The Worst of Worst: What Makes a BAD Bond Villain  

By
Josephine Aulnois
-

When is bad really bad? You will find many lists which rank the best Bond villains, but today, it is time to do the opposite. Welcome to the bottom of the (gun) barrel! Some 007 villains just don’t make the cut, but why is that? If you’re an aspiring megalomanic, beware – below are some flaws that can mess up your scheme to conquer the world and the hearts of Bond fans.

Recipe for disaster: How to Become a Memorable 007 Hench(wo)man in 3 Simple Steps  

1) Dullness 

Now, I am not saying that all 007 villains should be over-the-top megalomaniacs, but they should, at the very least, be lively and unique. In a franchise with twenty-five movies and even more evil-doers, standing out is important! 

The most infamous recent example of a bland villain might be Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld (or should I say, Franz Oberhauser). When Waltz was cast, many Bond fans, myself included, were ecstatic, but our hopes were killed by SPECTRE (2015) and didn’t resurrect in No Time to Die (2021). Bringing back 007’s nemesis was never going to be easy, but Waltz’s take on the character simply fails to stand out. He is neither menacing nor nuanced, and his interactions with Bond lack any chemistry. Don’t even get me started on the terrible step-brother plot point, and the fake “reveal” that Oberhauser is Blofeld: family ties are not a trade-off for a personality. Despite being played by a formidable actor, Waltz’s boring take on Blofeld makes for one of the franchise’s weakest bad guys. 

Yes, my fellow Bond fans, even a good performer can’t always save a dull character: Louis Jourdan’s Kamal Khan, one of Octopussy’s (1983) main two baddies, is another example. Khan is supposed to be a soft-spoken, charming mastermind, but simply comes across as annoying and inactive throughout the story. Few outside of hardcore Bond fans remember Jourdan’s character, and even fewer would cite him as their favourite baddie! 

Leave and Let Die? Exploring 007’s Complex Relationship With France  

2) Clichés 

This second point might seem obvious, but yes, Bond tropes can be pushed too far. When this happens, we delve into cliché territory and get villains that make us laugh… for all the wrong reasons. Here come the masterminds who want world-domination because they are “so bad”, and effectively end up looking like Dr. Evil. 

The perfect example of villainous clichés without an ounce of personality is Toby Stephens’ Gustav Graves. The baddie is just as campy as the film he appears in – Die Another Day (2002). Between his over-the-top giggling, backstory as a North Korean colonel who went through gene therapy (yes), and ridiculous armoured suit, Graves screams at viewers “look how evil I am” – and ends up looking more hilarious than villainous. 

A less campy but equally unsuccessful attempt at villainy is Rami Malek’s Safin, one of No Time to Die’s weakest elements. Even Malek could not save the character, and that says a lot about Safin! This baddie has laughable first name – who the hell calls their kid Lyutsifer?!-, unoriginal facial scars, and a plan which aims at using nanobots to kill… some people for… some reason. Safin seems like a compilation of Bond villain clichés, but never gets a distinctive personality to boot. Spoilers ahead: for a man who took out James Bond, Malek’s character is depressingly unoriginal! 

GoldenEye: What Did The Game Have That The Film Didn’t? (And Vice versa)

3) Lack of interactions with Bond 

Most of the best 007 villains share a common trait: they really are expecting Mr. Bond, and have a special relationship with him. Some, like Blofeld or Alec Trevelyan, know the agent well, while others like Franz Sanchez or Raoul Silva share a mutual acquaintance with Bond. Baddies do not need to know James personally, but they do need to spend some time with him. 

When this doesn’t happen, it is harder for the audience to appreciate a villain: the best Bond baddies have a unique dynamic with 007, which makes them irreplaceable. Karl Stromberg, played by the excellent Curd Jürgens in the equally excellent The Spy who Loved me (1977), provides the perfect counter-example, and is a replaceable bad guy. Stromberg belongs to an era where 007 villains spent a lot of time in their lairs discussing evil plans. Yet he always made less of an impression on me than Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) in the following Moonraker, who has a fairly similar demeanour. I recently realised that this is down to Stromberg’s lack of interactions with Bond. They only meet briefly before the climax and good Karl is despatched ridiculously quickly, meaning the tension between 007 and him is non-existent. 

This is also a problem for twist villains, like Aristotle Kristatos (Julian Glover). Kristatos is only revealed as the main antagonist of For Your Eyes Only (1981) towards the end of the film, after misleading viewers into thinking that smuggler Columbo is the bad guy. As a result, we don’t get to see much of his villainous side – and unfortunately, neither does Bond! 

Why James Bond Shouldn’t be Considered an Assassin

4) Casting mistakes 

Now, casting mistakes exist everywhere, but when they happen to Bond villains, they can  really impact a movie’s quality. Granted, miscast villains often suffer from other problems, like bad writing, but some actors really don’t seem to be cut out for the role. 

I love Joe Don Baker as Jack Wade in GoldenEye (one of my guilty pleasures), but really,  nothing will get me to appreciate him as The Living Daylights’ Brad Whitaker. The military leaders-obsessed Whitaker has a unique aesthetic, but Don Baker’s light-hearted interpretation is more suited to a comic relief than to a main bad guy. In all fairness to him, The Living Daylights also suffers from a “villainous overload”, as Whitaker shares the scene with Koskov and Necros, and is given little time to shine. 

Mathieu Amalric’s Dominic Greene, leader of evil organisation Quantum, has no such excuse: I don’t doubt that the actor had tons of fun with the role, but his over-the-top creepiness verges into the laughable department – you’ll find yourself wondering if his eyes are staring at you or about to explode. The biggest issue is that despite his wannabe chilling look, Dominic’s villainy is more discussed than shown – an issue which would become common in Craig era villains. As much as I appreciate Amalric as a performer, he clearly isn’t at his best in Quantum of Solace (2008).  

Why James Bond Must Survive, No Matter What

5) Bonus: an ultimate villain in a mediocre film

This angry list makes me sound like a ranting megalomaniac myself, so let’s end on a more positive note! Good villains do not suffice to make a good Bond movie, but they can improve the quality of a mediocre film thanks to their quips and screen presence. Two words: Francisco Scaramanga. And just two more: Christopher Lee. With his suave charisma and sleazy personality, Ian Fleming’s step-cousin is the best part of The man with the golden gun (1974). I don’t fully trust the saying “a movie is only as good as its villain”, but Bond villains are undeniably a key element of their film – and even the bad ones deserve a closer look!

Now I Have Style, Ho, Ho, Ho – Revisiting the Ultimate Fashion of the Die Hard Saga  

By
Josephine Aulnois
-

You may associate the franchise with comforting Christmas sweaters (because, yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie!), but there is more to the looks of John McClane (Bruce Willis) and his enemies than that! 

Nice suit versus dirty tank top  

When it came out in 1988, Die Hard dynamited the codes of the action genre: in a world  saturated with over-the-top heroes who saved the world by flexing a bicep, seeing an ordinary cop caught in a hostage taking plot felt truly refreshing. John McClane’s misadventures start as he attempts to visit his estranged wife Holly at her LA office, and runs into a group of thieves led by German Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). McClane, a fish out of water in LA, is obviously unprepared for the encounter, and his clothes perfectly reflect this. 

At first glance, John’s clothes are unremarkable, and that is exactly what sets him apart. Exit the cool military uniforms of typical 80’s action heroes, here, the protagonist starts with an unassuming jacket (still hiding a Beretta 92F, but don’t worry, he’s a cop) and a plaid shirt. Of course, what everyone remembers is McClane crawling into a ventilation shaft in pants and a dirty tank top – and spending much of the film without shoes! In a really cool interview, Marylin Vance, the costume designer of Die Hard’s first instalment, explained that she wanted McClane’s clothes to tell his story. She worked out how John would have to undress during his ordeal at the Nakatomi Plaza, removing his shoes to avoid jet lag and not having the time to gear up for the upcoming confrontation. McClane’s looks are those of a very ordinary man drawn into a very unordinary situation – and this realism makes him an ultimate action survivor. John isn’t a super human able to save the world all on his own – in fact, he only fights for the survival of a handful of people. His unassuming look perfectly illustrates the situation he is in throughout the film. Among his wife Holly’s snappily dressed colleagues, John sticks out like a sore thumb – one quick look at him and you can tell he is an outsider, giving us some nice visual storytelling. 

The contrast couldn’t be more stark between John and sophisticated villain Hans Gruber (the unforgettable Alan Rickman), who has a self-confessed passion for men’s fashion and knows how to choose his suits. Gruber’s sharp style, ultimate 80s power suit and suitably Christmassy dark red tie ironically look much more in line with the office environment. And this makes sense, because Hans is much more in control of the story than McClane – until the very end, at least. Lo and behold, the ideas of costume designer Marylin Vance that clothes tell their own story applies to Hans, too: Gruber’s style is impeccable and complex, exactly like his plan. When he meets his infamous end by plummeting from the building’s 30th floor, the villain is still sharply dressed and barely has a hair out of place. He hasn’t had to go through a lot – unlike McClane. His ultimate looks only set Gruber up as a very sophisticated villain (just as refreshing as the hero’s normality), but also make his demise much more satisfying. 

Dress well or Die Hard: the sequels  

When ranking the franchise’s villains, Colonel Stuart (William Sadler) of Die Hard 2 (1990) is scarcely a fan favourite. The ex-military man’s ice-cold demeanour and rather stern personality are not as fun as Hans Gruber’s, and his fairly traditional combat gear reflects this. When he is not sporting a dark, wintery combat attire, Stuart is practicing martial arts entirely naked in his hotel room, in what is definitely his most iconic appearance. And what about John? Well, in Die Harder McClane is wearing some comfortable clothes, perfect to wait at an airport on a snowy day. Here, he sports a comfy woollen sweater (Christmas vibes, anyone?), and of course, a flannel shirt. Once again, his unassuming looks convey his unpreparedness for what’s about to happen – the years pass, but good old John stays the same! 

But what happens when we catch McClane at home in NYC, and in the middle of summer? Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) gives us a very interesting answer. I’ve always had a soft spot for this movie, and its characters made a lasting impression on me as a kid – no doubts their iconic looks contributed to it! On this hot and sunny day, McClane has traded his sweater for a short-sleeved shirt. But don’t worry, the iconic tank top is still here, complete with NYPD tags – the perks of working in his home city. What I particularly like about this sequel is the sheer amount of damage that McClane and fellow protagonist Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson) take. Much like in Die Hard, this is reflected in their clothes, but also in their wounds. They do not miraculously heal in between shots, and by the end of the movie, their bodies are bruised and battered.  

The film’s main villain, Hans’ brother Simon Gruber (the amazing Jeremy Irons) also has a  textile story to tell. Simon spends much of the movie in a tank top which could rival McClane’s (and illustrates the similarities between the men, let down by the system they work for). But the pun-loving terrorist’s most iconic fashion accessory is undoubtedly his tie, which features an apple dangling on a string. This has two meanings: first, Simon plans on taking control over the Big Apple – quite literally. Second, he likes to have fun and has a unique personality: in a video interview, Jeremy Irons mentioned that Simon likes to spice things up a little – and it shows! Gruber completes his ultimate villainous look with hexagonal shades, which deserve a special mention, as do the nerdy glasses sported by Zeus, which ooze 1990s. A final shout-out to the oval shades worn by Simon’s lieutenant Katya (Sam Philips), who is ridiculously cool as she enters a tunnel without them on. Who needs night vision when you have a karambit knife? 

And… here comes painful the time to talk about Live Free or Die Hard (2007) and A Good  Day to Die Hard (2013). Yes, as most viewers pointed out, these films see McClane become an empty, soulless Hollywood hero and parody of his former self. Yes, his clothes unfortunately reflect this change. He now wears much darker colours, which do not outline his injuries as well. And it might be my bad faith speaking, but I could not find a  single costume from McClane or Die Hard 4 and 5’s antagonists worthy of an ultimate  label. Here, everything seems quite dull and bland – much like the content of the movies themselves. Despite this disappointing end, it is undeniable that the Die Hard’s unique looks helped it to redefine the codes of the genre, and reinforced its ultimate status. These costumes have aged like fine wine, and just for this, they deserve a Yippee Ki-Yay!

The very best games for action movie lovers in 2023

By
Ultimate Action Movies
-

Action movies are great, aren’t they? Despite being exposed to some truly horrific productions over the years, there are certainly more masterpieces to mention than creations that have failed to win over any admirers whatsoever. The same applies to action games too, with many stellar movies helping to create some truly memorable gaming titles for gaming audiences. 

In 2023, these types of games are still going strong, with gamers able to supplement their action movie marathons with an action gaming session. It’s a genre of gaming that has certainly led to a number of cash grabs, though, with many blockbuster movies aiming to add another layer of income through a lazy gaming release. Thankfully, for fans of the genre, not every single game from this popular category has been forgettable. In fact, we have been treated to some truly spectacular action titles over the years, with many still being accessible today in the modern world. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the very best games for action movie lovers. 

Mad Max is packed full of chaos and mayhem 

A classic example of a game that succeeded in mirroring its movie is Mad Max, a title that managed to showcase the iconic franchise to gaming audiences. Playing as Max, players have to get their V8 Interceptor back from Scabrous Scrotus. With a large environment to explore in the Australian outback, players certainly aren’t short on things to do in this one, although the main aim of the game is to hunt down Scrotus and take back what’s yours. 

Star Wars: TIE Fighter is a much-loved classic 

If you can manage to get your hands on a copy of Star Wars: TIE Fighter or somehow find a download of it somewhere, then you’ll be in for a treat. A 1994 release that is based on the iconic Star Wars franchise, this flight simulator and first-person shooter resulted in one of the best games this genre has ever seen. Although it might not stand up against some of today’s more detailed releases, as far as simple games go, it’s one of the best ever. Additionally, considering the Star Wars franchise has been filled with a number of lazy gaming releases, it’s refreshing to see a product that was clearly geared towards avid gamers. 

Robocop is one of many movie-themed slots

These days, browser games are having a resurgence, with the rise in mobile gaming helping online casino products to thrive in particular. For fans of action movies, many online casino sites offer movie-themed slots, with the science fiction action masterpiece, Robocop, being a particularly enticing product thanks to its eight bonus features, multipliers and free spins, as well as numerous references to the movie throughout a typical gaming session. Although it isn’t an action movie, Jumanji is a great themed slot release also.  

GoldenEye 007 is hard to beat 

Screenshot 2023-02-22 at 11.30.57.png

While the basic graphics will probably put modern-day gamers off, there are millions of older gamers who will have fond memories of GoldenEye 007. Widely regarded as being one of the first successful adaptations of a video game from a movie, this Bond-themed masterpiece was a joy to play, with people embarking on single player modes and also taking down their loved ones through the game’s truly brilliant multiplayer offering. The game managed to capture the essence of the movie perfectly, though, with it managing to recreate the plot of the movie for gaming audiences. 

Other games for action movie lovers include Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Blade 2, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, and Tron 2.0. 

John Wick 4 Review: The New High Water Mark for Ultimate Action is Set 

By
Jourdan Aldredge
-

Ultimate action is safe with John Wick and crew keeping the genre alive.

Making its USA premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski stood on stage to a thunderous amount of applause. Applause that made me remember why I love movies, and more specifically, ultimate action movies in particular.

You can see the love they have for this little franchise that could that leapt from almost DTV origins, to one of the biggest action brands in film history. And, if you get the chance, I would 100% recommend watching John Wick: Chapter 4 on the biggest screen possible and with the biggest crowd of action fans as you can.

5 Action Movie Stars Who Should be in the Next John Wick Movies

John Wick Does What J-Wick Does Best

John Wick is back and, like always, he’s out for revenge. People want to kill him. Syndicates with tribunals and an endless amount of hired assassins make vain attempts to hunt him down, but in the end John Wick is John Wick — and the carnage is endless.

I’ve never personally been a huge stickler for keeping up with the plots of the John Wick movies. Walking in to JW4 I don’t think I could have told you any of the main plot points from JW2 or JW3 without doing some quick googling first to refresh. But in general, I kind of like it that way.

John Wick 4 picks up presumably where JW3 leaves off. With John Wick on the run and fighting to both stay alive, as well as ever-continuously get revenge for the crimes against him as outlined in the first film. I don’t want to say the plot doesn’t matter, because it works and is fun — and if you’re deeply invested in it, more power to you.

But from an action cinema perspective, it’s just fodder to build up to the action sequences, which — and I’m being 100% sincere here — are the greatest fight and chase scenes ever put to film.

Top 10 Keanu Reeves Action Movies

Ultimate Action Set Piece After Ultimate Action Set Piece

I can’t begin to recount my favorite moments from the numerous fight scenes which unfold on the screen during John Wick 4’s nearly 3 hour runtime. We start with great ultimate action, we end with great ultimate action, and we have plenty of ultimate action along the way.

There’s new characters, new weapons and new quirks to every fight scene that continue to make everything creatively fresh and new. Nothing is ever re-hashed or feels like it’s done before. And it begs the question, why don’t other films take this amount of care to make their fights feel different and not like the same set combos of punch, block, duck and shoot.

Keanu is constantly in flight. And, even better yet, great action stars old and new like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama and Shamier Anderson bring fresh blood and different wrinkles and techniques to every sequence that keep anything from ever feeling the slightest bit stale.

UAMC Reviews: John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum #1

Donnie Yen and Scott Adkins Rule Supreme

For a UAMC review of course, it’s impossible to talk about this film without going in-depth into Donnie Yen and Scott Adkins and both of their show-stealing performances. We’ll probably have more to say on this later, but I can’t overstate just how great both of these action legends are in the film. 

Just the fact that I’ve been lucky enough to see several of their previous films, and write and read so much about them on this site, it just really hits home how much this is a film made by action fans for action films.

Both also get such a great vehicle to show off not only their action prowess, but both are also given really funny and fun roles that you can see them relishing with every quip and kick. There’s so much to love about their sequences that I found myself wishing I could rewind to watch them again and again.

Top 10 Scott Adkins Action Movies

Ultimate Action Has New Life Once Again

Probably my biggest takeaway from this film premiere was just how enjoyable action films truly can be. I’ve been to many film screenings at festivals like SXSW over the years, and there’s always great comradery in the air as film fans get to cheer, gasp, boo and erupt in laughter together. It’s the best feeling in the world to be a part of, and I can only imagine how it feels for Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski standing backstage.

For a long while I’ve been torn on what the future of ultimate action might truly be. On one hand there are so few action films out there today which rival those from the 80s and 90s when they were flying off the VHS rental shelves. Yet, on the other hand, we still have major action (albeit sci-fi, adventure, comic vehicles) topping the box office marquees.

Yet John Wick feels like a true blend of the best of both worlds, and as long as Chad Stahelski and the rest of the John Wick action alumni association keep their love of ultimate action genuine and pure, it certainly feels like action movies are back and as ultimate as ever.

Top Jeff Speakman Action Movies

By
Thomas Krebs
-

A ranking of the best action movies starring Kenpo master Jeff Speakman.

Kenpo master Jeff Speakman jumped into the spotlight of the action movie world with his debut The Perfect Weapon that has become a classic of American martial arts cinema. One of the most talented on-screen martial artists of his era, his prowess earned him several more roles in the years that followed. In this article, we’ll honor his work and rank his best action flicks!

7) The Expert (1995)

The Expert made the laudable attempt of blending crime thriller, court drama and martial arts action into one film. The sister of police instructor John (Speakman) is murdered by the psychopath Kagan. He is captured and sentenced to death, but a psychological evaluation delays the execution. A furious John decides to rid the world of Kagan once and for all. The cooperation between cult director William Lustig (Vigilante, Maniac) and Speakman should have been a guarantee for a thrilling ride, and there are some good things that can be said about the film. 

Lustig knows how to create that urban exploitationer vibe, and The Expert occasionally has an excellently creepy atmosphere. On the downside, we get a muddled plot, and half of the film has the sleepy momentum of a TV courtroom show. When Speakman enters into rage mode things lighten up on the action front, even though his fights are not very numerous. The violent finale when John breaks into the prison somewhat compensates for the dull proceedings before. The Expert is moderately entertaining, but will likely be thoroughly enjoyed only by hardcore Speakman fans.

The Jeff Speakman Experiment: Deadly Outbreak (1996)

6) Land of the Free (1998)

In the 1990s, video store customers could always rely on PM Entertainment to provide the simple pleasure of total carnage, and Speakman’s first film for PM does not disappoint either. Frank (Speakman) works as election campaign manager for senator Carvell (William Shatner). He is recruited by the FBI to find out whether Carvell is involved with a right-wing militia. When Frank’s spying is discovered, he and his family are taken into the witness protection program, but there is no escape from Carvell’s associates.

Shatner hams it up nicely as a charming scumbag, but we’re here to see Speakman delivering the goods, of course. His Frank is a mighty martial arts master, who takes no prisoners when kicking and blasting corrupt cops and other unsavory folks. The action is filmed a bit flimsy for PM standards, but there’s still plenty of cars corkscrewing into the LA sky. While not a PM classic, Land of the Free is a solid piece of DTV action.

Land of the Free: Jeff Speakman Brings Some Politically-Fueled Action

5) Plato’s Run (1997)

The great Gary Busey got one of the few opportunities in his career to shine as an action hero in Plato’s Run. Ex-Navy SEAL Plato Smith takes a mercenary job to rescue some prisoners from Cuba. Upon returning he is trapped in a conspiracy that threatens his life and that of his daughter, and calls in a favor from his two old squad mates (among them Speakman). The film is primarily a vehicle for Gary Busey with a supporting role for Speakman only. 

The plot is a bit too convoluted for its own good, but that’s okay, just lean back and enjoy Busey being an incredibly implausible action hero. Speakman shows up in the beginning of the film and comes back just in time for the final battle. He definitely is the most skilled and menacing member of our mercenary trio, a master of stealth, knifes and heavy mortars. There’s no originality to be found in the action scenes, but whenever things get too dull the pyrotechnics department takes over. Plato’s Run is classic NuImage stuff of the better kind.

Jeff Speakman’s Solid and Reliable Action in ‘Scorpio One’ (1998)

4) Running Red (1999)

PM Entertainment’s traditional mix of car action and explosions got an upgrade thanks to Speakman’s frantic slapping and roundhousing in Running Red. Former Russian special operative Gregori has built a new life for himself and his family in the US. His old fellows catch up with him and talk him into a hit job. Gregori refuses to keep working for them afterwards, but these folks don’t take no for an answer. Speakman shows he still got the spark, and kenpos everyone into the ground with lightning speed, even though we need to admit that the final showdown is decided by the bad head honcho dropping his asthma spray. 

The major crime of the film is that it uses the bus chase footage from Red Heat as one of its action sequences. Incidentally this was also the case for a film on our previous Top 10, Danny Trejo’s Bad Ass, so it looks like we’re not far from a future “Top 10 action movies that feature the bus chase from Red Heat” list.

‘Street Knight’ and the Rise of Jeff Speakman as an Action Movie Star

3) Deadly Outbreak (1995)

Our bronze medal goes to another classic entry from NuImage. A group of terrorists led by Colonel Baron (Ron Silver) infiltrates and seizes a chemical weapons research institute. US embassy guard Dutton Hatfield (Speakman) happens to be around at the time, and decides to liberate the facility on his own. In this classic Die Hard scenario, Speakman faces off Ron Silver who is great as always as stoical criminal mastermind.

This research laboratory is not a place I’d like to work at. Gas bottles and toxic waste are everywhere, and everything explodes very easily. The bad guys are so hilariously stupid and careless that they are easy picking for Speakman. Deadly Outbreak is Speakman’s funniest film with many cheesy one-liners and lots of kicks to the balls. It delivers cool fights, bloody shootouts and tons of explosions, what else could we wish for?

Jeff Speakman’s Turn to Die Hard in ‘Deadly Outbreak’ (1995)

2) Street Knight (1993)

Speakman’s second feature was the swan song of the legendary Cannon Studios. Two gangs fight a street war that is escalated by a group of mercenaries with false-flag killings. The police is not interested in intervening, so ex-cop and local resident Jake jumps in to sort things out his way. Street Knight is a fantastic trope gallery of 1990s low-budget action: stilted dialogues, sudden onset of romance, blue light at night, a cheap synth score and a power ballad in end credits. 

A plot is almost non-existent, every dialogue just serves to set up the next violent escalation. And Street Knight delivers big time! Speakman mops the floor with his enemies and delivers neck-snappings by the minute. And let’s not forget his ultimate kill: a point-blank shot into his opponent’s mouth, that also kills another baddie standing in line of the exit wound!

The Jeff Speakman Experiment: Street Knight (1993)

1) The Perfect Weapon (1991)

The film that jump-started Speakman’s acting career became an all-time action masterpiece. Jeff’s mentor Kim, who helped him get into martial arts training when Jeff was a kid, is murdered by the Korean mafia. Jeff returns to his old hood, and leaves no bone unshattered to find the killers and punish them.  The story is simple, and effectively paves the way for the many frenetic fights.

Speakman does his brutal kicks and punches with uncanny speed, and takes down four street thugs in three seconds. Mark DiSalle’s sharp direction contributes a lot to the quality of the action sequences, and the film as whole. The fights are flawlessly filmed and choreographed, and the production quality is excellent. Speakman is supported by a great cast, among them James Hong as conniving mafia boss, and wrestling behemoth Professor Toru Tanaka, who takes center stage in the final showdown of the film. The Perfect Weapon delivers martial arts action of the highest grade from start to finish!

The Jeff Speakman Experiment: The Perfect Weapon (1991)

Leave and Let Die? Exploring 007’s Complex Relationship With France  

By
Josephine Aulnois
-

Digging deeper into Bond’s complex French connection.

As the most loyal secret agent of Her Majesty, James Bond was always going to have a rocky relationship with France! Fans of classic action films will be happy – during his early years, 007 spent quite a lot of time visiting Britain’s historic rival, and his adventures there are worth a watch. Yet Bond’s escapades in France have become less frequent recently. So, in which film does 007 take the ultimate French trip? And why has he stopped visiting the country? 

Why James Bond Shouldn’t be Considered an Assassin

From Paris with love: the early years  

Let’s get back to where it all began: 007’s first visit to France happens in his fourth movie, Thunderball (1965). Sean Connery attends the funeral of SPECTRE assassin Jacques Bouvar (Bob Simmons), only to realise the man is masquerading as his own widow. 007 fights and defeats Bouvar in his French castle, a scuffle filmed in the real Château d’Anet, in Western France. A few scenes in Paris also reveal that SPECTRE has its headquarters close to the Eiffel Tower – Blofeld knows how to choose cool lairs! Connery’s Bond also visited Southern France to defeat SPECTRE in Diamonds are forever (1971), when he strangled henchwoman Marie (former Miss World Denise Perrier) with her bathing suit. These dives into the country are too brief to be certified ultimate: fans would have to wait until 1979 to see Roger Moore’s Bond spend some proper time in France… or a place closely resembling it! In Moonraker (1979), megalomaniac businessman Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) reconstructed a French château in the middle of his Californian estate. The imposing castle he recreated is none other than the famous Vaux-le Vicomte, built by Nicolas Fouquet, an aspiring rival of King Louis XIV. Although Bond does not technically make it to France in Moonraker, the recreation of Vaux-le-Vicomte still counts as a visit – after all, Hugo Drax would never have satisfied himself with a castle that doesn’t perfectly match the original! 

It is only A view to a kill (1985), Moore’s last Bond movie, which would give viewers an enjoyable –  if flawed – French adventure. Our favourite 00 agent gets to spend part of the film in France, where he meets a pretty useless Parisian detective (Jean Rougerie) while dining in the Eiffel tower. When 007’s contact is killed by henchwoman May Day (Grace Jones), Bond does not hesitate to pursue her on the tower itself. A race through Parisian streets ensues! It is not part of the saga’s best chases (some accessories and stunt doubles really look cheap), but still gets certified “ultimate”, as it offers an entertaining view of the capital in the mid-1980s. As a Parisian, I can confirm that the landscape hasn’t changed all that much in nearly forty years! A view to a kill’s French escapade also features another well-known location: the Château de Chantilly, situated close to Paris and where famous horse races take place. Bond follows demented businessman Max Zorin (Christopher Walken) there, as the golden boy has a nasty habit of rigging races. The castle and its exteriors are absolutely stunning, and Zorin’s over-the-top party gives us a good view of them. Overall, Chantilly is a truly enjoyable location, except for poor Sir Godfrey Tibbett (Patrick MacNee) who learns the hard way that May Day is not the most helpful car wash attendant!  

After this lengthy trip, subsequent 007s would spend much less time in France: Dalton doesn’t set a foot in it, and neither do Craig or Brosnan – though the latter does visit the neighbouring bMonaco. And… this is it when it comes to official visits of the super-spy!  

Recipe for disaster: How to Become a Memorable 007 Hench(wo)man in 3 Simple Steps  

No time for France?  

So, why isn’t James taking the Eurostar train to Paris more often? Well, the production costs might play a part. Shooting major stunts near the Eiffel Tower can be difficult – and costly. Yet Mission: Impossible Fallout did it in 2018, even featuring a tense motorcar chase around the Arc of Triumph – filmed on site. M: I 6 is not the only example: if its trailer is any indication, the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4 will also have action scenes set near Parisian landmarks. Besides, money is scarcely a problem for EON Productions, so financial issues definitely don’t explain 007’s recent absence in France. Could it be that Bond avoids some specific cities? Paris is not the only megalopolis that James rarely visits: New York is also left behind, only preeminently featured in Live and let die (1973). After all, coordinating impressive stunts and car chases can be harder in a hectic place, especially one with small streets like Paris. Yet SPECTRE (2015) proves us the contrary, by featuring a chase in the crowded streets of Mexico – on the day where even the Dead roam around! 

If practical issues don’t prevent Bond from working in France, and assuming that he isn’t just afraid of hanging out near SPECTRE’s HQ, his rare visits must be the result of a deliberate choice. France is not a typically unusual destination for a British agent, so fans might expect 007 to take longer – and riskier – trips. For a London-based spy, Paris is a less exciting destination than Cuba or the Austrian Alps. This is all the more true as Sean Connery and Roger Moore have visited quite a few local châteaux between themselves – and Moore even fought on Eiffel tower. The screenwriters might be considering that Bond fans have been exposed to all recognisable French landmarks, and look for newer sights elsewhere. 

So, we aren’t likely to see Monsieur Bond embark on the ultimate French adventure soon, and for now, the fans will have to settle for A view to a kill’s campy style. This might sound chauvinistic coming from a French writer, but this lack of interest in France is a shame for the saga in itself: James has some close ties to the country through the women in his life, and these could be explored further. His late wife, Teresa “Tracy” Di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg), has a Corsican father. But after her passing, her dad Marc-Ange Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti) is never seen or heard of again, and it seems unlikely that James will be visiting his father-in-law over the holidays! Madeleine Swann, James’ latest great love, is also French, though the couple never visit her home country together. Much like the women he loved and let die, it seems that James Bond and France are not destined to spend much time together. Yet Brosnan and Craig have made a point of exploring Bond’s personal relationships in their movies, so digging deeper into 007’s French connections could be interesting – on top of offering to fans the ultimate French adventure!

Why James Bond Must Survive, No Matter What

Sifting Through the Sword & Sandal Artistic Fuzz That Was ‘Immortals’ (2011)

By
Thomas Krebs
-

How Tarsem Singh’s audacious attempt at sword & sandal action stands out today.

The success of 300 opened the door for a small revival of Sword & Sandal flicks. In 2011, director Tarsem Singh grabbed the opportunity to create his take on Greek mythology. Known for his visually striking style, Immortals was his first action film. His collaboration with rising star Henry Cavill and actor legend Mickey Rourke stands out as a unique entry to the genre, so let’s have a look!

King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his army devastate the land in search of the legendary Epirus bow. Warrior Theseus (Henry Cavill) sees his mother killed during a raid by Hyperion’s army on their village. He is captured, and his path crosses with that of the oracle Phaedra. Their journey to save the remaining free Greek people from Hyperion leads them towards the ultimate battle between the gods and their sworn enemies, the titans.

The Top 10 Modern ‘Sword & Sandal’ Action Movies

Your gods will no longer mock me. I will release the titans!

Greek mythology has a been a rich source for action-packed adventures, bestowing decades of great films upon us. Just like Clash of the Titans the year before, Immortals grabs the myth of Theseus and builds its own tale with no ambition to stay even remotely close to the original stories.

And Singh provides some otherworldly visuals for this trip into the realm of mythology. Stunning image compositions make every frame look like a painting, often enchanting and sometimes terrifying. Epic shots of giant armies and rugged landscapes alternate with small, stage-like sets, that feel like a throwback to the Ray Harryhausen classics of old. Hyperion and his army sport monstrous outfits which are contrasted by the lavish fashion sense of the gods. Despite this artistic extravaganza, all scenes looks consistent and nothing really feels out of place or ridiculous.

A Tribute to Mickey Rourke’s Scene-Stealing Turn in ‘Double Team’

Decapitations, Castrations and Eviscerations!

The cast delivers convincing performances, even though there are not given overly demanding roles. The male actors also impress physically with oiled bodies that are shaped like Greek statues. Cavill showed that he has the talent, charisma and looks to become the formidable action hero he is now.  But Mickey Rourke steals the show from everyone despite only mumbling and grumbling when opening his mouth. His Hyperion has an incredible presence, a sadistic and jaded king, who doesn’t even take real pleasure in torture anymore, and only yearns for one last, but eternal victory.

Despite its elaborate visuals, the film never pretends to be more than a straight forward action adventure; heroes are heroes, and villains are villains. And what Singh creates in the action department hits incredibly hard. The fights are full of gut-wrenching brutality with decapitations, castrations and eviscerations galore. Many scenes are shown in slow motion so that we don’t miss any details of this excess of blood and gore.

What The Expendables Series Got Right (and What it Got Wrong)

No God will ever come to your aid. You are alone!

The gods and titans are merciless superheroes, and their battle is a perfect climax to the film. The intensity Singh puts on screen tops everything in the genre, and we witness a grotesque choreography of blood fountains and shredded bodies. The film excels at delivering its action sequences with great clarity, and is also one of the rare instances of a modern genre film where CGI are well integrated into the action, and do not feel flat and sterile.

Immortal’s combination of ornate visuals with high-octane action is something you don’t see everyday. Even if you do not buy into all the artistic fuzz, the movie never fails to be an exciting ride. Despite being a financial success, Hollywood hasn’t been ready for more action extravaganza from Singh since then, but let’s be grateful he created this truly special Sword & Sandal experience!

When Casino Met Action: The Best Movies from the 80s

By
Ultimate Action Movies
-

The 1980s saw some of the greatest hits in Hollywood. In fact, some of these films are so iconic that they’ve even found a following among younger audiences, decades later. Many movies from the 80s have made it to the ‘must-watch’ list, and for good reason. In fact, we can see the influence of these movies and their stars even today in more ways than one.

Movies from this decade redefined not just cinema but also created major trends as well as genres. With action movies, science fiction epics, teen dramas, and comedies, this decade had a little bit of everything. 

Redefining Trends

If you think of fashion, there are many trends from the 80s that became big and, in fact, keep coming back in vogue every few years. The outfits from the 80s are the most recognizable if you compare them with any other era. This is probably why we continue to see so many 80s-themed parties and people even dressing up as famous 80s characters on Halloween. Of course, there are some obvious influences here, such as ‘Footloose’ and ‘The Breakfast Club’, classics in every way. 

However, you probably don’t really associate fashion with the big action films of the 80s. But if you see someone dressed up just like Daniel LaRusso or Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, it would probably not take you more than a second to identify the film and the characters. You would also not have any problem recognizing a Terminator-inspired outfit, or even one inspired by Blade Runner. And we cannot possibly ignore Indiana Jones, who has managed to amass a cult following across the world.

The 80s is also the decade when we really started seeing other genres on the big screen. One of these is science fiction. How can we forget that the first Star Wars movie came out in 1980? And then, there was Steven Spielberg’s classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982, which can conjure up tears even four decades later. 

Inspiring Spin-Offs

The movies from the 80s have left such a deep mark on the popular imagination that the themes, movies, and characters continue to be explored in other forms as well. One of these ways is through remakes and movie franchises. A number of films from the era have had successful remakes, such as RoboCop and The Karate Kid. Others like Star Wars and Terminator triggered entire franchises which are still very much alive.  

Another big way in which the 80s movies are still very relevant is their presence across online gaming. Essentially, it’s possible to play slots for real money while hanging out with your favorite 80s heroes. Many game developers have created video games and casino slot games inspired by the epic 80s movies and characters, which continue to be immensely popular even today. For instance, many of the films mentioned above have beloved games that are based on them (such as Terminator), or characters inspired by them (such as the adventurous archaeologist Rich Wilde who will remind you of Indiana Jones in many ways). 

The 80s evoke a certain sense of nostalgia in the best of us. And the films from this decade are great conversation starters that can help you instantly connect with your peers or fellow film aficionados. The fashion from the 80s is very popular and it keeps making comebacks in modern fashion and is a great go-to theme for parties too. This was also the decade when action movies as well as the casino theme peaked. That’s why these movies continue to remain popular even decades later.

Recipe for disaster: How to Become a Memorable 007 Hench(wo)man in 3 Simple Steps  

By
Josephine Aulnois
-

Ever dreamt of becoming a hench(wo)man and facing the super-spy of all super-spies? Fancy working in a giant lair full of alligators, piranhas or flickering screens? Always wanted to take orders from a boss who strokes a white Persian cat and will send you to a certain death if your monthly objectives aren’t met? Many, many men and women throughout the Bond saga have answered yes to all of the above. Thanks to them, the 25 films of the franchise have given us an ungodly amount of baddies, some of whom are absolutely memorable.  

But what exactly makes a good henchman? At the end of the day, this is about making an impression in just a few scenes, without overshadowing the main villain – your boss wouldn’t appreciate feeling threatened! I imagine that with the current unemployment crisis, many young people will be looking to make it as 007 henchmen, and this little guide is dedicated to them. How to become a good Bond baddie? Just follow the instructions below, and learn from the best. 

GoldenEye: What Did The Game Have That The Film Didn’t? (And Vice versa)

1) Make a grand entrance  

Let’s start with the basics: to be a successful nutcase, you need a unique entrance, one that will set you up as a force to be reckoned with. Whether coming off as hammy, scary, or a mixture of the two, you will need to make an impression in your very first scene – I mean, who knows how soon you will be dispatched by 007 and his allies? Better make the most of any time you have left! Take advice from iconic henchman Jaws (Richard Kiel, towering at an impressive 7 ft 2) who made history thanks to his killer metal teeth. Jaws is first seen gnawing through metal chains and a neck near Egyptian pyramids. His introduction is pretty much perfect: it shows us not only what he has – metal teeth too cool to be true – but also who he is – a powerful assassin.  

Getting your teeth into the role straight away is thus important, but you can also decide to play it cool. People don’t need to see immediately that you are a bloodthirsty psychopath – we all have our little secrets! In GoldenEye (1995), fighter-pilot-turned-assassin Xenia Onatopp (the iconic Famke Janssen) first seems like an affable thrill-seeker racing against Bond in a flashy red Ferrari car. This is before she is revealed as a sexual sadist and unhinged femme fatale: introducing yourself through your hobbies is a winning strategy and will help you to keep viewers on their toes! 

James Bond and Valentin Zukovsky: From Enemies to Friends

2) Develop your trademark style  

Of course, this one of the job sectors where physical features can boost your employability: if you have an unusual scar, a killer bowler hat or a bionic eye, you might find it easier to land yourself a job interview with a SPECTRE executive or a maniacal businessman. Yet looks are not everything, and you can also be recruited for your exceptional personality and experiences. In this case, you will walk in the footsteps of Dario (a fantastic Benicio del Toro, just 21 at the time) who got kicked out of the Nicaraguan Contras for being too violent, but found his true calling assisting drug dealing lord Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi) in Licence to Kill (1989).

When Dario is not flicking an amazing switchblade knife, he is staring ominously at whoever is facing him – in or outside the screen. Another example to follow is May Day (Grace Jones), who seconds demented businessman Max Zorin (Christopher Walken) and can outmatch pretty much any combatant – if her iconic outfits don’t finish you off beforehand. If you feel more at ease in front of a keyboard and have a questionable fashion sense, you can look up to nerdy, Hawaiian-shirt wearing hacker Boris Grishenko (a young Alan Cumming having the time to his life). The comic relief in a world full of serious psychopaths, you will be just as bad as everyone else, but with a much greater meme potential. 

In fact, it doesn’t really matter all that much what you get up to… but by god please do something to stand out! There is nothing worse than a forgettable henchman, the type that fades into the background so much that they basically become a lethal wallpaper. The most (in)famous example is probably poor Elvis (Anatole Taubman) in Quantum of Solace (2008). Don’t be like Elvis! The right hand of baddie Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) never gets much to do apart from looking unhinged, and his “unique” hairstyle prevents him from ever feeling threatening. From this character, we can learn two things: first, toupees are never a good idea, no matter the circumstances, and second, a henchman should have an aura – you don’t need many lines of dialogue to make an impression, you just need character (in every sense of the word). 

Why James Bond Must Survive, No Matter What

3) Don’t mess up your death  

Now, now, we all know where this is going: this is a Bond film and you are a villain, so you might be better off cancelling your pension plan, because chances are high that you won’t make it out of the movie alive. So, you know, it might be worth considering going out with a bang (or a good squeeze, in Xenia Onatopp’s case) – after all, you want to leave a positive last impression! In that case, you shouldn’t follow Jaws’ example: by the time Moonraker (1979) ends, Richard Kiel’s returning villain has become a self-parody, and finds love in the arms of the strange Dolly (Blanche Ravalec). Don’t break character: a henchman’s contract should only expire when Bond puts an end to it! 

Instead of becoming a spoof villain, you could opt for a graceful exit, like Thunderball (1965)  baddie Fiona Volpe (Luciana Paluzzi), who paved the way for future femmes fatales. This SPECTRE agent always refused to be seduced by 007 and displayed some top-notch motorcycling skills. Her last dance involves – quite literally – being shot while waltzing in Bond’s arms. Sure, becoming a human shield for the hero is not everyone’s calling, but don’t worry, you can choose from many other possible ends. A classic pick is to go out after a good brawl, the kind that will get you in a YouTuber’s “Top ten fight scenes of the 007 franchise” list.

Donald “Red” Grant (Robert Shaw) is a classic example, as he fights off and nearly defeats James Bond in a narrow train carriage. Their confrontation is as tense and classy as one-on-ones get, so take notes and watch out for rigged attaché cases! Of course, if fighting is not your thing, you can always choose the campy way out and chill out like Boris, who ends up frozen in liquid nitrogen – but dies happy. Henchmen are scarcely invincible, but a good performance will guarantee you eternal love from the fans – what a way to go!

How Do Movies Make Money Long-Term?

By
Ultimate Action Movies
-

In the not-too-distant past, movies made most of their income from box office takings. Yet times have changed, and with global audiences and online streaming, new revenues have arrived that can help movies recoup their initial investment. Even your favorite obscure action B movie from the eighties may now be found on Netflix, bringing in revenue for its creators. So how do movies make money long term?

How Long Does It Take for Movies to Recoup Costs?

Movies recoup the money in different ways, depending on how they are received by the paying public. This means each movie will have different lengths of time in which they make back costs. Some movies never recoup costs at all or may only do so after a long time. It all depends on how the film is released. So while a classic action film like Demolition Man performed adequately at its opening, by gaining a cult following in the years since it managed to maintain its revenue in the longer term.

Similarly, some films are slow burners. They take a while to get acceptance and to be released across the globe, so they gain money in small amounts over time. However, some movies can also get upfront deals. These are known as minimum guarantees and operate like a loan. No income is gained from them until that is paid back from revenues.

Where Do Movies Get Revenue After the Box Office?

As an example, take a huge blockbuster action movie like Terminator II. Released in 1991, it had a budget of $100 million and made approximately $519 million at the box office. Yet when it finished there, it continued to make money through video sales and later DVD. All this included licensing to television companies around the world, who will have wished to screen the movie on their channels.

The movie will have also made earnings through related licensing. Merchandise such as clothing, action figures, and even items like replica props bring in even more in terms of sales. Soon, the earning potential for a movie will have quickly gone beyond just the ticket sales made in a movie theatre.

In the modern age, new forms of entertainment have managed to push earning potential even further. Money from on-demand streaming to watch the movies increases, while games on consoles, PC, and mobile devices bring even more. Another big hitter is the iGaming sector, which uses action movie properties on many of its online slot games. Terminator II has joined movies like the Goonies and Ghostbusters in getting its own title. As new markets in the US, Asia, and New Zealand open up, so does the licensing revenue from these games. The trick is that the owners must ensure their intellectual property retains its brand awareness by only listing trustworthy, licensed companies to house the game. This is done by signing deals with the major developers who have also built a reputation so that the welcome offers and bonuses advertised can be seen as accurate and reliable. 

The Power of the Sequel

All of this gets a massive boost when a sequel arrives. Not only does it make money at the box office and go on to do all the things its predecessor did, but it also gives them a leg up. When the new Rocky or Terminator movie is released, people go back to the old ones for a recap. Movies are downloaded again, merchandise is purchased, video games are played, and slot games have money deposited in them. Thus, it is no wonder Hollywood is obsessed with sequels, trilogies, and even remakes.

There are other ways movies make money, such as product placement and advertising. Yet these are the main ways revenue is earned over a longer period.

1...8910...102Page 9 of 102

Follow us on Instagram @ultimateactionmovies

Arnold Schwarzenegger UAMC

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Ultimate Action Movie Club LLC