5/5 Hard-core Martial Arts movie thats LOOKS real!!!
  by G. Cook
I have been waiting for this straight-to-dvd movie, ever since I read a quick caption about it, in a MMA magazine. Not to mention, seeing previews for it on Spike TV, during the premiere of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. First off, the lead actor, Michael Jai White. A multi-facated actor who DOESN'T just have to do movies of this sort, to make up his movie resume. He has been in countless, diverse, projects in his career. Second, Actual Martial Arts Credibility. Seven Black Belts in seven different styles, and still has the capacity to learn more. Third, this is the about movie. The plot: Reminds me of Kung Fu(David Carradine R.I.P.), wanderer comes out of nowhere with a shawdowy past, who uses his martial art skills, both physically and mentally, to right wrongs. But the twist is, it is not "cookie-cutter". Great Action, Great supporting cast(i.e., Nona Gaye, Eamon Walker, etc.), Hard-core MMA cameos(i.e., Gina Carano, Kimbo Slice, Bob Sapp, etc.) If you don't get this dvd, then YOU need to be kicked in the face.

5/5 stevens review
  by S. Kelly
I must say I was skeptical at first but it exceeded my expectations. It was very good.

4/5 Very good movie, poor quality dvd.
  by Annette E. Brown
This is a very good movie with alot of action but I was disappointed in the quality of the movie, it showed very dark we turned the lights off to see if we could see the movie better but was very disappointed. As I stated, this is a very good movie but I wish I would have purchased from somewhere else.

4/5 Blood & Bone
  by M_ (above the timberline, Alaska)
The brief tribute to David Carradine's character of yesteryear, (in that - could've been/should've been Bruce Lee's role - but wasn't) immediately had me wondering what else was in store. I thought I'd bought an action fighter flick in the vein of an Undisputed II. Which was another that I thoroughly enjoyed for the wicked fights and corny Russian accents. No sooner than I'd thought about that, dude just utterly nullified an institutional (objectionable slang not allowed by Amazon here) gang's idea of a Men's room fantasy.

From this initial "display of absolute resolve" of an opening, Blood and Bone is on. All the fight scenes are entertaining, and happen often enough to satisfy any fight fans bloodlust. With their completely ligament wrenchin' brutality, they also tend to be a tad more believable than others I've seen. No slow, or super fast motion, wires or even cgi. Just the fighters here. There is one use of the camera I should mention, it's from the perspective of the "vanquished". I feel it gets a bit over used, but when you see it, the dominating fighter is glaring at you as he pummels away. It's more of a gimmick than anything else, but it does give you an idea of what the opponent is facing as they're beat into oblivion.

Even better than all of the above though, for this type of movie anyway, the characters don't immediately show you what they're all about. Which side of the equation will they be a part of? the Good? the Bad? Or? And the movie is that much better because of it. These character's actions are also consistent with what they value. Or don't value. Values? In an action flick? yeah. Being as good as your word, and honoring it, are things I don't mind seeing one bit as I'm entertained. Between all the action there's also some quieter, less crazy but still tense moments, which also helps for the story's pay off.

The real life fighting skills, and Martial Arts credentials of Michael Jai White is amazing at times. At other times, kinda scary. For a big man, the speed and lightness on his feet that he displays, puts him firmly in the action superstar category. Which kinda leads me to wonder. Shouldn't there be an international martial arts blockbuster mega hit where he co-stars with the likes of a Donnie Yen, and or a Tony Jaa already? What gives?
Also cool to see are the subtle nods to the roots and foundations that made this kind of movie possible, the martial arts of Tai Chi, Karate, Grappling, and those that went before, in other Martial Arts Movies like Enter the Dragon [Blu-ray].


The last time I saw Dante Basco was in The Debut, so seeing him here as a hustler and smack talkin' street fight MC type character was just a little odd for me. He does what I'd term "the art of talkin' *** without ever having to fight". And for the most part, he does a decent job of lightening things up. His pre-fight banter does provide some levity to the bloody proceedings. But I understand how his character could probably annoy the (again, objectionable slang not allowed) outta you in this one. The whole token, toking Asian Liberace thing just 'bout killed me too. I mean that to be taken as lightly, and not so seriously, as possible. Besides being rather all too convenient, the technological gizmo reliance was an aspect of this movie that wouldn't have been missed if they had never been included in the first place.

As a novice, at least, when it comes to Martial Arts Movies, I tend to not be as picky as other, more hardcore fans of the genre. I just like way too many different things to a fault, especially things animated, to focus on one movie genre for any length of time. So when someone much more knowledgeable, and in far better tune with this type of flick, let me know about it, I had to check it out. And I'm very glad I did. Thanks Mantis.

Recommended if you want to see some good fights. Overall, I enjoyed watching this way more than I did trying to post this. For my money, 4 stars.

********
From the backcover of the dvd I bought here:
"Ex-con Isaiah Bone (Michael Jai White "Spawn") is the new face in L.A.'s underground street fighting scene. When he takes down the reigning champ, the local mob want to enter Bone in a series of high-stake international matches. Bone's refusal sets off an explosive showdown between two powerful enemies with everything at stake. Also starring Julian Sands ("Ocean's Thirteen", "24"), Eamon Walker ("Cadillac Records", "Oz"), Ron Yuen ("Fast & Furious", "Prison Break") and some of the fiercest mixed martial arts superstars including Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, Bob "The Beast" Sapp, Tanoia Reed, Gina Carano and Ernest "The Cat" Miller."

******
the stuff that I referred to above:
Kung Fu - The Complete First Season
How Bruce Lee Changed the World
Undisputed II - Last Man Standing
The Debut
Ip Man [Blu-ray]
The Protector (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Sunrise Tai Chi (YMAA) DVD
Rickson Gracie: Choke

3/5 A good show for Michael Jai White
  by N. Peake (BigApple)
This was a lil independent actioner that I picked up cuz I love Micheal Jai White..and I thought it would be fun. The plot was predictable, and a bit flimsy...but it had special guests from the world of MMA, the likes of Kimbo Slice, and Gina ( my secret lover) Currano...so it was high on entertainment in my opinion. There is not much to this film outside of some pretty cool fight scenes (and that may be an understatement..the fight scenes are awesome) It gets a little slow toward the ends and culminates in a predictable confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist. Nuthin' new but lots of fun...I say if you like action and kung fu flicks..and if the price is right...go for it.