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Reviews
Pit Fighter (2005)
Showing Promise
The movie's first scene will give you more of an idea of what I'm talking about. The film opens up to images of a South American underground fight club. The crowd is warmed up to the violence by chained dogs snarling and lashing out, held just out of range by their collars. A feeling of routine is pervasive in something we might find abhorrent. Money exchanges hands. The kind of music you'd expect from a Rodriguez film begins, but the tone instead is slightly mournful. All the while, fleeting scenes of the fighters parading towards the ring, heads covered and bowed, become the primary focus. It's fight night, and the crowd wants blood. The battle is part Ultimate Fighting Championship, part Bloodsport riff, but it's well put together, and well shot. Brutal, violent, and quick. A pile of money goes to victor's trainer, and they walk out as they came in. All in a night's work for a pit fighter.
The director didn't have to do that, he could have made a decent fight flick and left it at that. But the quality filming and the unusual little editions is what will keep me watching the people behind this film. I'll be looking up their earlier work as well. I'm afraid the film isn't great, though, just better than average, a garnet in the rough, so to speak. Look it up when you're in the mood for a little hard hitting action but aren't into the Hong Kong style.
Sahara (2005)
Mindless, But Lots of Fun
I'm also puzzled by all the bad reviews for this movie. I can see why one might say it has many technical flaws, plot holes, or over-the-top action sequences, but like the previous reviewer stated, it's just a fun movie. I found nothing wrong with the acting, even if I don't think they are the best lead actor or actress they could have hired for this film. The special effects were fine with no technical flaws I could see, if a bit exaggerated in the opening scene.
For any movie critics out there: Suspend your disbelief for a moment and stop looking at it with a technical eye. Just let yourself enjoy the great locations, well shot and inventive action sequences, and simple yet adventurous plot of a great summer popcorn flick.