HKFAN Reviews

Submerged (2005 Video)

Under Siege 3? The Dirty Dozen? Confused? So Was I

[3/10 · 11 June 2005]

I really had my hopes up for this one. After reading the original description of the film describing biological cargo...submarine...terrorists I thought we had the makings of an unrelated "Under Siege" sequel and since "Under Siege 2" was better than "Under Siege 1" and with the recent likable Seagal film "Into the Sun", I figured let me give it a look. And it wasn't even worth my viewing it for the full 90+ minutes. The storyline was way off the original description and it seems that we are now watching a poor man's "The Dirty Dozen". Though I rented this movie because I am a Seagal fan, I found that Vinnie Jones played a pretty good role and B+ movie action lead Gary Daniels is totally under-utilized. And the direction style used by Anthony Hickox does not lend itself to the movie in any way. It's a shame that this is what Seagal has come to with the movies he makes. Perhaps he should take a step back and look at "Into the Sun" which brought him back to his original form.

Deadly Engagement (2002)

DEATHLY BORING

[3 February 2003]

It is truly ashame that Olivier Gruner is forced to make such drivel. As a fan for some time, I was awaiting the release of this Canadian produced film and happened to get a copy of the Region 2 (UK) release. The plot, acting, sound all are deplorable and I'd be willing to bet my last dollar that Mr. Gruner wishes he had no part in this film. It appears lately that alot of small-medium budget US/Canadian films are being shot in the Czech Republic and that for some reason or another drags down the quality of these films. Case in point, the Balkan warlord is played by an actor with an Irish accent!

Needless to say, I trust that Mr Gruner's future endeavours (SWAT: Warhead One & The Power Elite) are a bit more interesting.

Star count: 1/4 out of 5.

Descent Into Darkness (2002)

HIGH NOON UNDER THE SEA...WITH NO LIGHT IN SIGHT!

[7 August 2002]

In a deep sea mining complex, a Federal Marshal (Dean Cain) tries to find out why miners are committing suicide ast such an alarming rate. Needless to say, there are corporate maneuvers being played as the company that owns the facility dispatches a team of hit men to kill him.

This is by far the worst offering that UFO(the production company) has released and it is nearly a blatant rip-off of HIGH NOON and even for that matter the far superior OUTLAND (High Noon in space).

Warning...if you see this on the shelf, pass it by and pick up either of the two aforementioned films...that will be a rental fee well spent!

U.S. Seals II (2001 Video)

One Of the Best Hong Kong-Hollywood Crossovers

[9/10 · 8 December 2001]

US SEALS 2 is a far cry from its predecessor and delivers a surprisingly witty script, and pays homage to more than a few classic movies. The setting of a Russian island surrounded by methane-gas (precluding the use of gunfire) is reminiscent of "Enter the Dragon" as in the fact that the ex-SEAL turned terrorist (Chapa) surrounds himself with a martial arts army. It is up to his team leader (Worth) and a group of martial artists whom he puts together to stop Ratliffe and his army before they can destroy a major city. Throw in a few plotpoints akin to "The Rock", a little bit of "Broken Arrow", a great and very talented crew and you have a pure bit of enjoyment.

Air Rage (2001 Video)

Who Left the Vault Door Open?

[6 August 2001]

Or did Phoenician Entertainment find the key to the vault with every piece of stock footage available? First we had SONIC IMPACT...then SUBMERGED...and now AIR RAGE. I see that this film's working title was "Purple Heart" and you earn one (nothing demeaning to those members who have really earned one) if you can sit through this useless drivel.

What we have is a disgruntled Marine Corps colonel who hijacks a passenger jet carrying the nominee for Defense Secretary. In fact, this colonel has it in for the nominee and he also wants a disk that his is carrying.

We quickly jump to a poor man's Executive Decision as Ice-T (of all people) leads the worst group of commandos to assault the airliner via air transfer from an SR-71.

If you don't get the idea yet, stick with the original EXECUTIVE DECISION and if this is on cable late at night when you can't sleep, do yourself a favor...watch it because you will fall asleep.

Sonic Impact (1999)

Remember Airport 75 & Passenger 57?

[24 July 2001]

Remember that immortal sequel AIRPORT 1975? No, well the plot concerned a 747 that experiences a mid-air collision and the flight crew is killed.

Now, we have a dangerous(?) terrorist being transported on board a 747 when the usual mayhem ensues...plane suffers engine difficulties, terrorist and other prisoners escape, seize plan, kill pilot and cause structure damage to the cockpit, etc.

Anyway, an intrepid FBI agent who is also an ex-Navy SeAL, volunteers to board the plane in mid-air, take out the terrorist and his buddies and save the 747 and its passengers.

My suggestion, rent AIRPORT 75 and PASSENGER 57 and alternate every 15 minutes or so between the 2 movies and you'll get the idea behind this one!

True Vengeance (1997 Video)

A Rehash of "Commando"...

[9/10 · 27 April 2001]

Don't get me wrong by the suummary as I enjoyed this movie very much. Bernhardt plays an ex-Navy SEAL who is forced to murder a corporate executive after the Yakuza kidnap his daughter. Their is a subplot involving Bernhardt and the Yakuza boss...oh, and Naval Intelligence and the local police are after him, too! Gunfights, fistfights and a slam-bang ending make this a watchable film. Bernhardt definitely has the looks and talent to become the next action star. Check him out in Bloodport 2, 3 & 4, MK: Conquest (on TV) or watch for him in the upcoming Matrix sequels!

Howaitoauto (2000)

CLIFFHANGER 2?????????

[8/10 · 4 April 2001]

Rumor has it that if they ever got around to making a Cliffhanger 2 it was going to take place at a dam. Suffice it to say, the idea obviously had some merit and the Japanese film industry has turned out a fine effort. When terrorists seize control of the largest dam in all of Japan, a controller at the dam is forced to become an unwillingly hero. It is not for the sake of his fellow workers held hostage or his dead friend's fiancee who happens to be visiting that he does this, but rather for the dam itself. The action is so-so, but this guy is also an expert mountain climber so it allows the action to move outdoors and create some interesting situations. Overall, the film was something different and I would recommend it if you like action cinema from another source.

Rapid Assault (1997 Video)

How Does Something Like This Get Made???

[3/10 · 6 March 2001]

I have come to the conclusion that there are GOOD B-Action movies and then there are AWFUL B-Action movies and this one falls into the latter category. A half-way decent premise with a terrorist creating a bio-weapon in an abandoned undersea lab and a Navy SEAL and a government operative being dispatched to confiscate the weapon and eliminate the terrorist. The interiors were obviously shot in the basement of an industrial complex, the acting shoddy (with a very poor script) and awful direction. If you have a choice to pick up this film or another film...opt for the other. You'll be happy you did!

Icebreaker (2000)

Die Hard....Again!

[6/10 · 28 December 2000]

One more time we have a flick that not only uses the tried-and-true "Die Hard" formula, but also uses elements of such film fare as CLIFFHANGER, CRACKERJACK, UNDER SIEGE 2 etc... When a plane carrying stolen plutonium goes down near a ski resort, a band of terrorists descend upon the site armed for bear. Sean Astin plays a member of the ski patrol who tries to outwit the terrorists (led by Bruce Campbell-in excellent form). It becomes "Die Hard" at the ski resort as skiers are trapped in the mountaintop resteraunt - Astin's fiancee and father among the hostages, on the lifts and in the surrounding town. The quality is definitely grade B and the acting B- with a formulaic grade C- script. It's not the best out there...but not the worst, either for a Die Hard imitator.

Shiri (1999)

IF YOU ENJOY HK ACTION "YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE" THIS!

[10/10 · 13 November 2000]

I think my summary says it all. I happened to pick up a Korean DVD of this film and I must say that I was very pleased with it. It has all the elements that audiences want...action, suspense, plot and a love story (with a twist)! I don't want to give away too much, but I can say that the action sequences are up there with many HK films of late. The South Korean film market is growing and they are making the kind of film(s) that viewers want to see! I also recommend the new Korean film PHANTOM: THE SUBMARINE. But don't pass this one up...It is definitely worth a look...

Blast (1997)

Another Venue For Die Hard Fans...

[7/10 · 4 August 2000]

Though dated, the Atlanta Olympics is the setting for this by the numbers "Die Hard" type film. Supposedly based on a scenario that "could have happened", terrorists seize the US Women's swim team and hold them hostage at the Aquatic Center. What they didn't count on is a janitor (Ashby) who also happens to be an ex-Tae Kwon Do Olympic medallist.

He takes on the terrorists while being guided through it all by Mr. Leo (Hauer), a terrorist expert with Interpol who lost his legs in an explosion caused by the terrorist leader (Divoff).

The action is strictly by the numbers with a mix of martial arts and gunplay. Ashby is excellent in his role and both Hauer and Divoff seem to be enjoying themselves in their roles.

Not seen on cable much, but I'd rent it if you happen across it at your local video store.

Escape Under Pressure (2000)

Been There...Seen That...

[6/10 · 16 May 2000]

I must admit that I had hopes for this one coming from UFO! Lowe and Miller play an estranged couple who find themselves in the middle of a botched terrorist plot to retrieve a valuable Greek artifact. Van Gorkum's acting as the terrorist leader tries to draw parallels with other more notable villians. Overall, this is a passable film in its own way. And if you plunked down $6-$7 to see "Speed 2", spend the $2 rental fee on this one!

Final Voyage (1999)

Die Hard Meets Speed 2 & Juggernaut.....

[3/10 · 4 December 1999]

The USS Britannic is off on a cruise in the South Pacific. On board her are the rich & famous and most of all jewelry and money. But where there is money, there are those looking to take what they can get... ICE T plays the leader of a gang bent on robbing the ship once it is far enough out at sea. However, he doesn't count on a security guard (DYLAN WALSH) interfering with his plans. He also doesn't count on structural flaws in the ship which cause it to take on sea water. The film feels like a Made-for-TV film, but the action is passable enough and the dialogue so-so. Ice T's performance as the chief villain is a little over the top, but okay. Walsh's performance as the hero just lets everybody know that you don't have to be Van Damme, Schwarzenegger, Bernhardt or Daniels etc. to be the good guy. Overall, a passable film. If you spent the $7-$8 to see Speed 2...spend the $1-$2 rental fee and see this! You might be surprised.

The Masked Marvel (1943)

Twelve Chapters of Excitement....

[10/10 · 29 November 1999]

If you were living in the 1940s or 50s you remember seeing the old Republic & Columbia serials each week at your local theatre...

Well, sit back and enjoy the best of that bunch!!!

Tom Steele (stuntman extraordinaire) is the man behind the mask who is trying to save the US from Japanese saboteurs during WW2. Gunfights...fist fights...car chases...

We pay $8-$10 to see that now!! See what $0.25 got you on a Saturday afternoon!! Enjoy...enjoy...enjoy!!

Fate Is the Hunter (1964)

Not One To Miss....

[10/10 · 28 November 1999]

If this happens to be on your cable channel it is a MUST SEE!! Ford plays Sam McBane, a VP with an airline which has just lost a plane in a crash. Taylor plays the pilot of the aircraft, who also happens to have been a war-buddy. The rest of the cast is top-notch and the story outstanding. However, it bears pointing out that YOU MUST WATCH THE FIRST 10-12 minutes and MOST DEFINITELY the finale as it brings all of the film to full circle. Watch it and enjoy!!

Airborne (1998)

Grounded From the Start....

[2/10 · 20 November 1999]

This film tries very hard to be an "action" film, but it fails miserably.

Steve Guttenberg plays the head of an elite counter-terrorist team that fails (?) in attempt to keep a mysterious group from stealing a deadly nerve agent.

The story...the acting...the special effects...ALL FALL FLAT!!!

Definitely A MUST AVOID!!!!

None But the Brave (1965)

WWII Action....

[7/10 · 20 November 1999]

A plane load of US Marines crashlands on a Pacific Island held by Japanese soldiers during WW2. The Marines include a green lieutenant (Sands), a veteran sergeant (Dexter) and a medic (Sinatra). Clint Walker plays the pilot who is more than just a pilot.

The Japanese have been bypassed by their own and are seeking a way off the island. There are a few skirmishes with the Marines and then a "truce".

But how long will it hold for?

Good characters, story and actors make it worth watching.

Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957)

A 50's SCIFI Classic....

[8/10 · 20 November 1999]

A group of scientists arrive on a deserted Pacific Island to study effects of the H-Bomb tests in the Bikini atoll. Needless to say, this is the second group...the first having disappeared without a trace.

It begin slowly, and the tension mounts as the new group are picked off one by one by mutated land crabs.

A camp classic, you should definitely take the 60 some odd minutes to check it out!!

Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

War At Its Ugliest....

[9/10 · 20 November 1999]

John Wayne plays USMC Sgt. John M. Stryker, a vet of Guadalcanal and other engagements who "wet-nurses" a group of rookies including John Agar, who happens to be the son of the man that Wayne's character admired most...

There is excellent use of war footage, still fresh in the viewer's mind from encounters on Tarawa and Iwo Jima. The cast is great all around and Wayne should have won an Oscar for this portrayal.

If you like WW2 films, add this one to the list of must-see!!

In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders (1988 TV Movie)

An Excellent TV Movie....

[9/10 · 12 November 1999]

The first in a series of made for television movies, this is perhaps THE BEST. David Soul and Michael Gross play two "respectable" Floridians who set about murdering others and robbing banks. Their exploits come to the attention of the FBI who pursue them in true J Edgar Hoover type fashion. The climatic gun battle is not to be missed. Though toned down considerably for TV, it would rival the shoot out in the movie HEAT. Strongly recommended.

The Hunters (1958)

Jet fighters at war....

[31 October 1999]

The Korean War. Not only has it been forgotten by many, but it has even been overlooked by Hollywood. This film is one a few that tells the story of United States Air Force pilots both on the ground and in the air over the Korean peninsula. In the air, the film is a tribute to those who served but on the ground it wallows in an unnecessary romantic triangle between Mitchum, Phillips and Britt. Robert Wagner is a standout in his role as the cocky NKOB with the itchy trigger finger and the moves to become an ace. Rarely on television these days, but it surely not one to miss when it is.

True Vengeance (1997 Video)

Trained by the Navy...Hunted as a killer...One woman knows his past...

[9/10 · 7 August 1998]

Firstly, the correct title for this film is TRUE VENGEANCE. Bernhardt portrays Allen Griffin, an ex-Navy SEAL who's daughter is kidnapped by her Yakuza grandfather to force Griffin to kill an exec of a rival company so he can take it over. Racing against time, Griffin is determined to get his daughter back at all costs. While being chased by the police for the murder, he takes on the Yakuza.