As a lifelong fan of action movies and martial arts cinema, I simply must commend the team behind “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.” This film is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hong Kong action cinema, seamlessly blending nostalgia with innovation. Director Soi Cheang has truly outdone himself here, crafting an exhilarating tale set within the infamous Kowloon Walled City that will undoubtedly leave audiences breathless.
Action films often provide some of the most impactful scenes and sequences in cinema, but they also carry the risk of becoming monotonous. At times, it might seem as though all methods of defeating a villain or escaping a catastrophe (natural or man-made) have been exhausted. Yet, it’s invigorating to witness a new wave of filmmakers demonstrating that there are still numerous ways to enjoy and innovate within the genre’s established conventions.
2023’s outstanding action films have raised the stakes significantly, yet this year’s filmmakers haven’t failed to impress. There’s been a diverse range of action movies that push the boundaries of the genre in intriguing ways, from injecting humor to delving into scientific theories. It’s entertaining to watch fist fights or explosions, but sometimes it requires more creative approaches than simply punching someone repeatedly or demolishing another structure.
You might be familiar with many of these films, perhaps even having watched them multiple times at the cinema. However, there could very well be several undiscovered jewels among them that you may not have come across yet. These hidden treasures are definitely worth your attention. We based our recommendations on professional reviews, audience feedback, and our own passion for action movies (since we watch a lot of them). The following list offers an exciting mix of various action subgenres, with the hope that it will appeal to everyone’s adrenaline rush.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Alyla Browne
Director: George Miller
Rating: R
Runtime: 148 minutes
Where to Watch: Max
2024 will remember “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” as one of its most unfortunate box office flops, given its potential to be a fantastic prequel to the timeless classic “Mad Max: Fury Road.” In this installment, viewers are treated to the origin tale of Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy), who was once living in opulence but finds herself navigating the post-apocalyptic wasteland. This storyline involves her proving herself to the warlord Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) and exacting vengeance against Dementus, portrayed brilliantly by Chris Hemsworth, whose villainous performance stands out among the year’s best.
Despite some similarities with “Fury Road,” “Furiosa” takes a unique approach by focusing more on character development and exploring the title character’s motivations. Whereas “Fury Road” is packed with non-stop action, including an extended car chase, “Furiosa” delves into Furiosa’s desire to return to her former life. The film includes numerous thrilling sequences that will captivate fans of the “Mad Max” series, such as the attack on the War Rig and Furiosa’s escape from the Bullet Farm. Director George Miller continues to demonstrate his ability to create exceptional “Mad Max” films, let’s hope that the financial struggles of this installment won’t discourage future projects from moving forward.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Cast: Owen Teague, Kevin Durand, Freya Allen, Peter Macon
Director: Wes Ball
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 145 minutes
Where to Watch: Hulu and Disney+
The “Planet of the Apes” series from the 21st century, which started with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” in 2011, is often overlooked but deserves more recognition. This film series reached its climax with “War for the Planet of the Apes” in 2017, featuring Caesar (Andy Serkis) as the ape leader. The upcoming movie, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” set for release in 2024, not only delivers action-packed sequences, but also delves into profound reflections on how mythology and religion can be distorted by those seeking to misuse them for their selfish ends.
The story, titled “Kingdom,” unfolds in a time period far removed from Caesar’s demise, introducing our main character as the youthful Noa (Owen Teague). He encounters challenges when he clashes with the oppressive ape leader Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who harbors a dictatorial rule. Both characters have divergent views for the future of ape civilization and their interactions with the few surviving humans. Among these remaining humans is Mae (Freya Allen), a clever individual who accompanies Noa on his adventures, yet she may conceal her own objectives.
The movie serves as a captivating conclusion to the previous trilogy, while also hinting at further tales that could unfold before “Planet of the Apes” reaches its initial events. The finale raises questions about whether apes and humans can coexist peacefully; if they’re not cautious, it may lead to another conflict between them.
The Fall Guy
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to highlight the stellar cast gracing our screens:
Director: David Leitch
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 126 minutes
Where to Watch: Peacock
“The TV show ‘The Fall Guy,'” initially promised greatness based solely on its promotional efforts, which focused significantly on the underappreciated craft of stunt work in big-budget films. Ultimately, ‘The Fall Guy’ brings these talented performers into focus, centering around the character of Colt Seavers, a stuntman played by Ryan Gosling. This stuntman finds himself entangled in a significant entertainment scandal, where he must resolve the situation and reconnect with his director girlfriend, Emily Blunt, who is also overseeing the film he’s involved in.”
As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the raw, tangible thrill of practical effects, and “The Fall Guy” delivers on that front in spades, given its numerous scenes set within a movie studio. While Ryan Gosling’s wit is always a joy to watch, it’s the extended sequences where we bear witness to the stunts unfolding that really captivate me. Take, for instance, the scene where his character gets hurled against a massive rock over and over again – it’s a stark reminder of the physical toll this line of work takes on its performers. The stunt team seems to be relentless in their pursuit of perfection, performing the same feats time and again until they get that perfect take (or until the jilted lover has had enough).
Kill
Cast: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala, Harsh Chhaya
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Rating: R
Runtime: 105 minutes
Where to Watch: Rent or buy from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Microsoft Store
If you’re a fan of action movies and want to discover more gems in the genre, don’t just stick with American productions. Instead, explore Bollywood films, which have gained a reputation for creating innovative action flicks. For example, the 2022 hit “RRR” showcases this trend. If you’re looking for something new in 2024, there’s a film called “Kill” that might interest you. In this brutal movie, Lakshya (played by Amrit) boards a train to prevent his beloved from marrying another man. However, the journey is disrupted when a gang of bandits hijack the train, forcing Amrit, a former Indian Army commando, to take action and put an end to their destructive rampage.
If you found John Wick impressive with a pencil, wait until you see Amrit with a fire extinguisher. This movie consistently increases its violence, and the second half features some of the most thrilling fights seen in any 2024 film. While American viewers might have overlooked it, an English-language remake is already being produced by the creators of “John Wick.” It’s strongly suggested to watch the original with subtitles before the remake arrives.
Monkey Man
Cast: Dev Patel, Pitobash, Sharlto Copley, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala
Director: Dev Patel
Rating: R
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to Watch: Peacock
In light of Dev Patel’s past works such as “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Newsroom,” it might seem surprising that he would be part of one of the top action films in 2024 to general audiences. However, Patel steps into dual roles by starring in and directing his first full-length feature film titled “Monkey Man.” This movie follows a man who rises from humble beginnings to participate in underground fighting rings. As he confronts societal injustices, he escalates his crusade against the upper class, seeking vengeance for the exploitation of the lower classes within Indian society.
At the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, as reported by Deadline, director Patel expressed his desire to create a thought-provoking action film: “I aimed to give it depth, raw emotion, and authentic pain, and I believe that’s what you deserve,” he stated. “And I wanted to incorporate a touch of culture into it.” The movie, titled “Monkey Man”, delves into the concept of religious nationalism influencing a nation’s governance, yet it doesn’t shy away from the action. It also hints that violence might be inevitable at times but thrives when backed by a supportive community. Whether you’re interested in global politics or simply crave to witness an exceptionally intense fist fight, “Monkey Man” is definitely worth watching.
Dune: Part Two
As a gaming enthusiast, here’s my take:
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 166 minutes
Where to Watch: Max
It’s pretty incredible to think that at one point, Frank Herbert’s “Dune” was considered unadaptable to film. David Lynch admirably tried in the 1980s to little acclaim, but Denis Villeneuve has now directed two epic science fiction movies that amazingly capture the essence of Herbert’s work. From the beginning, it’s apparent the sequel would be something awe-inspiring, as enemy forces fly into the air to locate Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) but are taken out by Fremen. The rest of the movie follows Paul’s rise to galactic supremacy as he becomes a messiah for the Fremen and ruler of Arrakis.
When people think of great action movies, practical effects and physical fights may often come to mind. “Dune: Part Two” has some hand-to-hand combat, particularly the emotional final battle between Paul and Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), but the visual effects are genuinely astounding. From attacking Harkonnen ships to Paul riding a massive sandworm, Herbert’s world has been brought to breathtaking life. Denis Villeneuve has already expressed his desire to adapt “Dune Messiah,” but unlike “Dune,” that book has more political intrigue than outright action. Given what Villeneuve has accomplished already, it’s likely that a “Messiah” movie will still entrance audiences, with or without amazing battles.
Deadpool and Wolverine
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: R
Runtime: 128 minutes
Where to Watch: Currently in theaters (likely going to Disney+)
In 2024, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will feature only one movie, but it promises to be a standout. The film, titled “Deadpool and Wolverine,” is an action-packed blockbuster with a combined gross of billions. Starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as a unique Wolverine variant, the story revolves around Deadpool’s mission to save his universe alongside his new partner. The movie offers numerous memorable cameos, witty jokes that fans of Deadpool have grown accustomed to, and a series of intense fight scenes that are enhanced by strategic music choices.
The film begins with Deadpool slaughtering a group of TV Agency agents during a screening of *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye.” This contrast between light-hearted music and violent scenes is a frequent pattern in the movie, as Deadpool and Wolverine engage in combat inside a Honda Odyssey while “You’re the One That I Want” from “Grease” plays. The climax involves the two titular characters battling the Deadpool Corps to the tune of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” These confrontations perfectly embody Deadpool’s unique blend of humor and brutality. In essence, “Deadpool and Wolverine” serves as a tribute to fans who have followed superhero movies for the past 25 years, suggesting that Reynolds and Jackman may continue portraying these characters until they are both in their nineties.
Badland Hunters
Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-joon, Lee Jun-young, Roh Jeong-eui
Director: Heo Myung-haeng
Rating: R
Runtime: 107 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix
Ma Dong-seok proved he could kick butt in “Train to Busan,” which helped him attain leading man status in future South Korean productions. His latest is 2024’s “Badland Hunters,” the sequel to 2023’s “Concrete Utopia,” in which an earthquake devastates Seoul, turning it into a lawless society. “Badland Hunters” takes place several years after that initial earthquake, with Nam-san (Ma) and other survivors trying to make peaceful lives for themselves. However, all of that is thrown into turmoil when one of their own is kidnapped as part of horrific scientific experiments.
In terms of action movie storylines, rescuing a kidnap victim is as fundamental as they come. What makes “Badland Hunters” unique is its blend of sci-fi, horror, and B-movie aesthetics. The fight scenes showcase various martial arts styles, but Ma Dong-seok’s brute force in hand-to-hand combat truly shines. With both “Concrete Utopia” and “Badland Hunters” releasing back-to-back, it’s exciting to anticipate more tales spun within this universe. If it develops into a Korean equivalent of “Mad Max,” we wholeheartedly welcome that prospect.
Twisters
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Katy O’Brian, Brandon Perea, David Corenswet
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to Watch: Currently in theaters
It’s always a pleasant surprise when a legacy sequel to a beloved film from decades ago actually turns out to be good. 1996’s “Twister” is a solid disaster movie following a group of storm chasers. “Twisters” pretty much does the same thing for modern sensibilities: Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who’s trying to right some wrongs from the past, initially butts heads with YouTuber storm chasers led by Tyler (Glen Powell), before teaming up with the charismatic “tornado wrangler.”
Skilled adversaries versed in martial arts can definitely create intriguing opponents. Yet, facing off directly with the unpredictable forces of nature is a whole different story. The film “Twister” boasts impressive visual effects to depict the devastating chaos wrought by tornadoes. Initially, it might seem that the only option is to speed away from the wind, but Kate possesses some clever strategies.
Similar to “Top Gun: Maverick,” the film “Twisters” evokes nostalgia for the era of big-screen entertainment dominated by blockbusters, before the age of interconnected universes. Although it’s a sequel utilizing established intellectual property, its success at the box office demonstrates that you don’t always require superheroes to sell tickets. Instead, a captivating performance like Glen Powell in a cowboy hat can do the trick.
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Cast: Louis Koo, Sammo Hung, Richie Jen, Raymond Lam, Terrance Lu
Director: Soi Cheang
Rating: R
Runtime: 126 minutes
Where to Watch: Currently in theaters
2024’s Top Fight Scenes: “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” is inspired by Hong Kong’s historical Kowloon Walled City. Set in this turbulent past, the protagonist finds sanctuary within a lawless stronghold teeming with crime. However, his arrival ignites a violent conflict between the city’s inhabitants and the forces outside its walls, escalating into an intense, city-wide gang war.
The movie “Walled In” is deeply influenced by Bruce Lee films of yesteryears, but director Soi Cheang expressed his desire to not only pay homage to the past but also look ahead. He aspires that upcoming filmmakers will carry forward Hong Kong action cinema in inventive ways. Instead of just relying on nostalgia, he believes it’s crucial for these fresh voices to offer unique viewpoints and reinvent the genre for a contemporary age.
1. The fight scenes are exceptional, and the bus fight stands out as extraordinary – it’s worth watching just to believe it. Although bus battles aren’t unheard of in action movies, like “The Transporter” or “Nobody,” this one is uniquely impressive. Moreover, fans of “Walled In” can look forward to a prequel and sequel, which means more martial arts-influenced fights are on the horizon.
Alien: Romulus
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Isabela Merced, Archie Renaux, Aileen Wu, Spike Fearn
Director: Fede Álvarez
Rating: R
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to Watch: Currently in theaters (likely going to Hulu and Disney+)
The movie titled “Alien: Romulus” has been well-received by viewers, and while its connections to previous “Alien” films through Easter eggs and references might account for some of its success, the film manages to establish its own identity with creative and thrilling set pieces that offer a blend of suspenseful horror and action. The plot echoes the original “Alien,” as a band of young explorers journey to an abandoned space station in search of equipment to launch new lives elsewhere. However, their journey is met with facehuggers and xenomorphs, not all of whom survive the encounter.
In a style reminiscent of the film “Alien,” yet with moments that echo the fast-paced action of “Aliens,” there’s a scene where Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny) grabs a pulse rifle, turning it against the xenomorphs. This is just a prelude to the astoundingly spectacular climax. The franchise of “Alien” wouldn’t have endured if every character succumbed easily to the creatures without a struggle. Rain joins the ranks of strong-willed “Alien” heroines who don’t shy away from defending themselves, adding to the escalating suspense.
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2024-08-27 21:31