two actors occasionally have their moments, but generally, they do
a poor job with the material.
To be fair though, the R-rated script is just a run-of-the-mill detective story, with nothing
unique to offer.
Well, that's not entirely true - a running gag involving Steven's affection for "powdered
deer penis" actually got a couple laughs out of me.
Although this mix of humor doesn't always work, "The Glimmer Man" actually has some
pretty legitimate action sequences, including a climactic chase that culminates with a last-second
escape from a turned over car moments before
it explodes into a massive fireball.
Prolific and talented character actors Bob Gunton, Brian Cox, and Stephen Tobolowsky
contribute supporting performances better than the story deserves.
Trevor Rabin contributes a soft and suspenseful score to the decently paced narrative, while
director Gray frames the action with frequent use of telephoto perspective, and unmotivated
dutch-angles.
The style feels a bit like a third-year film student... competent and well-executed, but
not very inspired or original.
A fun time for an hour-and-a-half, but it's still an empty and derivative experience.
"The Glimmer Man" is nothing but forgettable action with miscast leads.
I thought it was MEH... my fourth review tonight is for "John Wick".
A surprise hit when it premiered on October 24, 2014, this heavily stylized action thriller
from director Chad Stahelski quadrupled its $20 million dollar budget.
Returning to the genre that made him a household name, Keanu Reeves stars as an ex-hitman who
comes out of retirement to exact revenge on a group of gangster who murdered his dog and
stole his car.
The plot is a simplistic one... but Reeves' deadpan delivery, and performing 90% of his
own stunts, helps sell the concept.
When his captors doubt his resolve and motivation, Keanu stoically replies, "People keep asking
if I'm back and I haven't really had an answer, but yeah, I'm thinking I'm back."
... moments before busting out of his restraints and killing everyone in the room.
Michael Nyqvist is featured opposite as a pragmatic Russian mob boss who understands
the dilemma of pissing off the wrong man.
Dean Winters, John Leguizamo, and Willem Dafoe make smaller appearances as well: giving life
and character to this intriguing narrative.
Existing in a world with secret criminal-friendly establishments, an unspoken code of honor
between assassins, and a host of interconnected supporting players, the 101-minute story is
extremely fascinating on
a conceptual level.
Long time stuntman Stahelski makes an excellent debut as a feature film director here, combining
elements of Hong Kong action, gun-fu, and spaghetti westerns.
The attention to fight choreography and expert stunt-work is what makes this such a mesmerizing
and entertaining film.
With a gory body-count north of 100, this is one R-rated experience that thankfully
doesn't pull any punches, both literally and figuratively.
If you enjoy the satisfaction of watching a bad guy get a knife driven into the bottom
of his skull, "John Wick" does not disappoint.
The speed at which Keanu effortlessly murders bad guys might be a bit unbelievable, but
you'll be having too much fun to notice.
A brutal home-invasion sequence sees Reeves dispatching henchman after henchman with quick-headshots
and fast Judo takedowns: all culminating with a violent knife-fight in a long unbroken 40-second
shot.
These wider, and longer edits - so missing from modern action movies - allows the viewer
to really follow the kinetic gunplay and hand-to-hand combat with ease.
Couple that with the sharp cinematography, which mixes harsh shadows with vibrant lighting,
and the result is a wonderfully visual landscape.
The frenzied music from Tyler Bates is an up-tempo and grunge-inspired score that fits
the well-paced adventure perfectly.
Reportedly the beginning of a new trilogy, this is a welcome and refreshing take on the
classic revenge formula - updated and improved for the 21st century.
Although there's little below the surface, and it often seems excessively violent for
entertainment's sake - there's no denying that action fans have a new hero to root for
on many repeat viewings.
An excellent comeback vehicle for Reeves, "John Wick" is an inspired execution of furious
gunplay and thrills.
And here's what you had to say about it in the YouTube comments.
Praise was unanimous for the action and presentation, with you rating this an AWESOME.
It would be easy for me to be more critical of this picture - but since it was so immensely
enjoyable I'll score it a NINE out of ten as well.
Last up tonight, the brand new "Kingsman: The Secret Service"
Based on Mark Millar's comic book series of the same name, this British action spy film
from director Matthew Vaughn was released stateside on February 13, 2015 - where I suspect
it will easily recoup its $80 million dollar budget.
Opening to the sounds of "Money For Nothing" by the Dire Straights as exploded bits of
a Middle East castle crumble away to inventively spell-out the feature's credits - it's obvious
from the start that this is a picture with personality.
The 129-minute story follows an unrefined street kid who is recruited into an ultra-secret
spy organization just as an eccentric megalomaniac threatens the world's population.
Feeling like a wonderful blend of "Men In Black", without the aliens, plus the classic
James Bond structure - this feels like familiar and new all at the same time.
Colin Firth stars as one of the highly skilled titular agents, who quickly teaches a group
of aggressive bar flies a lesson with his ass-kicking skills.
When teaching his newest pupil about manners and behavior, Firth advises, "Being a gentleman
is not about the circumstances of one's birth.
Being a gentleman is something one learns."
Virtually unknown to American audiences, the central protégé protagonist is played by
Taron Egerton in a remarkably effective performance.
With his thick accent and charm, he quickly convinces us why he's worth rooting for - making
his struggles to become the next super-spy that much more rewarding.
The supporting cast includes the inspired decision to have Samuel L. Jackson play the
colorful villain with a distracting lisp and a fear of blood: every time he's on screen,
he overshadows his co-stars.
Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Sophie Cookson, and even Mark Hamill contribute great characters
as well - all incorporated into the fast-moving script with ease.
Firth and others employ the aid of futuristic gadgets like bullet-proof umbrellas, poison-tipped
shoes, and eye-wear that resembles an extremely advanced version of Google glass.
Utilizing clever scene-transitions, motion-tracked movement, and kinetic editing - this picture
has a unique style all its own, that also makes the mayhem easy to follow.
Although there's less action-scenes here than I would have liked, the amazing inclusion
of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" during one massacre in a Westboro Baptist Church is so
damn fun it makes up for it.
Reminiscent of John Barry's early work in the 1960s, Henry Jackman's score keeps things
energized during a palm-sweating sky-diving exercise equaled only in intensity to a similar
scene in "Point Break".
A cheeky, almost self-aware story, plenty of references are made to "Kingman's" obvious
influences.
The movie makes some bold R-rated choices that really put it over the top however: exploding
decapitations, a penchant for F-bombs, and a well-timed anal-sex joke to close out the
picture signal that this is a spy-franchise for a new generation.
Although it occasionally falls into the pitfalls of the genre it pays homage to, there are
enough applause-worthy moments and surprising twists to warrant repeat viewings.
It's still way too early for any sequel rumors, but I'm definitely hoping this picture receives
a few follow-ups.
"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is an explosively great time that remains appropriately uncivilized
and modern, I thought it was AWESOME.
Finally tonight, your Tweet Critiques to see what you're saying about other films currently
playing in theaters.
If you see a new movie in theaters, Tweet your review with the #JPMN hashtag.
Later this week I'll be hosting Movie Night's fifth annual Oscar Special - as we review
all eight of this year's best picture nominees: "American Sniper", "Birdman", "Boyhood", "The
Grand Budapest Hotel", "The Imitation Game", "Selma", "The Theory Of Everything", and "Whiplash".
Once you've seen these films, share your opinions by voting in the polls below, or by leaving
a comment review.
If you'd like to watch more Movie Night reviews, check out the "related videos" on the right,
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Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thank you for watching and listening.
Until next time, have a good Movie Night!