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But the biggest problem is that this action movie has so little action. The fact that there are four targets for Joe to go after gives you some idea of how many total action scenes there are—and a few of them happen very quickly. Those scenes are somewhat compelling, but also rather ludicrous considering how much they rely on perfect timing. A key scene involves a boat chase designed to get the heart rate up, but it's poorly edited and at times amateur looking. And the finale involves a lot of gunplay in the dark, favoring style over substance, like unloading clips into bottles of water just to see it splash all over the place.

If none of that deters you, perhaps the disappointing ending will make you feel like it was a waste of time. It's not so much that the movie tells a predictable story or that it lacks visual flair. But it's plodding, it lacks excitement, and it's just not very entertaining. There are simply other, better movies similar to this, including the 1999 film, so I'm told—though I can't say this version makes me want to see the original. Seems The Pang Brothers have tarnished their past success with an inferior remake, because they've really shot themselves in the foot with this one.

Talk About It

1. What do you make of Joe's rules as a killer early on? Are they logical precautions for his line of work? What about his statements that there's no such thing as right and wrong, or no such thing as trust? Do they reflect his profession, or a character defect? Does he change his position by the end of the movie?
2. What's the significance of Joe's watch and the way he keeps track of time? What about the syringe that he always has on hand? Do these things hold the same meaning for him by the end of the film?
3. Why does Joe experience a change of heart? What attracts him to Bangkok—the city or its people? Do you think he would retire there if he could? Is it really possible for someone like him to settle down and leave his profession behind? Why or why not?

The Family Corner

Bangkok Dangerous is rated R for violence, language, and some sexuality. There are a number of shootings and beatings, though the blood and gore is usually kept to a minimum—the two exceptions involve a severed hand and a body blown in half. The language is infrequent, but strong, including the f-bomb. A brief sex scene occurs mostly in shadow with some topless nudity. Due to the setting and nature of the story, prostitution and drug use play a part in the backdrop. Characters are also seen praying in a Buddhist temple in one scene.

Photos © Copyright Lionsgate

© Russ Breimeier subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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