Review of Mask of the Ninja (2008) by Tommi M — 01 Nov 2010

Less the 80's ninjasploitation throwback I was hoping for (a'la Ninja Assassin), more your bog standard low budget action movie... with ninjas! There are a couple of highlights worth keeping an eye out for including Anthony Wong (whom Matrix fans will recognise as Ghost from Reloaded, Revolutions and Enter the Matrix), Crystal Kwon's kill crazy kunoichi and the odd cool ninja moment (don't expect the OTT mysticism we all know and love though, the film takes itself far too seriously to allow magical hand gestures and disappearing into thin air) but the plot is generic rubbish, the characters are bland (for the most part), and the action is largely spoilt by spastic editing and shaky cam.

As for Casper Van Dien, well this certainly isn't going to propel him out of Hollywood purgatory but one thing's for damn sure - it's a hell of a lot better than Starship Troopers 3!