What is up with the recent fascination with tournament style action films? What the heck happened to “save the city” action film? Even better, why not switch things up a bit? It looks like the 21st century has replaced the Die Hard plotline with that of Battle Royale: round up a group of people, let the general public take in the gore (occasionally even allowing them to participate in the action via gambling), and then sit back and watch everyone get killed. There are some variations, in the case of the upcoming Gamer that variation is that the group of people participating I the killing are in a video game, but this is the general idea.
The newest entry into the family is Scott Mann’s The Tournament which stars Ving Rhames, Robert Carlyle, John Lynch and Kelly Hu among a few others, as assassins who gather in a town every seven years to partake in a tournament which involves them killing each other off until only one survives. Yeah…that’s original. What’s worse is that this trailer is actually being praised for being action packed. Seriously? Action might be right but what’s the point if there’s no excitement?
This looks lame. I’d rather re-watch The Condemned.
The Tournament doesn’t have a North American release date. Wonder why…
Trailer is tucked under the seat.
This discussion currently has 8 responses.
No, I certainly I agree there are similarities between Shimura’s...
August 21, 2009
The Tournament doesn’t have a North American release date. Wonder why…
Its an Indie film. Most don’t have firm release dates, if any at all.
Is Row Three crapping on every action styled movie now?
August 21, 2009
“Its an Indie film. Most don’t have firm release dates, if any at all.”
I realize that. I was poking fun at the fact that it looks horrible.
“Is Row Three crapping on every action styled movie now?”
Hell no. I’m looking forward to seeing GAMER.
August 21, 2009
“Is Row Three crapping on every action styled movie now?”
Speed Racer! Can’t wait to eventually see it Blu-Ray.
August 22, 2009
Maybe after 8 seasons of 24 filmmakers are done with using “saving the city” plot lines in their action films? Either way I disagree that this looks bad. However, I do agree it looks brainless. As long as it’s better than the risible and smug wank-fest that was Shoot ‘em Up then I’m happy.
The Condemned: A totally underrated mid-budget action film which I’ve seen more times then I’d like to admit.
August 22, 2009
As to crapping on every action movie that comes along….I simply try my best to ignore them.
February 8, 2010
Just watched it online and omg, amazing f1lm.. really is one to see
If
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February 8, 2010
This is one of the times where the trailer is better than the actual film sadly. I was ready for some fun mindless action but was really let down by it. Mostly it was just boring.
February 9, 2010
The trailer is *better* than the movie? Oh god.