ICARUS / THE KILLING MACHINE (Dolph Lundgren, 2009)

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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby viendammage on 26 Oct 2010, 05:21

If Icarus: The Killing Machine was taken from Dolph's hands, I can't imagine how good his cut would have been because I thought this solid all around. Generally speaking, if Wake of Death was Van Damme's DTV version of Man on Fire, then Icarus was Dolph's version of Leon meets History of Violence. For 18 days of shooting, Dolph and company accomplished a lot! Very stylish, great use of Vancouver, nothing looked cheap or fake. And the action, wow! He really rocks the sh!t in this flick! Was good to see him getting with multiple chicks, taking people out and a training montage! In depth behind the scenes feature makes this an easy DVD to add to the ol' collection.
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 01 Nov 2010, 11:14

Scandinavian ad
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby dolphage on 01 Nov 2010, 14:17

Jox wrote:Scandinavian ad

Danish. Allthough "Scandinavian" is fine. We're all one happy family, really.
Spring, era jävlar!
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009) Ending...

Postby savagesketch on 02 Nov 2010, 05:47

What were your thoughts on the ending...? I felt it was a little ambiguous in leading us to believe what we wanted to...

SPOILER...

Eddie looks out his window as he appears to be leading a happy life wiht his family... He looks outside only to see a mysterious black van suspiciously parked out front... Could it be rival hitmen trying to rub him out, or possibly his employers trying to contract him for another job?? Or could it have been nothing at all??? I really didn't find it to be too clear... I kinda equated it with the ending of THE SOPRANOS... While it cut to black, it is made clear that no matter how happy the Soprano family may seem, they will forever live the rest of their lives looking over their shoulder(s) and watching their every move...
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 04 Nov 2010, 11:11

it still has a fun aspect about it that fans of Lundgren will enjoy. I didn’t realize he had directed so many movies but this is actually Dolph’s 6th turn at directing and he does a good job.

When the fighting scenes are there, the blood and killing is excellent. Well done practical effects are a nice touch that elevate the movie a few notches in the total production values column. The movie never achieves that blockbuster action movie look and feel but does a good job at working within the budget without sacrificing too heavily in any area of production.

Dolph Lundgren is fine as Icarus. His thick accent along with the other Russian characters make the English subtitles a welcome inclusion but he still is an intimidating figure as an action star.

Dolph Lundgren’s The Killing Machine is the epitome of a paint by numbers straight to video action film. It succeeds as a popcorn flick to check out when you want to unplug your mind and enjoy the action for 90 minutes. The action scenes are well done and, although you won’t be surprised by the storyline’s ending there is enough to enjoy from this Expendable to recommend The Killing Machine as a rental.

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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 08 Nov 2010, 15:37

ICARUS will be released in Japan on February 2, 2011.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ALBSD-1387
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Travis on 09 Nov 2010, 06:28

It is selling at Wal-mart for only $10.
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 12 Nov 2010, 17:52

Jox wrote:ICARUS will be released in Japan on February 2, 2011.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ALBSD-1387

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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 13 Nov 2010, 20:14

ICARUS ranked #6 on week-end opening in United Arab Emirates and grossed $56,475 in 14 screens (with an average of $4,034).
It dropped to 4 screens on second week and $1,350 on the week-end, TOTAL for now is $70,991.
http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?i ... N01&p=.htm
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Re: ICARUS / The Killing Machine (2009)

Postby Jox on 24 Nov 2010, 11:19

US DVD Review
http://insidepulse.com/2010/11/23/the-k ... vd-review/
While there isn’t anything that is inherently fresh or new about The Killing Machine, much like Lundgren’s other solid directorial efforts, Command Performance and The Russian Specialist, this is a movie that works well by staying within the confines of its formula and delivering on that premise as much as it can. Like a smaller budget version of The Professional, the movie keeps up a steady stream of action while doing a good job of developing some interesting characters. While there are some bad camera and editing techniques that end up getting overused in the movie, the final product ends up a satisfying diversion due to the efforts of Mr. Lundgren and a terrific cast.

While not usually noted for his acting, Lundgren is a performer that’s well aware of how effective his screen presence is and is very capable of giving a performance that surprises you with how nuanced it is. Here, he gives us a dash of self deprecation, and manages to show just how tired Genn is of the life that has torn apart his marriage and often left him in danger. When called into action though, Lundgren shows he still has the goods with some steely heroics, and looks first-rate in the film’s hand to hand and bullet-laden combat. Lundgren the director also does his part, orchestrating the mayhem very well and managing to throw in some decent gore on occasion, giving the picture a little harder edge when needed.

if you’re looking for an old school action experience with a decent body count and a terrific lead, look no further. Since exiting the spotlight in the mid-1990s, Dolph Lundgren has kept working through the DTV market, continuing to produce entertaining action cinema. While honing both his acting and directing talents, he has steadily become one of the most consistent action stars in this field, and The Killing Machine is just another prime example of the type of solid films he continues to produce.

AUDIO & VIDEO
The movie looks pretty good, and the print is clean with nice colors and a crisp, detailed picture. The sound here is also worth mentioning, as its consistent and top notch all the way through.


SPECIAL FEATURES
Behind the Scenes of Dolph Lundgren is…The Killing Machine – Just under 30 minutes, this featurette is pretty much all the info you’d need on The Killing Machine. There’s plenty of interviews with the cast, but what’s really fun here is watching Dolph do some work behind the camera.

Trailers – You get trailers for this movie and other Anchor Bay releases.


CLOSING THOUGHTS
Not quite as good as Command Performance or The Russian Specialist, The Killing Machine is another solid example of the good work being done by Dolph Lundgren. The movie is entertaining throughout and takes itself completely seriously, making for a fun way to spend 88 minutes. The disc doesn’t have a lot of extras, but the movie looks good and for fans especially, is well worth your time.
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