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“He Was the Best—Undisciplined, But The Best.” A look at “Our Man Flint.”

our man flint
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Perhaps the best of the Bond rip-offs, this 60s classic offers style, self-aware humor, and an iconic performance by James Coburn.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on January 14, 2021January 12, 2021

“Skylines” is effective, propulsive sci-fi action schlock

Skylines
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The unlikely science fiction franchise changes pace with a lean and mean action thriller filled with economically effective visuals.

Justin Harrison Posted on December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

Scott Adkins has a grand, gamified time in action-comedy “Max Cloud”

Max Cloud
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The action superstar has a little fun in this affectionate tribute to old-school beat-’em-ups, with big colors and tongue-in-cheek humor galore.

Justin Harrison Posted on December 17, 2020December 17, 2020

“The Hurt Locker” told a starkly modern war story

The Hurt Locker
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Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar winning drama tossed aside the bombastic, jingoistic cliches of war pictures in favor of something more chilling.

Michael Guarnieri Posted on November 21, 2020November 21, 2020

“The Siege” is another lore & action-packed episode of “The Mandalorian”

The Mandalorian
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Some season 1 faces return & we get an idea of why the Child is such a highly coveted bounty.

Megan Sunday Posted on November 21, 2020November 21, 2020

Jackie Chan is almost the only fun part of “Vanguard”

Vanguard
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Chan’s latest collaboration with Supercop director Stanley Tong is an airless bore.

Justin Harrison Posted on November 16, 2020November 15, 2020

In “Point Break” Kathryn Bigelow & Patrick Swayze created a great villain

Point Break
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Swayze’s thrill-seeking bank-robber is a magnetic blast to hang out with. And he’s a blinkered, reckless fool who does a massive amount of harm.

Justin Harrison Posted on November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

“We’re going this way”: “To Live and Die in L.A.” at 35

To Live and Die in L.A.
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Pegged upon release as a retread of previous work, William Friedkin’s neo-noir is something altogether different.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on November 2, 2020November 3, 2020

From page to screen, “Spider-Man 2” brought New York to life

Spider-Man 2
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Despite attempts to recapture its magic, Sam Raimi’s second superhero entry remains the best in energy and empathy.

Ben Kaye Posted on October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

“Seized” reunites Scott Adkins and Isaac Florentine to phenomenal effect

Seized
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One of the great modern action filmmaking teams is back at it, ably aided by the inimitable Mario Van Peebles.

Justin Harrison Posted on October 17, 2020October 17, 2020

Nightstream: No tip for this “Doorman”

The Doorman
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Ruby Rose stars in a shameless rip-off of “Die Hard” that offers no thrills, no excitement & no fun.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 11, 2020October 11, 2020

P.S.H. I Love You: Stealing every scene in “Mission Impossible III”

Philip Seymour Hoffman Mission Impossible III
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Philp Seymour Hoffman takes a rote villain role and goes toe-to-toe with megastar Tom Cruise in J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible III.

Jonah Koslofsky Posted on September 28, 2020September 28, 2020

“One Night in Bangkok” can’t keep up with Mark Dacascos

One Night in Bangkok
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Martial arts veteran Mark Dacascos shines in a killer-cab thriller; if only the movie around him was up to his level.

Justin Harrison Posted on September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Guitars and gunplay: “Desperado” 25 years later

Desperado 25th Anniversary
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Robert Rodriguez’s official arrival on the major-studio film scene remains a riotous, stylish pulp actioner.

Tim Stevens Posted on August 25, 2020August 24, 2020

“Project Power” turns New Orleans into a superpowered battleground

Project Power
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Netflix’s latest is a zany high-concept thriller that overcomes some ill-timed politics with well-staged action.

Oluwatayo Adewole Posted on August 13, 2020August 13, 2020

At 10, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” can still take on all comers

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
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10 years later, Edgar Wright’s comic adaptation lingers for its bevy of influences as much as its originality.

Justin Harrison Posted on August 13, 2020August 12, 2020

“Joint Security Area” is a split decision

Joint Security Area
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Rough around the edges but fascinating nonetheless, Park Chan-wook’s breakout hit remains a signal of his later work.

Tim Stevens Posted on August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

“The Old Guard” is finely-honed superhero action

THE OLD GUARD (2020)
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Gina Prince-Bythewood’s nuanced, layered comic book actioner finds character among its expert choreography.

Mel Valentin Posted on July 9, 2020July 9, 2020

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