Ong Bak 2

Rating:R

Movie Release Date: December 4, 2008 (Thailand) / October 23, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: February 2, 2010

Plot 411: An orphan learns the art of thieves and ventures on a journey of revenge.

Review: Tony Jaa stars as Tien, an orphan who is taken in by a gang of thieves when his parents are killed. He learns different styles of martial arts and after passing several tests is announced as the clan's successor. However, he is ill at ease knowing his parents' murderers are still out there and goes to seek his revenge. Like the first Ong Bak film, this one is action packed with tons of awesome martial arts sequences. There are great exhibitions of skill by Jaa and the other actors. If you like fight scenes, there are definitely some memorable action sequences and kill scenes. I mean, the film kicks off with a croc vs. human fight. What can get any better than that? Unlike the last film though, this one seems to have a better plot. It seemed more compelling, even though we all know the action is the focus of these types of movies. One thing to remember before going into this one is that it has nothing to do with the original film as far as plot is concerned. It's a completely different story with new characters.

Watch It: If you're a fan of kick-butt action movies.

Skip It: You like the more traditional Chinese kung fu movies. This one doesn't have the same fantasy elements (like the flying through the air or fighting across the bamboo forests).

The Protector / Tom yum goong

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 11, 2005 (Hong Kong & Thailand) / September 8, 2006 (USA)

DVD Release Date: January 16, 2007

Plot 411: When his way of life is threatened, Kham must go to Australia a get back his stolen elepahnt.

Review: All action, all the time. This was one butt kicking after another, and you'll especially love the movie if you're into martial arts. Americans, and the western world in general, don't often get to see this type of martial arts - Thai martial arts. It just looks so different from the kung fu, karate and judo we've grown up with. This stuff is faster and uses unusual parts of the body as weapons. What was inovated about this movie is that they used every possible weapon against Tony Jaa (Kahm) and he still managed to whoop ass. My favorite enemy was the gang of X Games wanna-bes. Yes, you got that right! They used motorcross bikes against the guy. The plot was ok but really, who needs a plot if you've got Jaa constantly flying across the screen?

Watch It: For a dive into the deep end of muay thai. Your heart will be racing with excitement.

Skip It: If you're a stickler for the classic kung fu flicks. The action in this film is all about innovation and the modern world, despite the fact that the main character is actually fighting to save his culture and history.

Trailer: