Search - Paper Dragons on DVD

It isn't Gone with the Wind, but..........

The Straw Man | Aloof October on April's Birthday | 08/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this movie for my brother's birthday, at the fine price of $3.99, thinking it was going to be a laugh out loud "stupid kung-fu" movie. Consequently, after watching the movie I was quite impressed with what I watched.

The story is somewhat insipid and recycled; a gang and dirty cops leave a drug dealer for dead. The dying drug dealer is discovered by a group of Buddhist monks, who happen to know martial arts. I bet you have already guessed the rest, dying drug dealer assimilates the idealism and lifestyles of the monks. However, is it for revenge or redemption?

There are several actors from "Big Trouble in Little China" and some other actors I know I have seen in other movies, but I just can't recall where. As for the acting itself, it isn't bad, considering it is a lower budget movie. The fighting is pretty well choreographed and it isn't saturated throughout the movie. Translation, you don't become desensitize to martial arts after the movie has been on for five minutes.

I can't believe I am saying this too, but there is plenty of dialogue and development of character, which I found very interesting. The title of the movie even manages to play a pseudo philosophical reference. As for the picture quality, it is a fair 3 on a scale of 5. The editing can be a bit distressing at times, but doesn't ruin the movie. There is also some conflict on where the hell this movie takes place. At one point in looks like it is taking place in New York City, then LA, next off to the landscape of Japan and finally on the moon of Endor.

Overall, not a bad movie, since I had every intention of laughing my butt off while I was watching it.

"