MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Bulletproof Monk’ is shallow but entertaining — Grade: B
Finally a movie that didn’t suck so bad that I was hoping it would end before it even started. But maybe that is just in stark contrast to the films I’ve been reviewing over the past few weeks.
“Bulletproof Monk” was just downright fun. It was not the best action-adventure film I have ever seen, but I can tell you I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to.
Normally, I don’t like the whole comic-book genre of films. They tend to be trite and uninspired at best (remember “DareDevil”), and that is something I just don’t like to watch on screen. I was never a huge comics fan, but when you are going to turn something like that into a movie, at least have the heart to do a decent job of it.
This film is based on a three-part series by the same name which was printed in the late ’90s. I have never seen the comics, but I enjoyed this story.
“Bulletproof Monk” stars Chow Yun-Fat and Seann William Scott. Both seemed right at home. I was impressed that Scott could pull off something other than the stoner or high-school jock image. He actually pulls off the action-hero role with surprising ease. Maybe it’s time for him to move away from the “American Pie” movies and make something a little more rewarding.
But in reality, it was Yun-Fat who carried this film from the beginning. True, the story does center around him, but he was strong. He has tried to break into the American industry for some time but has had little luck doing so. This film gives him a boost that may help him make his mark.
The movie brought several styles into play. One of the drawbacks was that there was just not enough action to call this a true action movie. But it is hard to put it in any other category. The wire fights were stunning, but they are becoming commonplace in the movies anymore.
The opening sequence was beautiful to watch. I was so startled by it. I was hoping the whole film would share that quality, but after the first few minutes, it was clear that would not be the case. I guess you can’t have it all.
All in all, this movie is worthwhile. A least it was a solid choice to get moviegoers through until the summer blockbusters hit the screens.
Thank goodness there is some light in the otherwise dismal movie industry.
Justin Berry is an actor turned movie critic. Comments can be sent to justinsb26@hotmail.com