Dragon Eyes (2012)

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

I recorded this movie from a movie channel I subscribe to, mainly because Jean-Claude Van Damme was in it. I thought that if he was in it, the movie, direct to DVD or not, would be above average. Think again. It seems most of the budget was blown getting Van Damme, who only has a limited number of scenes that were probably knocked off in three or four days. The movie looks really cheap, with non- existent production values that look even more horrible due to the fact the movie is shot through colored filters and with other techniques that make every shot look UGLY. Though a good blame for the failure of the movie also falls on the script; among other things, it's hard to get a handle on the hero, there are several plot turns that are somewhat difficult to understand, and the rest of the plot is both extremely familiar and painfully predictable.There are a couple of redeeming qualities to this overall sorry movie, however. The fight scenes aren't that badly done, being both bone-crunching while feeling plausible. Also, I appreciated that the lead protagonist is not portrayed as being perfect both with fighting as well as his other actions. That was believable as well. So the movie isn't totally awful, but I still would not recommend it, even to rabid action fans.

Sigh. Where to begin?A bad film with a hell of a lot of stupid moments, a stock caricature villain, awful rap music... At least the Western-style cinematography is new - not particularly well done, but new. There's also the annoying and cliché freeze-frame with each character's name as they appear on-screen for the first time. Yes, just five minutes in you'll know that this film will suck... but will the fight scenes redeem it?Unfortunately, I'd have to say no.Cung Le is pretty good as the stoic, kick-arse lead and, given some better material, I'd give him a second chance, but the film is forgettable at best and painful at worst.Yes, van Damme's in it (the reason I recorded it when it came on TV), but don't expect too much from him, as he somehow manages to train the lead in prison from sorry loser to ninja, in such a short period of time that his student's hair doesn't even grow!Credits to the man for that - now where do I sign up for my martial arts lessons?Given van Damme's massive library of content though, I'd have to advise that a fan looked elsewhere to get his kicks... a joke that falls about as flat as this dreadful feature.

Just plain god awful, Im a big JCVD fan and this was very misleading as he did nothing to add anything to this film. Story was plain stupid, the scenes were confusing and murky, Wasted an hour and half of my life watching this, would have turned it off halfway thru but kept thinking it would get better. NOPE!!!! The acting was stilted, the lines were cheesy, it was like a 7th grade attempt at a homemade video for drama club. The music score was also nothing but rap crap, not even good rap, like there is such a thing , but this was bad!!!! I can only say this, JCVD, see my boy Stallone, he can show you how to make a comeback. I will admit the main Character, Cung Le is pretty decent martial arts actor, just needs better writers and producers my friend.

Storywise this really aims high. Something that people might not really be into that much, but whatever the case, you have to admire the filmmakers for trying at least. There are some very fine ideas in this movie (loyalty, friendship, respect amongst them), but none get explored too much. Not to mention that the emotional connection between the viewer and the main character unfortunately isn't the strongest. And that has nothing to do with the storyline, but has more to do with the way the movie is handled.The action scenes are decent enough (some are even spectacular), but hopefully you're not renting this to watch van Damme fight. He's playing a major part, but is a supporting player. But Cung Le knows how to fight. In the charisma department on the other hand ... One really good coup the movie made is installing Peter Weller as the main bad guy. He is terrific and shows what Charisma really is!