There are several volumes of sophisticated feminist theory at work in the live-action version of MULAN, but, trust me, they are wholly in the service of a first-rate action-adventure film that puts characters ahead of spectacle. Director Niki Caro has created a film that is intense, compelling, and entirely entertaining, while Liu Yifei as the… Read More »
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR
MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR is a sad excuse for an action/adventure flick. Seeking box office gold with pretty good special effects and third-rate writing and failing spectacularly, that failure is in fact, the only spectacular thing happening on screen. This third installment of what was once an entertaining if fluffy franchise attempts to… Read More »
CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE
The problem with CRADLE 2 GRAVE, aside from the cutesy “2” in the title is very simple. Not enough Jet Li. There’s also not enough Mark Dacascos, but that’s another issue and I will get to it. As for why Li isn’t on screen every possible moment, I think I have the answer. Someone got… Read More »
THE EXPENDABLES
Its comforting to know after experiencing THE EXPENDABLES that Sylvester Stallone will once again find himself on the list of Razzie nominees for 2010, and because he is the director, co-writer, and co-star, it will be in multiple categories. It doesnt get back the time spent watching this generic action flick, but it does provide… Read More »