liam_donnaz
The great tragedy of this film is that of Brandon Lee. While obviously this was t his last film, I feel this is the one that really sold everyone on what he could do, with the crow selling on how good he could do it. This movie is not without its faults, I'm not denying that, but Lee is undoubtedly one of the strongest parts. This might sound borderline blasphemous to say and I know I'm probably looking at it from a different outlook, but I think the fight scenes in Rapid Fire are as good as, if not better, than some of his father's. There's a genuine sense of energy and charisma to them and Lee makes it look easy. Every fight is well shot and directed (Dwight Little is a very underrated director and his style fits perfectly with this film), the action and sets allow for many creative outcomes and in a word, it just looks cool.I would be remiss if I didn't mention Powers Boothe in this movie. He's awesome, and always was, be he hero or villain. He plays the grizzled Dirty Harry cop perfectly and looks as comfortable with a shotgun as he does with a doughnut.I highly recommend this movie, if for nothing else than the fight scenes.
Sandcooler
They just don't make them like this anymore, do they? "Rapid Fire" is an action movie that thrives on how old-fashioned and clichéd it is, it fully embraces all the joys that come with making a B-movie. There's somewhat of a coherent plot, but obviously it's just an excuse to put in gun fights and explosions wherever they have the chance. And boy, do they see chances. This movie is chock full of people that have to die, you even get two lead antagonists for the price of one. There's almost no build-up, which normally is a bad thing but not when build-up is replaced by guys doing kendo. It also helps that Brandon Lee was a pretty good actor (to action movie standards), breathing life into his character and even totally selling the unavoidable love interest subplot. Director Dwight H. Little also does a fine job of making the movie look as dark and sordid as he possibly can, but that shouldn't be a surprise if you remember he made "Out For Justice". "Rapid Fire" is everything the title suggests, which should be enough for fans of the genre.
lost-in-limbo
Typical, frenetic b-grade action vehicle starring the son of Bruce Lee; the late Brandon Lee. With Lee in the lead, we knew there would be a range of martial arts and director Dwight H Little does a credibly smooth job (agile camera-work) showcasing those abilities. So when he wasn't handing out a thrashing or running about his black tank top. Lee's witty charisma came to show, which seemed to come natural when delivering quick witted responses. Student Jake Lo accidentally witnesses a murder, which sees him caught up in a war between two drug lords and his only allied is a gruff Chicago cop. The standard plot (cops v drug lords) is rather clichéd and ridiculous (as there are some corny or unintentional humorous interludes -- like soundtrack choices and slow motion heartache), but the lethal action pumps along (with stylish verve) and there are some good solid support in the likes of Powers Booth, Nick Muncuso and Tzi Ma. The latter two made decent use of their chewy bad guy roles. An entertainingly, high-energy low-budget action fare.
edwagreen
Disappointing film that is somewhat saved by some excellent action scenes. The shootings, wreck scenes, car chases and other excitement are about the best of what this weak film has to offer.Having survived the uprising in China's square in 1989, Lee is to be honored only to witness a rub-out of someone by a mafia type person dealing in heroin.The film becomes one of who shall be trusted. Cops really aren't cops and this can become confusing at times.Lee is taken in charge of by veteran cop Powers Boothe and the two team up to thwart the drug ring. Of course, when Boothe catches a bullet at the end of the film, Lee rushes in to save him from a raging fire. The film might have been better had they further emphasized the rapport that had been building between the two.
AD
