by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Have you checked out the supernatural martial arts series Wu Assassins on Netflix? I have not! But I did get a chance to check out the sequel film for the franchise, Fistful of Vengeance. Do you need to watch the series to understand what is going on? Apparently not, as I was able to make it through just fine. Through plenty of exposition (which is a bit much at times), the stage is set for the audience to get lost in the world of the Wu Assassins. This group of dangerous and able fighters must help take down an evil twin trying to connect with dark powers to take over the world.
How does director Roel Reine bring this high energy action flick to life? The most important aspect is obviously the action, which is fantastic. Reine can manage and stage the action on camera, allowing the audience to witness and take in these thrilling moments. The actors are extremely competent when it comes to martial arts, which makes for some great choreography and dazzling fights to behold. The scenes offer up cool action, but also plenty of kinetic energy that keeps the film going. There are some moments where the film feels a tad off, including a sex scene with cheesy music and overly stylized encounters. The tone is consistent, as it offers up plenty of fun and has weight when it comes to the action.
What about the screenplay that lays the groundwork for the story? As mentioned before, there are plenty of scenes full of exposition. The use of crosscutting to action sequences does help bring up the tedium of just listening to characters plot dumping but there is still too much to process. The antagonists are not exactly the most interesting. They want power! For evil! Not the most original. The story is even a little overstuffed with plenty of characters around. But the main crew are likable, and the screenplay makes sure to save plenty of place for the action.
What does the cast do when it comes to bring this world to life? The whole cast delivers the goods when it comes to the physical expectations. The action sequences only work so well because the actors are so committed and can deliver the physical expectations. Iko Uwais is not the most talkative character, but he delivers a fine performance and does amazing things during the action sequences. Lewis Tan brings plenty of charisma as well and (not surprisingly) delivers on the action too.
Are you ready to have plenty of fun with this new action flick? Fistful of Vengeance might lack in depth and unique storytelling, but Reine soars with the genre bending elements and offers up plenty of top-notch action. When this drops on Netflix, enjoy the action… and accept the rest.
Grade: B-
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