Review of Dynamite Warrior (2006) by Andrew M — 16 Apr 2008

The lure of Asian cinema is a certain rawness that comes with the film style. What most certainly doesn't work is when they try to imitate a hollow-wood action film, the it loses part of its identity. This is the problem with Dynamite Warrior. All the elements and the context of the film are Thai [Muay Thai kickboxing and supernatural powers and possession], but damn if it didn't shine with the sheen of a hollow-wood production. Slo-mos. Quick edits. There is such a thing as too much style.

Dan Chupong can explode on the international scene. I think he is a lot more expressive and emotional an actor than his more famous counterpart, Tony Jaa. He's got the skills. He's got the power. He is a tiny powder keg just ready to go off. He needs more roles.

Good but not great. Powerful but way too polished for its own good. A shame really.