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My top Van Damme would go:
1. Hard Target
2. Universal Soldier
3. Sudden Death
4. Bloodsport
5. Timecop
The first two are interchangeable in their spots. Of what I still have to see of Van Damme:
No Retreat, No Surrender
Black Eagle
Death Warrant
The Quest
Double Team
Universal Soldier: The Return
JCVD
I know JCVD is a must, and other than Regeneration I've seen none of his DTV stuff. Any guidance on what I should make a priority of these (and his DTV stuff)?
An early demo/teaser for BATTLE OF THE DAMNED made before Dolph was attached. Watching it again makes me think it could be better than expected if they keep it as gritty and bloody
http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2012/03/Head-smashing-BATTLE--OF-THE-DAMNED-VFX-teaser
Anyway, I hate to say this, but Davi makes himself the lead even though he's still creepy and a little evil-seeming. He seems to think if you put him in a baggy goombah shirt and have him tell jokes, he'll be likeable, but he just seems pretty mean. But whatever, it's a heist film, with him, Chaz and Ditkovich from Spider-Man 2 as the former crooners who want to open a new Italian restaurant (pretty much just so they can perform), so they rob a dentist. Of course, the joke is they have no idea what they're doing, while Ditkovich is having an existential crisis and Chazz has a lot of girlfriends. Bogdanovich is their agent, and he gets the group a singing gig, but it turns out to be dressed in foam fruit suits dancing in front of a green screen, a la Fruit of the Loom. So you get to see Robert Davi dressed as, if my memory serves correct, a bunch of grapes. Guy can sing, though.
If they would have had F. Murray Abraham in the movie then it would have been perfect... anyhow, I have come across that movie for rental but I've never picked it up yet.
Agreed. If only he would say things like "Fiddlesticks!" or "Phooey!"
Just finished a super intense little film - A LONELY PLACE TO DIE. Plot: "A group of five mountaineers are hiking and climbing in the Scottish highlandswhen they discover a young Serbian girl buried alive in a small chamber in the wilderness. They face dangerous terrain and become caught up in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with the kidnappers as they try to get the girl to safety."
A film that shifts gears several times, it's part wilderness horror, with a SOUTHERN COMFORT like sense of paranoid dread, and part Action thriller with a harrowing final act that features a shoot out between badasses both good and bad. More than a few "Holy shit!" moments. Verdict: A surprisingly effective, original thriller.
As long as it's not like A Serbian Film, then that's fine with me. No, I haven't seen that film, but I have seen some clips, and yeah I'm not too motivated to watch it all, for obvious reasons.
This may be my last post on the forums until Monday afternoon or so. The reason why is that tomorrow I'm headed down to Miami for the weekend; you see, Wrestlemania is this Sunday and the main event is John Cena vs. The Rock. I don't have a ticket for it yet but I'm sure I'll find one while I'm down there, via a scalper or any other method. I do know that I plan on attending some small-time wrestling shows while I'm down there and I'll do other things like visit malls, spend some cash, go to South Beach and check out all the ladies that stretch my slacks... I'm sure I'll have a good old time down there. While I'll have an iPod Touch to carry around and use its Wi-Fi capabilities, I've never tried to post anything from it so that's why I may be gone for a few days. No matter what, though, I'll be sure to tell everyone afterwards how the guy that we used to call The Pebble did in that big main event.
ROBOCOP > Two and a half TERMINATORS
Hey, Jox, what can you say about this:
I'll take RoboCop over all the Terminators, honestly.
This may be my last post on the forums until Monday afternoon or so. The reason why is that tomorrow I'm headed down to Miami for the weekend; you see, Wrestlemania is this Sunday and the main event is John Cena vs. The Rock. I don't have a ticket for it yet but I'm sure I'll find one while I'm down there, via a scalper or any other method. I do know that I plan on attending some small-time wrestling shows while I'm down there and I'll do other things like visit malls, spend some cash, go to South Beach and check out all the ladies that stretch my slacks... I'm sure I'll have a good old time down there. While I'll have an iPod Touch to carry around and use its Wi-Fi capabilities, I've never tried to post anything from it so that's why I may be gone for a few days. No matter what, though, I'll be sure to tell everyone afterwards how the guy that we used to call The Pebble did in that big main event.
Give us a full report! Will love to hear what you have to say on any funny surprises that happen. Doubt they'll top Mickey Rourke kicking ass a few years back though, or WrestleMania V's legendary Morton Downey Jr./Roddy Piper showdown.
THE TERMINATOR > ROBOCOP
C'mon, Arnold as one of the greatest villains of all time!
THE TERMINATOR > ROBOCOP
C'mon, Arnold as one of the greatest villains of all time!
Damn straight. I really like Robocop, but I can't go against The Terminator. In other news, I revisited The People Under The Stairs last night.
felix, I would...Love another Ninja Film with Scott Adkins!
I just want more Adkins/Florentine collaborations. If it's NINJA 2, that's fine with me. Just make sure Adkins' character has a personality this time around.
I have a question. Would you like to see Adkins in a Tournament movie (eg Bloodsport, The Quest)? Or has the market gone out for Tournament movies these days?
felix, I would! I would...Love, a...Street Fighter Film, with a Tournament, featuring Scott Adkins! There was the good and goofy Van Damme film, the...Terrible, Legend Of Chun Li, along with animated films and series. That way it would be the...Best of Both Worlds...A Scott Adkins Tournament film, and a Street Fighter Film...in one!
I'm all for a Ninja 2. Bring it, Adkins/Florentine!
I love The Terminator, but I'm going to have to go Robocop on this debate. Stellar cast, comically gruesome violence, and one of the best cast of antagonists in a film EVER. Right down to petty thugs like Sal and his boys, the "FUCK ME!" guy, Miller the guy who doesn't want to be jerked off, and the long haired rapist from Showgirls playing a....long haired rapist in Robocop.
The Terminator is a GREAT film.
Robocop is a PERFECT film.
Hey Guys, Robocop Vs Terminator?...I'LL Take...Both! Really, there is no denying, both are...Awesome Films!
ROBOCOP. No doubt.
Rumored project pairing Adkins and Lundgren, LEGENDARY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON (link found on Jox's site):
http://www.cinando.com/DefaultController.aspx?PageID=FicheFilm&IdC=27826&IdF=116793
Finally, films centered around the world of Cryptozoology. I can stop clamoring. Don't know how legit this is yet, on the surface not the sort of thing I'd be stoked to see Adkins and Lundgren team up for.
I consider THE TERMINATOR absolutely perfect.
(Truthfully, I consider ROBOCOP perfect, too, but edge for me is Schwarzenegger vs Biehn and the Rossovich factor)
So, of those Van Dammes, what are my priorities?
Of the ones you listed DOUBLE TEAM is my favorite. Easily my preferred flick from his coked out era. NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER is hilarious, though Van Damme's role is fairly minor until the climax.
If you haven't seen WAKE OF DEATH then that's one you should check out pronto. After REGENERATION it's his best DTV.
How do you rate JCVD, Molt?
I wish! I hear they're great and I don't doubt it one second! One of the features I'm quite excited about is the original set footage shot by Tom Savini himself... I feel the Zito commentary will be more about the film than the Arrow one, Abramoff's interview should be quite a treat as well, not mentioning the D-man's...
I guess that now we have a date, it doesn't feel so long to wait. I will definitely be pre-ordering it, but who knows how long before I get it.
My top Van Damme would go:
1. Hard Target
2. Universal Soldier
3. Sudden Death
4. Bloodsport
5. Timecop
The first two are interchangeable in their spots. Of what I still have to see of Van Damme:
No Retreat, No Surrender
Black Eagle
Death Warrant
The Quest
Double Team
Universal Soldier: The Return
JCVD
I know JCVD is a must, and other than Regeneration I've seen none of his DTV stuff. Any guidance on what I should make a priority of these (and his DTV stuff)?
Listing and looking at Van Damme's filmography, you realise the guy has a pretty decent filmography, even with the switch to DTV. Total stinkers like Second in Command or Derailed are quite rare.
I enjoy most of his films and don't really bother making top lists. Replicant isn't great but it is better then some of the ones you have listed. Same goes for Nowhere to Run. Legionnaire and Desert Heat are interesting but suffer from his need to not rely so much on Martial arts action. Those films really could've done with an old fashioned punch-up.
JCVD had a great action sequence to open the film and was a gift in how it gave Van Damme the chance to display some raw emotion. I know that it is not to everyone's taste, but I love it.
Like with Dolph, i'm really looking forward to seeing what he produces during this recent surge in interest.
Hey, Jox, what can you say about this:
A regular Dolph podcast? I'd listen, for sure.
Scott Adkins asks
Ninja was great good despite a bland lead character and a really weak final showdown. I would love to see more Ninja action films made.
Quote:
Hey Guys, Robocop Vs Terminator?...I'LL Take...Both! Really, there is no denying, both are...Awesome Films!
Agreed. Why choose when we already have both?
What do you guys make of the new Robocop's eyes being visible in the redesign?
Originally Posted by Moltisanti
Rumored project pairing Adkins and Lundgren, LEGENDARY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON (link found on Jox's site):
http://www.cinando.com/DefaultController.aspx?PageID=FicheFilm&IdC=27826&IdF=116793
Finally, films centered around the world of Cryptozoology. I can stop clamoring. Don't know how legit this is yet, on the surface not the sort of thing I'd be stoked to see Adkins and Lundgren team up for.
The problem with so many of the lower budget monster films is that thay use expensive CGI, draining the film's resources, which ends up making the film look cheap and shitty anyway.
If you can't afford decent CGI, don't use it!!
How do you rate JCVD, Molt?
It's very good, but just for Van Damme's performance. The heist aspect is sorta clunky and throws off the pacing.
Visible eyes through the visor is stupid, just like the idea to remake it, but I'll still see the movie anyway.
Rumored project pairing Adkins and Lundgren, LEGENDARY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON (link found on Jox's site):
http://www.cinando.com/DefaultController.aspx?PageID=FicheFilm&IdC=27826&IdF=116793
Finally, films centered around the world of Cryptozoology. I can stop clamoring. Don't know how legit this is yet, on the surface not the sort of thing I'd be stoked to see Adkins and Lundgren team up for.
I like the idea of a team-up as well, but I would prefer or a more straight action flick.
I consider THE TERMINATOR absolutely perfect.
(Truthfully, I consider ROBOCOP perfect, too, but edge for me is Schwarzenegger vs Biehn and the Rossovich factor)
Yeah, I'm with you on this and for the same reasons. RoboCop is definitely a smarter film, but Terminator is so effortlessly great I have to give it the edge.
I love both films, but I give the nod to The Terminator because it was the first R-rated movie I saw in the theater by myself, it has that great down-beat ending, and the music is much better than Robocop IMO.
I, too; wish they would make a Ninja 2. I thought the first one was awesome!
My top five JCVD would look exactly like HunterTarantino's list, with US: Regeneration looking in.
Saw Robert Davi's film THE DUKES --it is a GREAT piece ----heartfelt -funny and relevant --really touches on alot of problems people face today without being preachy --- terrific performances by the cast --and the jerk that made a commment about Davi being upset about how his film was being screened --- hey, you should see Scorsese or DeNiro --or any director worth his salt get upset when his film is not screened CORRECTLY -- they would tear someones head off --and by the way the guy can sing amazingly
It's not that Davi was upset, but merely that Davi being upset is a whole other world away from Scorsese or De Niro.
Hey, Jox, what can you say about this:
It's something I've been wanting and trying to do with Dolph for a while now, and we even started recorded an episode back in early 2009 but getting a new site for DL took longer than expected and this episode is now outdated (tackled COMMAND PERFORMANCE, getting ready for ICARUS and THE EXPENDABLES).
But anyway, now it's back on track and we should balance interview topics between current news and projects, and an in-depth career retrospective (my initial idea), now the first (pilot) 25mins episode has been recorded when I visited Dolph on the set of EX2 (and we were in his trailer in the middle of nowhere in BG, 3 hrs away from Sofia).
And last week we recorded the second episode (maybe 3rd as well if I split it because it runs about 50 mins), takes things back at the very beginning, with his childhood, his issues with his dad beating him up and overcoming it (kind of an English version of the radio show that made him popular in Sweden at last), up until he got the part of ROCKY IV.
Then I'd like to cover every one of his films per episode and really talk about his experiences, behind the scenes, career choices etc...!
PS it's gonna be audio for now
Saw Robert Davi's film THE DUKES --it is a GREAT piece ----heartfelt -funny and relevant --really touches on alot of problems people face today without being preachy --- terrific performances by the cast --and the jerk that made a commment about Davi being upset about how his film was being screened --- hey, you should see Scorsese or DeNiro --or any director worth his salt get upset when his film is not screened CORRECTLY -- they would tear someones head off --and by the way the guy can sing amazingly
Welcome to the B-Action Thread!
Dolph confirms THE EXPENDABLES 2 R- Rating
"I heard that it's now R again," says Dolph. "Stallone's basic setting is to make it very violent. That's just in his personality, and if it was me I would do the same. I guess the producers figure they can make another $50m if it's PG-13, and if it was my money I might say the same thing! But I think for the fans, if it's tougher it's better."
Chuck had apparently complained about the R, saying that he "doesn't make films like that anymore" and earning some concessions from the production. But, Dolph reveals, it's actually a moot point for Norris, who has his own unique way of making his films accessible anyway.
"Chuck likes to re-cut all of his films before he shows them to his kids," grins Dolph. "He told me he has his own editor. So it's irrelevant! He could make it a G-rating if he wanted to!"
Riddick 3 has just completed Principal Shooting
Looks like we can expect this early next year. Riddick is a great character and let's hope Vin will do some hard gritty stuff with him.
Visible eyes through the visor is stupid, just like the idea to remake it, but I'll still see the movie anyway.
It made the reveal all the more meaningful. That will be lost completely. I don't really mind, just so long as they don't make a shallow imitation of the original.
We were talking Stephen King a couple of days ago, there's going to be a (PG13, no doubt) Screen Gems remake of Carrie. Most likely a opening weekend film that quickly fades from memory.
Quote:
It's something I've been wanting and trying to do with Dolph for a while now, and we even started recorded an episode back in early 2009 but getting a new site for DL took longer than expected and this episode is now outdated (tackled COMMAND PERFORMANCE, getting ready for ICARUS and THE EXPENDABLES).
But anyway, now it's back on track and we should balance interview topics between current news and projects, and an in-depth career retrospective (my initial idea), now the first (pilot) 25mins episode has been recorded when I visited Dolph on the set of EX2 (and we were in his trailer in the middle of nowhere in BG, 3 hrs away from Sofia).
And last week we recorded the second episode (maybe 3rd as well if I split it because it runs about 50 mins), takes things back at the very beginning, with his childhood, his issues with his dad beating him up and overcoming it (kind of an English version of the radio show that made him popular in Sweden at last), up until he got the part of ROCKY IV.
Then I'd like to cover every one of his films per episode and really talk about his experiences, behind the scenes, career choices etc...!
PS it's gonna be audio for now
Sounds great. It'd still be nice to hear the older one, you've already provided context.
Awesome. He could play the Main Guy in the remake of The Raid, right?
It's cool. I stole it from his facebook page.
Of the ones you listed DOUBLE TEAM is my favorite. Easily my preferred flick from his coked out era. NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER is hilarious, though Van Damme's role is fairly minor until the climax.
I actually just did a video review of No Retreat No Surrender wherein I admit my strange love for the film. It may be a mess and unintentionally hilarious, but I honestly prefer it to The Karate Kid.
I actually just did a video review of No Retreat No Surrender wherein I admit my strange love for the film. It may be a mess and unintentionally hilarious, but I honestly prefer it to The Karate Kid.
That's not how I feel, but I can understand why someone would take NRNS over KK. The fight action in NRNS is waaaaaay ahead of what we see in KK.
I have read the Lethal Weapon Reunion in the latest issue of Empire. It is pretty much being in the room while a reunion takes place, nothing new really comes up. They all just seem to have a fun time shooting the shit. Richard Donner is with Glover and Gibson. There is even a new interview with Joe Pesci. A couple of things he mentions: he turned down a villain role in Luck (Gambon's role?) and he is still down to do The Irishman (Scorcese, De Niro, Pacino) if it ever gets made.
Sounds great. It'd still be nice to hear the older one, you've already provided context.
Maybe not on the official page, but I probably could post a link. There's actually two, one hosted by and one we tried with some TV guy, George Gray, that his assistant at the time brought in (felt more lively, professional and funny, but less scholar on D even though I did provide him questions). There's even another interview I had done with D about his entire karate career (beginings, competitions, gradings etc) for British martial arts mag COMBAT that was never published because I dunno, the editor became weird and never came back to me when it came to dealing with permissions to use photos from a photoshoot that Dolph had done especially for the article and magazine cover... That one I may be able to use officially if the sound isn't too crappy and I can edit the outdated parts...
I would totally edit it if you want. So down to hear Dolph talk about that stuff.
I actually just did a video review of No Retreat No Surrender wherein I admit my strange love for the film. It may be a mess and unintentionally hilarious, but I honestly prefer it to The Karate Kid.
No Retreat, No Surrender is one of my all-time favorite films and I've often called it my "gateway drug" to the world of bad action cinema. Before I knew of things like Mystery Science Theater and the like, a friend and I would pop this VHS in the old VCR and laugh our asses off. I just found it endlessly entertaining. Oddly enough, I actually recorded my own video review a few years back but never got around to editing it together.
Having interacted with Robert Davi (not in a movie-making capacity either) I have a strong hunch Mr.Zampano is him. Congrats on the Sinatra album, Mr. Davi. It keeps you from stealing other people's cigarettes.
It's something I've been wanting and trying to do with Dolph for a while now, and we even started recorded an episode back in early 2009 but getting a new site for DL took longer than expected and this episode is now outdated (tackled COMMAND PERFORMANCE, getting ready for ICARUS and THE EXPENDABLES).
But anyway, now it's back on track and we should balance interview topics between current news and projects, and an in-depth career retrospective (my initial idea), now the first (pilot) 25mins episode has been recorded when I visited Dolph on the set of EX2 (and we were in his trailer in the middle of nowhere in BG, 3 hrs away from Sofia).
And last week we recorded the second episode (maybe 3rd as well if I split it because it runs about 50 mins), takes things back at the very beginning, with his childhood, his issues with his dad beating him up and overcoming it (kind of an English version of the radio show that made him popular in Sweden at last), up until he got the part of ROCKY IV.
Then I'd like to cover every one of his films per episode and really talk about his experiences, behind the scenes, career choices etc...!
PS it's gonna be audio for now
This. Sounds. Awesome.
The AV Club reviews True Justice.
Hey Guys, Wrath Of The Titans is a...Gift of the Gods! I hope there is a...2nd Sequel! The Titans are truly...TITANic, in that they...Sink Well! I do enjoy the original film along with it's remake. This...Easilly tops the COTT Remake! Perseus gets Back In Action...Early! Rosamund Pike is a far more Heroic Queen Andromeda than her whiny Princessly Predecessor, whom was...Sacrificed for the more impressive Ms. Pike! I could take or leave the 3D! I do not know what the filmmakers would name a...3rd Titanic Struggle. Perhaps...Bath Of The Titans, The Daft Of The Titans or even the non action of the...Math Of The Titans!
Coming soon to Blu-Ray/DVD: two of the unavailable 80's films/ star vehicles of thread legend Tom Selleck - the RAIDERS cash in HIGH ROAD TO CHINA (4/16) and the TO CATCH A THIEF-ish adventure/espionage/ caper film LASSITER (4/24). Both bigtime bombs, HIGH ROAD has a certain old school charm, but I've never seen LASSITER, though I did for some reason briefly own the poster when I was 10.
I'm saving my money for the cult classic Horror/Noir hybrid RED HOUSE also streeting on the 24th.
I've had The Red House pre-ordered for a long time now. My Dad has the vhs, and I remember being really creeped out by the film when I was a little kid. Looking forward to revisiting it.
Maybe I'll check out High Road To China. It's so legendarily bad that I HAVE to see it.
I shall be giving Wrath of the Titans a chance in the next few days.
Here's something that could be up our alley (probably not, though).
There's something called, Black Cobra. This stars TJ Storm (McGinty from Punisher: Warzone) and the living legend Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa.
A (tame) red band trailer can be found here, it doesn't inspire confidence.
I'll be watching Wrath Of The Titans in a few hours as well.
Speaking of High Road To China, I remember another 80's Raiders Knockoff called Shanghai Surprise with Madonna and Sean Penn.
Anybody seen it?
Robocop and Terminator are about equal for me in quality, but if I had to choose only one, I love Robocop more. Robocop and Total Recall really affected me when I was very young and when movies don't have that level of brutality it bothers me, there are some exceptions of course. Like Taken or The Losers. But The Raid, US: Regeneration, Rambo, Hobo with a Shotgun and Drive (in a couple moments) are the only things recently that have come close to the insane brutality on display in those great Verhoeven films, that I can think of the top of my head. Also Robocop had great dark humor, which is one of the best aspects in my favorite film of all time Miller's Crossing, along with the albeit brief but effective Verhoeven levels of brutality on display in Miller's (just like in Drive).
I would love a Ninja 2, as long as like Adkins said it's darker and more violent. I love that fans on twitter/facebook and probably the overall buzz of The Raid has achieved the overall notion that we want darker more violent films. That's one of the positives of those formats I guess, and a great action movie that is a game changer like The Matrix was years ago. I could see the American remake of The Raid starring Adkins and hopefully, if they could get him over here, Tony Jaa. My idea for it would be like Red Heat, but much better than that film, and of course more action.
Hunter, you should check out Wake of Death (as Molti already said). From your short list though I guess I'd agree with Moltisanti again and say Double Team. Also as Macready said even Replicant is pretty good (plus Rooker!), and JCVD's only terrible films are the ones he already mentioned. I also really like Nowhere to Run and Desert Heat. As Mac said he doesn't have that many bad films in his filmography, especially if you enjoy watching the guy in general and can laugh at/with him as well. Like with Seagal.
I gotta thank Dolph Lundgren here for letting the truth come out about what was (possibly) going on with the Expendables 2 rating, I had my suspicions. Although this whole fiasco brings up an important point for all action stars (with clout that is). Don't kowtow to the studio when you have the power to control the rating situation. You could potentially alienate your fanbase (i.e. the people who support you even with your worst films) just on the oft chance to get an extra dollar from some 13 years olds, who could sneak into the film anyway, or who probably don't even care about your old guys on a mission movie. An example of a great pg-13 movie that a huge action star did was Arnold's Last Action Hero, here the rating was appropriate for the material. The pg-13 rating shouldn't be forced on all material to make a couple extra bucks.
Just beat the great downloadable game I Am Alive for the first, but not last time. Can't wait to play through again and try and save all the survivors. It's much like The Road, but mixed with a simple climbing sim. The climbing is more like it was in Shadow of the Colossus, and the combat is simple to pull off yet complex to master, because each encounter is like a puzzle of who and when to kill, or sometimes not to attack. Also supplies are important, deciding when to use them, or keep them to later give to a survivor.
Might watch a thread favorite tonight, Deep Rising. Then tomorrow I might help work on some fight choreography for my friend's indie action short film he's working on.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
felix, There is only...One Raiders Rip Off for me. The Tv Series...Tales Of The Gold Monkey! All others I leave...Entombed!
Just watched the Dutch original of THE VANISHING. Woah, what a great film! I'd seen it as a teenager, but forgot how unnerving and chilling it truly is. The epitome of a shock ending.The gut punch twist is legendary. Also, I now see where Tarantinio got the weird sneeze Stuntman Mike does in GRINDHOUSE from. Had to be an homage. The killer in this is one of the most fully realized sociopaths in film history. Just a despicable creep, completely disconcerting because he is so soft spoken and intelligent, with all the outer appearances of being a respectable family man/ teacher. I can't rave about this film enough, if you've never seen it, check it out.
I'm on such a high from this film, I hesitate to follow it up with the American remake, but I think my curiosity will get the best of me. I want to see if the experiment comes off (and how a happy ending is spun out of it). After all, Haneke pulled off a remaking with FUNNY GAMES. Hoping for something half as good.
