Hey folks, Harry here with our angry FX man in a whirling cloud of mist reporting in about Jet Li's first starring American film.... ROMEO MUST DIE. Now many of you might be wondering why ol Mysterio is upset and rebeling against the film industry. Well... the truth is that he's upset of the jobs shifting up to Canada, Australia, Mexico. He may be a super-baddy, but like Paul Sorvino in THE ROCKETEER, he's 100% American. Or so he tells me. Well, Ol Mysterio has had his eyes set on Joel Silver ever since he took his MATRIX crew to Australia... thus costing him a big time effects gig. So... he infiltrated Silver's latest production. Now... before you read this, know that this is a VERY VERY EARLY advance screening. The film is does not have a final score, edit, sound mix, color timing, etc. There isn't going to be coming out till around March 24th, 2000 here in the U.S. So... while it has some minor problems as Mysterio mentions... it still sounds like a good old fashioned ass-kicking film. Here's Mysterio....
Greetings Harry. I thought I felt your “evil” presence in town this past weekend. I trust your short-lived stay out here in LA was a pleasant one. Too bad your stay wasn’t extended. Oh, I could so imagine the chaos we both could do. Our powers combined would be like one of those Marvel team-up issues. How I fancied those stories of old.
So, what brings me to you now, you might ask? Well, what else but evil-doings abound. Unfortunately, our paths did not cross this past Monday evening at “The Green Mile” screening in Westwood (OR did they?). But tonight I did find myself braving the elements, donning my usual trademark cuffs, cloak, and smoke-filled goldfish bowl, to find myself at a screening of Jet Li’s latest, “ROMEO MUST DIE”.
Ah, how I do love a good ass-kicking movie from time to time. And this one has quite a bit of that, but not without a few problems as well.
The story is basically another modern day update, loosely (very loosely), based on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’. The film stars Jet Li (of course), music stars Aaliyah Haughton, DMX, and Delroy Lindo. And produced by the master of film mayhem, Joel (“The MATRIX”) Silver.
Quick sideline before we get to the review, as this screening almost looked as if it weren’t gonna happen, as technical difficulties with the projector caused a bit of havoc inside. Amazingly though this time, not caused by me. As the screening folks tried to get their poor wits about them as what to do, and try to keep the restless crowd still in their seats, Silver was notified (after a failed attempt) that it would take another 20-30 minutes to fix the problem with the projector. Joel, always the showman, decide it time to take charge himself. So down from the top he waltzed, grabbed the PA mic., and proceeded to assure the crowd that this film will be up and running and will be worth the wait, and thanking the crowd for their patience. For a moment, it almost looked as if Silver was about to do an improved stand-up routine, as his PA was turned down so low, no one was sure what he was saying. But anyways, props to you Mr. Silver for grabbing the reigns and taking charge of the situation. Which sure enough, just as he finished, the lights dimmed, and the show immediately rolled on.
The story centers on two families, from two different backgrounds, both caught up in war-torn rivalries, and the pair of lovers from opposite sides caught in the crossfire. There are the standard Shakespearean themes present throughout the story, with a fair amount of twist and turns thrown in for good measure for this modern, urban retelling.
The film will obviously rely on its action sequences, which while showing promise, suffers due to amateurish, choppy editing. Knowing this was indeed a workprint screened, I’m assure it was obvious to the filmmaker’s as well, and will be fixed by the time the film is released sometime next year. The cutting, especially in the beginning fight sequence was a distracting mess that clearly took away from the fight choreography. Ironically enough, there was slight improvement with the editing in each sequence throughout. This is what is going to sell this film and desperately needs fixing, as the sequences should be fluid with motion to achieve maximum effect. But coolness is definitely there, and there are enough fight-pieces to appease even the most hardened kung-fu fan.
The romance throughout the film is pretty thin though, although I’m sure it will be marketed as an action-romance film when released. The romance between Li’s character with Aaliyah’s character seemed more of a friendly bonding than a budding, forbidden romance, which is fine if it’s presented as so.
The acting is fine, allowing Li to hopefully make his big US breakthrough, with this film, but relying on his physical acting abilities rather than his verbal. Similar to that of Chow Yun-Fat’s in his US debut, “The Replacement Killers”. Li is completely likeable in his role, and working with producer Silver again (after playing the villain in “Lethal Weapon 4”) seems more comfortable working with an American crew.
Delroy Lindo gives a solid performance as the father to his rebellious daughter, while trying to maintain control of the family business.
Newcomer Aaliyah Haughton, gives a surprising turn (as I knew of her only as a recording artist), as the daughter who feelings for Li’s character, subsides her father’s wishes during a time of family conflict between the two families. Aayliyah holds her own on screen, even showing some physical prowess during one scene with Li that’s a hoot. Not to mention, that she’s rather attractive, doesn’t hurt either.
So with some re-editing for the fight sequences, this could be a film that could definitely pack some box-office punch.
Hopefully next year, you’ll be able to see…
Jet Li use his hands as a weapon…
Jet Li use his feet as a weapon…
Jet Li use his belt as a weapon…
Jet Li use a football as a weapon…
Jet Li using newcomer Aaliyah as a weapon…
Jet Li using a firehose as a weapon…
…And occasionally firing off a gun or two.
De-materializing right before your eyes…
-Mysterio
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