The Protector (Tony Jaa)

[trancejeremy]

This just came out on DVD last week. While it was pretty good, don't get the US version if you rent it (apparently they come on separate discs)! It's like they chopped out all the non-action scenes and the result is very jerky, plot wise and in terms of characterization (well, basically there is no characterization). (Though then again, if all you want is action...)

Still, a couple other things bothered me. It seemed like they were almost trying to make a Jackie Chan movie. And in some of the boss fights (the one with the guy in the picture he had), when he got beat up, it was almost like wrestling - you could clearly see him moving slow deliberately. I realize it was supposed to make the fight more dramatic if he loses first, but it looks really fake.

On the other hand, that scene in the brothel/restaurant and the spiral stairs (or more like a lighthouse stairs) was just amazing. I don't know if it was just one long shot, but it sure seemed like it. Just really cool. And at the end of it, he does look genuinely tired.

Anyone else really like it? Hate it?

 

[Acid_crash]

I saw it in theaters, I liked it...great action sequences. In some cases, too much action, but that's okay. I liked Ong-Bak a little more, but for a low budget action movie just watching Tony Jaa perform is worth the money.

Just watch him, be amazed, he does it all with no strings or stunt doubles.

 

[Welverin]

I saw it in theaters,

As did I.

I liked Ong-Bak a little more,

I'm the other way around, mostly because it's lacking the story elements trancejeremy mentioned. I think the story in Ong-Bak only got in the way and actually hurt the movie. Add in the fact it's an action movie and I don't watch action movies for story or plot and you can see where I'm coming from.

Once I get around to picking up the dvd I'll be a able to judge whether the story in The Protector is as disposable as the one in Ong-Bak.

Finally, while I believe the Protector to be the stronger over all movie, it doesn't have an individual stunt on par with the Flamey kick in Ong-Bak.

 

[Dog Moon]

I liked the 'Have you seen my elephant?' part. Friend and I joked about that for a while afterwards.