The Film
RZA is known as Robert Fitzgerald Diggs to some and the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan to most. However, over the past 10 years or so, the hip-hop mogul has been building up quite a Hollywood resume. After a few hilarious turns on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show, he popped up in high-profile theatrical gigs such as Coffee and Cigarettes, American Gangster, Funny People, Due Date and Repo Men. More recently, he's had a recurring role on Showtime's Californication.
Now, he's looking to become Hollywood's next triple threat, by writing, directing and starring in The Man with the Iron Fists. (He actually did most of the music, too; take that Woody Allen!). RZA wrote this ode to kung-fu classics in conjunction with Inglourious Basterds' Eli Roth (who has a cameo). It's his baby, but he's managed to attract Russell Crowe and Lucy Lui, as well as Quentin Tarantino, who snags a producing credit.
The Tarantino thing shouldn't be too much of a surprise. The two worked together on Kill Bill and this film certainly borrows a few those cues -- bloody ones. RZA plays the blacksmith, who makes weapons. However, he's soon caught in between some of his clients. From there, he assembles a band of not-so-merry men, a pair of iron arms, and starts kicking some serious ass. Yes, iron arms. This won't seem all that weird once you hear that there's a guy named Brass Body (David Bautista), who can make his body turn into metal. Um what?
RZA, Crowe and Liu make for a nice trio and The Man with the Iron Fists is downright bloody. This sounds good on paper and RZA certainly has a love for his subject matter. However, even with Crowe's over-the-top performance and blood spouting from every orifice possible, The Man with the Iron Fists is sort of goofy, confusing, and too slow to capture its intended audience.
The Picture
RZA needs to sharpen up his storytelling, but the guy sure knows how to make a movie look pretty. This 2.40:1 transfer is downright gorgeous. Without a doubt, the colors are the image's strongest suit. Black levels are impressive and there are plenty of bloody reds, yellows, greens and even pinks popping right off the screen. The film is also oozing with detail -- sometimes literally. If you're going to bother, there's plenty to ogle here.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for The Man with the Iron Fists is just as fun as its image. It has strong bass, whether it's rocking out the RZA-inspired soundtrack or punching and kicking its way through the film's many fight scenes. Speaking of which, there are some great directional effects during those action-packed moments. Dialogue is clear and centered, but it's really a full experience, with the surrounds also showing off thunder, screams, creaks and crowd chatter.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
According to Wikipedia, Russell Crowe's Jack Knife character was partly inspired by the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. That seems to be the least confusing thing about The Man with the Iron Fists. RZA has good intentions and a great cast, but it just doesn't come together. The movie gushes with blood and very little else. If you're going to bother, at least you'll have fun AV to justify the overall experience.
Product Details
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