Bulletproof Monk

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 16, 2003

DVD Release Date: September 15, 2003

Plot 411: An immortal monk must find a successor to protect a scroll that is the key to unlimited power.

Review: This was a pretty good movie if you don't take offense to commercialized Buddhism and martial arts. Basically a monk with no name (Chow Yun-Fat) has protected a magical scroll for 60 years from a power-hungry Nazi set on world domination. The monk is in search for a new protector and meets a pick-pocketing thief (Seann William Scott) who just might fit the bill. When you throw in a mafia princess (Jaime King) leading a double life, you've got yourself a unique plot. Scott doesn't use this film to deviate from his tried and true comedic slacker roles. However, the obnoxious characters he normally plays is tempered with a good heart in this one. (I'm still waiting for this guy to mature and play some dramatic roles. But, at this rate, that might take a lifetime of waiting. Have you seen Role Models?) There are several hand-to-hand battles between the good and bad guys, but it's nothing we've never seen before. In fact, for the most part, this movie looks and feels like it's just another mass-produced action/comedy flick. Except for some wire work, most of the effects aren't really great. The makeup could use some work as well.

Watch It: For Hollywood's attempt to commandeer and contemporize Asian martial arts movies or if you like Chow Yun Fat.

Skip It: Because it doesn't bring anything new to the genre and just seems like an attempt by Hollywood to make money.

Trailer: