Now In Theaters - Ninja Assassin

Action, Action, Action!!! From the opening scene to the closing credits this one gives you some WONDERFULLY choreographed fight sequences. The director of this film, James McTeigue, was involved with 'Speed Racer', 'Attack of the Clones', 'The Matrix Trilogy' and also directed 'V for Vendetta'. So to say he's been around the block once or twice could be a gross understatement. I had not had the pleasure of seeing any work for the star of this one, Rain, who plays the character Raizo. But one thing I will guarantee going forward, he will be seen a lot more often on American screens.

The story line behind this one is pretty interesting. It leads us to believe that there are ancient clans that still practice the art of the ninja. These clans take in orphan children and raise them from a very young age to ignore pain, and to have no remorse. These clans boast some of the deadliest assassins the world has ever known. Raizu grows to become one of the best students in one of the most feared clans. But as he gets older, his love for one of the female students in the clan causes him to begin to question what he believes is right. He soon begins to rebel against his clansmen and the idea of committing murders for hire. As police agencies begin to investigate some of these bizarre murders, signs start to point to the idea that age old ninja clans may actually exist. A researcher by the name of Mika, played by Naomie Harris ('Street Kings', 'Miami Vice', '28 Days Later'), digs deeper and deeper until she gets a little too close. It is up to Raizu to protect Mika and help her expose the clan.

I can not comment enough on the amazing action sequences in this film. Rain in my mind is going to be the new Jet Li. His martial arts ability is simply amazing. The fight scenes and choreography with the weapons was nothing short of spectacular. Hopefully you don't mind a little blood and guts, because this movie has PLENTY. I would describe this one as 'Kill Bill' on CRACK. If you are the type of person that doesn't want to see half of someone's face splatter on the ground in front of the camera... you might want to stay home from this one. But if you can stomach it, and you enjoy some great, fast paced, high flying martial arts action... look no further.

I am going to rate this one pretty high because I feel like it is the best martial arts film I have seen since 'Crouching Tiger'. I'm going to go 8.75 out of 10. I can't quite go 9 just because there wasn't enough actual acting to put it that high. Don't get me wrong, the lack of dialogue and such does not hurt the movie at all. You don't go see a movie like this because you want to find out "the moral of the story". You go see this one purely because you want to see a guy walk into a room of 8 guys with nothing but a sword and a few throwing stars and walk out with a couple of severed limbs. Go check it out action junkies. You'll love it.