When we talk about democracy in every corner, we deliberately turn a blind eye to certain aspects of social life that may lead to a revolution of certain castes that refuse to follow the voice of the majority. As you know, history is cyclical, some events in one way or another come back, and not in all cases it is worth rejoicing. According to their custom, people tend to escape from the yoke of rulers pursuing their unshakable goals, but the place of ancient Empires was gradually occupied by unquestioning Dictatorships and something tells us that in the future we are waiting for more than one formation that eradicates freedom of speech and subordinates society to the strong hand of the powerful who decided to play divinity. In 1949, the brilliant writer George Orwell wrote his imperishable work 1984, which became a kind of Bible for all adherents of the genre of dystopia. Orwell showed the world of the future, which on the one hand amazes, and on the other frightening, building a strong semantic concept that makes you think about the development of human civilization, once again driving yourself into a dead end. In the wake of the cult writer subsequently passed many of his colleagues, noticing subtle social, political and economic shifts that bring the triumph of the steel fist over freedom, but it is worth noting that not all works, proudly called dystopia, deserve attention. And if such entertainment crafts as “Divergent” were based on at least a couple of successful ideas, competently outlined by a talented author, then such misunderstandings as “The Perfect Weapon” should be thrown to the sidelines of art and try never to remember them. However, the work, written by a whole collegium of unknown authors, and then directed by a certain Matthias Parom by some diva, became widespread, proudly presenting itself as a reasonable picture that makes the viewer think. This is the only thing that history is silent about.
The plot of “The Perfect Weapon” takes place in the world of the near future, where a totalitarian state was formed, ruled by a certain Director (Stephen Seagal), professing the principles of Buddhism, multiplied by corruption and senseless cruelty. The alleged right to self-expression does not mean anything, since any oppositionist who dares to speak against the Director is quickly sent to closed rooms, where he expects an invariable meeting with a bullet, but in the state of unquestioning obedience, riots occur every now and then, which do not lead to the plans of the board of governors. And in order to reduce those who disagree with the opinion of the Director, elite agents are trained in special institutions, designed to obey every word of their superiors and not ask unnecessary questions. One such agent is Condor (Johnny Messner), a killer without a shadow of fear in his eyes, tasked with eliminating the regime’s enemies with maximum efficiency. But instead of completing the task, Condor goes on the run and becomes not just the number one target, but perhaps the most hated enemy of the Director.
The unprecedented surge in the popularity of the genre of dystopia, caused by the release of the Hunger Games and Divergent, at first seemed a long-awaited rebirth for somewhat stagnant fiction, but as practice shows, an excessive number of works of similar subjects gradually devalues the semantic content of creations, from which they lose their value. The box office adaptations of genre bestsellers maximally simplified the philosophy of the authors of the original source, adjusting the narrative to the unpretentious mind of a teenager who requires not so much reasoning from the cinema as a beautiful visual series, attractive characters and catchy phrases that can be used about and without in order to show themselves as an imaginary intellectual. Along this path also went the creators of the "Perfect Weapon", who refused to take the example of the same George Orwell or at least "Equilibrium" Kurt Wimmer. For Matijas Par was much more important to saturate what is happening with monotonous shootouts and periodically appearing in the frame fattened Steven Seagal, rather than try to delve into the very essence of dystopia and understand that this is not just a bright picture with loud slogans, but a deep semantic part projecting through the work of the problems of society, growing like a snowball.
The events set out in the “Perfect Weapon” could be safely placed in a short meter, without bringing the story to the framework of a full-length film. It is clear that the creators did not have not only fresh, relevant ideas, but also banal means to dilute faceless mediocrity with good action and decent acting. The stunt directors clearly rested during the process, in connection with which the tape of Matthias Para is unable to boast of a single memorable scene of a shootout or chase. And this despite the fact that the “Perfect Weapon” is built on entertainment patterns that should at least partially replace the missing philosophy. As for the composition of the performers, it causes no less upset than all the other components of this amazingly empty undertaking. Johnny Messner, who emerged from the womb of second-rate cinema, continues to plunge into the cave of disappointment, only periodically appearing in diligent films and TV series. But the “perfect weapon” does not exactly apply to such. Steven Seagal also appeared here, who should have switched to a job as a martial arts teacher long ago and not disgrace his once-high-profile name by participating in dubious enterprises that supposedly allow him to withdraw some money from the field of view of control bodies. Unlike the same Messner, Seagal managed to earn a good capital for a long career, and even though he was partially cut off by court trials, the actor will not be in distress.
It is also disappointing in The Perfect Weapon that the creators frankly mockingly reacted to the recreation of the world of the distant future, moving almost all actions to ordinary corridors and rooms of average buildings. While watching, there is not the slightest hint that the action really takes place in the world of tomorrow. And when the director still decides to open the veil over the possessions of the Director, it becomes clear that most of the entourage was drawn with the help of frankly cheap computer graphics, on which the last savings were spent. The falsity of "The Perfect Weapon" is visible in every frame, and the less time remains until the finale of this disaster, the more anger it causes. Matthias Par didn’t even think about jumping over his head, continuing to do what he does best – silently serving a number in the company of released celebrities.
In conclusion, I want to say that “The Perfect Weapon” is an example of how completely ignorant people take up a business that they clearly cannot afford. The tape looks completely unnecessary and tries to play on the feelings of respect for the audience for this dystopia, although it is not. “Perfect weapons” is difficult to rank among a number of cult works of the level of “1984”, and even the most tearful youth crafts, released on big screens. can give a head start to the creation of Matthias Para, slipping into the fog.
2 out of 10
The near future. The place of action is a totalitarian state. Partnership created and controlled by the Director. He's a Buddhist to the bone. And he turned the scheme of his rule into a combination of Buddhism and corruption. A society ruled by total control, not without a pair of barrels of tar of life-giving corruption. It certainly does not prevent local black democrats from pushing their political ideas of equality and separation of personal space, from control for good. But the Director is a good ruler, with a good army of subordinates. When someone somewhere talks too much about the rim, it's very bad. Especially in such a ruling, flourishing world, under the reign of Mr. Director. The obese ruler lightning-fast cuts off such antics in the ancient Chinese way - refers to a brazen brazen, too quiet mercenaries, from the personal army collection. In order to quietly with a silencer, leave in the skull, the politician, a tiny, according to the Geneva Convention, the entrance hole.
Having thrown out a luxurious belly, falling apart in a comfortable chair, the Director talks about the nature of human submission, sipping sake in the company of Japanese women, nostalgic about past victories. And then another, hired ronin, suddenly went crazy. The life-giving radiation of propaganda passed by hard drives. A fighter named Condor flies free. With a clear conscience.
So begins the tale, the tale of the modern Stephen Seagal, of what he has become, and what he was, and what, unfortunately, will not become. Not enough Stephen, not enough, just enough to pay another lawsuit. Or washing? Or what was that? Mr. Seagal, it's not Nico anymore, and it's nothing. In terms of physical fitness. At the same time, he is still a colorful man, and in the sixth ten he realized that it was ridiculous to play a cool guy with such an appearance. In perfect weapons, he acts as the protagonist. Philosopher ruler, entrenched in the skyscraper evil about samurai swords, and pathetic speeches. The great viceroy of the Buddha on earth is calm as his deity, and leisurely as the water of dawn when sakura blooms. And when all logic is in the woods. Steven, you were an executive producer, how did you let that happen? The mercenary of the great army of the Director is drawn with a stupid prototype, if he wrote any program, then we should already update the software. Messer on screen is pathetic. Did he come drunk? Or was there no doping on the set? Stephen is pretty clear. In this case, the racial Swede Matias Para, the Swedes also know how to wash, probably. Seagal is playing well, good enough, for the low-budget ditch he has rolled into. Messer doesn't play. Yes, there are wretched Woodward Jr. fighters in his career. But there he at least tries to crook on camera, depicting what no action. The perfect weapon is an example of faded and uninteresting work. A lot of inconsistencies of plot and editing, sifting out the logic of the characters, actions from cardboard of the last century. (Hello Stephen-producer.) Mathias Par was either initially thinking about doing something for fun, or just a little bit of experience. One way or another, dipping Steven Seagal into the bucket of Si-fy action movie did not give the actor a new shine. Although he apparently does not care, from the heights of the majestic Buddhist bell towers.
Perfect idiocy, stupidity, cretinism and nonsense in perfection.
What happens to the stars of the 70s and 90s? Where did those fighters get their breath away from? Where did the cool images we were used to and grew up with disappear? Why do memories and nostalgia crumble to dust? Why are they all, or almost all, slid into a dull G and full thrash?!? Unfortunately, this is a rhetorical question... But every year more and more “Kickboxers 5”, “Asian Connections”, “Absolutions” and “Perfect Weapons”.
This film is a great example of a fatal diagnosis - script and director's impotence. God, how could you take and make everything so miserable, cheaply stupid and not funny! Yes, cut scenes in the games of the early 2000s and then looked cooler (especially in "Mafia". The City of Lost Heaven"! Here the wretchedness of oozing and splashing in all directions, aki red in the film Tarantino!
At least start with the plot. The future... Totalitarianism... Watching you everywhere, even when you need it. Totalitarian Director, who is the prototype of Stalin and the whole film is engaged in some game. Rebels trying to overthrow the regime and establish democracy Hold on! These are the most worn and tired clichés of the post-apocalypse genre. Remember at least the “Equilibrium” of 2002 or at least the stupid “Divergent” or the same “Hunger Games”. It's not like that guys...
The second claim to the protagonist of the film. First of all, why in the post-apocalyptic world (which, however, is more like a bumjar) mow Hitman? What's with that stupid cosplay? Given Messner’s lack of charisma and texture, I want to hit the head with a bottle that invented this squalor. And he's not playing well.
There is no point in writing about other actors. They don’t play anyone, they just read the text and do something in the frame. The only thing that made fun of was the trembling pen clutching the Desert Eagle. God, and they didn't even think of re-recording a take or taking an actor with his hands holding anything heavier than a pipette. Horrible!
The action in the film is extremely small, and the one that is is extremely bad. It seems that plastic weapons look good, like the traces of bullets are, like the blood level tried to reach Robert Rodriguez but alas and ah - it's disgusting. And first of all, you need to shoot the operator for a curved shooting! The camera goes where it goes, trembling, shaking... It seems that the operator of the shooting campaign in Mortal Combat played, creating a combo of 10 keys.
Fights are staged in the same way - and then you need to shoot the editor, who for some reason decided that if one whole video with a fight is cut into dozens of pieces and glued together, it will be very cool. No!
For example, the films Undisputed 2, 3, Ip Man, Dragon Honour, Raid 1.2, Carrier 1.2, all films with Jackie Chan... Why do fights in these films look cool, dynamic and do not let you relax? First, the actors and the understudy work out each movement clearly and beautifully. Secondly, the operator shoots from several angles, and the editor makes a cut in which 30-60 seconds are captured in one frame. fights - in order to show the actors - so that the audience would understand that there were minimum understudy, and secondly - for a clear demonstration of reception. blows, falls and destruction of the surrounding textures. There's nothing here. From the shooting curve and the same editing, in the eyes of ripples and fights look not as a spectacular battle, but as filmed in the courtyard of Maryina Grove 5, a fight of bruises, which was filmed by Uncle Petya, shaking from drunk hands. Shame and shame.
Shootings are squalid, a sea of blood and violent scenes are too unrealistic. Musical accompaniment was clearly picked up by the deaf, well, computer graphics at the level of comrades from Asylum. Just no words...
Well, the main star of this thrash vaudeville is Steven Seagal. A great, in the past, actor who knows how to fight well but abandoned himself. Here he plays... but he doesn’t play anyone, he just walks around, says something incomprehensible, plays with the sword, touches girls and destroys our nostalgia. Well done, you can't say anything! You can not just take, dismiss all the talentless and remove a quality action movie. It is easier to walk on the bones of your glory. Probably easier...
I remember when I first saw the announcement of this film, I was still surprised, well, did Seagal agree to participate in some fiction? That's fantastic! And for a very long time, "The Perfect Weapon" was in the post-production stage, which is amazing. After all, the quality of this film is completely incompatible with such a high-profile title and even with the stated budget. The first shots during the opening credits came out good, even there was hope that this may not be the last passerby of 2016. After five minutes everything fell into place.
It turned out that the main character here is not Mr. S., but some bald and absolutely not “live” man, from whom the authors decided to make a pathetic likeness of Hitman. Even the backstory of this character resembles the killer of the same name - he woke up in a bed somewhere in the laboratory, from there immediately rushed to kill everyone. I don't know why I'm scared. In general, the plot of this picture is a terrible mess. The future again, the megacorporates, some powerful man in black robes, some bald Condor, conspiracies, betrayals. The problem with such a low-level movie is that it was originally made in such a way that there is no desire to delve into what is happening. It is simply not capable of captivating.
Too weak actors, too stupidly conceived shootouts and fights, since we are talking about the genre of fiction and action film. And it is not surprising, because the director Feast is a beginner, this is his first smaller work, more precisely a feature film. Apparently, they shot somewhere in Sweden, and all the large “outdoor” scenery was painted. Moreover, strange flying things are drawn not so bad. It seemed to me that in general, if you wanted, you could do something in the spirit of the same Skylan. Pick some interesting slums, add drones and a couple of androids instead of no bald killer with two guns.
You can see what amateurs did, who saw something and decided to try it. So don't be fooled, Steven Seagal is here again just to present the movie as something special. But in fact, he was again busy shooting from the strength of two days to wave a sword a couple of times and say a few funny tirades. Well, I'd like to get a bald man once. Despite his mighty appearance with a beard and black robe, unfortunately, he never looks like a powerful ruler. Maybe the head of a separate Yakuza clan, but not the one who is shown on plasma screens of the metropolis.
And the producers of this stuff is so much that it looks like another kickstarter project. Man, even the poster was painted by a schoolboy! Guys, this is a nightmare! Why Sigal appears in such nonsense, it is clear that he is simply paid for a cameo, so to speak. It is no different from the advertising of knives and rifles, although the advertising lasts seconds and is made much better than this nonsense by almost 1.5 hours. I don’t recommend spending time on this, but there is one funny episode – the last one. The last couple of minutes can be watched, despite the obvious presence of the understudy in the frame ... who knows, maybe there will be a sequel.
- There is no single truth, only different points of view.
We immediately recognize the natural fact that from a fantastic action movie shot specifically for release on TV and video, moreover, ridiculous even at our prices - $ 8 million - to expect some genre revelations initially is not worth it. I confess that only after seeing the poster of the film “Perfect Weapon”, which in dark glasses and stylish tuxedo, flaunts holding in pathosically crossed hands on a weighty pistol Steven Seagal, and after reading a brief annotation of the picture – crooked it thought that something like “The Last Hope of Mankind” should be expected (what can you do if Steven Seagal at the end of his career loved such loud names) – a delusional idiotic action movie filmed in the imitation of the popular franchise “Zla”. The budget of that film also did not allow us to hope for a high-quality implementation of a potentially cool scenario, so in the end, all the post-apocalyptic confrontation between people and zombies came down to the wandering of some dudes through a dark and abandoned hospital building. The same Seagal - who portrayed himself as a fat copy of Blade, wandering with a pretentious look wearing a Japanese sword for chopping zombies - was in the film very little. So from the “Perfect Weapon”, shot by a certain Matthias Par with some unknown artists like Kimberly Battista, Johnny Messner and Sasha Jackson – something similar was expected.
But, despite all the skepticism that preceded the viewing of the picture, this action movie looked quite good for the first half an hour. Yes, the city of the future is practically indistinguishable from modern glossy and glass Tokyo with its skyscrapers, computer signs and advertising on a giant screen weighing on the streets. The rest of what is necessary was completed, and the action itself develops in buildings - the heroes run along some corridors, sit in apartments or engage in shootouts with opponents in stairwells and all the same corridors. As you understand, the idea of an urban future and the way history is presented, in the desire to save budgetary funds – borrowed from the remake of Judges Dredd. True, with much less fuss in the production of action. Although he's violent and quite bloody. According to how the main character enters into a fight with the soldiers and henchmen of the dictator - he wets them with improvised means: steel pins, electroshockers and knives - a little recalls "Remember Everything." But closer to the middle, the picture began to feverish, and when the Director appears - the head of state who wears wrestling clothes and thinks like a samurai (already realized that he plays Steven Seagal) - the plot is perceived rather stupid. By the way, the cover of the DVD hints that Seagal is the very “perfect weapon” – although he has the episodic role of a tyrant, on whom in the final corrupt subordinates who dream of taking his place will try to incite the best killer – a bald type nicknamed Condor. Played by a completely devoid of charm and charisma, Johnny Messner, who dullly copies the style of Hitman - carrying two guns and coolly removing his victims.
Next, screenwriters Jess Coulio, Ulysses Oliver and Alex Brecker recall that in the past they watched several fantastic films about the totalitarian future, and almost directly begin to quote such hits as “Minority Opinion” and “Equilibrium”. But this seems to them not enough, so soon there are echoes of the cult dystopia of 1984 - which does not make the film smarter, and its creators geniuses. Rather, it causes a smile of the read and watched viewer. In addition, having decided to play on surprises that will cause confusion, they change things several times, putting events on their heads. What if the Director is not so bad – and on the contrary – a smart and visionary ruler who exposed the plot against him and calmly watched his providence to talk to the assassin who came to kill him – like a Chinese monarch with the assassin sent in the movie “Hero”? Or maybe this mentor who contributed to Condor before this is a bad guy who weaves intrigue for his own selfish purposes? Is Nina's girlfriend really the hero's old lover, or is her feelings implanted in him? Such questions are gaining closer to the final more and more, and how the authors of the picture answered all of them leaves in complete perplexity. If all this fantastic - dystopian badass ended exactly as it ended - then tell me then why even an hour with too much was to build a completely different garden, building out of yourself what you are not?! The film really wants to be smart and unpredictable, but the authors can not sit on two chairs at once, sometimes overdoing with the plot "surprises". In the end, spoiling the entire concept of the tape. I highly recommend not watching Matthiass Couple unless you want to spend about 1.5 hours of your time in vain. It is better to read something really smart, especially since there are many good and worthwhile works in the genre of science fiction. The same as Asik Asimov, for example. And from the films, it is better to turn to those from which the authors of this thrash drew ideas - some of them, like "Equilibrium", I have already mentioned in this review. In conclusion, I will say that without a decent budget and a good, thought-out world of the future, as well as a high-quality script, it is better for aspiring directors not even to take up such projects. Especially concerns Stephen Seagal - a purely realistic action - a hero to whom the fantastic genre is generally contraindicated!