The 1995 sci-fi action flick Hologram has no business being this awesome, but here we are!
Many gems can be found among 90s DTV action flicks, and few radiate a goofy charm such as Hologram Man, which showed the low-tier action flick forge PM Entertainment at their creative peak. The film didn’t reach cult status like other 1990s action cheesefests such as Samurai Cop and Miami Connection, but I think it should be absolutely up there with them, so let’s have a look!
In the near future, terrorist Slash Gallagher (Evan Lurie) is on a rampage against the government and big corporations that control all aspects of public life. He is caught and incarcerated into a hologram but gets hacked out of his virtual prison. Now that he’s become a digital supervillain, Gallagher is up to no good. The only person who can stop him is police investigator Kurt Decoda (Joe Lara).
Welcome to Cyberpunk PM style! We start with a classic PM opening sequence featuring perforated bodies and an excess of pyrotechnics, thanks to a silver handgun shooting green projectiles that lets cars explode upon a single hit. Right after we are introduced to Slash Gallagher making love and get to admire his naked body and massive dreadlocks. High on dopamine, he hijacks a bus and attacks a police convoy, which turns into another demolition fest until the lunatic revolutionary is arrested. So far so PM, but then the film leaves familiar territory and enters a world of madness and wonder.
Hologram Man presents many ideas but rips them all from a dozen or so Sci-Fi classics, and you can make a drinking game from guessing which film is referenced in a particular scene.
There’s the cyberpunk version of Demolition Man, a ”holographic prison term with bio-personalized reprogramming” and a parole hearing every couple of years to assess the digital mind of the perpetrator.
Gallagher’s ethereal form can be surrounded by a synthetic skin enabling him to duplicate a human face (as in Darkman). He can also travel through a computer network (see any 90s cyberpunk flick) and kill you with lightning bolts through your computer screen (akin to Wes Craven’s Shocker). And there’s so much more to discover!
The film seems to have been Evan Lurie’s baby, who co-wrote, produced, and starred in it. I wouldn’t refer to his performance as acting in the traditional sense, but it’s radiating so much energy, and he just seems to have a great time being evil. Joe Lara leads the good guy camp and makes a fine B-action hero who is equally adept at shooting, punching, and making love. And we can easily sympathize with Decoda, as he passes through most of the film with an astonished face in disbelief about what is happening around him, just like the viewer.
The first third of the film is filled with explosions and vehicles wreaking havoc, but the action level is dialed back a bit afterwards. We still get a shootout or car explosion every 10 minutes, and plenty of other stuff such as when a hologram Gallagher and Decoda duke it out wearing digital Spandex suits. There’s just never a dull moment in this film.
Hologram Man’s mix of unrestrained nonsense with a goofy sense of humor and relentless action is an experience that transcends the boundaries of the human mind. This Sci-Fi piñata chock-full of insanity is a film that must become the classic it deserves to be!
You know the name, and you know the number, too. Yes, much has been written about one of the best Bond films, which seems to consistently rank pretty high on fans’ lists. But what exactly makes GoldenEye so special?
1) The best villain ensemble cast
What would a Bond film be without a good baddie, one that really puts 007 to the test? I have already written quite extensively about Bond villains, and Alec Trevelyan is definitely one of my favourites. The concept of a “rogue” Bond is simple, but so effective that it seems crazy the franchise waited until 1995 to fully exploit it. Sean Bean’s charisma and his cool facial scars already made Alec a memorable villain, but his status as a complex antagonist cements 006 as one of the best bad guys. Treading the fine line between revenge and personal gain, Alec is hard to read, and impossible to forget! But he isn’t the film only villainous asset: GoldenEye makes the most of Trevelyan’s sidekicks. Xenia, Boris, Ouromov and their interactions are hilarious to watch, as all have their own agenda and personality – and don’t enjoy working together at all! Having one good villain is already a cause for celebration, so when it’s an entire ensemble cast, things can’t get better.
The movie also has some of the coolest Bond girls in the entire history of the franchise: first, there is Famke Janssen as the unforgettable femme fatale Xenia Onatopp. Xenia is a predator, and a worthy adversary to Bond, who thinks his charms can open all doors… until he knocks on the wrong one! Of course, Janssen owns the film, to the point where the only thing wrong with Xenia’s is her disappointingly quick demise.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have Natalya Simonova, a Bond girl wearing a cardigan (who would have thought!). More than just a girlfriend, Natalya is the film’s deuteragonist: she has her own sub-plot, which runs parallel to Bond’s quest, and even her own antagonist to defeat. Fans fondly remember Izabella Scorupco’s performance, as she gave Natalya a real personality and some sharp wits. I also think that part of the fanbase, myself included, was glad to finally see a geek on screen!
Sometimes, we just want to see a train derail, or a giant antenna which collapses. And for those times, there is GoldenEye. Standing out in a saga full of amazing stunts isn’t easy, especially as blockbusters from the 90s were known for their over-the-top action sequences. But GoldenEye’s stunts really take the cake. There are simply too many memorable ones throughout the movie, which goes beyond the classic car chases (though even the titular chase is a perfect introduction to Xenia!). Between a barrage jump and that improbable motorcycle escape, the film knows how to awaken our inner child – and of course, it created an entire generation of tank-obsessed Bond fans!
Yes, I just praised its action scenes, but the film isn’t just a succession of fast paced stunts. In fact, I’d argue that GoldenEye is Brosnan’s best precisely because it balances actual stakes with stunning action. Unlike Craig, whose latest entries delved too much into psychoanalysis and needlessly serious plots, and unlike Die Another Day’s brainless fun, GoldenEye has much to tell and knows how to tell it.
Bond is scarred by Trevelyan’s death – and later, by his betrayal. In fact, the whole film discusses the importance of trust. His relationship with M is another glaring example: the unruly 007 has to regain his superior’s confidence, and needs to feel like he can rely on her, too. Natalya is betrayed by Boris, while Xenia is by essence a predator masquerading as a lovely woman. The more I think about it, the more this simple red thread helps to make the film stand out and gives it plausible stakes.
Is this really a valid point? Okay, that’s debatable, but you can’t deny that GoldenEye got the saga back onto the right tracks – and fans could breathe a sight of relief upon seeing this masterpiece. I wasn’t around back in 1995, but I know the stress of not having a new Bond film guaranteed, so I can’t imagine what the commercial failure of Licence To Kill and its implications for the franchise felt like. So, GoldenEye’s status as a successful reboot and a franchise saviour suffices to make it iconic.
And it isn’t just for the Bond connoisseurs, either: GoldenEye is a great introduction to the character for those who don’t know about 007. It ticks almost all of the boxes when it comes to the Bond formula. The film has a compelling plot, some iconic Bond girls, a great villain, hilarious sidekicks, amazing set pieces, a casino and improbable gadgets: it is quite a number!
In a world where tech evolution is moving at the speed of light, you don’t need a high-flying budget to enjoy the magic of streaming platforms.
Streaming has now become as standard as the icing on your birthday cake, available everywhere from your trusty laptop to any basic smartphone. With the growing embrace of 5G technology, not only are you binge-watching Netflix shows on the go, but you’re also doing everything from personal or business video conference calls to even dabbling in your all time favourite casino games or Tic Tok clips.
The real question is, with the plethora of streaming services available, which one is your golden ticket to endless cinematic adventures without breaking the bank? Let’s roll out the red carpet and dive into the world of top streaming platforms that are as easy on the wallet as they are on the eyes.
Netflix – Where Magic Meets Budget
Netflix is the undisputed heavyweight champion of streaming. Whether you’re into gripping series, thrilling documentaries, or star-studded blockbusters, Netflix delivers it all. For as little as $7 a month, you can revel in ad-supported HD quality and one concurrent stream. If you’re feeling a bit fancier, double your budget for $15.50 a month to enjoy 4K HDR glory with four simultaneous streams.
Max – Warner Bros. Discovery’s Big Surprise
Say goodbye to the old HBO Max; it’s time to meet Max. Warner Bros. Discovery brought a pleasant surprise by blending Discovery+ into the mix. Now, Max offers an expanded library that will satisfy your every binge-watching craving. For as low as $10 a month or $100 a year, you can kick back and enjoy ad-supported HD streaming with two concurrent streams.
Disney+ – Family Fun on a Budget
For family-friendly content that’s both affordable and delightful, Disney+ is the name of the game. From classic Disney tales to Marvel’s cinematic universe and the charming antics of The Mandalorian, it’s a world of enchantment for all ages. Plus, they’ve banned R-rated content, making it a safe space for your kiddos. Priced at just $8 a month for ad-supported streaming or $11 a month (or $110 a year) for an ad-free extravaganza, Disney+ caters to your entire brood.
Hulu – For Cord-Cutters and More
Hulu’s the way to go for cord-cutters who want a taste of the old cable TV days but without the hefty bill. Offering a vast selection of classic and new TV shows, plus optional live TV, Hulu is perfect for those who can’t let go of network favourites. Starting at $8 a month for ad-supported streaming or $15 a month for an ad-free experience, Hulu fits most budgets.
Prime Video – Amazon’s Hidden Treasure
Amazon Prime Video is a treasure trove of movies and TV series. With some enticing exclusives like The Expanse and Goliath, it’s a budget-friendly platform with surprisingly rich content. For just $9 a month or included as part of your Amazon Prime subscription ($15 a month or $139 a year), Prime Video offers quality streaming with up to three concurrent devices.
Conclusion
In the grand landscape of streaming platforms, there’s something for everyone, no matter your budget or interests. From classics to exclusives, documentaries to sci-fi, you can dive into cinematic worlds that won’t drain your wallet. With these budget-friendly options, the sky’s the limit!
Ranking the best action movies from the great and wonderful Patrick Swayze!
Patrick Swayze had an incredibly successful career as an actor spanning three decades until his untimely death in 2009. Imbued with an incredible amount of charisma and charm, he gave us many memorable characters.
He left us a small but explosive legacy of action flicks, so let’s get going with our ranking of the ultimate Patrick Swayze action movies!
In 1987, Swayze had his big breakthrough with Dirty Dancing, and in the same year he made the post-apocalyptic actioner Steel Dawn. Wasteland wanderer Nomad (Swayze) joins a group of villagers, but before long he needs to put his fighting skills to use when warlord Damnil and his minions seek to raid the settlement for its water supply. The film begins with Swayze meditating while doing a headstand in the desert and getting attacked by mutants unearthing from the sand.
He disposes of them violently with his mighty sword, but the promise of this awesome opening sequence to give us a campy, swashbuckling actioner never gets fulfilled. The film misses a unique signature, and its mashup of genre tropes is smaller than the sum of its parts. The sword fights pack some punch and are well choreographed but too infrequent to keep the excitement level high. Steel Dawn is an average post-apocalyptic actioner, but worth revisiting if you’re in the mood for an 80s throwback.
First Blood director Ted Kotcheff tackled the alleged fate of American war prisoners left after the Vietnam war and did it even before Rambo: First Blood Part II. The son of Colonel Rhodes (Gene Hackman) went missing during the Vietnam War. 10 years later he finds evidence that his kid is still held prisoner and assembles a team for a clandestine operation behind enemy lines. The movie is s a riff on The Deadly Dozen, and equally lays it on thick with pathos. Swayze plays the over motivated greenhorn and gives early testimony of his fighting skills and energetic acting style.
The tension builds up nicely, with the first half of the film dedicated to the assembly and training of the rescue squad. After that it’s action time with a journey through the jungle, camp infiltration, and 30 minutes of pure mayhem. The action is staged elaborately, with well-crafted shootouts, fights, and huge explosions. Uncommon Valor may not be a classic entry to the war action genre but it’s definitely an entertaining watch.
It’s hillbillies vs. the Italian mafia with Swayze caught between the fronts. Chicago cop Truman’s (Swayze) brother is murdered by the Italian mafia. He tries to catch the killer with policework, but his family from Kentucky prefers to invoke justice their way. Next of Kin is atmospherically dense and gets the most out of its gritty urban setting. Swayze delivers his trademark style of being gracious when talking and resolved when it’s time for action.
The film is a well-balanced blend of crime thriller, family drama and numerous violent confrontations. The Appalachian family may be impoverished and eccentric, but the city mobsters are no match for them and their shotguns. The finale is a crazy showdown between the Southerners and the mafia in a cemetery with hatchets, bear traps and a bus full of snakes becoming weapons of choice. Next of Kin is a classic 1980s action thriller of the best kind.
The country road turns into a warzone in Black Dog. Truck driver Jack (Swayze) and his family have fallen on hard times. He gets talked into driving a shipment of hot merchandise ware across the country but before long the police and his treacherous employer (Meat Loaf) are chasing after him. Black Dog is lean and straightforward in the best sense. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, the characters are a fun bunch, and the story flows smoothly with a high tempo.
Swayze carries the film with his energetic presence as tough trucker and caring family man who is willing to defend his rig at all costs. The car action is fantastic and considering the film’s budget is absolutely on par with most A-list productions of the time. Trucks are grinding, crashing, and exploding for no reason. It’s all fantastic work by the stunt crew helmed by the masters of their craft Vic Armstrong and Gary Hymes. Black Dog delivers 85 exciting minutes of pure vehicular carnage.
In John Milius’ cult action fairy tale, the cold war turned hot. A Communist army invades the USA, and a small Colorado town is one of their first beachheads. A group of high school kids led by Jed (Swayze) takes refuge in the mountains and starts a guerilla war against the enemy army. It all sounds pretty grim, but don’t take it too seriously, and just enjoy this charming and occasionally cheesy action adventure.
The film delivers a truckload of kick-ass action as The Wolverines are machine-gunning, camouflaging, and booby-trapping their way through enemy territory. The film is full of intense moments and huge action set pieces when Colorado is turned into a war zone. Swayze radiates a youthful charm and energy as leader of the pack who excels at campfire pep talk and more aggressive measures to keep his squad in line. Wolverines!!!
Point Break was another slam dunk for Swayze and became one of the greatest off-beat actioners of all time. FBI graduate Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) joins the LA bank robbery task force. The most notorious gang of bank robbers is suspected to be found among surfers. Johnny goes undercover and gets drawn into the free-spirited lifestyle of the surfing community, that is led by the charismatic master surfer Bodhi (Swayze).
Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze deliver some of the best performances of their career as two antipoles in temperament and way of life. Swayze’s Bodhi is the more interesting of the two, a hedonist freethinker who is also a violent criminal. The action is kinetic and exciting, filmed masterfully (including the many surfing sequences), and doesn’t need bullet storms or giant explosions to hit hard. Point Break is an atmospheric and captivating ride that has become a legendary entry to the genre.
“Be nice until it’s time not to be nice.” Traveling philosopher and martial arts expert Dalton (Swayze) finds his calling as master bouncer of a run-down bar in Missouri. Crime lord Wesley does not appreciate Dalton’s efforts and declares war on him. Road House creates a masculine microcosm of impossible characters and impossible dialogues full of terrific one-liners. It’s funny, dramatic, cheesy, and romantic, and the action rocks with testosterone-charged fist fights, big explosions, and a monster truck rampage.
As so often in his films, Swayze portrays an outsider with an uncanny amount of resolve. He delivers a mesmerizing performance as Dalton, introduced to us as a man in total balance with himself and the universe. Soon enough he turns into a total bad-ass, and his crusade for justice culminates in an emotionally most satisfying throat-rip sequence. Road House is an ultimate pillar of 1980s cinema, a film so unique it should be recognized as its own genre.
Let’s face it: between the big screen and the streaming platforms, there are so many action films coming out nowadays that it can sometimes be hard to find one which really makes a lasting impression and leaves us with something. If you’re tired of action movies that all seem alike and want something different, look no further than forgotten gem Atomic Blonde. This 2017 movie was directed by David Leitch – who also produced and co-directed the first John Wick. It stars Charlize Theron as Cold War spy Lorraine Broughton, who is sent to Berlin to retrieve a list of all active spies in the city – though her real agenda and loyalties remain far more unclear.
Of course, the titular Atomic Blonde is the film’s main asset: Theron absolutely owns the film, and her character perfectly plays on the trope of the cynical Cold War agent who has seen it all. Her fight scenes are nothing short of impressive, and as someone who is always happy to see badass women in movies, it is cool to watch Theron kick ass in a believable way. She is often facing bigger and stronger men, and has to rely on her wits to beat them up and get the upper hand. When going against local cops, the spy even makes some creative use of a fridge and a pan to ensure that her adversaries are dispatched quickly. Not only is Lorraine’s fighting style impressive, it also perfectly reflects her personality and defines her as a cold-hearted and efficient killer.
Atomic Blonde even recreates the vibe of the Cold War spy thrillers we all know and love. Indeed, the movie is remarkable for having more brains than most: it is nice to see that the plot doesn’t just gravitate around the fight scenes, but that it manages to set up a proper spy mystery, full of double crossings. Of course, the Cold War setting is a solid basis for a good thriller, but this plot remains praiseworthy in an era where spy movies tend to become… generic action movies! To get this interesting story going, we can count on some solid characters: no one’s loyalties or identity are clear, not even when it comes to rookie spy Delphine (Sofia Boutella, who should definitely get more parts in interesting films), with whom Lorraine begins a brief relationship. The same goes for Broughton’s assistant and contact David Percival (James McAvoy, playing an “anti-Bond” in his own words), a feral agent with a love of Berlin and an agenda of his own. As for the killer queen, Lorraine herself, she offers an interesting take on the heartless spy, who first seems jaded and unimpressed, but gets more invested in her mission as the film progresses.
The film was a hit at the box-office, and was almost immediately compared to the first John Wick movie. Of course, the presence of David Leitch justified the comparison – after all, he was heavily involved in the 2014 film, though he wasn’t credited as co-director.
Leitch’s style is very recognisable throughout Atomic Blonde: much like with the Baba Yaga, he keeps his colour palette cold and dark, and offers some extremely fluid and dynamic fight scenes. Of course, it is Atomic Blonde’s lengthy apartment fight which takes the cake and deserves a special mention: it lasts for ten minutes, and is a simply breathtaking, perfectly filmed brawl. The fight scene also has what so many others lack – an impact on the characters. By the time she makes it to the end, Lorraine is properly drained, and each and every of her moves has to be carefully planned to save her energy. A post-John Wick 4 rewatch makes the scene even better, as it is clear that both films have a love of long, brutal brawls and cold, phlegmatic assassins.
Despite its similarities with Chad Stahelski’s saga, Atomic Blonde is more than a female-led rip-off of John Wick: the film has its own universe, and a more down-to-earth tone. This is because it makes the most of its Cold War setting, and the beautiful shots of Berlin perfectly recreate the atmosphere of suspicion present in the original comic book – and in the city at the time. In short, Lorraine Broughton and her work deserve to be far more well-known. There are few female spies on screen who are as iconic and competent, and hopefully we’ll get to see more of her and Leitch’s work in an upcoming sequel!
A look back at what makes Ninja Assassin (2009) an uncompromising vision of what ultimate action cinema could be in the 2000s.
2009 was a great year for ninja fans: Isaac Florentine’s Ninja was a high-octane martial arts fest featuring rising action star Scott Adkins. The other film in that year was Ninja Assassin, another fruitful collaboration between producers the Wachowskis and director James McTeigue after V for Vendetta. Ninjas and Korean superstar Rain already made an appearance in Speed Racer the year before, and I guess the Wachowskis decided it was time to give both a bigger stage. Ninja Assassin became an awesome blood-soaked update to the ninja classics of the 1980s, so let’s have a look!
Raizo (Rain), an outcast of the ninja assassin clan Ozunu, lives in hiding, while Europol agent Mika traces a murder back to the Ozunu. When ninjas try to kill her, she saved by Raizo, and the two team up to bring down the clan and its sadistic leader (Sho Kosugi).
The film’s title is a fitting two-word summary of the plot, and the opening sequence shows us where we’re headed: a squad of ninjas slays its foes mercilessly with fountains of blood and flying body parts. Despite this over-the-top start the film keeps it straight and avoids spoofing of the 80s ninja classics. Director McTeigue creates slick visuals and plays effectively with darkness and shadows that make the whispering ninjas often seem like ghosts.
The action sequences are spectacular, but do not find a worthy counterpart outside of them. The plot tries to establish a link between ancient ninja traditions and our modern world but ends up being fairly run-off-the-mill: a strained sensei-student relationship, and a police squad that pokes around without much success. Fortunately, all this never drags on too long, and the next fight comes swiftly.
I Think We Can Handle a Few Masked Whack Jobs Wearing Pajamas
The bland characters are another weak point, except for Sho Kozugi’s commanding portrayal of the cruel clan boss Ozunu. Rain is not as charismatic as one might have hoped for in his role as a stone-cold killer with a tragic past, but it’s not a major complaint. His performance in the action sequences is fantastic, he whirls through them like a tornado and thanks to being a phenomenal dancer he executes the fight choreography perfectly.
Chad Stahelski and David Leitch are two of the greatest action directors of our times, and for Ninja Assassin they headed the action crew. Their talent and passion results in an astonishing display of mayhem and carnage. The set pieces are fantastic with impressive hand-to-hand and weapon fights. Every weapon from the ninja armory is allowed to do its bloody work, and the ninja squad delivers spectacular stunt work.
A Bload-Soaked Update to the 1980s Ninja Action Classics
The sharp blades are a good justification for extremely graphic displays of violence, and it seems the production team fell seriously in love with CGI blood and gore. I usually am not a fan of computer-generated effects instead of practical ones, but the ones in this film don’t look bad, and care was taken to make them an integral part of each fight scene, and not just an afterthought. And if you ever asked yourself who would win the fight of a ninja clan vs. a heavily weaponized SWAT unit, you’ll get your answer in the fiery finale.
Ninja Assassin is a gory and stylish spectacle with a fantastic fight choreography. Its uncompromising vision of action cinema makes it an ultimate genre classic of the 2000s.
A look back at how ‘The Ice Pirates’ deserves an honored space in the ultimate sci-fi comedy genre.
The 1970s and 1980s gave us a whole bunch of ultimate Sci-Fi comedies such as Dark Star and Buckaroo Banzai that were full of wacky humor and an anything goes attitude. The Ice Pirates ranks high up there with them, and it also delivered the goods on the action front. While it seems easy to write the film off as a Star Wars and Flash Gordon parody it is not just a spoof but has a fun story to tell, so let’s have a look!
Jason (Robert Urich) and his crew roam space to rid cargo ships of water, the most precious resource in the universe after the water wars. During a raid, they capture Princess Karina (Mary Crosby), who takes the pirates on an adventurous search for the mythical seventh water planet, with the space Templars of the galactic dictatorship chasing after them.
Not spice, but ice is the rarest and most valuable material in the galaxy, and in view of the looming water crisis on our planet in our time the Ice Pirates became a truly prophetic film. Nah, I’m just kidding, it’s all big nonsense, but still a cool premise. Director and writer Stewart Raffill made the semi-Sci-Fi classic The Philadelphia Experiment in 1984, but it looks like he also needed an outlet for his more crazy ideas, and in the same year he made The Ice Pirates.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of what awaits you in this film: medieval knights, cowboys and pirates with laser pistols, Sleeping Beauty in space, amazons on unicorns, a robot pimp, lascivious frog women, a castration and lobotomization factory, and a spaceship with Herpes. I enjoyed the film’s humor, as it relentlessly exploits the absurdity of the numerous outrageous situations the pirates find themselves in. The best part may be the clumsy and cowardly droids which usually find themselves at the center of many practical jokes.
The initial 20 million USD budget apparently was scrapped to a mere 8 million USD, so the crew improvised as much as they could to still put together a consistent production, and they succeeded with much creativity. The special effects are on the lower side of the budget spectrum, and even though they can’t hold a candle to Star Wars, they are inventive such as when an actual space battle is fought like a Space Invaders game on a computer screen. The costumes are spot on: space pirates look like pirates, and space amazons look like amazons. It’s a beautifully chaotic mix and makes for some totally wild visuals.
The cast is perfectly tuned in to the vibe of the film. Robert Urich gives a campy impression of Han Solo, his crew mate Anjelica Huston is suave and bad-ass, and her costume looks like art from the scrapyard. And John Matuszak (Sloth from The Goonies) shows his comedic side as a muscled but soft-spoken hustler.
Just like in any good pulp story, things take turns abruptly. The bad guys usually show up without warning and then it’s havoc time! The quality of the action sequences is not on the level of an A-list action flick, but Rafill put as much mayhem on the screen as possible considering the budget issues.
Axes, swords, and laser pistols are put to use frequently in the many skirmishes unfolding in the space ship corridors. There’s a fantastic chase sequence through the desert between a pirate buggy and a bounty hunter rig stacked with space vikings, and a hilarious time-bending finale where everyone ages 50 years during battle.
Rafill orchestrated a swashbuckling space opera of joyful madness that is in tongue-in-cheek mode every second. The Ice Pirates has not a single dull moment, and rightfully earned its place in the Sci-Fi Comedy Hall of Fame.
Ranking the most ultimate post-apocalyptic action movies of all time!
Imagining what the world would look like after a global natural disaster, a deadly pandemic, or a nuclear war, should be a very discomforting thought. And yet it has fascinated humanity for a long time, and the entertainment industry also contemplated aplenty on it. After all, a world with no rules, populated with murderous bandits and bloodthirsty mutants, is the perfect playground for exciting adventures and relentless action! In this list, we present you our choice of the 20 most ultimate post-apocalyptic action movies!
The fourth installment of the Terminator franchise showed us what happened after Skynet’s victory over humanity. John Connor (Christian Bale) and the mysterious loner Marcus (Sam Worthington) see their fate intertwined on a mission to save Kyle Reese (Connor’s father in the past) from the machines. The best thing about the film is that it creates the post-apocalyptic world in perfect detail, and impressively visualizes the state of constant warfare in this desolate world.
Pretty much everything else is a failure, be it the generic characters, the uninteresting plot, and embarrassing action sequences. Director McGee emulated Transformers and created a soulless CGI fest featuring ludicrous mega-Terminators that release motorcycles from their legs. Terminator: Salvation is a pale shadow of the previous Terminator entries, but as action fast food it’s worth at least a single watch.
The adaptation of the cult comic book flick gave us plush helmets and the cutest tank in movie history. Rebecca’s (Lori Petty) life gets turned upside after her cozy wasteland villa is destroyed by goons of the tyrannic Water and Power corporation. Rebecca steals a tank and sets out so set things right for the free people.
A punk vibe (and soundtrack) permeates the whole film as it tells the classic story about the fight of free spirits vs. an evil corporation. With its coarse humor, chaotic dialogues and sassy characters, the film indulges a bit too much in its attitude rather than telling a compelling story. The action also lacks a bit of oomph, and sometimes feels like a fizzled parody of the genre. Despite these flaws, Tank Girl is a great early entry to feminist action cinema and a happy acid trip.
The live-action adaptation of the popular manga put a big spotlight on its star Gary Daniels and his martial arts skills. Kenshiro (Daniels) travels through a post-nuclear world to take down the leader of tyrannical clan Southern Cross Shin, who killed Kenshiro’s father. Director Tony Randel created an awesome visual mix, combining the classic post-apocalyptic imagery of crumbling cities and desolate desert landscapes with Soviet-style art and a touch of Metropolis.
Daniels impresses with a fantastic mullet and fashion choices (topless in leather pants). His fight performance is even better, and he pulls some nasty moves on his opponents, rearranging body parts in numerous uncanny ways. Despite being a tad too serious and cheesy on occasion, Fist of the North Star scores high on atmosphere, and delivers a bunch of kick-ass fights!
Isn’t this one of the most awesome titles for an action flick! Humans lost the war against the machines and were also rendered sterile in the nuclear fallout. Mary is tasked to bring an engineered embryo to safety, and only the mysterious loner Austin (Joe Lara) can protect her from the dangers lurking in the ruins of civilization. The movie is a relentless chase with a cascade of shootouts and fights, as Mary and Austin are facing a psychopathic drag queen gang, mutant mummy cannibals, and a blonde mustache terminator.
Despite being incredibly derivative, the film succeeds in creating a good sense of immersion into a post-apocalyptic cityscape. If an action-packed hiking trip through industrial ruins with frantic shootouts sounds appealing to you, you’re in for a lot of fun with American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.
After World War III. A super soldier experiment gone wrong. “The Muzzles”, cross-bred from humans and pigs. Humans in concentration camps and their meat is on the menu. Rob Justice, the hero of the human resistance. Sent to kill the “Mother of Muzzles”. Fighting a pig-man in a jetpack with a midget strapped to his back. Cyborgs. Telekinesis. Time Travel. Women with mustaches. Thick Eastern European accents. Absurd humor. Filth. Brutality. Disgust. Creative. Energetic. High-grade camp. Modern grindhouse perfection.
The tabletop role-playing and miniatures game received a bonkers conversion into a movie. In 2707, the world is devastated from constant war. An ancient ground seal is broken, and an army of bloodthirsty monsters emerges. The monk Samuel assembles a suicide commando of elite soldiers to descend into the pit and save mankind.
The world of Mutant Chronicles features an inventive and haunting imagery with its blend of WW1, steampunk, and Metropolis-style visuals. The film is also a massive slugfest, when mutants go on their rampage over the battlefields, and our band of heroes makes its descent into almost literal hell and plow through hordes of enemies. Big-ass blades and firearms leave perforated and exploding bodies in their trails. Mutant Chronicles is a post-apocalyptic Steampunk action fest deluxe!
Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, Bounty Killer became an instant indie action classic! After greedy corporations devastated the world, it’s hunting season for white-collar criminals. The two bounty hunters Drifter and Mary Death share a love-hate relationship, and their actions will determine the fate of the whole wasteland.
Western, Grindhouse and retro visuals are thrown together to create a colorful setting that radiates fun from the first to the last minute. The action does not disappoint, with some cool car chases Mad Max-style, and ultra-bloody shootouts with lots of macabre ideas. There’s also a triumphant cameo for Gary Busey as chief executing psychopath. Bounty Hunter delivers 90 minutes of pure escapism and spectacle.
In 1996, Pamela Anderson tried to diversify her acting activities beyond Baywatch into the movie business and gave us this wild and sexy actioner based on a comic book. In a USA ravaged by the second civil war, Bar owner and bounty hunter Barb Wire (Anderson) gets caught in the crossfire between criminal gangs, the police, and a government torture squad. The film has a fantastic visual vibe, it’s a delicious Punk Rock Industrial dystopia.
Anderson’s character is a legitimate bad-ass heroine, and her earnestness makes delivery of the numerous cheesy one-liners even more compelling. Her physical performance is also impressive – with lots of shooting and punching – considering she does everything with four-inch-high heels and a tight corset. And the final showdown is a spectacular half hour of vehicular carnage and non-stop explosions. Barb Wire is how I like my comic book movies: silly, violent, and action-packed!
Albert Pyun will always be remembered as the ultimate grandmaster of cyborg flicks, and the terrific action extravaganza Knights ranks high among them! A cyborg army roams the barren earth, draining people’s blood as fuel for their bodies. Only Nea (Kathy Land) and the rogue cyborg Gabriel (Kris Kristofferson) have knowledge of secret martial arts techniques that can kill the cyborgs and save humanity.
Vampire cyborg knights on horses attain consciousness by injecting themselves with human blood. Rarely has there been a greater premise for an action film than this one. Cyborgs and humans duke it out relentlessly, and the fight sequences are some of the best you will find in a DTV flick from the 1990s. Knights is an ultimate cheesy spectacle!
Priest steals shamelessly from genre classics such as Judge Dredd,Underworld, and Equilibrium, but does it in such an excellent way that it becomes a high-octane action adventure! The war between humanity and vampires has concluded, and humanity’s elite warriors, the Priests were forced into retirement. When the niece of a Priest (Paul Bettany) is abducted by the former enemy, he becomes a hunter once again.
Cyberpunk, Western and post-apocalyptictic tropes are merged into a delicious Sci-Fi pulp cocktail. Martial arts priests vs. vampires is a perfect premise for lots of violent clashes with gunfire, holy cross shurikens and slo-mo roundhousing. Priest is highly derivative, but also highly entertaining.
The two martial arts movie legends director Isaac Florentine and the uncrowned king of spinning kicks Gary Daniels teamed up for this slam dunk in the low-budget action arena. Bounty hunter Roland (Daniels) rescues Christine, the wife of his deceased brother, from the grips of lunatic bandit lord Little Ray (Brian Genesse) and his sinister plan for her. Little Ray wants her back, and the show is on.
Cold Harvest gives us the post-apocalypse Wild West style with a sprinkle of Gun Fu, and a total overdose of martial arts. Florentine goes all in from the beginning with a crazy tempo and Daniels has plenty of opportunity to showcase his talent, all the way to a finale that is pure carnage captured on celluloid. Cold Harvest is DTV gold of the highest purity!
The 1980s were a great decade for goofy and action-packed Sci-Fi comedies, and Cherry 2000 ranks high among them. When Sam’s (David Andrews) sex android Cherry breaks, he enlists the help of tracker “E” (Melanie Griffith) to find spare parts in the scrapyard of Zone 7, the most dangerous part of the wasteland. The colorful badlands look like Las Vegas exploded and its remains rained down everywhere.
Our two leads Sam and E are incredibly charming and unlikely action heroes, and nonchalantly pass through even the most dangerous situations. The highlight of the film is a legendary sequence that involves a car dangling in the air, half a dozen rocket launchers, and a perilous drop into a water tunnel of the Hoover dam. Cherry 2000 is an enormously fun trip through the wasteland, and E’s sweatshirt with the print “Dignity” should be compulsorily worn by every member of humanity.
Love and Monsters shows us that optimism can prevail despite the hardships of living in the ruins of civilization. After an environmental disaster, insects and reptiles have grown to gargantuan proportions, and wiped out most of humanity. Joel (Dylan O’Brian) leaves his bunker and embarks on the dangerous journey through monster-infested nature to be reunited with his lost girlfriend Aimee.
The film impresses with an extraordinarily light-hearted vibe, witty dialogues, and likeable characters. The wildlands are populated by fascinating but almost always deadly creatures that launch relentless attacks against Joel and his fellow travelers. Love and Monsters carries the simple but important message that it’s fun to get out of your (metaphoric) bunker every once in a while, there may be an adventure waiting for you outside.
Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman clash intensely in this atmospheric post-apocalyptic actioner. Eli (Washington) scavenges the ruins of civilization for food and goods. He stops in a village that is ruled by the tyrannical Carnegie (Oldman), who seeks to get hold of a mysterious book Eli carries with him, and a violent confrontation arises. Directors Albert and Allen Hughes create images that are eerie and beautiful at the same time and evoke the vibe of a Western frontier town.
Some religious undertones are cleverly embedded into the story and invite you to reflect on them instead of being preachy. The action is well-dosed and incredibly brutal. Washington is a stoic bad-ass, and his uncanny speed and precision make him a seemingly unsurmountable protector of his book. The Book of Eli is a grim, but also hopeful tale, and a fantastic entry to the genre!
In Snowpiercer, director Bong Joon Ho creates an ingenious microcosmos against the backdrop of a frozen world after an experiment to mitigate climate change went horribly wrong. The only survivors are on board the train Snowpiercer that moves through the icy wasteland. The poorest of them dwell in abysmal conditions and are oppressed by the self-proclaimed elite in the front wagons. Curtis (Chris Evans) and Edgar (Jamie Bell) devise a plan to break through the barriers and start a rebellion.
It’s a not-so-subtle metaphor for an impermeable class system, but the setting inevitably will draw you in thanks to its believable characters that are brought to life by a fantastic cast. The film is also an action-packed call to arms, and the numerous fights in close quarters are ferocious and immensely gripping. Snowpiercer is a rare breed, masterfully blending emotional depth, kick-ass action, and food for thought!
Reign of Fire puts an interesting spin on the apocalypse when dragons that laid dormant for ages awaken and set the world ablaze. Years after apocalypse, a small band of survivors teams up with a squad of US soldiers who have found a way to end the dragon menace once and for all. The Marines upgraded the traditional dragon-slayer tactics, helicopters and tanks surely pack a lot more punch than swords and lances.
Director Rob Bowman shows us a world transformed into a hellish inferno of smoke, fire, and ash. The story is told straightforwardly without being dumb and keeps the action coming at a good rate. The dragons are bad-ass monsters and deliver devastating attacks that would make Godzilla proud. Reign of Fire is perfect popcorn entertainment!
The first full-length film of Canadian indie RKSS become one of the best indie actioners of all time! When scavenging the ruins of civilization on his BMX bike, the Kid (Munro Chambers) finds the power glove of the mythical soldier Turbo Rider. With his new weapon he takes it up against the ruler of the wasteland Zeus (Michael Ironside) and his army of sadistic killers.
In the world of Turbo Kid, everyone rides a bicycle, and even the most intimidating villains look adorable when cruising around on their BMX bikes. The whole film is a charming homage to the post-apocalyptic classics we all love and throws in a load of references to 1980s pop culture, plus a fantastic Synthwave soundtrack. The action features gory slapstick sequences, with plenty of heads being chopped off and fountains of blood. Turbo Kid also teaches us the ultimate rule for close combat: Eyes! Throat! Genitals!
The ambitious artistic vision of Albert Pyun may never have been more visible than in Cyborg, his post-apocalyptic opus magnum. Mercenary Gibson (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is tasked by the CDC to escort the cyborg Pearl on her journey through the wasteland to bring the cure for the disease that has decimated humanity to a safe place, while being chased by the sadistic Fender (Vincent Klyn) and his gang of pirates.
The first scene of the movie throws us into a nightmarish vision of a post-apocalyptic world, and the visuals he crafted for Cyborg in this scene and many others are engrossing. Van Damme gets to do his share of roundhousing, but the most memorable character is his counterpart Fender, one of the most intimidating and bad-ass villains of all time. Cyborg hits the sweet spot for balancing an atmospheric journey through the wasteland with just the right amount of kick-ass action!
With The Blood of Heroes, legendary screenwriter David Webb Peoples (Blade Runner, Unforgiven) gave us an ingenious post-apocalyptic sports actioner. Sallow (Rutger Hauer) and his fighters travel through a barren land to compete in Jugging matches, a savage version of American Football. To earn their place among the lucky few in the subterranean Nine Cities, they need to defeat the elite Juggers from the underground.
This version of the wasteland that does not look inviting for adventure, but just desolate and bleak. A great cast is led by the late Rutger Hauer who is as charismatic and commanding as ever. The Jugger matches are intense, raw, and devoid of any pathos. Peoples masterfully succeeds at drawing the audience right into the middle of the playing field, with plenty of broken bones and blood being spilled. The Blood of Heroes is one of the best entries to the sports action genre ever!
George Miller invented the post-apocalyptic action genre as we know it today. Police officer Max Rockatansky turns to a cynical anti-hero, in a world that became a playground for savage characters and their murderous vehicles. All four films are ultimate classics, so we lump all of them into our number one spot, but we give you a mini ranking of them:
4) Mad Max (1979): a cynical low-budget actioner that already contained many ingredients of the later classics
3) Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985): A light-hearted entry to the movie series, with a fantastic world-building and the legendary Thunderdome fight
2) The Road Warrior (1981): The classic tale of the wasteland drifter with some of the best car mayhem of all time
1) Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): The best action movie of the 21st century that brought an insane new level of car action to the genre that can only be surpassed by Miller himself
A look at the most ultimate bad guys to go up against the great John Wick.
We all know John Wick himself is a legend, but to get to that point, Mr. Wick has had to fight his way through countless opponents. Today, we are focusing on all of the “shadows” killed by the Baba Yaga: the many henchmen that Wick met on his way to the top of the High Table. Who posed the biggest threat? And who had the biggest impact on fans’ minds? Let’s find out here.
The Wick saga is full of colourful villains, and some fall just short of the top five, but still deserve special praise. Among them are one scene wonder Ernest (Boban Marjanović), a tall assassin from the third film who loves Dante, and Ms. Perkins (Adrianne Palicki), a ruthless killer who doesn’t hesitate to attack John on Continental grounds – and pays the price for it. Another memorable henchman is Chapter 4’s Chidi (Marko Zaror), a bad guy who learns the hard way that you definitely shouldn’t attack dogs in the Wick saga.
Who needs a name when you have some of the best Indonesian martial artists? Who needs a backstory when you have Pencak Silat? The Indonesian students of Japanese master Zero are a lethal duo. On screen, Cecep Arif Rahman and Yayan Ruhian (both seen in the famous The Raid duology) make formidable opponents to Wick, and their fight scene is tense, believable and enjoyable all at once. Let’s be honest, the Shinobi’s small part doesn’t leave much time for character development, but the respect they have for the Baba Yaga helps to flesh them out – and earns them John’s mercy. In an ideal world, they’ll stick around for upcoming spin-off Ballerina!
A woman of a no words and only a few signs, Ares (Ruby Rose) is a consistent menace for John, following him around for most of the second film. While we get to see that she is quite handy with a dagger and considers herself as Wick’s equal, he gets the upper hand very easily during their climatic fight. Ares offers an excellent counterpart to the Shinobi: she has little honour and merely wants to best the one she sees as a living legend. Her tense relationship with John says a lot about both characters. Although Ares was no match for the Baba Yaga, she still remains a memorable killer!
Yes, Wick is a legend, and his admirers are plentiful: among them is chief assassin Zero (Mark Dacascos), Parabellum’s best antagonist: when he isn’t happily cooking fish in his sushi restaurant, Zero is fighting his way through anything – and anyone – that stands between him and John Wick. Mark Dacascos manages to create a standout character in a saga already full of colourful antagonists: Zero goes from happily chatting about cats and professing his admiration for Wick to coolly dispatching his enemies in just a few seconds. A good character is one which has more to them than meets the eye, and with his fun-loving personality, Zero definitely fits the bill.
Reaching the top of the villainy scale is no mean feat, but Killa Harkan (Scott Adkins) isn’t anyone: he unceremoniously offed the leader of the Ruska Roma, Wick’s original crime family, and shows very little respect for his enemies. In an era where anti-villains are getting more and more common, and many antagonists have good justifications for their bad deeds, Killa is a refreshing breath of sour air. It’s always nice to see a truly nasty bad guy who pokes fun at all of his opponents! Killa’s nightclub fight against John also has an excellent choreography – and sees the maniacally laughing bad guy meet a suitably gruesome end.
The mere inclusion of Donnie Yen in a John Wick movie sounded like good news, but his character, Caine, exceeded expectations: Caine is one of the franchise’s most memorable and complex antagonists – from a screenwriting perspective, he’s even more interesting thanChapter 4’s Big Bad, the Marquis. Caine is an assassin who keeps serving the High Table to avoid them taking the life of his beloved daughter like they took his sight. His blindness is never portrayed in a pitiful way: Caine is simply a highly skilled killer who happens to be blind, and he makes the most of his unique hearing abilities. Of course, his love for his daughter makes him an interesting counterpart to his former friend John Wick, and he is a slightly more profound antagonist than most others in the saga. Forced out of retirement by stronger powers, Caine is essentially another Wick, and the best henchman in a franchise focused on duty, vengeance and honour.
A PREVIEW OF THE MOST ULTIMATE LOOKING ACTION FLICKS AT THIS YEAR’S FANTASTIC FEST.
Here we are again at another Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. One of our favorite film festivals here at the Ultimate Action Movie Club, this genre-specific fest is one of the best kept secrets for true, blue ultimate action fans.
And while, it’s true, that Fantastic Fest might be better known for its horror and schlock features, it’s always been a great home for action flicks both new and old. And this year is no different.
There’s a lot that we’re looking forward to from internationally acclaimed action directors, to lost classics, to up-and-coming stars, so — if you happen to be at Fantastic Fest this year, or are simply looking to keep tabs from the fest — here are our top picks for the most ultimate action movies at Fantastic Fest 2023.
BABY ASSASSINS 2
101 minutes | Japan | 2023
On a whim in high school, our favorite pair of assassins joined a gym to get into shape. To no one’s surprise, the two haven’t gone back since, and now four years of overdue fees must be paid before they lose their membership in their assassin guild. While trying to send a last-minute payment, Chisato and Mahiro’s bank is taken hostage, and they miss the deadline. With all their money spent on elaborate sweets, the pair are forced to take part-time jobs while waiting to be reinstated as hired killers. Unfortunately for our free agents — but fortunately for us — two assassins have been tasked with killing them in the meantime.
Our beloved baby assassins make their ice-cream-covered return to Fantastic Fest. As with the first installment, the performances from Saori Izawa and Akari Takaishi literally take the cake, as they struggle with their day jobs while scheming to get good with the guild. Both actresses take the over-the-top humor and ridiculous fight choreography to even greater heights by channeling millennial existentialism into the everyday lives of these low-level assassins, but Izawa in particular gets to use her prodigious experience as a stuntwoman to show off her comedic timing combined with her expert martial arts.
There are more stunts, more kills, more bizarre assassin handbook rules, and a pair of cute boys who want them dead. Welcome back, Chisato and Mahiro. (AUSTIN KING)
ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE
94 minutes | USA | 2023
WHAAAAAA! WATAAAHHH! AAAAAYYYYYY!
You’d be hard pressed to find another actor who could be identified based on just a few yelps, but somehow, immediately, you know the man I’m referring to here.
Although Bruce Lee’s best-known films — THE BIG BOSS, FIST OF FURY, and THE WAY OF THE DRAGON — weren’t produced for audiences outside of Hong Kong, his cool blend of rakish charm and unparalleled martial arts skill caught the attention of the global market and quickly established him as an international star. When he died in 1973, it left an indelible mark on a genre that was just beginning to establish itself, and film studios around the world jumped into the fray to capitalize on Lee’s incomparable presence, giving birth to a kung fu subgenre — Bruceploitation.
From spitting-image clones like Dragon Lee in South Korea and Bruce Le in Myanmar to spiritual successors like Blaxploitation icon Jim Kelly and the pioneering “Lady Kung Fu” Angela Mao, the ripple effect of the Dragon’s death lasted over a decade, spawning countless careers and hundreds of movies.
ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE tracks down producers, scholars, aficionados, and some of the movement’s biggest stars, all skilled martial artists in their own right, as they reminisce over a bygone era of gonzo plotlines, shoestring budgets, and questionable taste. (LORI DONNELLY)
THE INVISIBLE FIGHT
115 minutes | Estonia, Latvia, Greece, Finland | 2023
Rafeal is the sole survivor of an attack on a Soviet outpost. Inspired by the three martial artists who easily dispatched the other guards on duty with him, Rafeal decides to learn kung fu. Unfortunately for him, “everything cool” is banned in the USSR, and he’ll have to seek martial arts teachers at one of the unlikeliest places: the local Eastern Orthodox monastery.
With a disapproving mother, a rival monk/kung fu student, and a possible girlfriend pulling him in separate directions, Rafael will have to resolve his calling to kung fu mastery at the monastery, suppressing his heavy metal, rebellious nature to subvert all authority, in order to unlock the greatest martial art of all.
THE INVISIBLE FIGHT features over-the-top costuming and production design, a quick wit, and monks fighting. Each action setpiece feels unique, using the Orthodox monastery setting to its full potential with fun takes on martial arts movie staples like doing chores as a beginner’s training tool or harnessing one’s inner self to unlock your full potential.
The movie’s best regional adaptation is probably its take on the stock character of the old, ailing master looking for a successor. Nafanail (Indrek Sammul) is the monastery’s greatest monk and martial artist, and he enjoys overseasoning his food, asking his students difficult questions about the origin of sin, and spending time with his monk boyfriend. In addition to being a key figure in the narrative and comedic setpieces, Nafanail is a teacher, a theologian, and politically outspoken. He also gets the best fight in the movie.
Director Rainer Sarnet harnesses the action movie history THE INVISIBLE FIGHT needs, in particular the Chinese wuxia roots, and uses this to tell a Northern European story. Explicitly referencing genre classics like ENTER THE DRAGON, the film does not rest on just being a comedy or an action fan’s game of “spot the reference,” but asks questions about faith, spiritual duty, and the modern state of Russia and Europe. And if that all sounds too serious, don’t worry. There are monks flying on wires through Orthodox cathedrals. (AUSTIN KING)
KILL
108 minutes | India | 2023
Army commando Amrit (played by Lakshya, an actor to keep an eye on) has just finished a mission off the grid, and he’s looking forward to spending his time off-duty with his girlfriend, Tullika. Unaware of their clandestine relationship, Tullika’s father has arranged a marriage to another man. She’s set to travel back to New Delhi by train with her family the next morning.
Strong headed Amrit is not going to just stand by, and he boards the train with his best bud, another commando named Viresh, in the hopes of getting her back and proposing to her. The plans are rapidly shattered by a group of 40 violent, blade-wielding thugs led by Fani (handsome Raghav Juyal), who have boarded the train to relieve the passengers of their precious belongings. Amrit and Viresh are men of action, and they’re not going to just sit and watch. Let the skull crushing begin.
For all our audience members who cheered for PROJECT WOLF HUNTING and squirmed in their seats during THE RAID, this new film, written and directed by Indian director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, is for you. This is probably the first Indian film of its kind, and it’s BRUTAL! With all the action and close combat taking place in the confined spaces of a few train cars, Bhat makes sure that every piece of furniture and every prop at hand is used to crush some bones or puncture some organs… including a fire extinguisher.
KILL is fast-paced, and the action choreography (signed by Se-yeong Oh and Parvez Shaikh) is brutal. With some very dramatic key scenes serving as gear shifts, Bhat turns up the dial on savagery throughout the film, to the delight of the audience. (ANNICK MAHNERT)
MANCUNIAN MAN: THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW
124 minutes | UK | 2023
Cliff Twemlow gives a whole new meaning to the term Renaissance Man. Musician, author, bouncer, stuntman, and director, Twemlow is a legend in his hometown of Manchester. Now the rest of the world has a chance to catch up on one of the UK’s most prolific indie filmmakers, who spent the ‘80s and ‘90s creating outrageous low-budget flicks with a cast of friends and family.
This engrossing documentary chronicles the many exploits of Twemlow, celebrating his tenacity and legacy of independent filmmaking. He first came into the spotlight with his book TUXEDO WARRIOR, based on his time as a bouncer. When the book was adapted into a film, Twemlow was inspired to start shooting his own direct-to-VHS films. Through sheer willpower, Twemlow created a mini-film industry in Manchester that lasted nearly a decade, giving birth to B-movies like G.B.H. (GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM), which was banned as a “video nasty” at the time.
A larger-than-life figure, the doc is filled with amusing anecdotes and wild tales from Twemlow’s friends and co-creators. However, beneath all the hijinks, Twemlow’s real passion for cinema and creation, by any means necessary, shines through in this comprehensive tribute to his life and work. (LISA DREYER)
SRI ASIH: THE WARRIOR
133 minutes | Indonesia | 2022
Alana is a boxer with aspirations of competing against men and taking her rightful place as the champion of her local boxing circuit, despite not being taken seriously due to her gender. The tournament is a front for a local gang, and Alana’s on the verge of discovering that she’s the reincarnation of the ancient Goddess Asih. This revelation comes with super speed, inhuman strength, a magic scarf, and the attention of an evil deity seeking a human host.
Many American superhero movies of late have been, let’s say, inconsistent in quality. It’s easy to feel burned out on the genre. Luckily, SRI ASIH is here to prove that the Indonesian Bumilangit Cinematic Universe is just getting started. There’s a focus on martial arts fighting and sparingly used CGI. If you’re worried about not understanding this movie’s place in the overall narrative, have no fear. This is a mostly standalone story focused on Alana and her personal journey and is only the second outing in this budding cinematic universe.
Pevita Pearce plays Alana with a barely contained rage, intense physicality, and a chip on her shoulder against the rich and the patriarchy. SRI ASIH doesn’t shy away from adult themes around gendered violence and class while maintaining an eye on thrilling action set-pieces. Director Upi Avianto, styled as just Upi in the film’s credits, keeps the action grounded in Alana’s boxing background even when mystical elements are introduced, with incredible single-take battles against a hallway of nameless goons or one-on-one ring fights with dudebro assholes.
Coming up in Indonesia’s film industry directing comedies and crime dramas, Upi stakes her claim in the emerging superhero world as a director with intense, real-life fight choreography, physical stunts, and female empowerment. All of these elements build to one of the most impressive spectacles of the Fantastic Fest 2023 program — Alana facing off with ninjas and a shadow demon in an all-out factory brawl to prevent the resurrection of a fire goddess.
Strap on your bulletproof wristbands and get ready to box your way to SRI ASIH. (AUSTIN KING)
TRIGGERED
113 minutes | Philippines | 2023
Miguel is the sole survivor of a military operation gone horribly wrong, haunted by the brutal death of his best friend at the hands of a militant cult in the heart of the Philippine jungle. Still suffering from the effects of PTSD, Miguel procures a job as a night watchman in a Manila warehouse where (in)conveniently “everything is flammable and explosive” as he attempts to uneventfully re-enter civilian life.
Living in the city’s northern slums, Weng attempts to keep her good-for-nothing younger brother, Bogs, on the straight and narrow. When he runs afoul of the local kingpin, Weng reluctantly agrees to return to her illicit past as a drug runner for the notorious Valdez crew in exchange for his life.
Meanwhile, Romero, the head of a by any means necessary anti-narcotics unit, has been given orders by his colonel to wipe the Valdez crew out to keep the corrupt mayor’s ties to cartel money off the record. When Weng and Bogs narrowly escape the bloody scene and take shelter in Miguel’s warehouse, he escorts the interlopers from the premises, but not before the police intervene. Now Miguel and Weng must engage in the most brutal warfare in a no-holds-barred fight for their lives.
Boasting a massive body count that would make John Woo proud, TRIGGERED revels in decadent ‘80s- and ‘90s-style bloodshed. A must-see for action fans who prefer their movies with large doses of firepower. (LORI DONNELLY)
WAKE UP
90 minutes | France | 2023
“Wake up, people! You’ve awoken the beast, and now we’re coming for you. It’s gonna be blood for blood.”
“That was savage, bro.”
So begins the clarion call from a group of Gen Z self-styled activists. Incensed by the environmental destruction wrought by a fictitious minimalist Swedish furniture store, the band of six sneaks into the big-box store after hours to wreak havoc of their own, gleefully destroying displays and smearing animal blood on bathroom fixtures for the benefit of the ‘gram.
As emboldened as they may be, their sense of outrage pales in comparison to the seething, decades-long resentment of the night watchman, Kevin. Already teetering on the edge of sanity and now piqued by his mistreatment at the hands of management and the disrespectful 20-somethings, he eagerly accepts their bloody invitation, putting his “primitive hunting” techniques to good use. As Kevin creatively picks off members of the collective one by one, those that remain stage a final stand in an attempt to make it out alive.
One of two films screened at Fantastic Fest this year by the Montreal trio known as RKSS (namely Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell, and François Simard), practitioners of ‘80s retro pop nostalgia (TURBO KID, SUMMER OF ‘84), WAKE UP channels the likes of classics like CHOPPING MALL for contemporary audiences, dripping with equal measures of cheeky cynicism and sincerity. (LORI DONNELLY)
Paired with Short: THE INFLUENCER
WHEN EVIL LURKS
99 minutes | Argentina, Uruguay | 2023
In a rural village, two brothers find a badly mutilated corpse next to a mysterious journal at the edge of their property. Determined to figure out the cause of death, the brothers uncover a local man harboring an evil spirit who has been waiting for a specialist to come and rid him of his demon. Unfortunately, help hasn’t arrived speedily enough, and the demon is ready to possess its next victim. Thus begins a race against time and evil as the brothers and eventually the entire village are drawn into the chaotic, heart-pounding mission to save their families and hometown from this nightmare.
Fantastic Fest regulars are no strangers to director Demián Rugna, who won Best Horror Picture for TERRIFIED in 2018 and was again awarded as part of the team of directors behind last year’s anthology SATANIC HISPANICS. Rugna is a master at creating scenes that will scare the crap out of you, and WHEN EVIL LURKS is no exception. This film is truly unrelenting, with a propulsive energy that carries you from one horrific scenario to the next. If you don’t audibly gasp (or scream out loud) at least once during this movie, I’m going to have to check your pulse to make sure you’re alive. (LISA DREYER)
