Written by James M. Tate / 11/03/2012 / No comments / 2012 , action , exploitation , kung fu , martial arts , quentin tarantino , russell crowe
THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS
year: 2012 cast: Russell Crowe, RZA, Rick Yune rating: ** |
Set in 19th century China we have a score of science-fiction (or comic book) elements: a man who can morph into steel, weapons with a variety of functions, and people flying around like twirling bats. Suspension of disbelief is essential and you should ignore all the plot points within the first half hour that can be somewhat confusing: Just know there’s a bunch of gold and several factions want it. That being the nefarious Lion Clan who kill their leader in cold blood – his son (Rick Yune) seeks revenge. He eventually bands with Russell Crowe’s tough and tubby maverick Jack Knife and a black blacksmith played by RZA himself, perhaps the most sympathetic character with a backstory and handicap.
As a director, the talented musician seems to mimic KILL BILL but without any characters to invest in – while his lethargic acting’s nothing to brag about. That’s not to say there aren’t a few kickass fights worth watching, although the overabundant (computer generated) blood and guts become distracting. And the title character is but a formidable adversary with a lot more iron than just his hand. Perhaps his description makes the coolest sounding name on the marquee, but the people who really shine are Lucy Liu’s gorgeous brothel vixens including (and especially) Jamie Chung – she alone is worth the time and money: Everything else feels like a lotta running around with rap and soul music blasting at every turn. Perhaps if RZA went for more dark comedy and put the melodrama aside, we could laugh along with the corny dialog rather than cringing at it. Yet everything leads to another round of kicks, swinging swords and flying limbs: so if that’s all you’re after, look no further. Just don't expect anything with depth or meaning.
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