Close Range

When i grew up as a kid, most of my family loved watching swedish comedies, swedish drama series. I tried to watch this also, and the only film i can remember that at least was pretty funny was called Sunes Sommar. One of the few swedish family movies that shows what swedes are like on camping vacation. But i always had a passion, looking for something else. And it all started with my grandmother Maj, who let me watch horror movies, even if i was too young. I discovered brutal violence, murders, and martial arts of course. VHS video violence became a lifestyle, that gave me a better view on the world. I have talked about this subject many times before, and when it comes to writing reviews on action films, this becomes an important issue. Without Chuck Norris, Dolph Lungren, Bruce Lee, Michael Dudikoff or Jean-Claude Van Damme, i would not be the intelligent man i am today. So how does video violence give you intelligence ? Let me explain really simple. You can´t solve all problems by paper, that´s why you use special kicks or an M60, to clean up the mess. You see politicians of Sweden, i should be the next prime minister, since you need bigger balls.

Let´s get back to the review.

Ever since martial arts became very popular, from the early days of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and David Carradine, i have followed many great action stars along the way. Remember Billy Blanks, Don " The Dragon Wilson, or perhaps Bolo Yeung ? The 80´s and 90´s will always be close to my heart. back in those days the budget did not matter, it was all about making action films with cheesy dialogue. B action movies are still being made even today, but there are some differences. In the movie industry today, you can make really well made action films for a very low budget. What you need is a director with a vision, and who knows his classic B movie elements, combined with the right lead actor. One actor who can do almost anything look great, is without a doubt legendary actor Scott Adkins. He is fantastic in martial arts, and he knows how to make action films look great. One more detail that we should mention, is that he is not a terrible actor, because he is one of the few who can combine acting in action films. One of my personal favourite films with Scott Adkins, is without a dout Ninja - Shadow Of A Tear. This is a really insane action film, so well made that your nuts will most likely explode of joy. If you have not seen it yet, go down and buy it on dvd, or blu ray. It is one of those films that should be next to your The Godfather dvd collection. Another film we have to mention is of course Universal Soldier - Day Of Reckoning. An action film so good, you never want it to stop, with the amazing cast of Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Jean - Claude Van Damme and Andrei Arlovski. One of the things i love about Scott Adkins, is that he is very passionate about keeping the B movie industry alive, telling people to support the films he and many other actors make. I try to tell people all the time, that we need to show our support, to make sure that B action films can be made in the future. So whenever i see that Adkins releases another film, i am always there to check his latest projects out. Close Range is a film i recently got a chance to see, with Adkins of course, doing another action film for B movie lovers. Since i have always been a fan of his work, is this film another proof that he knows what he is doing, or is his choice of films becoming weaker for each year ?

Colton MacReady ( Scott Adkins ) is an ex military, who is sent to rescue his estranged niece Hailey Reynolds ( Madison Lawlor ). She is a prisoner of the mexican drug cartel, but Colton manage to get inside and clean up the place. He takes Hailey with him back to her home, but the happy reunion does not last very long. Corrupted Sheriff Jasper Calloway ( Nick Chinlund ) is send my drug lord Fernando Garcia ( Tony Perez ), to take care of Colton. He fails, as well as his men, to finish the job. Fernando have already a back up plan, as he sends out his crew, including Lobo ( Anthony L. Fernandez ), Victor Garcia ( Ray Diaz ), Ignacio ( Julien Cesario ) among others. Colton stole a very important USB stick, with very sensitive information, that no one is supposed to know about. Fernando will do anything to get the USB stick back, no matter how many people will be killed.

Earlier this year, people were hysterical about 50 Shades Of Grey, because it was supposed to be so erotic and so emotional. I did watch the film, but i ended up wondering what the big fuzz is all about ? I think people need to understand that these kinds of movies are not the ones who are supposed to be shown in cinemas worldwide. You can watch naked girls at the local strip club, or just buy a dvd of Rocco Invades Poland instead, and get more value instead of 50 Shades Of Grey. I think this is the time, where B action movies should get more respect, and shown for audiences worldwide, so a younger generation can learn what quality is all about. If we could have had Ninja - Shadow Of A Tear on screen in almost every country, i have a feeling that people would have cared less about 50 Shades. Close Range may not be as good as Ninja - Shadown Of A Tear, but this is still a pretty solid action film, that fits for a Friskis & Svettis christmas dinner evening. We have the classic elements of a revenge story, and we have the drug cartel ingredients we have seen before. Even if Close Range brings nothing new to the genre, or something unexpected, it is nice sometimes just to get some kick ass action brought to your family gathering. Scott Adkins still does what he knows best, using his brutal martial arts fighting skills, and shows how you should do in congress, instead of talking statistics. Director Isaac Florentine have worked together with Scott Adkins in many of his films, like Undisputed 2, Undisputed 3, Ninja, and the really good sequel Ninja - Shadow Of A Tear. He is a good action director, and you can tell that he have passion for this genre. If we compare the other films that Isaac Florentine have made together with Adkins, in the past, Close Range definetely looks different. This is a different revenge story from the Ninja films, with some other details. That the film takes place in the desert areas of Arizona, makes me think of Walker Texas Ranger. I can even see influences from Lorenzo Lamas old classic tv show Renegade here. The acting is not that great from the cast, so the only thing that matters is the action scenes. The plot is very simple, and you don´t have to think too much. Close Range is a classic action film, almost made as this is a tribute to Walker Texas Ranger, but without a sheriff in Chuck Norris clothes. I would probably say this is not one of the better films, with the duo of Florentine and Adkins, but have enough entertainment value for B movie lovers. I still recommend that you see Ninja - Shadow Of A Tear, if you want to see a really good Scott Adkins film. If you did enjoy Walker Texas Ranger in the 90´s, then Close Range will bring you back into that atmosphere. I feel like dressing up in tight jeans, with a shirt and a cowboy hat. But don´t tell anyone i am going to Ray´s Bar for a brokeback ride, a true gentleman never reveal their secrets.

Rating: DDD