The Wachowskis' Ninja Assassin

[Timstuff]

I went into the movie wanting to like it, and expecting to like it. I was not looking for things to complain about, and I did not read any reviewes prior because I did not want to color my expectations. because remember I am one of those loonies who actually likes GI Joe. I did like NA, but I was disapppointed by it, and I just don't think it's a very good movie. It had a near non-existent story (and what was there was sloppily cobbled together), and I don't think that shake-o-vision and martial arts work well together (at least not to the degree that this movie used shakeycam and closeups).

On a more lulzy note, I just noticed when I have this thread opened in a firefox tab, it says "The Wachowskis' Ninja Ass..."

 

[TEDDY]

Well I enjoyed this movie. Sure, the plot is, well, a lot like the movie's ninjas: hard to see. And I know some people had a problem with the CGI blood. But it was pretty much what I expected it to be: an over-the-top, action-packed, bloody good time. Campy? OH Yes. Very. And the last 15-20 minutes dragged a bit for me. But it was still a lot of fun for me.

And the ninjas! I love that, rather than go for the realistic, they go for the mythical ninjas from your childhood dreams. These guys literally walk through shadows, they talk in demon voices, they heal from nearly any injury, and they can cut people in half with a single stroke of their sword. They are basically invincible... unless you have a flashlight of course.(Once again, this film IS campy)

All in all, gotta give this film a 7/10. Like Boondock Saints or Equilibrium before it, I believe it's a fun little movie, but not great. And I believe that, like those two, it will have a cult following when it hits dvd.

 

[rashad]

Warner Home Video has announced DVD ($28.98) and Blu-ray/DVD Combo ($35.99) releases of Ninja Assassin for March 16th. The only extra material on the DVD release will be additional scenes. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo will include the deleted scenes, along with featurettes ("The Myth and Legend of Ninjas", "The Extreme Sport of a Ninja", "Training Rain", "Clash of the Titans Theatrical Sneak Peak"), and a digital copy of the film.

 

[The Apatow Crew]

No surprise there, Blu Ray gets all the features.

 

[Nivek]

Cool, I'll be putting in a pre-order for the Blu-ray!

 

[Rac]

The CGI blood killed the action scenes.

 

[Rac]

****ing doubles...

 

[The Apatow Crew]

I'll be getting this also.

 

[rashad]

Blu-ray version shall be mine also.

 

[Nivek]

I don't get the hate for CG blood, would you prefer no blood, or splatters of cool-aid colored garden sprinklers? CG blood allows directors to have artistic design in something that used to be totally random and a detail that used to ruin shot's in films.

 

[alexdunn]

It just looks fake still.

 

[Nivek]

I've seen thousands of gallons of blood used on film that's just as fake looking. I've taken hours formulating blood for props and effects, and never been satisfied with it.

Believe me, I can understand that some could be put off by it, but it's a style choice. And it's here to stay, because it's easier than havinga pyro Tech and SPFX artist hook up squibs, bladders, and hoses on actors and get coin-flip results when the same shot could be done in post, and the director can control the color, consistency, and size of the blood drops.

 

[ChickenScratch]

Damn. I hate that the Blu-ray gets all the special features. I much prefer watching movies in bed and in there I have DVD. Gotta get up and go to the living room.

 

[Rac]

I don't get the hate for CG blood, would you prefer no blood, or splatters of cool-aid colored garden sprinklers? CG blood allows directors to have artistic design in something that used to be totally random and a detail that used to ruin shot's in films.

I've seen thousands of gallons of blood used on film that's just as fake looking. I've taken hours formulating blood for props and effects, and never been satisfied with it.

Believe me, I can understand that some could be put off by it, but it's a style choice. And it's here to stay, because it's easier than havinga pyro Tech and SPFX artist hook up squibs, bladders, and hoses on actors and get coin-flip results when the same shot could be done in post, and the director can control the color, consistency, and size of the blood drops.

The International, Inside and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 are good modern examples of how to use fake/real blood.

You can defend CGI blood as much as you like, but it will always look faker than real blood. Although Ninja Assassin probbaly had the best looking CGI blood I've ever seen, but it was still off-putting.