I've watched a lot of JCVD movies in my day, and I've watched quite a few John Woo movies, but I didn't realize I'd watched both of the two at once before! I remember this. It's iconic. An action movie that looking back maybe could've inspired the swamp hunt in The Marine (2006?).

The villain's played by an equally talented cat there, and the theme's similar, the location's similar; it feels like a real big homage now that I think about it. But THIS, this was the original if so.

It stars firecrackers, exploding barrels, arrows and JCVD's trademark butterfly kicks, and the charming Yancy Butler, as well as the suitable sidekick Wilford Brimley - though he jumps into the story relatively late.

There's one worthy adversary too, played by South African Arnold Vosloo. Lance Henriksen ain't bad either.

It's a story about hunting humans, with a fiery finale, going from New Orleans out to the Bayou with snakes and alligators, though you don't see any of the latter.

Interesting too how it starts out a hunt for a human in a very different sense. A girl just looking for a father.

But it escalates fast, and it's a blast.

The action choreography's a bit messy sometimes but so pompous. There's a bit much slow-mo maybe. A lot of coolness. Killer thriller. Old not newness. But I love this style...

That iconic homeless man in need of help scene too. Makes you think a bit.

 rated 4/5: fo shizzle

When the local mafia shows up to burn down her restaurant, Ana, a chef with a meticulous past, defends her turf and proves her knife skills both in and out of the kitchen.

Here's a romantic action movie starring Olga Kurylenko!

She's great. The choreography's simpler, but it works.

It's a violent relationship comedy, a bit like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but in a more limited location. Maybe a bit like Bullet Train, or like Assault on Precinct 13. Or maybe Stormy Monday.

It has a simple premise and limited set, but it builds up nicely. Which is a style that seems to be coming back lately. With an upbeat outro track, and it's not perfect, but I love it.

Credit song? Gotta look that one up...

 rated 3.5/5: not bad at all

A game show in which all is not as it seems.

They could've added a bit more to that blockquote couldn't they...?

The official description may still make it seem way more intense than it really is, action-wise, but regarding the other stuff... it really is all that. With a saucy cast. With plenty of suspenseful music and kinky scenes, and although the actors aren't all the best it's... pretty enjoyable.

In for the thrill, for the kinks, not the kills. And for an ending that seems a little surreal...

It's almost like an Adult take on the Truman Show. Sort of.

It's a game show with a twist, where the contestants don't seem fully aware of what they've become a part of. And it seems symbolic to our modern age social media, and the craze on appearances and success. The lack of shame, the wrath of game, the mishaps and pain... feels like there are a lot of nuances to this, even if it all seems so simple on the surface.

I want to give this one a four, but in regard to acting and all...

 rated 3.5/5: not bad at all

I DID catch The Rock reference. XD And I appreciate the little witticisms and comedic elements riddled throughout the movie - even the violent ones.

I appreciate the chaos too. I appreciate the things that don't turn out the way they're supposed to, and the more emotional moments - save for the ones early on in the film. When it really starts going sideways you really start feeling for the characters. With the operation, with Boyle Heights, with the final showdown...

It's one wild Ambulance ride, that occasionally has me thinking of Gone in 60 Seconds, and occasionally of Crank, but I honestly did not recognize the Michael Bay trademark until it was over!

Feels like he's trying some unconventional angles sometimes. Like with the drone shots. They don't always work.

The actors are great; the plot's clean; the actions gritty - all of that is masterful - but the filming leaves a little to be desired. Especially early on. It's just shaky cam and swoops. It's not clear at all. It takes a while before they really start letting you experience the action as a movie viewer and not one more so immersed in the film.

I wasn't planning to give this one a full four but it does get better, and better, and when it's over... it really was a ride after all. Strong cast. Strong action sequences. Not the best way there; not the best outcome either - but I can appreciate the twists too.

 rated 4/5: fo shizzle

A soldier convicted for murdering his commanding officer is dumped and left to die on a prison island inhabited by two camps of convicts.

It's both futuristic and prehistoric - corruption of war and government.

Ray Liotta has great eyes, and then there's the black guy, and some other familiar faces...

This was so much better than The Green Inferno. Lower budget here and yet they managed so well. The characters, the atmosphere, the sense of familiarity within the village too... it's all so good.

Solid escape movie.

 rated 4/5: fo shizzle

We really are our own agents of fate, aren't we?

This reminded me so much of Pulp Fiction. Even the black and white duo. It's very different, of course, but also follows a similarly random strain of events and characters that over the duration of one long-ass train ride slowly get to know each other... and kill each other.

It's a train full of assassins, basically, though it all starts with just one briefcase.

I thought Brad Pitt would be the highlight here, but there were so many more! Lemon in particular, he shines. But everyone on the cast list is amazing. The great villain too, played by Michael Shannon, is so much better here than in his role in Die Hard, for example!

This one's real. And the filming's surreal. And the action's just another level of both real and random.

The soundtrack's so well-timed and composed too.

Elements of Japanese culture are brought in with both utmost care and comedic timing - and let's not even speak about that Fiji water bottle! I mean lets. It was amazing. And the Ryan Reynolds cameo?! I thought the other one would be the big one! It keeps surprising.

There's not a single thing wrong with this movie is there?

It's been a while since I gave something a five but... here we go. Feels like this one deserves it. It's so wholesome. So intricate. So ferocious. It starts calm but builds up perfectly, and before you know it the movie's over.

Just like a bullet train! What a ride.

 rated 5/5: friggin awesome