Ryuhei Kitamura has created a cult classic that this viewer (and probably many others) will never forget. Not only was this one of the most enjoyable movie experiences I've ever had, it was actually a good movie as well. For the record, I usually hate action movies and try to stay away from them. When an action movie is a success it is usually an outstanding movie ("Die Hard", "Indiana Jones" and "The Terminator") but when they are bad they are abysmal. "Versus" falls into the former category and for me, is probably one of the best action movies ever made. Not only does it also blend horror, comedy and fantasy extremely well, it disregards story and logic for some awesome fighting scenes which is what an action movie is all about.....action! For what little story there is: the 444th (out 666) gate to hell is located in Japan, more precisely the "Forest of Resurrection." Two escaped prisoners meet a gang to escape but when it all goes wrong and one of the two prisoners ends up dead, it's up to Prisoner KSC2-303 to fulfill his destiny and fight "The Man." Really, there isn't much of a plot to tell. My summary is very vague for a reason, watching this movie for the first time not knowing much is better. What the plot is really there for is to stage many fights involving guns, knives, fists, samurai swords, shotguns, bloody stumps and a sniper rifle. These fights are choreographed very well and feature some outstanding gore effects. On the topic of gore, this movie is full of it, probably one of the goriest movies I've ever seen and will please fans of splatter movies. Zombies are even included and since I love a good zombie movie this was also a treat for me.
As the movie progresses it gets more ludicrous and fun. Many bits had me laughing out loud and others just amazed at the fight scenes which are truly amazing. "Versus" is much like Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi's early works, movies like "Braindead", "Bad Taste", "The Evil Dead" and "Evil Dead 2" will no doubt enjoy every moment of this movie. If there is a sequel in the works, this reviewer is extremely excited.
5/5
As the movie progresses it gets more ludicrous and fun. Many bits had me laughing out loud and others just amazed at the fight scenes which are truly amazing. "Versus" is much like Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi's early works, movies like "Braindead", "Bad Taste", "The Evil Dead" and "Evil Dead 2" will no doubt enjoy every moment of this movie. If there is a sequel in the works, this reviewer is extremely excited.
5/5