Sanctuary (USA. 1997)
Made for TV fluff. In this slimmed down production, Marc Dacascos barely get a chance to show off his moves. Due to budge limitations most fights last a whopping two kicks and a punch. It adopts a rather confusing flashback structure onto a relatively simple story of a secret government assassin organization. For some reason, it features a lot of out of place Suspira-ish multi colored lighting. Set up for a much more interesting “Catholic Sanctioned Killer” sequel that never appeared. Director Tibor Takas (Mansquitto and Ice Spiders!) is up to his usual director-for-hire tricks. He’s a long way from his masterpiece THE GATE.
Fatal Chase (Hong Kong. 1992)
A perfect example of a generic Hong Kong Action film: Characters drop in and out as we follow a free flowing (Does that mean it's arty?) structure that features boring talk, a pointless unfunny comedy scene, painfully dangerous action chaos, followed by MORE boring talking. Repeat until the generic COP VS ROBERS storyline comes to its rousing (if unearned) squib filled climax. Another solid entry to the bargain bin action film library from stuntman/director auteur Phillip Ko. He churned these out in the Phillipine’s on a seemingly bi-weekly basis in the 90’s. Bonus points for featuring a leather clad bad ass midget. The version I have (a VHS rip) dubs every male character in a booming “Smokes four packs a day” gravelly voice. (Even Mr. Wimpy himself Waise Lee gets an air of gravitas!). It’s fun for all the eye popping “He must have died doing that” stunt work, but not really worth seeking out otherwise. I picked this one up because Robin Chou (Mortal Kombat and Red Trousers) starred. Sadly, he doesn’t sport his flowing horse mane of shoulder length hair.
For the last time, I’m not gay.
I think.
Yukari Oshima looks hot kicking ass in this (For the five minutes she's actually on screen)
SEE!
Not gay.
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