27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUY IT NOW - YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED, September 5, 2009
This movie is by far one the best martial arts choreographed straight to dvd movies i've ever seen. Michael Jai White if you didn't know is a professional martial artist and in my opinion one of the best "natural" american action stars in the business and believe me he shows all his skills in this movie. (It's about time a directer revealed what Michael is capable of).
Not only does it have a great story line but it mixes action and charisma into such a well balanced storyline that you'll be asking for part two once it's over. Also if you're an MMA fan there are a few appearance by some of your favorite fighters. I gotta admit this movie hit me like one of Michael's round house kicks...straight outta no where, and you too will be very suprised by thinking this is a B movie when really it's a A+ action packed film, better than most in theaters right now.
Also, with work such as this film we need to see more black actors and writers in Hollywood, this movie should have been in theaters, and I believe you'll agree with me once you check it out. So once again, go out and purchase this movie, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two words: Amazingly Remarkable!!, September 7, 2009
Leading character Michael Jai White, assuming the role as Isaiah Bone, delivers a stand-alone performance like none other. This film is no doubt one of the best martial arts films in years. It is not the typical fight movie, where the main character goes to various scenes to fight the best fighters and crowned the champion after he defeats the most-feared/best fighter at the end. BLOOD and BONE is much more; it has a story line (that is well written), a purpose, and a promise (that White fulfils at the end).
This kind of film is perfect for White because he is a professional martial artist who holds seven black belts in various disciplines; again, 7 black belts. More important, what he shows in this film is something that should not be missed by anyone with an eye.
White lights up the screen with his awe-inspiring fighting style from start to finish. The first scene (i.e., prison bathroom) of the movie depicts that when he takes out five plus antagonists in quick fashion, leaving them bloodied, mangled, shocked, and confused. As the storyline progresses, White continues his damage in every fight scene. Not only does he destroy his contenders, but he obliterates them and leaves spectators dumbstruck and looking at one another with the "who-what-when-where-how" questions: who is this guy; what is he made of; when did he learn these killer moves; where did he come from; and how in the world did he do that with his hands and feet? In no way is this an exaggeration; viewers who watch this film will perhaps have the same sentiments and ask the same questions and more.
Besides his prowess in martial arts, White's acting should not be overlooked, for he delivers his role flawlessly. He is nefarious when he has to be, kind when he has to be, passionate when he has to be, and cool and subdued when his role calls for it. He excels in every facet and brings character Bone to life.
Some may assume that White is a newcomer, but he is not; rather, he is a veteran in the movie industry and his filmography speaks for itself with more than 30 appearances (e.g., Spawn, 1997; Universal Soldier: The Return, 1999; Trois 2: Pandora's Box, 2002; Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing, 2006; Why Did I Get Married, 2007). He may not be as famous as Denzel Washington or Will Smith, but he represents a great actor. When he is featured in a film (or TV series), he does a noble job and delivers; his lastest role is no different.
In closing, BLOOD and BONE typifies the ultimate example of how a martial arts film should be made, with a passionate storyline and purpose, and not just a fight-only movie that ignores plot and reason. This movie is bursting with action and entertainment, not to mention, it is the real deal. Director Ben Ramsey, writer Michael Andrews, and every soul that participated in completing this film did an amazing job by rendering an A+ film.
However, there is one major flaw with this movie; it has nothing to do with the movie itself but rather the movie's distribution and handling. Surprisingly, this movie is a straight-to-DVD release and will not be shown in theaters. With so many terrible movies being channeled through movie theaters, it is a shame that this movie, which is directed by a black man and stars a black man, will not have that chance. Movie studios need to get their act together, because this film should not have been allocated straight to DVD. If studios can waste time and money releasing trash for public view in theaters, there is no doubt that a studio could have given BLOOD and BONE a proper big-screen presentation.
(This film also features MMA fighters Kimbo Slice, Bob Sapp, and the beautiful Gina Carano; the striking new face of "All My Children," Shannon Kane, makes a brief appearance.)
[Rendered Mon, Sept. 7, 2009]
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Closing Credit Comeuppance, October 10, 2009
It's nice to see that producers are occasionally taking their time and trying to make a movie that actually appeals to its intended audience. Even though this is direct-to-video it's much more entertaining than most of the crap that gets released theatrically, martial arts or otherwise. Competently directed and acted, with some sweet fights and a story that I can't say is terrific but definitely good, especially for this demographic.
Michael Jai White ("The Dark Knight", "Undisputed 2") tears it up as Bone, an ex-con on a mission to become the king of L.A. street fights... and take care of some personal business along the way. After convincing a small time promoter (Dante Basco, Rufio from "Hook") to get him a money fight, Bone wastes dude after dude, until he has to fight Hammerman, the undefeated monster who fights for the ambitious and philosophical hustler, James (Eamonn Walker, who's fantastic). James may have some serious investment plans for Bone should he win.
I know it doesn't sound original but I loved how the movie has you pulled in for a long time before you understand Bone's motives. I figured as long as he kept kickin' tail, who cares why he's doing it?
The fights credit numerous choreographers but the stunt coordinator is listed as J.J. "Loco" Perry, who mastered Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins in the awesomeness that is "Undisputed 2", one of the best direct-to-video martial arts flicks that I've ever seen. I don't think the fights are quite as good here, but definitely worthy of comparison. In that film White plays a boxer who adopts some MMA techniques, so his leg movements are necessarily limited. This, however, is the first film where White really gets to show off his stuff as a martial artist and it's about time. Some fights are better than others but I doubt anyone will complain. Fast and occasionally quite complex, especially the finale against Matt Mullins. They could've toned down the amount of spin kicks a little but that's my only real gripe. Okay, fine; the editing isn't perfect, but when is it? Still much better than usual.
The DVD is distributed by Sony and has LOTS of trailers and a sweet "behind the scenes" documentary. No other special features except for cast and filmmaker commentary. In English or French with optional subtitles of both languages. If you like martial arts films this definitely should not be missed. Recommended.
2009
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