If you were trying to go see JOHN WICK: PARABELLUM
but found the theater sold out then I’d like to suggest another action flick
for you to enjoy. I’ve seen both and while different this one has just as much
action. The movie is TRIPLE THREAT and it features some of the top names in
martial arts action films out there today.
Payu (Tony Jaa) and Long Fei (Tiger Hu Chen) are two
mercenaries hired by Deveraux (Michael Jai White) as guides to go on a
humanitarian expedition in Thailand. Once they arrive at the village being
sought things change. Deveraux and his crew were actually on a mission to
rescue terrorist Collins (Scott Adkins). While strafing the village with
machine gun fire they kill the wife of Jaka (Iko Uwais), one of the guards.
Leaving the two mercs trapped in a cell with explosives they head out.
Fortunately they escaped before the bombs went off setting
the still held prisoners as well. Now in the city of Maha Jaya they fight in an
illegal ring in hopes of making money. But one night Jaka shows, thinking they
are the killers of his wife. He joins the fight in the ring only to be beaten.
The pair take him under their wing and to their apartment where they feed and
bandage him. When Jaka gets them drunk, he calls the police who take the pair
into custody. But Jaka also ends up in jail.
While this is taking place billion heiress Tian Xiao Xian
(Celinda Jade) also arrives in Maha Jaya. Her plan is to donate the money she
inherited from her father to authorities in the hopes of wiping out crime and
corruption. Su Feng, the local crime lord, has hired Collins and his team to
assassinate Xiao Xian. She escapes and makes her way to the local police
station, the same one Payu, Long and Jaka are being held at. The assassination team
follows her there and attacks the station.
Our three heroes free themselves and come to her aid,
escaping the gun battle that was taking place but not before coming into
contact with the team. Some members are left dead and both sides are left with
grudges that will need to be satisfied before the film ends.
Payu, Lon and Xian run into Jaka who helps them escape and
tells them he has a plan. Once they are gone he inserts himself into Collin’s
team promising to help them while plotting his revenge. Deveraux doesn’t trust
him but in need of a local to help find the trio Collins hires him.
The chase is on, battles are fought, moments of peace are
found and the eventual showdown between various members of each team do indeed
transpire. Before the end of the film most will be wounded, none will walk away
unscathed and some will not walk away at all. But that won’t happen until some
of the most amazing fight sequences seen in some time take place on screen.
If you’re a fan of current martial arts films then this is a
movie you do not want to miss. And if you’re not a fan of the current crop I
suggest watching this film because it will convince you to watch more. Thai
lander Tony Jaa has been making a name for himself in the genre since his
appearance in the film ONG BAK and its sequels. Tiger Hu Chen has done some
amazing stunt work in film and even has an uncredited part in the JOHN WICK
film I mentioned. Iko Uwais made a huge impact when he came on the scene in the
film THE RAID and its sequel. But that’s the good guys.
Scott Adkins is becoming the go to guy for martial arts
action films with roles in films like THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, THE EXPENDABLES 2,
DOCTOR STRANGE and ACCIDENT MAN. Michael Jai White took on the role of SPAWN in
that film as well as writing and starring in BLACK DYNAMITE. He was recently in
DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE. And Michael Bisping has been in films like DEN OF
THEIVES and XXX: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE. This is one solid group of action
stars among the good and bad guys here.
The fight sequences are unlike most seen in American made
films. Here they tend to move slower and feel more like displays of positions
than actual fights. These sequences feel like actual all out fights with fists
and feet moving at incredible speed. All of this is highlighted by some amazing
cinematography that pulls back to show the full fight rather than the standard
close ups American films use now. It adds to the action and allows the viewer
to see what they came for.
The film is a mix of English and subtitles but don’t let
that scare you off. Well Go has been releasing a number of martial arts films
like this and if you let it stop you you’ll be missing some fantastic film
making with visuals that stun. So if action is what you’re looking for make a
point of seeing TRIPLE THREAT this week.
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