100 - Under Siege
When you can describe a film as being 'Die Hard on a ' you know you aren't exactly getting Citizen Kane. Still, there is something about Under Siege that manages to move beyond the obvious nature of it's development. Perhaps it's the idea of a Chef being the baddest ass on a military vessel. Steven Seagal isn't exactly the greatest martial arts movie star around. Even in his youth he never fit the muscle bound category, or the super athletic category. He would turn up, flash his hands quickly and perhaps kick someone......really badly. Aikido isn't the most movie friendly martial art, especially in 80s Hollywood when fight choreography was little more than an energetic game of slapsies. That said, Under Siege is still pretty cool and Tommy Lee Jones is a reliable bad guy.
Best bit: The knife fight.
99 Taken
Despite a somewhat tepid critical reception, I actually think the first Taken might be one of the most entertaining actioners in recent years. Liam Neeson was, at the time, a surprising actor to see in this kind of role but about three minutes after the actual taking (of Neesons daughter dearest) occurs any doubts I had about his ability to lead a vendetta flick were immediately dispelled. Takens Bryan Mills doesnt have money but what he does have is a very particular set of skills. Whether its expert standard driving, brutal Bournesque hand-to-hand combat or morally dubious methods of interrogation, Mills offers up something badass in pretty much every scene. Director Pierre Morel keeps the adrenaline flowing consistently and keeps stepping up Mills level of tenacity and unyielding aggression and as a result Taken has been described by some as gratuitous. Gratuitous it may be, but what it definitely is is a riotously enjoyable, surprisingly dark actioner but perhaps not for
all the family.
Best bit: Bryan recognises the kidnappers voice and decks everyone.
98 - The Man From Nowhere
Considering the world dominating martial arts culture that South Korea has, martial arts films aren't as common as you'd think. They often don't use much Hapkido or Tae Kwon Do either. Funny world. Still, The Man From Nowhere is one of the rare few and it is also a nice and tidy thriller complete with a couple of moments of pure awesome. The fights are few and far between but it's all about the build up and by the end, you are just about ready to snap. So many bad things have happened and these guys are in serious need of a killing. Thankfully, our mysterious emo-haired hero is finally willing to get a hair cut and kick some ass. The result, probably the best knife fight in film history. Feel free to suggest a better one.
Best bit: Well, the knife fight of course.