From the classic way of telling the story of Romeo and Juliet, there has been many other ways to tell this great love story. Every way they have tried to spice it up for the new generations have been successful. Including the Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes version which was released in 1996. Although I think the premise of a love story between two rival families is compelling and makes a great movie or play, I think that the entertainment industry went too far this time.
This new version stars kung fu master, Jet Li, and music star Aalyha. Sorry if I didn’t spell her name right, I don’t know what her parents were thinking. Well this installment of the classic Romeo and Juliet stories, two families are in a rivalry. Basically, the African Americans, and the Japanese are fighting each other by sending mail bombs, fist fighting, or shootouts. So while this movie has the occasional Kung Fu fighting, the two lovers are falling for each other.
The Story
Jet Li plays a prisoner that receives a letter that is brother was killed. He then breaks out of jail by killing the guards in his way. Now I’m sorry, but if you he could have taken down the whole time, than why didn’t he escape sooner? The movie gets worse as Aalyha plays the daughter of the “leader” of the African American gang or “clique.” She gets protection by some of her fathers friends and associates. But they are no match for Jet Li. Her father is played by Ving Rhames. I cant tell you how mixed up this movie was. It’s one of those movies that you have to see for yourself to understand.
Anyway the best part of this movie was the fighting scenes. Even though there are three that I can remember, they were nicely shot and I wish that I can shake Joel Silvers (Producer) hand. For those of you who don’t know him, he was the producer for The Matrix. They are both shot with similar time compression effects. Also known as Bullet-Time photography. Anyway as you can tell, I’m not that enthusiastic about this movie. Also, I was expecting more fighting scenes by Jet Li. And where was he the whole movie? About half of the movie, he isn’t in it. I must say that I would have rather watched open heart surgery on the learning channel. With a dumb outdated situation of Romeo and Juliet, this movie tries too hard to be a fighting version of it, but sadly fails with a bomb that you can still feel today.
So how boring was Romeo Must Die? Lets see if it is a wise choice to rent tonight. Ratings are from one to five stars.
Here’s The Breakdown
Story **
Been there, done that. With the few but great fighting scenes with Jet Li, you would think that they would have added more fighting scenes considering that this was the only good part of the movie. Fighting, a flat drama, and even more boring climax point; Romeo Must Die suffers from a lack of suspense and a bad ending. And I am still trying to figure out what was with the whole football thing, it’s almost like it had nothing to do with the movie.
These are the noticeable actors in this movie. Although I like how Ving Rhames adds some experience to the cast and I like his work, its not enough to hold the rest up. Jet Li has signed a contract to be in the upcoming Matrix sequels. Gee, I hope that he learns how to act. I mean its great that he can kick and punch, but he needs to talk on screen sometimes.
Overall **
There were parts in this movie that were confusing and didn’t feel right. Some parts seemed irrelevant. If they were supposed to be important, than they have failed their job to make it obvious in the story. I like how this movie let you go to the bathroom and return knowing that you haven’t missed anything. Jet Li has great on-screen fights and I look forward to his future work. Lets just hope that he improves his acting. Maybe he should play a mute next time?
Bottom Line:This movie should be your last rental pick. Only if everything else is taken out, than grab this one.
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