#dp patrick lin

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The Incredibles (2004)

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he director of photography goes in-depth about virtual cameras, layout, scene composition choices and workflow on Pixar’s Oscar-winning animated feature film.

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Review: The Man with the Iron Fists 2 (2015)

“You are mine”

Source

This review is based on the unrated version of the film.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Man with the Iron Fists had its moments, but I don’t think it did nearly enough with its resources. I wasn’t a fan, so my hopes weren’t high when its lower-budgeted sequel was released. As a matter of fact, I didn’t bother checking it out at all. However, having finally seen it now, I realize it wasn’t necessary for me to avoid it. The Man with the Iron Fists 2 is bereft of most features that defined its predecessor – a supergroup cast, the wuxia influence, and a general over-the-top style – but this is actually what makes it for me. More sober-minded and focused on its characters, this is a surprisingly worthwhile adventure and definitely the best action feature I’ve yet seen from director Roel Reine.

The story: En route to Wu Chi Temple to cleanse his soul, the blacksmith Thaddeus (RZA) is embroiled in a treacherous conflict between a small mining village and the oppressive Beetle Clan.

The most obvious way the film deviates from the original is the lack of major names. With the exception of the lead star, no one here’s been anywhere near top billing for a major release in years. Nevertheless, this one’s cast isn’t without cult charm, and they’re all clearly acting their butts off. Dustin Nguyen is the real star as the de facto leader of the village, and Carl Ng makes a surprisingly strong impression as the despicable villain. Cary Tagawa is solid as the wheelchair-driving mayor, while Eugenia Na does good work as an archer and Nguyen’s onscreen wife. Action hero-in-the-making Charlie Ruedpokanon enjoys the best role of his young career as Nguyen’s brother, while action regulars Kazu Tang and Ocean Hou are memorable enforcers. Grace Huang and Andrew Lin reprise their roles as the Gemini Twins for a flashback scene. RZA easily slips back into his character but reduces his impact by not having much to do with the first half of the movie. While this cast ultimately appeals less to people used to theatrical fare, I love how the lack of name emphasis requires the actors to focus on their characters all the more. No award-winning performances, but there are some good exchanges that elevate the otherwise humdrum plot.

Aesthetically, I declare the film a complete triumph. Director/DP Reine and production designer Lek Chaiyan (Anna and the King) create an absolutely beautiful flick composed of exotic on-location shots and intricate costumes. At the risk of comparing the film to its predecessor too often, this one eschews the original’s lavish style and focuses on a more realistic and detailed look, smoothly incorporates the local countryside for a sense of scope. This organic style carries over to the action content, which is considerably scaled back from the predecessor’s wirework bonanza. The fighting is almost entirely grounded and less reliant on special effects, and this works well for the performers and the Thai stunt crew. Of course, the results aren’t perfect: over-editing works its way into more and more of the brawls, and the mass battle scenes are one thing that the original film did better. I was excited when Cary Tagawa unexpectedly became a combatant in the 11th hour, but he’s stunt doubled to within an inch of his life. Nevertheless, we get some good matches in the Charlie Ruedpokanon/Ocean Hou and Dustin Nguyen/Carl Ng encounters, so the adrenaline department gets an overall passing grade.

I’m disappointed that the animal motifs are downplayed this time: RZA mentions in the DVD’s special features that he sought to explore insect themes, and while we get the Beetle Clan, everything else is downplayed to the point that appears incidental. (E.g. the miners as ants.) The overabundance of gore ensures that executive producer Eli Roth got to eat for another day, but the over-the-top violence isn’t very creative. Again, die-hards of the original won’t be happy about these things, but I find the faults forgivable. With fewer resources at its disposal, the sequel finds a harmonious balance much easier than its richer predecessor. It’s still a take-it-or-leave-it feature for casual viewers, but it’s hard to deny the effort and skill that went into this. The Man with the Iron Fists 2 is utterly watchable on its own merits, and if you’re like me and enjoy seeing small productions succeed against all expectations, you’ll definitely have fun. Rent it.

Source

The Man with the Iron Fists 2 (2015) Directed by Roel Reine (Hard Target 2) Written by RZA, John Jarrell (Romeo Must Die) Starring RZA, Dustin Nguyen (Once Upon a Time in Vietnam), Carl Ng (Point of Entry), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Cool costars: Grace Huang, Andrew Lin, Charlie Ruedpokanon (Ninja: Shadow of a Tear), Ocean Hou (The Blood Bond), Kazu Patrick Tang (Dragonwolf), Eugenia Yuan (Jasmine). Seigi Ozeki, who seems to have dropped from the leading man spectrum following Muay Thai Warriors, plays a vengeful member of the Lion Clan. Sahajak Boonthanakit (Zero Tolerance) is one of Thailand’s rising dramatic stars and plays one of the featured minors. Simon Yin (Birth of the Dragon) is likewise memorable. Content warning: Extreme violence, group violence, lynching, childbirth, racist dialogue Copyright Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

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Up (2009)

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Toy Story 4 (2019)