Amos Stevens
New Member
Glad that you were able to watch the movie Tora & thanks for your review
Belly Of The Beast
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tora
Funmaker
I mean it made laugh like crazy when I reached that scene with arrows/bullets duell.And then that magic stuff.I nearly died laughing when that old wizard was trying to stop Jake Hopper and when they showed those monks chanting a prayer in the chorus.
And I'd also like to comment a bit more on the fightscenes.
Continuing the Matrix parallel,when I see Keanu Reevez doing incredible kungfu there,I know there's not much of his own merit but the visual one,and that he can't do most of that stuff in his real life but somehow it's alright with me and I'm not even embarrassed about it as long as it's a sci-fi movie.
But when I see Seagal doing something that doesn't look like him on all terms(not to mention that it wasn't even him doing that) and I know he's not into that in reality,I do feel embarrassed.Because I know Seagal is a professional in what he has dedicated to most of his life,so why get astray and not do what he's the best at?
More good:The ponytail is back!
By the way, didn't I say no matter how silly the situation is Steven Seagal always looks gorgeous?And I mean it,he still seemed gorgeous to me.
And I'd also like to comment a bit more on the fightscenes.
Continuing the Matrix parallel,when I see Keanu Reevez doing incredible kungfu there,I know there's not much of his own merit but the visual one,and that he can't do most of that stuff in his real life but somehow it's alright with me and I'm not even embarrassed about it as long as it's a sci-fi movie.
But when I see Seagal doing something that doesn't look like him on all terms(not to mention that it wasn't even him doing that) and I know he's not into that in reality,I do feel embarrassed.Because I know Seagal is a professional in what he has dedicated to most of his life,so why get astray and not do what he's the best at?
More good:The ponytail is back!
By the way, didn't I say no matter how silly the situation is Steven Seagal always looks gorgeous?And I mean it,he still seemed gorgeous to me.
My Belly of the Beast Review
Hi All
I viewed Belly of the Beast over the weekend, and thought it was a good return to somewhere near Steven's best. There were some really good fight sequences in the movie, my favourite fight being the one at the very end of the movie. It was great to see Steven fighting well again, although I would have liked some more Aikido moves in there. Steven had also lost some weight in the abdomen area, although he needs to lose some weight in his face. We saw how great he looked when he lost weight in the face for Exit Wounds, he looked really young. Steven looks older when he has weight on his face. I hope he has trimmed down for the Yakuza. Steven did have a few good one liners with the man dressed up like a woman, which was funny, but Steven again didn't appear that interested in this role, compared to his enthusiastic performance in Exit Wounds. However, I agree with you all on this board that he was more energetic in Belly compared to his last few movies. I would give Belly a three out of five for the great fight scenes alone. I am wondering why Steven piled on the weight so quickly after Exit Wounds was done? I am thinking that something is not quite right in his life, and this worries me, I hope he will be okay, and soon be at his trim Exit Wounds fit self soon. It can't be the mafia trouble as Steven put on weight before all that. We all love it when Steven is at his best don't we? Enjoy the Oscars, and Heather what did you think of Belly of the Beast?
Regards
Nash.
Hi All
I viewed Belly of the Beast over the weekend, and thought it was a good return to somewhere near Steven's best. There were some really good fight sequences in the movie, my favourite fight being the one at the very end of the movie. It was great to see Steven fighting well again, although I would have liked some more Aikido moves in there. Steven had also lost some weight in the abdomen area, although he needs to lose some weight in his face. We saw how great he looked when he lost weight in the face for Exit Wounds, he looked really young. Steven looks older when he has weight on his face. I hope he has trimmed down for the Yakuza. Steven did have a few good one liners with the man dressed up like a woman, which was funny, but Steven again didn't appear that interested in this role, compared to his enthusiastic performance in Exit Wounds. However, I agree with you all on this board that he was more energetic in Belly compared to his last few movies. I would give Belly a three out of five for the great fight scenes alone. I am wondering why Steven piled on the weight so quickly after Exit Wounds was done? I am thinking that something is not quite right in his life, and this worries me, I hope he will be okay, and soon be at his trim Exit Wounds fit self soon. It can't be the mafia trouble as Steven put on weight before all that. We all love it when Steven is at his best don't we? Enjoy the Oscars, and Heather what did you think of Belly of the Beast?
Regards
Nash.
Littledragon
Above The Law
nashpl said:
Cool, nice review, thanks for taking the time to make one!
Lotussan
I Belong To Steven
Nash, I agree, I think something's not right...
Poor Sensei...I worry about him...
But he looked great in BOTB, he was wonderful and exciting and I enjoyed it so much...
I thought the fights were great, and his his spiritual side really came through...
I personally don't think he looks old at all, although I did note some facial puffiness...
I tend to have that problem as well...
I hope everything is alright with him...
That is all that matters to me...
Because I want to spend some quality time with him if I can, like the rest of my life...
Poor Sensei...I worry about him...But he looked great in BOTB, he was wonderful and exciting and I enjoyed it so much...
I thought the fights were great, and his his spiritual side really came through...
I personally don't think he looks old at all, although I did note some facial puffiness...
I tend to have that problem as well...
I hope everything is alright with him...
That is all that matters to me...
Because I want to spend some quality time with him if I can, like the rest of my life...
tora
Funmaker
Nice review,Nash,just like a balsam to my ears...
Oh well,now that I've been thinking on it and analysing it for more than a week I have more thoughts to share with you,folks...
Perhaps I've found out the reason why he doesn't do all the fights himself!
In one of his older interviews he said that in his future films he would show less violence and more spiritualism,and as a true Buddhist he tends to show the best spiritual side of him,not those violent inclinations...and that's why he doesn't wanna fight...
Although I was laughing at some of the Belly scenes,I took the time too glance at them from another point of view and decided that I shouldn't laugh at that spiritualism which might seem embarrassing to the ingnorant...Well,but I'm quite aware of this and not that ignorant at all so I'd rather be more objective and multi-fauceted.
Oh well,now that I've been thinking on it and analysing it for more than a week I have more thoughts to share with you,folks...
Perhaps I've found out the reason why he doesn't do all the fights himself!
In one of his older interviews he said that in his future films he would show less violence and more spiritualism,and as a true Buddhist he tends to show the best spiritual side of him,not those violent inclinations...and that's why he doesn't wanna fight...
Although I was laughing at some of the Belly scenes,I took the time too glance at them from another point of view and decided that I shouldn't laugh at that spiritualism which might seem embarrassing to the ingnorant...Well,but I'm quite aware of this and not that ignorant at all so I'd rather be more objective and multi-fauceted.
Thank you Nas, I share the same ideas in some cases !
Good review !
I guess he is not very comfortable from nasso and mafia problems. But not easy he is living these since for many years. Actually he is quite huh ??
Belly is very good and Seagal is wonderful in this movie. I liked
in onenesss
Good review !
I guess he is not very comfortable from nasso and mafia problems. But not easy he is living these since for many years. Actually he is quite huh ??
Belly is very good and Seagal is wonderful in this movie. I liked
in onenesss
yudansha
TheGreatOne
Belly - the great beast!
Wow! First I want to start by saying that it was great fun watching the Master work. I do agree with all about Belly of the Beast being by far the most entertaining of Steven Seagal's last 3 straight to video movies. Yet again, Sensei Seagal has shown his Budha side, and his connection to the spirits with his very religious self. No matter what movie, I always enjoy those pieces on Shaolin monks; something is just so fascinating about that sort of life and beliefs. I thought that choreography was very well done, but I do not see why there was so much concern about the quickness of the moves. Everything was in fast-motion, as if it was fast-forwarded at a low pace to make the choreography seem fast paced. Martial Arts are not all about the rapid motions, and Aikido especially is more about the fluidity of movements instead. Seeing as the movie focused more on Seagal's Tai-Chi as opposed to all other's Kung-Fu, there was no need to emphasize on speed.
There were a few unfinished sup-plots throughout the movie. It started intriguing with the accidental death of a bystander ('collateral damage' I guess), but was the little girl adopted by Jake because of his guilt? It never explained the death of his wife, although the photo resembled the dying woman. I am not mystical, so all of that good vs. evil power voo-doo stuff turned me off, but I did like the special-effect for the unexplained woman with the water-mark hologram that Seagal visits upon him almost hitting her with his old MB.
As much fun as I had, I do have to point out a few minor things that 'did not impress me much.' During the scene when Jake saves the arms dealer from being executed by the sniper: Seagal starts shooting everybody, then you hear the sirens, and then a moment later while Seagal keeps firing his pistol, all of a sudden 10 cops surround him all instantaneously as if they were waiting behind the bush to surprise him. Also, if there are members here from Thailand, could you tell me if all the policemen there drive very cleanly washed brand new Toyota Camrys to apprehend a suspect upon receiving their call-in. Furthermore, when Jake and his partner are at the place where his and the Senator's daughters are held captive: they both take out 6 heavily armed men (with AKs) without any of them firing a shot; then they turn a corner where another 2 are sitting playing cards, and NOW they make noise because I guess their silencers stop working. And how does a mafia get a hold of military based H1 Hummers? The modified versions of H1 hatchbacks with rotating turrets with a fully automatic M-16 are as easy to buy as a tank. American military equipment like that you cannot buy on the black market. United States does not look for extra pocket money like the smuggling bastards from Russia.
And I just found it hilarious, when that ex-prostitute (who gets saved by Jake at a strip-club) brings some food to Jake's appartment a day after she met him. Seagal thinks it's an intruder, but she's not, and then his friend enters (ex-partner in whatever they were doing in the beginning ... CIA again I guess). So as the girl leaves, Seagal goes: "Thanks for the food, I'LL CALL YOU." OMG now that's a line, I haven't heard that one before ... lol (sense some sarcasm please). But all at the same time, Seagal sounded serious.
Oh yeah and isn't the major buying public of Belly of the Beast DVDs an English speaking public? So why are the translational subtitles during the movie fade into the background with such a small font, making the viewers pay more attention to concentrating their eye sight on the letters as opposed to the action that's going on in the film during those scenes? I don't think they were trying to save money on making the letters small, because they were doing the saving by having Seagal drive an 80's Mercedes which is a step down from Out For a Kill where he drove a mid-90's Mercedes (both of which were under $15k sedans which is a step down from all his previous movies: i.e. his brand new loaded pick-ups, Hummers, Aston Martins, various classics ...).
One more thing: I understand that Seagal might be using some body doubles for a few fight scenes so as to not risk any physical harm brought to him by an accident. Hence, the fighting scenes were modified, but why why why did they have to alter his voice when he came to reunite with his friend at the Temple after the shoot-out '10 years earlier.' If you don't believe me, watch that scene again, and it sounds like one of those people dubbing the swearing in Seagal's Exit Wounds whenever it runs on TBS.
Those are just very minor things, but "attention must be paid" (Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller) if the movie was intended to succeed further. The movie was very entertaining, showing Seagal's very deep spirituality and his language abilities. Steven Seagal has certainly improved his acting (compared to the last two of his STVs) and this was certainly a step up from his other latest few.
Wow! First I want to start by saying that it was great fun watching the Master work. I do agree with all about Belly of the Beast being by far the most entertaining of Steven Seagal's last 3 straight to video movies. Yet again, Sensei Seagal has shown his Budha side, and his connection to the spirits with his very religious self. No matter what movie, I always enjoy those pieces on Shaolin monks; something is just so fascinating about that sort of life and beliefs. I thought that choreography was very well done, but I do not see why there was so much concern about the quickness of the moves. Everything was in fast-motion, as if it was fast-forwarded at a low pace to make the choreography seem fast paced. Martial Arts are not all about the rapid motions, and Aikido especially is more about the fluidity of movements instead. Seeing as the movie focused more on Seagal's Tai-Chi as opposed to all other's Kung-Fu, there was no need to emphasize on speed.
There were a few unfinished sup-plots throughout the movie. It started intriguing with the accidental death of a bystander ('collateral damage' I guess), but was the little girl adopted by Jake because of his guilt? It never explained the death of his wife, although the photo resembled the dying woman. I am not mystical, so all of that good vs. evil power voo-doo stuff turned me off, but I did like the special-effect for the unexplained woman with the water-mark hologram that Seagal visits upon him almost hitting her with his old MB.
As much fun as I had, I do have to point out a few minor things that 'did not impress me much.' During the scene when Jake saves the arms dealer from being executed by the sniper: Seagal starts shooting everybody, then you hear the sirens, and then a moment later while Seagal keeps firing his pistol, all of a sudden 10 cops surround him all instantaneously as if they were waiting behind the bush to surprise him. Also, if there are members here from Thailand, could you tell me if all the policemen there drive very cleanly washed brand new Toyota Camrys to apprehend a suspect upon receiving their call-in. Furthermore, when Jake and his partner are at the place where his and the Senator's daughters are held captive: they both take out 6 heavily armed men (with AKs) without any of them firing a shot; then they turn a corner where another 2 are sitting playing cards, and NOW they make noise because I guess their silencers stop working. And how does a mafia get a hold of military based H1 Hummers? The modified versions of H1 hatchbacks with rotating turrets with a fully automatic M-16 are as easy to buy as a tank. American military equipment like that you cannot buy on the black market. United States does not look for extra pocket money like the smuggling bastards from Russia.
And I just found it hilarious, when that ex-prostitute (who gets saved by Jake at a strip-club) brings some food to Jake's appartment a day after she met him. Seagal thinks it's an intruder, but she's not, and then his friend enters (ex-partner in whatever they were doing in the beginning ... CIA again I guess). So as the girl leaves, Seagal goes: "Thanks for the food, I'LL CALL YOU." OMG now that's a line, I haven't heard that one before ... lol (sense some sarcasm please). But all at the same time, Seagal sounded serious.
Oh yeah and isn't the major buying public of Belly of the Beast DVDs an English speaking public? So why are the translational subtitles during the movie fade into the background with such a small font, making the viewers pay more attention to concentrating their eye sight on the letters as opposed to the action that's going on in the film during those scenes? I don't think they were trying to save money on making the letters small, because they were doing the saving by having Seagal drive an 80's Mercedes which is a step down from Out For a Kill where he drove a mid-90's Mercedes (both of which were under $15k sedans which is a step down from all his previous movies: i.e. his brand new loaded pick-ups, Hummers, Aston Martins, various classics ...).
One more thing: I understand that Seagal might be using some body doubles for a few fight scenes so as to not risk any physical harm brought to him by an accident. Hence, the fighting scenes were modified, but why why why did they have to alter his voice when he came to reunite with his friend at the Temple after the shoot-out '10 years earlier.' If you don't believe me, watch that scene again, and it sounds like one of those people dubbing the swearing in Seagal's Exit Wounds whenever it runs on TBS.
Those are just very minor things, but "attention must be paid" (Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller) if the movie was intended to succeed further. The movie was very entertaining, showing Seagal's very deep spirituality and his language abilities. Steven Seagal has certainly improved his acting (compared to the last two of his STVs) and this was certainly a step up from his other latest few.
Lotussan
I Belong To Steven
Very good post Yu...I think you are more ovservant than I am, but I noted a few things which you mentioned to be true...The Toyotas and things...Also thought that Lulu was a bad actress...I felt his daughter was very good for the film though, they had a nice rapport...As for the doubles and the dubbing, well...The dubbing was a little annoying but it wasn't that bad...The doubles were very good, I thought...
The first fight scene being better than the last...And the police station scene and the barfight was all his own fighting as far as I could tell...Well, I'm tired now, but yours was good post...
The first fight scene being better than the last...And the police station scene and the barfight was all his own fighting as far as I could tell...Well, I'm tired now, but yours was good post...
They didn't alter his voice, Yudansha, they used local talent to dub his voice, at least two different ones that I could determine (curse this sharp hearing of mine) - one of which had an accent he could just barely control. There was probably some unwanted sound during the scene recording that required redubbing when the movie went into post-production (like an airplane, for example), and Steven wasn't available (for whatever reason) to re-record his own voice, so they used voice-doubles (and not very good ones, I might add).
I suggest that the stunt doubles for Steven's fight scenes were used so that he wouldn't drop dead from a heart attack. Remember, they were filming in Thailand during the hottest time of year, and he's not exactly in the best condition in this film. You'll also observe that he spent most of his time in this movie sitting, or otherwise not moving at all; because any time he did move, he ended up breathing like a suction pump. So at least we can be grateful he managed to finish the movie alive to see another day.
Body doubles and voice doubles seem to be the norm rather than the exception these days in Steven's movies. That's why I found BOTB overall so disappointing (better than OFAK, though). If I pay money for a Steven Seagal movie, I at least expect him to be in it.
I suggest that the stunt doubles for Steven's fight scenes were used so that he wouldn't drop dead from a heart attack. Remember, they were filming in Thailand during the hottest time of year, and he's not exactly in the best condition in this film. You'll also observe that he spent most of his time in this movie sitting, or otherwise not moving at all; because any time he did move, he ended up breathing like a suction pump. So at least we can be grateful he managed to finish the movie alive to see another day.
Body doubles and voice doubles seem to be the norm rather than the exception these days in Steven's movies. That's why I found BOTB overall so disappointing (better than OFAK, though). If I pay money for a Steven Seagal movie, I at least expect him to be in it.
yudansha
TheGreatOne
row, row, row your boat - I'm glad we're on the same boat :=)
Very good TD. It's a good thing we're on the same boat about this one. Yes, that panting I noticed a lot of. Every time he stepped off of a boat, or walked up the stairs, his breathing rate went up in intensity and frequency. Dubbing, doubles, dodging bullets - dicking around is what I call it.
The guy who played Jake's partner was very impressive just as that General-mafia character. Jake's partner reminds me of a young Jackie Chan. Recall that scene when Jake's supposed friend from the days of CIA (the now-owner of a strip club where Jake saved his bad actress hooker) turned with a gun: while Jake was fighting the she-male ("I liked you better as a bith," character), his partner very efficiently took the gun away from the club owner and turned it against him. TD seeing as you are a heavy movie watcher, it would probably be a good assumption that you watched Rush Hour (first) where Jackie Chan was teaching Chris Tucker on how to take away a pointing gun from an aggressor - very similar situation, and was very amuzing. I think that the casting was very well done for the main protagonists; although maybe Seagal did not deserve to play in such a flawed picture, but then again he said that he had fun in Thailand so I guess it all evens out in the end.
Seagal didn't have any good choreography for the fights against the main villains. Perhaps because the main antagonists were mostly to a much lesser degree trained and experienced than the so called professional extras doing the amazing Kenjutsu. Seagal is good with his swords, and I hope he sticks to that before going into rapid movement attacks. Getting in shape would be good for him, and it does also improve the mind and soul of an individual by making one feel better about themselves.
Very good TD. It's a good thing we're on the same boat about this one. Yes, that panting I noticed a lot of. Every time he stepped off of a boat, or walked up the stairs, his breathing rate went up in intensity and frequency. Dubbing, doubles, dodging bullets - dicking around is what I call it.
The guy who played Jake's partner was very impressive just as that General-mafia character. Jake's partner reminds me of a young Jackie Chan. Recall that scene when Jake's supposed friend from the days of CIA (the now-owner of a strip club where Jake saved his bad actress hooker) turned with a gun: while Jake was fighting the she-male ("I liked you better as a bith," character), his partner very efficiently took the gun away from the club owner and turned it against him. TD seeing as you are a heavy movie watcher, it would probably be a good assumption that you watched Rush Hour (first) where Jackie Chan was teaching Chris Tucker on how to take away a pointing gun from an aggressor - very similar situation, and was very amuzing. I think that the casting was very well done for the main protagonists; although maybe Seagal did not deserve to play in such a flawed picture, but then again he said that he had fun in Thailand so I guess it all evens out in the end.
Seagal didn't have any good choreography for the fights against the main villains. Perhaps because the main antagonists were mostly to a much lesser degree trained and experienced than the so called professional extras doing the amazing Kenjutsu. Seagal is good with his swords, and I hope he sticks to that before going into rapid movement attacks. Getting in shape would be good for him, and it does also improve the mind and soul of an individual by making one feel better about themselves.
yudansha
TheGreatOne
Belly of the Budha
The girl playing Jake's daughter was also very effective and acted well for her part, contributing exceptionally to the picture. Belly of the Beast also got quite poetic in its imagery of rememberance: mixing the sky, water, and fire elements (as in the great myths) with the events from the past (that's some more Budhism enlightenment). Very dramatic very effective, and very in place to keep the audience's attention right when dozing-off approaches - that police gun hold off at the station had too long of a pause, and you know Seagal never backs down first if he has a gun pointing at you (he already has experience with sharp shooting from the Foreigner so watch out boy ... or girl - what a funny line: "I liked you better as a bitch," which reminded me of that line from Half Past Dead "I'm not into men!" some writers have a great sense for humour and know exactly when to use it).
The girl playing Jake's daughter was also very effective and acted well for her part, contributing exceptionally to the picture. Belly of the Beast also got quite poetic in its imagery of rememberance: mixing the sky, water, and fire elements (as in the great myths) with the events from the past (that's some more Budhism enlightenment). Very dramatic very effective, and very in place to keep the audience's attention right when dozing-off approaches - that police gun hold off at the station had too long of a pause, and you know Seagal never backs down first if he has a gun pointing at you (he already has experience with sharp shooting from the Foreigner so watch out boy ... or girl - what a funny line: "I liked you better as a bitch," which reminded me of that line from Half Past Dead "I'm not into men!" some writers have a great sense for humour and know exactly when to use it).
justice808
Banned
Row,row,row your boat-thank god i'm not on the same boat as Yudansha & TD!!!.If I was in your boat I would tip it up for sure.
.If I was in your boat I would tip it up for sure.Nice review Yudansha, and sadly you confirm that Steven is not in great shape, which, I suspect is is no more than being over weight, and the spiral it creates. Feel over weight, and sluggish, will do something about it tomorow (boy do I know that one)! I feel BOTB had great potential, but failed to grasp it. The temple scenes were wonderful, likewise the general scenery. The slicing the arrow scenes were the opposite, quite farcical, God, we will have him catching bullets in his teeth next, and detracted from any credibility the film may have started with. As i said in a previous post and was shouted down for, his performance was tired as though he could not wait to get home - and clearly the case as he was not there for dubbing.
I must say I am surprised that they used such very poor quality dubbing, usually problems are picked up in the end of day rushes, and any dubbing would be recorded by the artist at a quick studio (albeit a make shift studio) the following day. Usually the artist is contractually tied to complete any required dubbing where required. Have to say there was something odd about the production of this movie, and I guess we will never really know what the real problems were. One other thing, who would plan an action movie at the hottest time in Thiland, it's like booking a summer holiday for the rainy season - but then, I guess it was the cheapest time.
I must say I am surprised that they used such very poor quality dubbing, usually problems are picked up in the end of day rushes, and any dubbing would be recorded by the artist at a quick studio (albeit a make shift studio) the following day. Usually the artist is contractually tied to complete any required dubbing where required. Have to say there was something odd about the production of this movie, and I guess we will never really know what the real problems were. One other thing, who would plan an action movie at the hottest time in Thiland, it's like booking a summer holiday for the rainy season - but then, I guess it was the cheapest time.
yudansha
TheGreatOne
sad fun, but don't get discouraged, Seagal has a lot of fuel left in him
I think that I didn't make it clear enough (although I started and finished with basically the same statement). I liked the movie, because I had fun watching it. How's that? Maybe that's basic enough sentence for you to understand. I was pointing out some things that really got my attention and that the director along with his advisors missed. This is unexcusable and makes the movie look novice to those who have experience with watching movies that succeed. The low budget does not excuse it, because those minor things were simply overlooked, and it wasn't a money issue (it wouldn't cost a single dime to redo what I mentioned). For example, instead of using those Hummers (which was very unrealistic), they could have used those Canadian 'buggies' that brake down over-seas (it would have been cheaper, and they could have lasted right for as long as the movie was shooting).
And all the scenes with blood: every time somebody got shot and blood was seen coming out, it seemed like there was one and only one way for that blood to leave the skin. It looked as if the blood wanted to get back. Try slow motion during the blood spilling scenes, and you will see that the effect does not seem natural at all.
There's such a thing as editing, which I think was ignored, or the producers were ripped-off by paying who ever was supposed to do the work and didn't, because I see no deleted scenes. It's as if they packed everything they shot all together, which in turn made some scenes look out of place. As far as the DVD itself goes, they must start adding extra features, because to sell a straight to video, you need some 'incentives.'
I found the movie fun to watch O.K. But compared to movies like stv Patriot (with practically no complaints from me about it), the Patriot was a better MADE movie overall than BOTB. I do however have to compliment the Kung-Fu choreography, but if I was a producer, I would never recommend the computer geeks who did the extras thinking they would improve all of the scenes. The whole thing went over-board once those computers were turned on (that water-mark girl was an original addition, but it was unexplained and didn't quite fit in where it was placed). FUN, FUN, FUN, but only for Seagal fans (like myself). The director is not to blame (like in Out for a Kill and the Foreigner), it is the overcrazed 'computer generation' that thinks everything needs to follow Matrix (which I liked, but come on: enough is enough).
Maybe, just maybe, Steven Seagal needs to slow down his work schedule and spend more time devoting himself and making others pay attention to the picture more (seeing as Seagal is a producer for most of the productions of his). If you say he is not in financial troubles, then what's wrong with slowing down? If he does need the money, then I will keep supporting him, but how many of such badly made DVDs (badly made DVDs, that's all - this is not against Seagal's acting or performing, just everything else that others do around him) do I need to buy? I am a Seagal fan, and intend to leave it that way, no matter what hardships come.
I think that I didn't make it clear enough (although I started and finished with basically the same statement). I liked the movie, because I had fun watching it. How's that? Maybe that's basic enough sentence for you to understand. I was pointing out some things that really got my attention and that the director along with his advisors missed. This is unexcusable and makes the movie look novice to those who have experience with watching movies that succeed. The low budget does not excuse it, because those minor things were simply overlooked, and it wasn't a money issue (it wouldn't cost a single dime to redo what I mentioned). For example, instead of using those Hummers (which was very unrealistic), they could have used those Canadian 'buggies' that brake down over-seas (it would have been cheaper, and they could have lasted right for as long as the movie was shooting).
And all the scenes with blood: every time somebody got shot and blood was seen coming out, it seemed like there was one and only one way for that blood to leave the skin. It looked as if the blood wanted to get back. Try slow motion during the blood spilling scenes, and you will see that the effect does not seem natural at all.
There's such a thing as editing, which I think was ignored, or the producers were ripped-off by paying who ever was supposed to do the work and didn't, because I see no deleted scenes. It's as if they packed everything they shot all together, which in turn made some scenes look out of place. As far as the DVD itself goes, they must start adding extra features, because to sell a straight to video, you need some 'incentives.'
I found the movie fun to watch O.K. But compared to movies like stv Patriot (with practically no complaints from me about it), the Patriot was a better MADE movie overall than BOTB. I do however have to compliment the Kung-Fu choreography, but if I was a producer, I would never recommend the computer geeks who did the extras thinking they would improve all of the scenes. The whole thing went over-board once those computers were turned on (that water-mark girl was an original addition, but it was unexplained and didn't quite fit in where it was placed). FUN, FUN, FUN, but only for Seagal fans (like myself). The director is not to blame (like in Out for a Kill and the Foreigner), it is the overcrazed 'computer generation' that thinks everything needs to follow Matrix (which I liked, but come on: enough is enough).
Maybe, just maybe, Steven Seagal needs to slow down his work schedule and spend more time devoting himself and making others pay attention to the picture more (seeing as Seagal is a producer for most of the productions of his). If you say he is not in financial troubles, then what's wrong with slowing down? If he does need the money, then I will keep supporting him, but how many of such badly made DVDs (badly made DVDs, that's all - this is not against Seagal's acting or performing, just everything else that others do around him) do I need to buy? I am a Seagal fan, and intend to leave it that way, no matter what hardships come.
Lotussan
I Belong To Steven
ok, dammit, if he's obviously having breathing problems, then maybe they needed to dub it, so what's the big freaking deal? Obviously there was a reason for it, and I think we should be a little more concerned about the breathing problem and less bitchy..
I am WORRIED because I CARE...
Do you people even give a shit about the Sensei? I am sooooooo not sure that you even do...
Yudansha, you have an AWFUL lot of gall saying he was "di*king around" Steven is a VERY hard working man, he makes films back to back and does charity work to boot!
I bet he doesn't have hardly any free time to himself, I think he deserves some rest, what a mean and heartless to thing to say!
Maybe he didn't feel well and his asthma was acting up...
If his weight is a big problem that is contributing to the breathing problem, then I am sure he knows it and should lose for health reasons, but he didn't look that big to me, I have always liked his bigger look...
I thought he was attractive and beautiful as ever...
But if he needs to lose I wish him luck, I know it does help ones confidence, but I think he's got a lot to be proud of...
ok, again, about the dubbing, let's face it no-one can begin do his voice correctly or perfectly his voice is too unique...
So dubbing is going to be noticeable...
Someone said maybe it was his voice in the Foreigner, just a few octaves lower, maybe it is in this one too?
Maybe it's changed a little as he gotten older?
Maybe it has something to do with the breathing problems, so it sounds different?
Doesn't matter AT ALL to me if he has changed...
If he was tired while filming, then he was, he isn't superman for gods sake!
Unless any of you can do better, than try to stop being so dammed critical and mean, sheesh...
And as for the arrows, I liked that scene, although I admit, he didn't look scared of them at all, but then again does he ever look scared?
It's a only movie, remember that...
Try to enjoy it, I did!
ok, you can edit me now....
I am WORRIED because I CARE...
Do you people even give a shit about the Sensei? I am sooooooo not sure that you even do...
Yudansha, you have an AWFUL lot of gall saying he was "di*king around" Steven is a VERY hard working man, he makes films back to back and does charity work to boot!
I bet he doesn't have hardly any free time to himself, I think he deserves some rest, what a mean and heartless to thing to say!
Maybe he didn't feel well and his asthma was acting up...
If his weight is a big problem that is contributing to the breathing problem, then I am sure he knows it and should lose for health reasons, but he didn't look that big to me, I have always liked his bigger look...
I thought he was attractive and beautiful as ever...
But if he needs to lose I wish him luck, I know it does help ones confidence, but I think he's got a lot to be proud of...
ok, again, about the dubbing, let's face it no-one can begin do his voice correctly or perfectly his voice is too unique...
So dubbing is going to be noticeable...
Someone said maybe it was his voice in the Foreigner, just a few octaves lower, maybe it is in this one too?
Maybe it's changed a little as he gotten older?
Maybe it has something to do with the breathing problems, so it sounds different?
Doesn't matter AT ALL to me if he has changed...
If he was tired while filming, then he was, he isn't superman for gods sake!
Unless any of you can do better, than try to stop being so dammed critical and mean, sheesh...
And as for the arrows, I liked that scene, although I admit, he didn't look scared of them at all, but then again does he ever look scared?
It's a only movie, remember that...
Try to enjoy it, I did!
ok, you can edit me now....
KATHYPURDOM
Steven Seagal Fan
Lotussan you took the words right out of my mouth. Gee just sit and enjoy. Isn't that the reason that we all watch his movies? The fact that Steven is still making movies is what we want and I am sure he wants it to. He is going strong and will for a long time.
Lotussan
I Belong To Steven
I wouldn't care if he quit making movies as long as I could hideaway with him...
I am sure we could find some interesting ways to pass the time...
But he is truly my greatest pleasure to watch, and I am so thankful he's in this world with me...
Only I wish he was actually with me...
Well, maybe someday, I dream of that day...
I am sure we could find some interesting ways to pass the time...
But he is truly my greatest pleasure to watch, and I am so thankful he's in this world with me...
Only I wish he was actually with me...
Well, maybe someday, I dream of that day...