68 reviews
Having seen "Blood and Bone" I was interested to see MJW's latest outing, and with some minor reservations this movie is worth a look if the genre interests you. Its well shot, reasonable well acted throughout, with a good peppering of action sequences culminating in the standard "final battle". The fight scenes are well done, focusing on MJW's obvious skills without special effects or camera trickery. The plot moves along nicely, true its a little formulaic and maybe predicable, but name an action/revenge movie that is not....its more about the journey than the destination....hands up who wasn't sure if Liam Neeson would find his daughter in "Taken". The thing that impresses me the most is how good it it is considering the budget...$4.5 million, compare that to "The Expendables" $262 million...and it doesn't look cheap...think more "Transporter" than "Bourne".... ...now there's a thought MJW v Jason Stratham..
- chris-brown77
- Sep 13, 2014
- Permalink
7.5/10
I agree with A_Different_Drummer's review for this movie and his Blood and Bone review. MJW is one of the best action stars out there and is still under-utilized. While this movie started off slowly, the second half was very entertaining and worth it. Predictable story but who cares, it's all about the style for this movie.
MJW needs more roles, I will watch anything with him in it. If you haven't seen Blood and Bone or Black Dynamite yet, go ahead and do yourself the favor.
Though this one isn't his strongest movie it beats the usual 6's and 7's on IMDb that are churned out by Popllywood.
I agree with A_Different_Drummer's review for this movie and his Blood and Bone review. MJW is one of the best action stars out there and is still under-utilized. While this movie started off slowly, the second half was very entertaining and worth it. Predictable story but who cares, it's all about the style for this movie.
MJW needs more roles, I will watch anything with him in it. If you haven't seen Blood and Bone or Black Dynamite yet, go ahead and do yourself the favor.
Though this one isn't his strongest movie it beats the usual 6's and 7's on IMDb that are churned out by Popllywood.
- designstudio609
- Nov 19, 2014
- Permalink
Maybe just a little bit above mediocre, which almost is a shame considering how captivating and how intriguing the character Michael Jai White is playing is. The beginning is quite strong, you get a strong character who is broken. So much so, that he questions his will to live.
And the way White is playing that is more than above average. White might not get too much credit from a lot of people, but he is a charismatic and at least good actor. See Black Dynamite if you question it. The action scenes are quite good and someone "stole" the summary I wanted to use "decent" - as in this is quite a decent movie. As I also say though it could have been more. If you like action movies, give this a try - just if you can do the uncut version. It might only be a few cuts towards the end, but if you watch a movie like this, you want the full impact
And the way White is playing that is more than above average. White might not get too much credit from a lot of people, but he is a charismatic and at least good actor. See Black Dynamite if you question it. The action scenes are quite good and someone "stole" the summary I wanted to use "decent" - as in this is quite a decent movie. As I also say though it could have been more. If you like action movies, give this a try - just if you can do the uncut version. It might only be a few cuts towards the end, but if you watch a movie like this, you want the full impact
OK action movie but there is some confusion concerning the place of action. You can clearly see the typical views of Rio DE Janeiro and not a word about Sao Paolo. Maybe it is a small detail to most viewers - thou I doubt it, but right is right. It happens in Rio and not in Sao Paolo, OK? Otherwise an entertaining movie, recommended. After that we can go on to say few words about the movie itself. It seemed a little like Jason Statham plot - remember Jason's "Homefront?" The Brazilian police couple for ex. was a little too obvious to me, but not surprising at all. The action is quite interesting as it takes us beyond the Favela and gets us to take an additional quick look into the world of trafficking. All in all really good acting on most characters and nicely photographed too, Thomas K.
- krajewskithomas
- Sep 18, 2014
- Permalink
I had very little expectations to the movie, as I hadn't even heard about it prior to stumbling upon it by sheer luck on Netflix. I decided to watch it solely because Michael Jai White starred in it.
And it turned out that this action flick was actually rather entertaining. Sure, the storyline was generic and something that definitely has been seen before in other action movies. But the combination of the storyline, the action, the acting, and the cast, then the end result really worked out as an entertaining action movie with that late 1980's feel that action movies had back then.
The story, in all its simplistic glory, is about a an ex-marine (played by Michael Jai White) who travels to Brazil, where he takes up fighting the Yakuza in the slums of Brazil, because the Yakuza attacked her sister and left her for dead.
There is a lot of action and fighting throughout the course of "Falcon Rising", and I will say that the action sequences and the fight scenes were quite nicely choreographed and executed on the screen. Which only added to the enjoyment of the movie, of course.
"Falcon Rising" is definitely worth the time of watching if you are a fan of old school action movies.
And it turned out that this action flick was actually rather entertaining. Sure, the storyline was generic and something that definitely has been seen before in other action movies. But the combination of the storyline, the action, the acting, and the cast, then the end result really worked out as an entertaining action movie with that late 1980's feel that action movies had back then.
The story, in all its simplistic glory, is about a an ex-marine (played by Michael Jai White) who travels to Brazil, where he takes up fighting the Yakuza in the slums of Brazil, because the Yakuza attacked her sister and left her for dead.
There is a lot of action and fighting throughout the course of "Falcon Rising", and I will say that the action sequences and the fight scenes were quite nicely choreographed and executed on the screen. Which only added to the enjoyment of the movie, of course.
"Falcon Rising" is definitely worth the time of watching if you are a fan of old school action movies.
- paul_haakonsen
- Jun 6, 2018
- Permalink
I like Michael Jae White. I really do. It's just a shame that he doesn't necessarily have the best movies. Blood And Bone and Black Dynamite are probably two of his best movies. So is Falcon Rising up there? No, not exactly. For the most part, it's a pretty decent movie to watch, especially if you're a MJW fan. Think too hard and you'll start noticing flaws and soon you'll picking apart the film. The film is cheesy, but thankfully it knows that is. The humor can be off at times and the dramatic tones can come off as soap opera like. The dialogue can be a little so-so at times and the action sequences are, for most part, watchable. Even if the sound effects are a bit odd. The acting is okay at times and the pacing can be a bit of a drag, the characters can be clichéd and cartoony at times but for the most part you know their role in the film. All in all, it's not Jae's best movie, but it's something we can gnaw on as we wait for the highly anticipated Skin Trade coming next year.
6/10
6/10
- tarbosh22000
- Aug 15, 2017
- Permalink
Well, this enter the "you seen that before" category from the get go. There is nothing original about the plot. Ex Marine Falcon is out of the battlefield with post war trauma, the only thing he care for in this world is his sister. She get attacked and left for dead in Brazil and he goes after the people doing it.
The rest is your typical plot of any movies of that sub genra... BUT the main focus here is that this movie star Michael Jai White, the guy can be pretty impressive on screen. Not only does he has an intimidating presence and know how to act, but he fight really good too.
This is what makes the movie. Its true there is not as many fights as one would like, but when they happen, they are pretty good, and its really what i consider a very cool B action movie. If you like what veterans like Lundgren, Van Damme, Seagal or such do these days, you will love this one as its a bit above in my book. The thing is, MJW can fight, and its obvious the only reason why this movie does not shine more is the lack of fighting sequence for a plot development, which can't be seen badly either.
I had fun watching this, and i heard they plan it to be a series of movies, so i am interest to see what Falcon has in store next.
The rest is your typical plot of any movies of that sub genra... BUT the main focus here is that this movie star Michael Jai White, the guy can be pretty impressive on screen. Not only does he has an intimidating presence and know how to act, but he fight really good too.
This is what makes the movie. Its true there is not as many fights as one would like, but when they happen, they are pretty good, and its really what i consider a very cool B action movie. If you like what veterans like Lundgren, Van Damme, Seagal or such do these days, you will love this one as its a bit above in my book. The thing is, MJW can fight, and its obvious the only reason why this movie does not shine more is the lack of fighting sequence for a plot development, which can't be seen badly either.
I had fun watching this, and i heard they plan it to be a series of movies, so i am interest to see what Falcon has in store next.
- destroyerwod
- Oct 11, 2014
- Permalink
With the exception of a few landscape shots, its clear the producers passed miles away from Rio. Why they don't use brazilian actors rather than using spanish speakers trying to emulate something that is anything but portuguese?
- atendimento-261-551135
- Sep 20, 2019
- Permalink
I've watched most films on the IMDb list "Best action movies in 2014/2015" (http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075110196/), from the highest rated down to "Falcon Rising".
I really do not understand why other users have given "Falcon Rising" such a low rating (at present, 5.7/10 from 4,359 users). In fact, I gave the film 10/10 simply to counterbalance the naysayers.
During the film, a character states that Brazil has the second-largest population of Japanese people besides Japan. I noted to myself, "After the film finishes, I will try to verify this statement; if it's true, I will write a review on IMDb".
It's true. (See the article "Japanese Brazilian" on Wikipedia.) Such attention to accuracy reflects well on the film to me.
"Falcon Rising" is an excellent action film. Definitely better than "Non-Stop" (7.0/10), "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (6.2/10), and "Taken 3" (6.0/10).
I really do not understand why other users have given "Falcon Rising" such a low rating (at present, 5.7/10 from 4,359 users). In fact, I gave the film 10/10 simply to counterbalance the naysayers.
During the film, a character states that Brazil has the second-largest population of Japanese people besides Japan. I noted to myself, "After the film finishes, I will try to verify this statement; if it's true, I will write a review on IMDb".
It's true. (See the article "Japanese Brazilian" on Wikipedia.) Such attention to accuracy reflects well on the film to me.
"Falcon Rising" is an excellent action film. Definitely better than "Non-Stop" (7.0/10), "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (6.2/10), and "Taken 3" (6.0/10).
You will probably find "Falcon Rising" to be entertaining the more that you are in an undemanding mood when you sit down to watch it. I'm not saying that it is a bad movie, but there are several things holding it back from being a great B movie. The faults with the movie do not concern its star, Michael Jai White. Although his acting is only adequate, he does make up for it by his strong presence and animal magnetism, and when he thrown into an action scene, he acquits himself very well. The main problems with the movie generally fall with the script. The story (which is to a large degree very predictable) is kind of padded out, and takes forever to get going (over a third of the movie goes by before White's character really starts to get down to business.) Also, the movie gives White less of a chance to show off his martial art skills or gunplay than you might think. But when the action does come, it's pretty decent, not the best I've seen but also far from the worst. So the movie ends up being an okay effort, best saved for a casual viewing experience rather than when you are really craving a lot of gratuitous violent action.
Very, very predictable. There's actually nothing in this movie that comes as a surprise or you can't foretell.
Very cliché also. The language, the face expressions, the story and even the small, pretty bad jokes.
So is there anything good with this movie? Well.. the acting isn't terrible all the time and some of the actors are actually good. I know some thinks Mr Michael Jai White is good but take one more look and you realize he's doing the same thing he did in any other movie, he looks serious and sounds dangerous.
But the choreography in the fights are nice and if you like to see just a simple action movie this is watchable. That's the extent of it's value though.
Very cliché also. The language, the face expressions, the story and even the small, pretty bad jokes.
So is there anything good with this movie? Well.. the acting isn't terrible all the time and some of the actors are actually good. I know some thinks Mr Michael Jai White is good but take one more look and you realize he's doing the same thing he did in any other movie, he looks serious and sounds dangerous.
But the choreography in the fights are nice and if you like to see just a simple action movie this is watchable. That's the extent of it's value though.
Well...what can i say. It was fun to watch Michael Jai White in Action since i saw his movie "Blood and Bone". Script was nice and White's acting & especially action scenes were amazing. Like Steven Seagal's movies, Michael Jai White's movies also don't get that much of a rating that they normally deserve but overall it was entertaining. Action/Fight scenes are worth watching and movie was a low budget but still it kept me on my seat till the end because of the main actor in leading role. i don't know what to say here in the review because you all know the plot, so just watch it by yourself & then decide. But yeah...i can guarantee one thing that you won't get bored out of this movie because whenever you feel like it's gonna get a little boring; that's where an action/fight scene pops in. :D
so, have fun watching this movie. i give it 6 out of 10, and yeah...plus 1 bonus point for Michael Jai White. :P
Cheers :)
so, have fun watching this movie. i give it 6 out of 10, and yeah...plus 1 bonus point for Michael Jai White. :P
Cheers :)
- aliabbas_04
- Sep 8, 2014
- Permalink
- Leofwine_draca
- Sep 14, 2019
- Permalink
Being Brazilian myself, it's painful to hear evidently fake accents. And what about the names they give people and places? Laughable. The main character is good, no doubt about it. But the acting overall hurts my feelings. But whenever there's some action, they're well done. But it's not enough to make it a good flick. Try harder next time.
- andrejurado-1
- Oct 21, 2020
- Permalink
A good action movie, especially for brilliant fight sequences from Michael J White.
- saptesh786
- Feb 21, 2020
- Permalink
Michael Jai White is one of the best action stars of the 21st century, his extensive background in martial arts means that generally, a director and cinematographer can have fight scenes play out without relying on shaky cam or wire stunts (Not that wire stunts aren't awesome, but it's nice to see organic fight scenes)
As for the review i'm gonna avoid spoilers but overall it;s... it's ok. there are a few things that are stupid (LOOKING AT YOU, SWITCHBLADE KATANA) but overall its entertaining enough to get drunk and watch with a few buddies
- percussion-24418
- Mar 17, 2021
- Permalink
In my IMDb review of Blood and Bone, I not only top-rated the film (a no-brainer) but pointed out that Michael Jai White was probably the most entertaining action star out there, with split-second moves and a friendly gravitas that lets him connect with the viewer.
That second part was clearly NOT a no-brainer, because, other than the IMDb faithful, no one else seems to have caught the hint.
Now, a few years later, director Ernie Barbarash, who seems to have had a penchant for working with Van Damme, finally made the smart choice.
For all intents and purposes, this could be White's long-awaited sequel to Blood and Bone. It is a slow-starter but frankly to see White in an action scene is well worth the wait. And the benefit of a slow start is that it builds. Not a lot of films today can claim that.
I will close this review with a challenge to anyone in Hollywood with ears to hear and eyes to see. White seems in peak condition but history tells us that he probably has only so many of these films in him before he goes the way of Seagal and starts wearing designer clothes based on tents. Somebody should notice this guy and let him start making the films he was meant to make.
That second part was clearly NOT a no-brainer, because, other than the IMDb faithful, no one else seems to have caught the hint.
Now, a few years later, director Ernie Barbarash, who seems to have had a penchant for working with Van Damme, finally made the smart choice.
For all intents and purposes, this could be White's long-awaited sequel to Blood and Bone. It is a slow-starter but frankly to see White in an action scene is well worth the wait. And the benefit of a slow start is that it builds. Not a lot of films today can claim that.
I will close this review with a challenge to anyone in Hollywood with ears to hear and eyes to see. White seems in peak condition but history tells us that he probably has only so many of these films in him before he goes the way of Seagal and starts wearing designer clothes based on tents. Somebody should notice this guy and let him start making the films he was meant to make.
- A_Different_Drummer
- Sep 8, 2014
- Permalink
(2014) Falcon Rising
ACTION
The name "Falcon" as the movie is referring to is the character played by Michael Jai White, as he plays John Chapman that was the nickname he was given when he was a marine. The set up is roughly about 27 minutes, and while back at home, he attempted suicide as a result of PTSD he suffered while he was serving. Until one day his sister, Cindy Chapman (Laila Ali) comes to visit him coming from Brazil. And it is not long before his sister, Cindy as a social worker goes back, that she was discovered left for dead unconscious. And of course, he receives a call from his former marine friend, Manny (Neal McDonough) who works at the US consulate in Brazil, informing him about it. And upon his stay at Brazil, during his investigation, he clashes with a Yakuza child smuggling ring lead by ruthless gangster, and sword whirling, Hirmato (Masashi Odate)
There's like one fight scene in like the first half hour upon the Falcon entering into a small convenience store, before he fights some more upon his trip to Brazil. And there isn't anything impressive until the last 15 minutes or so, that consists of fights and gun fights looked it was inspired from a John Wick movie, except that this movie has less action than most high budgeted action movies.
The name "Falcon" as the movie is referring to is the character played by Michael Jai White, as he plays John Chapman that was the nickname he was given when he was a marine. The set up is roughly about 27 minutes, and while back at home, he attempted suicide as a result of PTSD he suffered while he was serving. Until one day his sister, Cindy Chapman (Laila Ali) comes to visit him coming from Brazil. And it is not long before his sister, Cindy as a social worker goes back, that she was discovered left for dead unconscious. And of course, he receives a call from his former marine friend, Manny (Neal McDonough) who works at the US consulate in Brazil, informing him about it. And upon his stay at Brazil, during his investigation, he clashes with a Yakuza child smuggling ring lead by ruthless gangster, and sword whirling, Hirmato (Masashi Odate)
There's like one fight scene in like the first half hour upon the Falcon entering into a small convenience store, before he fights some more upon his trip to Brazil. And there isn't anything impressive until the last 15 minutes or so, that consists of fights and gun fights looked it was inspired from a John Wick movie, except that this movie has less action than most high budgeted action movies.
- jordondave-28085
- Apr 22, 2023
- Permalink
- alahmed-55673
- Apr 21, 2020
- Permalink
- callanvass
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink