Film: The Legend Of Bruce Lee

While watching this biopic of the legendary martial artist I gradually suspected that I was looking at something made for tv. A glance at the running time (a staggering 183mins) added to my suspicions. Research duly confirmed that this is a condensed version of a Chinese tv show that ran for 50 episodes, each one 45mins long.

It does throw in a couple of nifty fight scenes but even the charismatic Danny Chan (who bears a striking resemblance to Lee) and brief appearances from Marc Dacascos (Brotherhood Of The Wolf) and Michael Jai White (Exit Wounds, Blood & Bone) fail to broaden its appeal beyond the intended audience.

Bruce Lee's story has already been told for Western audiences in the fantastic Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and this serves as a timely reminder of just how good that film was.

Recommended only to Bruce Lee devotees.

The Legend Of Bruce Lee is released on DVD in the UK on 9th January 2012.

Ric's Rating: 39%

Ric Recommends: Exit Wounds

To celebrate the return of the Steven Seagal: Lawman tv show (see review elsewhere here) this week's recommendation is a film regarded as Seagal's last decent movie.

It involves Seagal investigating police corruption and also stars DMX, Anthony Anderson, Tom Arnold, Isaiah Washington, Jill Hennessey and Michael Jai White. There are nice comedy moments with Seagal and Arnold and the action scenes are pretty good too.

As for Seagal escaping the direct -to-dvd market, one can always hope. He does have a part in Machete so you never know......

In the meantime, check out Exit Wounds, it's a decent cop action thriller.

DVD: Blood And Bone

Michael Jai White (Spawn, Exit Wounds) takes the leading role in this
fighting extravaganza.

Isiah Bone (White) finds that illegal street fighting earns him a quick buck on his release from prison and it also lets him get close to someone who needs taught a lesson.

The story, keeping a jailhouse promise, is secondary to the action as White demonstrates his considerable martial arts skills and physical prowess.

Featuring cameos by real life fighters Kimbo Slice and Bob Sapp this is an
undemanding Saturday night beer and take away movie that fans of any
type of action flick will enjoy.

Rick's rating: 65%