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DVD Icarus
 Run time: 88 min Rating: 5.2 Genres: Action | Drama | Thriller Director: Dolph Lundgren Writers: Raul Inglis Stars: Dolph Lundgren, Stefanie von Pfetten, Samantha Ferris |
| Storyline There were those who called him Icarus. Everyone else knew him as a divorced father working for an investment company. But they didn’t know his other side-his dark side. Because Icarus was at his best when he was killing people. For years, he’d worked as a sleeper agent in America-but when the Soviet Empire collapsed, he found himself in a foreign country with no one to trust. Determined to break from his dark past, he started over with a new identity. But you can only escape your past for so long. When a sudden mishap in Hong Kong blows Icarus’ identity, past and present collide – and the assassin realizes he is now the target. The people that want him dead will stop at nothing to get to him. And that means going after what he cares about most-his wife and daughter. Fighting for his life, Icarus is forced to face the demons of his past to protect the loved ones in his present. He must fight to save the only thing he’s ever done right in his life. He needs to uncover who is after him … Written by Anonymous |
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| Plot Keywords: assassin, hong kong, hitman, blood spatter, desert eagle | |
| Details: Country: Canada Release Date: July 2010 (Indonesia) |
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| Box Office Budget: $5,000,000 (estimated) |
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4 comments
As the other comment (at this time) has noted, this kind of film has been done before, and better. This is probably OK if you have nothing better to do on a rainy day, but you wouldn't go out of your way to see it. Audiences have an expectation that there will be a certain level of quality from, say, the cinematography, editing, or music departments. Unfortunately, it's lacking.
Also, how is it that I can watch this film, paid for in part by Astral, Corus, Canadian tax credits, and BC provincial credits or fund or something, and yet it's not clear whether the city identified as "Vancouver" looks like Vancouver, BC intentionally, or is failing badly at pretending to be Vancouver, WA? Given that we're in the midst of the Olympics in Vancouver, isn't this something you'd want to get across clearly in your movie, set in "Vancouver"?
I thought the acting was OK for what it was.
The plot was OK, for a typical shoot-everyone movie from the 80s, but today's audiences (in other words, I) expect more in terms of dialogue. Nevertheless, I was kept moderately interested throughout. Good for a nothing-else-to-do day.
First of all, some reviewers should keep their hopes and expectations in check; this is not "True Lies 2", it doesn't even tries to. This is not a multimillion dollar action comedy with state of the art effects, stunts and actors. But if you're looking for a decent, entertaining little action flic with a small budget a story ripped right out of a 80's/90's script of a Golan/Globus production, this is for you. The story is really easy to tell: former KGB-agent turned husband and father turned assassin for the Russian Mob becomes a target and got to save his own skin. The mediocre script works thanks to a charming leading man in Lundgren and a capable director (Lundgren again) who focuses enough on the action bits to make you forget about the plot holes or some of the cringe-worthy dialogue. What keeps this movie from being a great nostalgic action trip is the lack of money. There are no big explosions or chase sequences but mostly gunbattles and fistfights (at least Dolph seem to make most of the stunts himself). And while the titular hit-man seems to travel the whole world from china to Hollywood, everything looks like shot in good ol'Canada. But with a bigger budget I'm quite sure Lundgren could give his buddy Stallone a run for his money as an director of old fashioned, testosterone fueled action-cinema. So maybe I've got to see a big budget sequel to "Red Scorpion" anytime soon! 😉
With a name like "Dolph Lundgren is The Killing Machine," the chance that the following movie is going to be an exciting action-fueled bullet fest is essentially guaranteed. Originally unveiled as "Icarus" late last year, Dolph Lundgren's newest DVD offering is obviously fueling off his success with The Expendables, and for good reason. Dolph is one of the few classic style action stars left, and to see them continuing to make quality films is exciting. "Dolph Lundgren is The Killing Machine" is an testosterone-infused homage to the beloved action flicks of the 80's, crafted with enough care and finesse to satisfy even the most jaded fans of the genre.
Dolph Lundgren plays Icarus, a KGB-trained assassin that is struggling to balance his work life with his family life. After being betrayed by the Russian Mob, Icarus is forced to stage a one-man showdown against his betrayers, all the while piecing together the mystery of who turned him in. Back on the home-front, his ex-wife still thinks that Icarus is really just an investment broker named Eddie that has been neglecting time with their young daughter. In most cases, trying to infuse a family conflict into an action-packed movie wouldn't necessarily work that well, but the script is strong enough to support both the drama and action sides of the story simultaneously. The writing is shockingly effective and the characters oddly believable for a straight-to-video action flick, all working together to create a story that viewers can relate to and connect with.
Another surprising aspect of the production is how well the actors portray their characters. Besides Dolph Lundgren and Bo Svenson (Known for supporting roles in lower-budget 80's action films), the cast is made of relatively unknown actors, almost all of which turn in great performances. Dolph Lundgren is fantastic in his double role as the gentle giant and the brutal assassin, Stefanie Von Pfetten portrays Icarus' wife in a very believable fashion, and Bo Svenson is superb as always as Icarus' acquaintance from the past.
Where the movie really shines, however, is in the well-choreographed and expertly shot action sequences. Dolph Lundgren showcases his superb directing skills by showcasing each of the film's many action sequences in unique and brutal ways. The kicks are swift and the punches have impact, to the point where when a baddie gets thrown through a window pane, audiences can really connect with the mayhem happening on-screen. Considering how action films are utilizing more and more abrupt cuts and trick photography presently, it's refreshing to see a movie like this that just cuts the crap and focuses on the brutality.
"Dolph Lundgren is The Killing Machine" targets a very specific audience, but fans of the lost 80's action genre will be rather entertained by Dolph's latest offering. It's an homage to tough and brutal action films of the past, filmed by a man that truly knows what fans are clamoring for and knows how to deliver. Smooth dialogue, believable acting, and excellent choreography all blend together to create an experience that is both familiar and refreshing. Hopefully with some support, films like this can continue to find audiences that appreciate the hard-work and allow the genre to grow for decades to come.
Surprisingly good movie, but not box office material.
Decided to watch this over the weekend out of boredom and was semi-impressed. Not going to waste time over-analyzing an obvious B+ movie like some of the other reviewers.
Its like watching Family Man mixed with some assassin for hire type movie. Action isn't bad, good blood spatter. Actresses were deliciously beautiful. Some human elements in the film. Again, if you're looking for sophisticated plot, not the best place for a movie of this grade. The film does make a reasonable attempt at a story. Just enjoy the action film.