The Art of War (2000)

WOW!!..Didn't Know Wesley Made This One!

I'm watching this movie on tnt channel right now and ....WOW! Crazy-Great Movie!! Wesley is at his BEST with ACTION films. This is a GOTTA Have Dvd for sure!!! September 16, 2007

Poor, poor Wesley

The best thing about this movie is the poster, which recalls the posters of the thrillers of the '70s.

The second best thing is the trailer, which makes it seem silly, but a little fun, like a cheap thrill.

You'll observe that neither the poster nor the trailer are actually IN the movie.

This movie is worse than just bad, but not bad in an even somewhat amusing way. This is the most poorly directed movie I have ever seen. There is no point of view, there is no logic, there is no rhythm or momentum. Every cut is jarring, every angle thoughtless.

I respect Wesley for taking control and producing his own films, but he's gotta do better than this. If he just had a better director (and a script wouldn't hurt) a lot of the glaring problems of this movie would be less visible. Actors who are not so clearly bottom of the bargain barrel would help, too.

But special mention has to go to Anne Archer. She's always been awful, but she reaches new lows here. The most ridiculous thing is that she's supposed to be in charge of this super high-level espionage unit, and she's about as savvy and sophisticated as an Iowa housewife who's watched one episode of Martha Stewart. And the worst part is: she tends to sound a little drunk when she's just trying to speak normally. Talk about a weak link.

Wesley, how bout producing a nice romantic comedy with yourself? Or take your time and seek out a really decent script. Or just take time to... find yourself.

And as for you, dear reader, you do not want to see this movie. You really, really don't. Just look at the cool poster.

And keep hoping the Blade series gets back on track.

June 9, 2007

Oh Snipes!

I enjoyed this movie. It is a shame that his persona gives a bad impression. This was a pretty good dvd for under $10. Decent story just enough violence that you and your girlfriend/wife can watch without flinching. June 6, 2007

International Diplomacy Gone Array

'The Art of War' starring Wesley Snipes is a superior action/adventure tale about an international conspiracy involving United Nations "One World Insiders", the FBI, high level Chinese politicians and Asian Triad gangs. Neil Shaw (Wesley Snipes) is a U.N. secret agent caught in the middle of a growing mystery which seems centered around the arrival of an important Chinese Ambassador and his entourage in New York.

Also involved is a lovely Chinese national named Julia Fang (Marie Matiko) who appears marked for death by both Triad and U.N. factions. Agent Neil becomes Julia's only means of survival as the two work together to stay alive and reveal the conspirators. As the action builds towards a climax and the dead bodies pile up they both become increasingly aware that the conspiracy rises to the highest eschalons of international politics.

A highly entertaining film with lots of suspense and a great cast; Wesley Snipes, Marie Matiko, James Hong, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Donald Sutherland, Anne Archer and Michael Biehn. June 12, 2006

Hollywood

This is a typical hollywood movie, in both good and bad way. First, the budget is big, the premise thought provoking, and the actions scenes well directed. Those are the good parts.

The bad includes the casting: wesley snipes is black, his boss is female, his love interest is an asian diplomat w a nose ring, and his sidekick a cop who while theoretically italian is obviously jewish and speaks in yinglish. More hollywood postive discrimination than you can shake a stick at. Also the plot totally sucks, and is best disregarded (altho the concerns about china and so forth are interesting, the way things play out is completely hokey). All in all worth seeing, but not a must see by any means. I wouldn't pay full price, if I were you... (I bought it used). January 2, 2006

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