MISSIONARY MAN (Dolph Lundgren, 2007)

[Nathan]

UK cover here: http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/pro ... d=50966365


Same as the US one really!

[Krom]

Again, by me;)

Well first of all i would like to appologize about my last Diamond Dogs not very clear opinion from my review, seems that most of the fans didn't like it, but myself i've seen the movie with different eyes.

This review will be short as usual. It's a another step forward for his career, i hope will do good in sales and all the fans should buy it!
The movie is darker than i expected, even the video filters are almost black and white. - like the first cover-art.
The fight scenes are great coregraphed and the action is old school style with slo motion and such - some reminds about my favorite - Joshua Tree (bus station scene) and the cinematography about Depeche Mode's music video - Personal Jessus.
The final action scene RULES- like Jox said Dolph's can be a great Terminator!!!

I hope everyone will feel the same like me, that this movie is maybe one of his most serious productions. Dolph's Missionary Man is visualy styled like Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi.

I really don't know what else should i say, i don't want to spoil you:)

PS: I forgot to mention something and i had to re-edit my post - If the budget is between $2-4 million then in my opinion Dolph's is the best in the DTV market at this moment because his movies are looking better and better and will earn much more profit than earlier Van Damme or Seagal films! Looking for a bigger budget!

Take care and Happy New Year!

[Geoff]

J,

Playusa.com

[Jox]

apparently it has also been shipped from www.axelmusic.com/

I'm just not going to order from Amazon anymore.......

[Jox]

Well there you go with Vern's Ain't It Cool News very decent review (Vern is also author of the recent book Seagalogy) of MM!

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35248

It's actually part of three DTV movie reviews and the best part may be the end bit when Vern's go back to Dolph and MM again:

But then there's Dolph. Dolph does not succumb to the temptations of digital editing and his action is analog. If he wants a small explosion, he uses a small explosive device, not a computer. Kind of ironic considering Ivan Drago was using all those computers to work out when Rocky was pulling a log through the snow or whatever. As a director, Dolph pulls a log through the snow. And it's good to see a good old fashioned action star vehicle Bible themed asskicking revenge thriller in this age.

This is what we need. That's why Dolph is the most okay DTV director/co-writer/star of 2008 so far, congratulations bud. I would like to see Missionary Man travelling around helping some people some more. Although it wouldn't be the same without some revenge mixed in with the help. But I bet Dolph could figure out a way.

That is cool too:

What really stands out in this movie, though, is Dolph. Guys like Stallone and Seagal get shit-talked for showing their age, gaining weight, slowing down. I don't think that's fair but if you're gonna get on them for that then maybe you should get behind Dolph Lundgren. This guy has that Clint Eastwood thing where he just looks more interesting as he gets older. He still has the size, the stature, the blond hair, the square jaw, but he has more lines on his face. In fact, I thought he looked phony painted up to be grizzled in THE PUNISHER, but now I think he could pull it off.

[Tom]

Superb, I'm damn glad that Vern reviewed MM, and also that he like it, because that'll surely increase the sales a fair bit. That's a really good nudge there for Dolph- not only for MM, but for future movies. The praise Vern dished out can only help. I'm really looking forward to seeing it now. I was gonna try and avoid the reviews for the next 2 weeks while I wait for the UK release, to watch it fresh with total surprise, but I clicked onto AICN, and could resist poking my nose in. I'm really interested to see this washed out kind of look, because it's exactly the kind of look I'd have envisioned for it.

Top draw stuff. Vern's right, there aren't enough badass tough guy flicks around, and it will be left to the old guard, like Dolph, to carry on the tradition.

As always as well, Krom's one of the first through the door- and ever since The Defender, he's been building up the excitement for latest Dolph flick no end, not more so than MM. I'm getting really excited. By my count we've had 3 reviews all of which have been positive.

[Jox]

Since it's probably gonna rain new reviews and interviews in the next couple of days and weeks, I suggest this topic to be dedicated to post the links and stuff...

Now a friend from LA just mentioned he saw a special about Dolph last week, talking about directing and Thor Pictures, but didn't mentioned where. Did anybody caught that?

I'll re-add my post about the AICN review:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35248

It's actually part of three DTV movie reviews and the best part may be the end bit when Vern's go back to Dolph and MM again:

But then there's Dolph. Dolph does not succumb to the temptations of digital editing and his action is analog. If he wants a small explosion, he uses a small explosive device, not a computer. Kind of ironic considering Ivan Drago was using all those computers to work out when Rocky was pulling a log through the snow or whatever. As a director, Dolph pulls a log through the snow. And it's good to see a good old fashioned action star vehicle Bible themed asskicking revenge thriller in this age.

This is what we need. That's why Dolph is the most okay DTV director/co-writer/star of 2008 so far, congratulations bud. I would like to see Missionary Man travelling around helping some people some more. Although it wouldn't be the same without some revenge mixed in with the help. But I bet Dolph could figure out a way.

That is cool too:

What really stands out in this movie, though, is Dolph. Guys like Stallone and Seagal get shit-talked for showing their age, gaining weight, slowing down. I don't think that's fair but if you're gonna get on them for that then maybe you should get behind Dolph Lundgren. This guy has that Clint Eastwood thing where he just looks more interesting as he gets older. He still has the size, the stature, the blond hair, the square jaw, but he has more lines on his face. In fact, I thought he looked phony painted up to be grizzled in THE PUNISHER, but now I think he could pull it off.

And here's a new good fan interview:
http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp?aid=6622&tcid=1

[Tom]

My review (no spoilers so don't worry folks) all I'll say is...oh...my...god.

Dolph’s latest film, and his third foray into directing, is once again one of his career best. Like The Mechanik, Dolph puts to bed some of the murkier days of his back catalogue, and proves, that the best man to help bring Dolph Lundgren back into the limelight, is Dolph Lundgren! Delving once more into a film with a theme of revenge, as in The Mechanik, there might have been a niggling worry, that re-treading that ground could breed familiarity. But what Dolph delivers is an action film in style, tone, and look, that is not only far removed from what he’s previously done, but a film that just looks and feels fresh. There aren’t many action films out there like Missionary Man, on a visual, tonal level. There’s a kind of Frank Miller vibe at times, and a bit of Robert Rodriguez too.

In Missionary Man, Dolph stars as Ryder, a mysterious stranger who rides into town for a friends funeral. Pretty soon he’s rubbing local oppressor John Reno up the wrong way. As the film progresses we start to see Ryder has other motives for being in town. It’s a modern western and has some great western trademarks, including a fantastic climax. However though on paper the story has similar arcs as Dolph’s previous directing effort, Missionary Man is such a contrast. It’s a whole different style of flick, and with Dolph’s increased level or creative control since his last directing gig, it’s a more complete vision. Perhaps unfinished business that Dolph touched upon in The Mechanik.

As director, Dolph really has a great visual eye here. What’s great about the film, is that beyond the choice of super-16, it feels as if Dolph is in complete control. He’s constrained by a tight budget certainly, but he spends it brilliantly, and really creates a great atmosphere. Dolph, his DP Bing Rao, and steadicam operator, George R Niedson combine to create a visual delight. There’s some great shots in this film, and it has a feeling of being a graphic novel brought to life, particularly with some almost picturesque still shots. Dolph has gone all out here. He’s really put the work in, and he’s really experimented with his choice of shots. At times it feels quite arty, and considering this is a DTV film, and a Dolph Lundgren film, that’s quite something! The choice of super-16 is one that can be fraught with peril. There’s a graininess to it, and the way it picks up light and colour can sometimes make a film look bad if not in the hands of a capable or inspired DP. Seagal’s Urban Justice is an example of a super-16 film that looked particularly horrible. No such problems though on Missionary Man. Of course not only is the film well shot, but given it was shot on super- 16, there was the advantage of it being mastered directly onto HD. This also allowed for easier digital grading, as well as ensuring the film looked crisp. I mean this sucker has a great transfer. Dolph makes full use of the grading tool, and gives the film an almost monochrome look. The de-saturated picture adds to the foreboding atmosphere, and is also ably helped along by the low key and effective score by Elia Cmiral (Ronin, The Mechanik). Elsewhere Dolph knows action, having worked with the likes of John Woo, and he delivers here. Obviously given the budget, there’s no huge set pieces, but in a film like this, it wouldn’t feel right anyway. There’s short punctuations of violence throughout the film, before the inevitable, and just downright badass showdown. Dolph just goes Terminator on some biker dudes and it rocks the action Kasbah!

As actor, Dolph does well here too. He’s no Olivier, he knows it himself, but he plays to his strength, playing the Eastwood style man of few words, but immense badassedness (not a real word, but should be!). Parallels with Clint will be made of course, both being movie tough guys who made the jump from actor to writer and director. Dolph will not likely have the success of Clint, but he’s the straight to video equivalent I guess, and there’s no great shame in that anymore. Even Al Pacino has tasted the nectar of straight to video, even Morgan Freeman too. Dolph’s got that tough guy charisma. Nowadays what we lack in cinema is action stars, with the sheer hardness and tough as nails presence that Clint, Bronson, Arnie, Sly, and the likes of Seagal and Lundgren, used to deliver. We’ve not had any new action men come along who had the same presence, merely pretenders like Vin Diesel and The Rock. There’s also been thesp’s like Matt Damon, who while magnificent as Bourne isn’t gonna settle down into the handing people their asses genre. You do have to, with the odd exception, have to look in the direct to video market for a good old school hardass action flick, and visit the old guard like Dolph and Jean Claude. There does some to be a new resurgence now in old school action flicks foregoing the overly complex ideas, reliance on CGI, avid fart stylistics, and pg-13 namby pambiness. Along with the advent of digital screens, meaning cheaper distribution, we might just see a return to the multiplexes for the old guard. Sly’s hit a resurgence, and in the DTV market, so have Van Damme and Lundgren, and no one would deserve another shot at the big time, and the cinema, more than Lundgren, out of the DTV action heroes.

The remainder of the cast are mixed. Given the films budget, the support cast isn’t great. The incidental characters, probably including locals given a place on screen, aren’t great. Thankfully though the important roles are well filled. As Reno, Matthew Tompkins makes for a good bad guy. Also starring is August Schellenberg a very good actor who fans of Free Willy will likely remember, and he adds a bit of gravitas to proceedings. Young actress Chelsea Ricketts is superb, and surely has a bright future ahead of her (the kid who plays her older brother isn’t great to be honest- but his role is insignificant). John Enos III stars as the lead biker and Ryder’s main foe, and though he only comes in toward the end of the movie, he does a great job.

Overall, while the film won’t win originality prizes, it feels fresh because of the style. It’s just a good old fashioned R rated action film, proving big set pieces and oodles of CGI do not make a good action film (*cough* Transformers!! *cough*). Dolph is getting more assured behind the camera with every film, while also showing a versatility to switch style and tone. All three of his films have been markedly different, but Missionary Man stands out as something that is perhaps his most unique work. Action fans will not be disappointed. I’d love to see Dolph given a bit more money to play around with. Plus given how much of a badass Dolph looks during the finale, I’d hope we might see him appear somewhere in a Tarantino, or Edgar Wright flick, someone with a gift for the surprise cast. Fingers crossed, cause the big man deserves it. ****

[Jox]

Bloody awesome review mate!

If MM Dolph's best then this might be your best review!

I love your writing style and sense for details...

Should be printed in mainstream magazines, sent over to Variety and Hollywood Reporter etc., sent along with screeners...

[Tom]

Bloody awesome review mate!

If MM Dolph's best then this might be your best review!

I love your writing style and sense for details...

Should be printed in mainstream magazines, sent over to Variety and Hollywood Reporter etc., sent along with screeners...

I sent it over to Edgar Wright too! Not expecting a response really, but hoping it'll give him the nudge to go and rent it.

But I did love the whole style of MM. There's a slightly Bergmanesque feeling about some of the shots too. It hasn't happened so far, but I think the film could rub some people up the wrong way, being so unconventional. Dolph's definitely got a real flair and most definitely isn't directing like he's reading from a text book as he goes, as is very often the case in the DTV world. Can't wait to see what he does in Icarus, because he's said he'll go in a different direction again.

[Jox]

There's a slightly Bergmanesque feeling about some of the shots too. It hasn't happened so far, but I think the film could rub some people up the wrong way, being so unconventional.

Thought of that too, but as for me that's what I always wanted so he can win over artsy cinephiles and I don't have to hide my taste anymore!

Now I can hear Mosquito from here, but it seems there's at least one good old shirtless shot to win her over!

EDIT: Dolph was definitely the missing link from "Hot Fuzz" ("By the Power of Grayskull", some shelf full of Chuck Norris and Seagal other 90's action flicks?!)

[Geoff]

Well I cant post a good a review as Tom can but I agree on every count that this is Dolph's not only best direction to date but his most complete picture. In the older true sense of story telling telling it has a begining, middle and end. Its well crafted and a solid flick. Same ground as TRS but it also comes with its own origional flare.

I dont want to kill thw IMDB ratings but in terms of its current score on the site. ITS BANG ON.

Well done Dolph.

[Mosquito]

Now I can hear Mosquito from here, but it seems there's at least one good old shirtless shot to win her over!

EDIT: Dolph was definitely the missing link from "Hot Fuzz" ("By the Power of Grayskull", some shelf full of Chuck Norris and Seagal other 90's action flicks?!)

shirtless? Why do you think of me?? Of course I watch all his movies because of the art and beauty of the scripts! The story of Red Scorpion always drives me to tears!

Well, ok. You got me.

Talking of Hot Fuzz: I still haven't seen it. What a pity! Sean of the Dead was awesome.

But after all those enthusiastic MM reviews I can't wait to see the latest masterpiece. Hope I can get it soon!

[Jox]

The story of Red Scorpion always drives me to tears!

It does to me!

By the way is Carrie still around? Carrie if you are feel free to come back anytime, I know Tom misses you too!

[Jox]

here's a "not too good, not too bad" review (can't please everybody right?)
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6462/Missionary+Man

I hope this is only from a promo screener because it only mentions 2 deleted scenes featured...

Also I'm annoyed when DVD reviewers confuse rating the DVD image quality with the film's cinematography. It says

"The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 image would not be bad if the whole entire look was not a retro-sepia tone."

well if it's a creative choice, then it has nothing to do with the technical aspects of the DVD (mastering, encoding and compressing)!

but anyway I'll retain this:

People really like him and it reinforces my belief that he never got the chance to peak as a big action start like he should have. It is not too late, but Lundgren has taken matters into his own hands directing his latest feature, Missionary Man.

To its advantage, it is ambitious and maybe a transitional work that could make Lundgren a hot property again.