Cecilia Han stars as the worried mother in the Donnie Yen rescue thriller POLAR RESCUE. Courtesy of Well Go USA
I’ve been a big Donnie Yen fan for years. This martial artist/actor has been a mainstay of Chinese action movies – comedic and dramatic – for decades. For Western audiences, he may be best known for his appearances in several films about China’s legendary real-life hero Ip Man. Besides Yen’s fighting skills, he invariably projects the calm integrity of a Gary Cooper. His latest high-profile role on our screens was the blind, yet super-lethal, and highly-principled assassin co-star in JOHN WICK 4.
Donnie is now over 60. So, like Jackie Chan, his time as a credible action hero may be waning. Preparing for the next phase of his career is the only reason I can imagine for his producing and starring in this rather uninspired family drama, POLAR RESCUE (a/k/a COME BACK HOME).
In POLAR RESCUE, Donnie Yen plays a dad on vacation with his wife and two young kids in the snow-covered mountains. Their bratty son petulantly insists they go to a lake with a “monster” he wants to see. Despite the weather being so bad that the main road to it is closed, dad dutifully tries another route. At a rest stop, the boy wanders off and winds up lost in the sparsely populated region during this harsh winter. Most of the running time covers the search.
Every trope is pulled out of the proverbial hat, from remorse to panic to anger to suspicions, plus media frenzy and various clashes among the principals to prolong the suspense of whether, and in what condition, they’ll find the little jerk… uh, I mean, the missing lad. Yen is sufficiently convincing as a father who variably feels guilty, frustrated and zealously determined to find the boy. Cecilia Han, who has won a handful of awards, is limited to typically marginal poses for a worried mother, alternating between hand-wringing and anger, apart from a few flashbacks to happier times.
The cinematography is excellent, with particularly fine set designs and enhancements of the exterior locations. The problem is the script. Characters and story arcs are too familiar for anyone who’s seen even a few such adventures to feel the desired level of tension. In the brief time before he disappears, the kid was so annoying that I found myself thinking the family might be much happier without him – almost a non-comic RANSOM OF RED CHIEF analog. In that classic tale, the kidnapped boy was such a pain in the ass that the guys who snatched him wound up paying the parents to take him back! That was certainly not the writers’ intent here but they still elicited that reaction in this viewer’s emotional mix.
Yen’s career will surely resume its accustomed quality, regardless of genre. This one unfortunately won’t make his highlight reel.
POLAR RESCUE, in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles, debuts on Blu-ray and on digital from Well Go USA on Tuesday, Mar. 26.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4. Photo Credit: Murray Close
I’m guessing that a lot of action blockbuster movies aficionados have been thinking that the multiplexes have been pretty quiet this year so far. I mean the second AVATAR swam in just before the end of 2022. As usual, the Winter has seen lots of horror thrillers, plus a couple of superheroes swooped in for the latest installment of their respective franchises. Ah, now there’s another franchise that brings a smile to the “big stunt spectacle” film fans. The fellow at the tentpole’s forefront doesn’t have a “tech suit” or a sculpted rubber and cape ensemble. No sir, though his fighting attire is a simple black suit, filled with a massive arsenal. His skill is his “super-power”, as we turn the cinematic page to JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4.
As the film opens the air (and the theatre’s audio system) vibrates from the pounding fists of Mr. Wick (Keanu Reeves) as he trains in the underground lair of his old pal, the Bowery King (Lawrence Fishburne). From there JW is dispatching the head of The Table in a quiet desert. But that assassin agency is tough to stop. Like the hydra of legend, another head pops up to take the last one’s place. Back in NYC at the sanctuary hotel, the Continental, manager Winston (Ian McShane) is startled by the arrival of the Harbinger (Clancy Brown), who orders the place to be evacuated in an hour’s time. With the aid of the concierge Charon (Lance Reddick), it is done. But Winston’s remaining “muscle’ is no match for the crew that serves and protects the High Table’s new head, the Marquis (Bill Skarsgard). He strips Winston of his duties and plans to demolish the establishment. The story shifts to Paris where the Marquis extorts a former agent, the blind assassin and friend of Wick, Caine (Donnie Yen) to track down his pal. But it turns out that he’s at the Continental…in Osaka, Japan. John is in hiding, under the protection of Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada), much to the ire of his daughter, the concierge Akira (Rina Sawayama). But the battle comes there as Caine, the Marquis’ elite guard, and a “freelancer” named Tracker (Shamier Anderson) attack. When their effects fail, Wick meets with Winston in NYC to hatch a plan. In order to earn his freedom, Wick will challenge the Marquis to a one-on-one”old-fashioned” duel. But Wick must be part of a “family” and since his “paper was torn” he must go to Berlin and be “reinstated” by the Ruska Roma. All of those “frequent flyer” miles finish on the streets of Paris as a city-wide chaotic war of skilled killers concludes with a final showdown at dawn.
Whew! talk about “workin’ hard for the money” (I can almost hear Donna Summer crooning)! With his fourth outing in the tile role, Reeves proves himself to truly be a “man of action”, due to his stoic, very rare, line delivery. Actually, he may have less dialogue in this over the entire quartet of flicks. But yes, those actions speak volumes, whether he’s scoping out a plan of attack, or giving a look of aggravation as he tosses away another empty ammo cartridge (imagine if he got a “return deposit” on them, like the old soda pop bottles…oh the dough). Oh, but Skarsgard feels almost “chatty” as this story’s evil mastermind as he tries to temper a sadistic grin, while his evil eyes dart about, keeping everyone around “off balance”. He has the posture and manners of a fancy gentleman but inside lurks a rabid beast. The greatest addition to the series is Yen, as the reluctant nemesis. He relies even more on body language as his non-functional eyes are shielded by a pair of dark shades. Yen reserves his movement until he has a “purpose” and a “target” (that “head tilt” is the “go signal”). McShane is still silky smooth as Winston, though he’s placed more in the “center of the storm” here with everything to lose. He and the late, much-missed Reddick as Charot are a terrific team. And McShane is a nice counterpart to the boisterous flamboyant Fishburne as Wick’s “corner man” (or Alfred to JW’s Dark Knight). Other “newbies” of note are Anderson’s “dinero-driven” Tracker, who loves his bank statements as much as his loyal canine sidekick, Sawayama as the hotel (and Daddy) defender Akira, and Brown as the somber solemn Harbinger.
To call this an action extravaganza would be a true understatement. It certainly subverts the old “law of diminishing returns” with sequels. By the time most franchises get to the fourth entry, they’re usually showing signs of fatigue. With this new outing they really want to give the fans lots (and I mean lots) of bangs (and fights and explosions and chases) for their bucks. Plus this may be the most “globe-hopping” of the series, rivaling the Bonds and Bournes, and Impossible Mission teams for the far-flung locales. The mayhem begins in the Big Apple, shifts to Japan, then to Berlin, before giving the “City of Light” a chance to shine, making the cinema setting feel fresh and replacing romance with danger lurking just past every bistro. “Upping the ante” considerably is returning director Chad Stahelski who gives the chaos a lush gleam via the expert showcasing of the exotic exteriors and interiors, from the palace of the Marquis to the neon cool of the Osaka hotel, to a stadium-sized techno dance hall bathed in glistening non-stop rain. Of course, as the carnage continues, the authorities are nearly non-existent, perhaps due to the power of the High Table, eh? Well, that’s a bit “nitpicky” since the legions of fans (are they Wick-warriors) will be ecstatic (and yes the “head shots” are staggering). I can imagine that the video storyboards for the stunt sequences were more intricate than most animated features. Big colossal kudos to the army of superb stunt people whose coordination and physicality rival all the dancers in the MAGIC MIKE trilogy. And praise must be given to the sound team (sitting in the back row I felt as though the vibrations gave me a nice “spine treatment” as a bonus). Sure, you may want to question the “physical endurance’ of the title character, but set aside science and buckle up for the high-octane thrill ride that is JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4.
3.5 Out of 4
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, March 24, 2023
Opening only in theaters and IMAX on March 24 is the highly anticipated JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes. Starring Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.
Deadline is reporting the fourth chapter is “tracking today with a robust projection between $60M-$70M in what would rep the highest opening stateside for the Keanu Reeves R-rated franchise.” https://deadline.com/2023/03/john-wick-chapter-4-box-office-keanu-reeves-1235276778/
Check out this interview with Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski.
WAMG is giving away free passes to the advance screening in the St. Louis area. Tuesday, March 14th.
EMAIL michelle@wearemoviegeeks.com to enter.
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
The screening will be filled on a first come first served basis, so we encourage you to arrive early. Seats will not be guaranteed.
Directed by Chad Stahelski. Written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch. Based on Characters Created by Derek Kolstad.
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes on his most lethal adversaries yet in the upcoming fourth installment of the series. With the price on his head ever increasing, Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin.
The highly anticipated Lionsgate film stars Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4. Photo Credit: Murray Close
Keanu Reeves as John Wick and Donnie Yen as Caine in John Wick 4. Photo Credit: Murray Close
Check out the brand new trailer for JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4.
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
The film stars Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch and based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 opens in theaters March 24.
It was announced in early November Prime Video will launch The Continental, the highly anticipated special event series based on the blockbuster action franchise John Wick. The prequel is produced by Lionsgate Television, and will be exclusively available to Prime Video members worldwide excluding the U.S., Middle East and Israel in 2023.
The Continental is told from the perspective of the hotel manager, portrayed by Ian McShane in the film franchise – a young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell (The Flight Attendant). Throughout the series, viewers will follow Winston through the underworld of ’70’s New York, where he will battle demons from his past as he attempts to seize control of the iconic hotel – a hotel that serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals.
Woodell is joined by Mel Gibson (Braveheart), as Cormac; Ayomide Adegun (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), who will portray a young Charon (based on the character portrayed by Lance Reddick); Ben Robson (Vikings) as Frankie; Hubert Point-Du Jour (Dr. Death) as Miles; Jessica Allain (The Laundromat) playing Lou; Mishel Prada (Vida) as KD; Nhung Kate (The Housemaid) as Yen; and Peter Greene (Training Day), who dons the fedora of Uncle Charlie (based on the tight-lipped body disposal expert).
The John Wick films have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide to date, with each film outperforming its predecessor.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: Keanu Reeves speaks onstage during “Collider”: Directors on Directing Panel at Comic-Con at San Diego Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lionsgate)
Fans of JOHN WICK got a first look at the teaser for the upcoming fourth installment of the franchise during San Diego Comic Con 2022 over the weekend.
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes on his most lethal adversaries yet in the upcoming fourth installment of the series. With the price on his head ever increasing, Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin.
Reeves surprised fans during “Collider”: Directors On Directing Panel and told fans about what fans will see in the movie.
Lionsgate will release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 in theaters on March 24, 2023.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, JOHN WICK 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: (L-R) Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves speak onstage during “Collider”: Directors On Directing Panel At Comic-Con at San Diego Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lionsgate)
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 hits theaters on March 24, 2023 but on Thursday, the eve on Comic-Con, fans received a mysterious text followed by this special early look at Keanu Reeves as John Wick.
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes on his most lethal adversaries yet in the upcoming fourth installment of the series. With the price on his head ever increasing, Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad, JOHN WICK 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 is set to release in theaters on March 24, 2023, according to an all-new announcement teaser shared by Lionsgate.
The film had previously been dated for May 27, 2022.
The fourth installment went into production this summer and was announced via the film’s social media sites. JOHN WICK 4 was announced in May 2019 after the success of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM, which took in an astounding $93 million worldwide, including $57 million from North American ticket sales.
The JOHN WICK franchise takes place when sadistic young thugs senselessly attack John Wick [Keanu Reeves] – a brilliantly lethal ex-assassin – they have no idea they’ve messed with the wrong guy. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, Wick embarks on a merciless rampage, hunting down his adversaries with the skill and ruthlessness that made him an underworld legend, aka “Baba Yaga” and the crime world operating out of the Continental Hotel chain.
Directed by Chad Stahelski, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick, Donnie Yen, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Bill Skarsgård, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, Clancy Brown and Ian McShane.
“Aided by the star magnetism of Yen and Tse and back in his element on the colorful streets of Hong Kong, Chan goes out with both guns blazing.”~ G. Allen Johnson, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
An explosive action thriller boasting a powerhouse cast headlined by international martial arts action superstars Donnie Yen (Mulan, Ip Man franchise) and Nicholas Tse (Shaolin, New Police Story), RAGING FIRE will debut exclusively on the martial arts streaming service Hi-YAH! on October 22, before hitting Digital, Blu-ray and DVD November 23 with a new English dub from Well Go USA Entertainment.
A “blistering action/thriller exploring police corruption, violent regret, and all the heroic bloodshed you can handle” (Rob Hunter, Film School Rejects) and the last film from acclaimed action auteur Benny Chan (Shaolin, New Police Story), RAGING FIRE co-stars Patrick Tam (Master Z, Ip Man 3), Kenny Wong (New Police Story), Deep Ng (Stool Pigeon), Jeana Ho (The Grandmaster, Special Female Force), Angus Yeung, Bruce Tong, Henry Mak (Operation Red Sea), Yu Kang (Ip Man 3), German Cheung (The White Storm 2: Drug Lords), and Tony Wu Tsz Tung (Men on the Dragon); with special appearances by Lui Leung Wai (Flash Point), Simon Yam (Little Q, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life), Ben Yuen, Ben Lam (Flash Point, Police Story), Ken Low (Rush Hour), and Carlos Chan.
Bong (Donnie Yen) is a highly respected hardline cop with a long history of success on dangerous cases. However, his past unexpectedly comes back to haunt him when a sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo (Nicholas Tse), his former protégé, a talented former officer who had once respected and admired Bong. However, a terrible mistake years prior landed him in prison, quickly turning the once rising star into a furious man with a grudge, and the will to destroy everyone who had wronged him—including his former mentor.
Donnie Yen in RAGING FIRE. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA
RAGING FIRE is a contemporary Hong Kong Chinese martial arts crime flick that’s a perfect vehicle for its two male leads – Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse. Yen plays the good cop. Tse is his former good-cop buddy, who has become really good at being really bad for reasons we learn along the way. Many of these films are thrown together with a muddled plot that exists only to set up their action sequences. Here we have a shining exception, as main characters and their backstories are fleshed out to fine advantage, making for a production that satisfies the brain as well as fulfilling the desired adrenaline quota.
Yen has nearly 80 acting credits and handful of directing stints, including fight-scene choreography. He comes by his art honestly, as the son of a martial arts master (fun fact – that’s his mom, not his dad), trained from childhood in multiple disciplines. Although I’ve only seen about a fourth of his films, I’m inclined to think that at this stage of his career, Yen may be incapable of cranking out a bad movie. (I specify the present because after writing the previous sentence, I caught one of his flicks from1991, showing he didn’t always have good scripts to choose from.) He’s perhaps best known for starring in the history-based IP MAN series. There, as here, Yen embodies the stoic integrity of a Gary Cooper, with the bonus gift of kicking butt like a Jet Li.
The RAGING FIRE plot involves a cop-killing band of robbers, motivated by both grudges and gains. Yen is in charge of catching them; we learn early that Tse is the ringleader, with his motives unfolding throughout. The tale plays out more coherently than is often the case in Asian cops vs. gangs flicks (actually, the same is true for many Hollywood entries as well), magnifying the emotional impact of its splendidly-staged action sequences, stuffed with all the fights, shootouts, chases and explosions genre fans crave. A couple of Yen’s one-on-ones are particularly exciting and creatively staged.
Late director Benny Chan deserves credit for not only pacing the action flawlessly, but editing and lighting those scenes for clarity of who’s doing what to whom in a way that’s way above the norm from both sides of the Pacific, in what is, lamentably, his final project. Tse is also superb as a more complex villain than usual, with an understandable, almost sympathetic, transition from valued colleague to nemesis. That all adds up to a gem within its genre.
RAGING FIRE, in Cantonese Chinese with English subtitles, opens in theaters August 13 and later streaming on-demand.
