JEM-11313

The film is pretty good because the subject matter is fascinating, but the actual documentarian skills could have been better. I was annoyed that at one point someone was talking about the novel variations on the nunchaku that were innovated by Dragon Lee, but not in what films they were featured. In my opinion, every bit of film footage could have had an on-screen citation displayed. Also, there was not enough discussion of the different martial arts disciplines that each actor had studied and how that influenced the choreography. They could have even done split screen comparisons. The people who put this together did a good job getting interviews and sharing footage, but I think there could have been more depth with detail, especially in regard to how choreography was done and how the actors were discovered. In the end I was left a bit dissatisfied.

It seems like lessons learned from 2021 Godzilla vs. Kong. This one has much more action time, more exploration of Hollow Earth, and way more monster fights. Just the right amount of human involvement for pacing, exposition, humor, and relatability. The comedic elements land better than in the last installment and the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. The soundtrack and music direction were very good. Some of the previous characters are not present but it doesn't matter. Jia has an important role and the actress playing her is very expressive without speaking. The special effects are all convincing and well done.

This is a really enjoyable movie if you enjoy good dancing, including tap dancing, Latin dancing with castanets and capes, and acrobatic dodging of a sword. The lead is a very capable triple threat and the leading lady beautiful and a good actress. There is nothing frightening for the kids except the very young might not like it that a couple people are knocked unconscious on the back of the head, but this is done in a comedic way and no one suffers lasting consequences. The actor playing the head of the ranch is very funny and stole every scene he was in, but the others were very good as well. The main baddie is sufficiently dastardly without being frightening for any kids. The hero's charm and unflappable good will would reassure kids that it will work out alright. There are a few laugh-out-loud hilarious scenes. I loved the movie and am so glad it was rescued from obscurity!