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After my despair over the general crappiness of Williamsburg, I decided it was time to do something. I searched for the nearest movie theater, plotted my trip in Google Maps (so much better than Mapquest), and made my way to a theater in Newport News. I was a little nervous about trying to find the place at night, but for Jet, it's worth it. The place I went was practically right off the Interstate, and so it was a nice smooth trip. Then I welcomed the joy of stadium seating, and braced myself for Jet's latest attempt at engrish.
The movie? Absofreakinglutely awesome!!!! Jet's acting was actually very good, and the choreography was brilliant. It was everything I had hoped for in a Jet Li film and more. In fact, even if you took out all the fight scenes (and there were not that many), the movie would still be interesting. The portrayal of Danny was so dead on, I almost cried tears of joy. This was the Jet Li I remembered, and all memories of Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon (although the needles were cool), and Cradle 2 the Grave were suddenly washed away. Considering that this came right after Hero, I was so happy for Jet Li. I'd say that Unleashed is definitely Jet's best English movie (not really much of a compliment...), and probably one of his best movies overall. I can't wait to get it on DVD, and I felt like I wanted to thank the director for putting real actors in the movie.
Of course the fight scenes were great as well. There was no stupid wire-fu (which I hate), and the evolution of Danny's fighting style was wonderful to watch. Jet is always so crisp and clean in his movements, and it's about time he got a director that doesn't ruin the fights with cheesy air maneuvers, jittery cameras, horrific CG, or awful angles. The fight in the confined apartment bathroom was especially wonderful to watch. If you like Jet Li, you simply have to watch Unleashed. I can't stop raving about this movie!!!
Morgan Freeman was good too, but I thought Hilary Swank was supposed to be in this movie? Ahh, I joke.
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May 15th, 2005 - 18:03
I will back up what Kabitzin said about Unleashed. Jet Li played his role very well, and the movie itself isn’t watered down with hiphop!
May 15th, 2005 - 21:38
I’ve been thinking about watching this movie, but your promotion of it has lead me to believe that I NEED to watch it. Thanks for the wonderful review!