Drunken Monk
08-09-2010, 02:58 PM
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In 2010 movies based on video game beat-‘em-ups are not met with the anticipation they once received. We’ve been subjected to the dismal “Street Fighter” movies, the shaky “Mortal Kombat” films and the campy, lazy “Dead or Alive.” However, when news of a new “Tekken” movie surfaced, there was a buzz of excitement. Cyril Rafaelli was brought on to choreograph and the buzz turned into genuine intrigue. This excitement spread through the martial arts cinema world like wildfire when Lateef Crowder, Gary Daniels and John Foo were given roles. For a long time news went quiet on the “Tekken” front until some stills were released showing the actors in full character get up. The collective echo of “meh” could be heard from miles around.
Over the weekend I finally sat down and watched the new “Tekken” movie. Is it a rip roaring, no holds barred slice of martial arts entertainment? No…not really. Is it a loyal testament to the infamous gaming series? Nah…not quite. Is it a mediocre 90 minutes that’s probably worth a single watch? Now you’re talking.
“Tekken” isn’t bad. It’s not good but it certainly isn’t bad. Throughout its runtime, there is a distinct feeling of ambition. It feels as though it should be so much better, which ends up being exhausting as it continuously lets the viewer down.
The good thing is that there is a plot. Ok, so it may be a generic, “Troubled youth gets wronged and seeks revenge” story line but it works. John Foo plays Jin, who after a terrible tragedy, decides to enter the Iron Fist tournament. While I could reveal the entire plot, I won’t. It’s a simple foundation holding up the action and I’m assuming the action is what we want to hear about.
While we’re given a little bit of Parkour at the beginning of the film, the first fight has Jin tackling the present people’s champion played by the promising Cung Le. Unfortunately he “meh” returns when we’re subjected to some oddly chosen camera angles, semi-jerky camera work and some rather poor editing. Sadly, this trend continues to show itself during most of the action scenes.
For action fans, “Tekken” is probably a nice little watch. Don’t get me wrong, it certainly has its moments. Even for martial arts fans, there are a few sparks here and there to get the adrenaline pumping. However, pit against the modern kung fu action we’re now used to seeing from, say, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa, “Tekken” really falls by the wayside.
One of the fatal flaws with the film is that it tragically underplays the action potential. Lateef Crowder is YET AGAIN allowed about two minutes of fighting time and, to be honest, it’s the same stuff we’ve seen before. Gary Daniels looks great and, if you look closely, you can really see the flare of a seasoned martial arts veteran when he fights. I enjoyed seeing his skills on screen but, again, he just wasn’t given enough to impress. It’s all a little too average. It doesn’t push the envelope.
The good news? The eye candy is a bountiful bonus. Kelly Overton is amazing is amazing as Christie and that’s only because she wears pants that reveal the top inch and a half of her arse crack. It’s a highlight, I can assure you.
But that’s my point, really. The film desperately tries to drag itself away from being the next “Dead or Alive” but, in doing so, takes itself far too seriously. Luke Goss is laughable in his role and his mentioning of his old “Power gloves” literally got some laughs from my wife and me.
My scant review is a perfect metaphor for the film itself. There just isn’t much to talk about. With an average plot, average acting, average fights and a great ass on display, it’s not really a film to shout about from the rooftops. Sure, watch “Tekken.” Crack open a few beers and enjoy it for what it is. Do not, however, expect anything close to what any of the “stars” have been in before. Even Gary Daniels’ Speedo-clad turn in “City Hunter” seems glorious compared to this.
In 2010 movies based on video game beat-‘em-ups are not met with the anticipation they once received. We’ve been subjected to the dismal “Street Fighter” movies, the shaky “Mortal Kombat” films and the campy, lazy “Dead or Alive.” However, when news of a new “Tekken” movie surfaced, there was a buzz of excitement. Cyril Rafaelli was brought on to choreograph and the buzz turned into genuine intrigue. This excitement spread through the martial arts cinema world like wildfire when Lateef Crowder, Gary Daniels and John Foo were given roles. For a long time news went quiet on the “Tekken” front until some stills were released showing the actors in full character get up. The collective echo of “meh” could be heard from miles around.
Over the weekend I finally sat down and watched the new “Tekken” movie. Is it a rip roaring, no holds barred slice of martial arts entertainment? No…not really. Is it a loyal testament to the infamous gaming series? Nah…not quite. Is it a mediocre 90 minutes that’s probably worth a single watch? Now you’re talking.
“Tekken” isn’t bad. It’s not good but it certainly isn’t bad. Throughout its runtime, there is a distinct feeling of ambition. It feels as though it should be so much better, which ends up being exhausting as it continuously lets the viewer down.
The good thing is that there is a plot. Ok, so it may be a generic, “Troubled youth gets wronged and seeks revenge” story line but it works. John Foo plays Jin, who after a terrible tragedy, decides to enter the Iron Fist tournament. While I could reveal the entire plot, I won’t. It’s a simple foundation holding up the action and I’m assuming the action is what we want to hear about.
While we’re given a little bit of Parkour at the beginning of the film, the first fight has Jin tackling the present people’s champion played by the promising Cung Le. Unfortunately he “meh” returns when we’re subjected to some oddly chosen camera angles, semi-jerky camera work and some rather poor editing. Sadly, this trend continues to show itself during most of the action scenes.
For action fans, “Tekken” is probably a nice little watch. Don’t get me wrong, it certainly has its moments. Even for martial arts fans, there are a few sparks here and there to get the adrenaline pumping. However, pit against the modern kung fu action we’re now used to seeing from, say, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa, “Tekken” really falls by the wayside.
One of the fatal flaws with the film is that it tragically underplays the action potential. Lateef Crowder is YET AGAIN allowed about two minutes of fighting time and, to be honest, it’s the same stuff we’ve seen before. Gary Daniels looks great and, if you look closely, you can really see the flare of a seasoned martial arts veteran when he fights. I enjoyed seeing his skills on screen but, again, he just wasn’t given enough to impress. It’s all a little too average. It doesn’t push the envelope.
The good news? The eye candy is a bountiful bonus. Kelly Overton is amazing is amazing as Christie and that’s only because she wears pants that reveal the top inch and a half of her arse crack. It’s a highlight, I can assure you.
But that’s my point, really. The film desperately tries to drag itself away from being the next “Dead or Alive” but, in doing so, takes itself far too seriously. Luke Goss is laughable in his role and his mentioning of his old “Power gloves” literally got some laughs from my wife and me.
My scant review is a perfect metaphor for the film itself. There just isn’t much to talk about. With an average plot, average acting, average fights and a great ass on display, it’s not really a film to shout about from the rooftops. Sure, watch “Tekken.” Crack open a few beers and enjoy it for what it is. Do not, however, expect anything close to what any of the “stars” have been in before. Even Gary Daniels’ Speedo-clad turn in “City Hunter” seems glorious compared to this.