Category Archives: Five Stars

Step Brothers (DVD)

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I first saw this movie in theaters when it came out and I laughed from the beginning to the end to the short part at the end of the credits.  Was the movie stupid? yes. Was it juvenile? yes. Was it laugh until your cheeks hurt hilarious? yes.

I usually find Will Ferrell’s movies pretty funny the first time and then they start to grow on me more and more as I begin to appreciate the humor he is going for with each film. With this one, I found it to be hilarious from the start. Watching it on DVD was even better since I was able to catch alot of the jokes I missed from everyone cracking up in the theater.  While I understand his humor may not appeal to everyone, there is enough funny stuff in this movie to get a laugh out of even the most hardened Ferrell critics.  While the movie wasn’t exactly innovative, it did accomplish its mission of being insanely funny. Without giving too much away, it also happens to feature one of the best and funniest ending fight scenes ever.

Perhaps one of the best indicators of a good comedy is how quotable the movie is. How many lines you can bust out from the movie that not only people who are familiar with the movie will find funny, but those who didn’t may laugh also. Step Brothers has quotes up the ying yang. There has been a recent boom in hilarious”R” rated comedies coming out in the past few years and Step Brothers definitely keeps this trend moving in the right direction. Fans of comedy should definitely check this one out.

Mongol (DVD)

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Mongol now ranks alongside some of the greatest epic films I’ve watched to date. This award winning feature written by Russian director Sergei Bodrov, chronicles the early life of Temudgin, the son of a insignificant khan who through various trials and tribulations becomes the legendary Genghis Khan, one of the most feared and powerful men to ever walk the face of the earth.

It’s in depth storyline, breathtaking cinematography, and excellent character development, were obvious reasons why I enjoyed this feature, but it was actually the portrayal of Temudgin (Genghis Khan) that really stood out for me. Normally depicted as a cruel and ruthless warrior king in most other film’s, in the movie Mongol, Temudgin is portrayed as a loving father and husband as well as a man of faith and values. His humanity shone nicely throughout this film, and the audience gets a chance to see the other side of a man who is otherwise known only for his barbaric deeds.

Mongol is truly a masterpiece of cinema. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves epic films.

Synopsis:

Based on the controversial writings of Russian historian Lev Gumilyov, director Sergei Bodrov’s look at the early years in the life of the Mongol conqueror stars Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano as Temudgin (as he was then known), Honglei Sun as Mongol chieftain Jamukha, who was both Temudgin’s close friend and mortal enemy, and newcomer Khulan Chuluun as his wife, Borte. Born in the year 1162, Temudgen’s childhood was marred by tragedy and peril. But a great battle would seal Temudgen’s fate forever, and though history often paints him as a brute, the truth is much more complex. Few historians make mention of the role Temudgen’s wife, Borte, played in advising her husband and elevating him to greatness. With Borte by his side, Temudgen would rise to become a fearless visionary whose legacy would still prove potent enough to stir controversy centuries after his death. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Fist of Legend (DVD)

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Although its been several years since I’ve watched this film, it still gets my heart racing and my adrenaline pumping everytime I screen it. Highly regarded as one of Jet Li’s finest martial arts performances, Fist of Legend pays tribute remarkably well to Bruce Lee’s 1972 classic, Fist of Fury.

Dragon Dynasty has completely outdone themselves with their latest showcase of classic Asian Cinema. The picture and sound quality is crisp and clean, the English dubbing has been improved, and there are a load of extra bonus features as well as deleted scenes which were actually worth a look.

As a huge fan of martial arts movies in general, I personally regard First of Legend as Yuen Woo-Ping‘s greatest work. In this film alone, I can name at least two fight scenes which could easily be ranked in a TOP 10 list of greatest martial arts sequences of all time. Jet Li showcases an entire arsenal of skill in this film, and many of his movements echo the the fighting spirit and combat philosophy of the legendary Bruce Lee.

Don’t bother renting this film if you see it on the shelves. Purchase a copy for yourself. Its a must have for any DVD library and has all the elements needed to keep you watching it over and over again.

Synopsis: Widely regarded as the greatest film of two legendary careers, Fist of Legend teams superstar Jet Li with martial arts choreographer Yuen Wo-ping (The Matrix) for “some of the best fight sequences you will ever see” (Dan Mitchell, IGN Movies). In this tribute to Bruce Lee’s classic The Chinese Connection (aka Fists of Fury), Li radiates sheer power and coolness as a kung fu phenom living abroad who returns home to avenge the death of his master and save his martial arts school. Shifting effortlessly among diverse fighting styles, Li even fights blindfolded and wields his belt as a deadly weapon. Fist of Legend is essential viewing for any Jet Li fan and “the promised land for kung fu cinema” (HongKongCinema.com).