While everyone else is running out to see the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I decided to take the road less traveled and catch "13 Assassins" as it was also released today. While I probably will still see the latest POC this weekend, I was greatly disappointed in the last 2 (with the 1st remaining an awesome classic). Parts 2 and 3 of POC had me feeling like I was tricked into seeing a formula to make big summer bucks, and much less concerned with telling a story.
13 Assassins is modeled in the old school Samurai thriller. This is not a movie for children. That said, it is a REAL movie in that it is engaging despite the extremely fast subtitles which are quick to leave you behind if you cant soak them up. It combines Honor, Good, Evil, Justice, Revenge and throws them all into a big pot and stirs it up to an awesome finale. While I didn't agree with some of the strategies of the 13 assassins used (these blunders are obvious) It was a very, very good action movie and had me very engaged with the exception of the middle lull. There were so many times I found myself very hungry to dispatch the villain with a Samurai Sword. When a movie can make you emotionally connected with the characters, it has succeeded in giving you a break from reality- which is just what I need sometimes.
Rotten Tomatoes had it rated in the high 90's last time I checked.
The sad thing is, there were only 3 other people in the theater when I saw it. Even though it wont come close to POC, I predict this will be one of the sleeper hits of the summer. |
