So really it was only a matter of time till action directors around the world but their own spin on the TAKEN films. Really, I think pretty much everyone has seen it or at the least knows of it - Liam Neeson's daughter is kidnapped and he brings the pain to the evil doers while tracking her down. Great set up. So why not inject it with some Thailand/HongKong type violence and see what happens.
What we have here folks is a Grade A bonified action good time. I don't want to use masterpiece, because well there are definitely a few missed notes... But... over all...
Here we go. You're story. Thai bad guys kidnap a hong Kong cops daughter. He comes to town teams up with a local cop and together they start tearing through action set pieces to find out what happened. It seems she has been kidnapped by organ dealers... and time is running out.
I promise you if you read that and think you know where this story goes - you are dead wrong. As was I. This film takes itself way more seriously than I expected, and this plot folks - man it goes full dark. The violence is up to any standard you wish to hold it too... I would say at least to John Wick levels from North American reference.
Tony Jaa (of ONG-BAK) is all over this poster... and gets top billing, but really he is not in any way shape or form the focus. When I realized this I felt a little sad, but thankfully the other two leads are equal to the ass kicking requirements. The fights are a blast... a little unfortunate wire work... but for the most part its all face paced and well shot. The main set piece near the end is just a blast. The main villain is more or less the typical over the top "Foreigner" and that's fine he can hold his own in a fight and that's what matters.
It's just - damn this movie goes dark. And I think I really appreciated it. There is some actual real heart felt rage here. This father, you are gunna feel for him in ways mister Neeson just didn't really worry about during taken.
I would say over all PARADOX (which by the way, I can not understand that title - maybe because Tony Jaa had a vision at one point?) is a top tier action surprise. A few minor and i do mean minor moments might deny it masterpiece status - but it is dang close. If you like your action bloody and in bulk this is for you. Just, expect to feel a little stir in your cold heart... it'll happen I tell ya!
ONE LINE REVIEW: A swift roundhouse to the feels.
Finding awesome films like this is part of the reason I love cinema... and the thai action seen - Ong-bak, Chocolate, this girl is badass, bangkok Knockout, etc, is bumping folks. They don't show any sign of slowing down!
Movie review: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Action movie scale: 4 out of 5 stars
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#Paradox2017
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Till next Booniacs!!!
-Boonsweet out!
