Reviews

My second favorite direct to video film after In Hell. While The Lazarus Papers is not an action film one would expect from Daniels and Trejo, it is a thriller with fantasy. It has a pace, with a jaw dropping story, mood, and a curious message. Bai Ling and Tiny Lister have small roles and it's done in a way where they have small but impactful roles. The two leads I've seen in supporting roles in other projects, they do a very good job.

When I compare it to Van Damme's In Hell, is that both films are equally gloomy, where you see shocking things, with a bigger emphasis on the drama. In Hell's action sequence are far superior, and to The Lazarus Papers's credit nor do they have a scene that pretends to be more than what it is. So they are not the same at all. I think In Hell offers more of a chance for Van Damme to explode emotionally. The Lazarus gives actors a chance to expand substantially and because it's an ensemble they never get to explode like Van Damme did In Hell.

In prefer overall In Hell, but I will say The Lazarus has very cool story, concept, weirdly involves magic in a good way that makes it a more unique film.

Jason Statham stars in the Roger Donaldson film The Bank Job, in what is one of the most grounded to reality Jason Statham film. The film is about the true story of a bank robbery. The film takes some liberties but still gives you the context why this robbery is historic.

Jason Statham gives a good performance and I give him tons of props for taking the project. The only downfall to this, is while he is good he is not does not give a performance that will lead him out far from his usual reach. A good show overall, a solid thriller with a good drama,

One of best direct to video action film even made my first being In Hell with Van Damme. In Dolph takes on a cast of good actors and creates a fun ride. The duality of between him and Tony Jaa is great. Jaa did a good job in the film.

The film had tons of action and good plot. The film doesn't bring anything new to the choreography, however it think it is often wrongly faulted for it. It is one of those rare instances where Lundgren stepped out of his way to find a reputable director. I wish it paid off more. It's the only bit where I have a conflict with the film one always expect more from a movie with an interesting filmmaker, the only advantage is that the technical quality is far superior for a Dolph film, while it doesn't bring any extra substance.

An underrated film, if they had replaced the lead with an A-list actor and kept it the same it would have been a major release. A great drama set in a prison, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme who gives an outstanding performance. It's a story about survival and personal turmoil. Van Damme shows the kicks but emotes the character's emotion like a firstrate actor.

The plot is forward. He goes to jail in Eastern Europe, it is his survival story. The director Ringo Lam takes all the credit in the world for making the best Van Damme DTV film. Credit to Van Damme who unlike some of his counterparts tries finding the best competent director.

I won't even say it is the best action direct to video action film that Van Damme did, but it is best direct to video action I have ever seen, due to its competent action scene, the dramatic script and the acting.

Rocky Balboa, written, directed, and starring Sylvester Stallone. In the film, Rocky is aging and is the owner of an Italian restaurant called Adrian's. It's a heartfelt story with Rocky back in his neighborhood revisiting old characters. When ESPN broadcasts a computer simulation of a fight between Rocky and the current champion, where Rocky wins. Hence an exhibition fight is organized.

A movie filled with positive messages to keep moving forward well acted all around. To this day I think this film is one of the best comeback of an actor but also his character. Big props to Stallone, he knows how to make a classic. The only problem I have writing this review is I can't say something that hasn't been said. I felt Stallone should have earned this Oscar nomination for this one instead of Creed