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Fight, Zatoichi, Fight, a review by Antares

Fight, Zatoichi, Fight (1964) 82/100 - OK, so picture yourself in the offices of Daiei Studios back in 1964 and you have had tremendous financial success with the seven Zatoichi films you've released in just two short years. How do you keep it fresh? Well... first you hand the director's reins to Kenji Misumi, who helmed the first film in the series and gave birth to the golden goose. He's probably one of the best directors on your lot, and can balance a good story arc with thrilling action. Next, you throw a twist at both Zatoichi and the viewers. You give him a companion for the film, but not just a simple tag along partner, you give him the responsibility of returning an infant to the father that's never seen him, all the while, avoiding repeated attempts by ronin bounty hunters who will stop at nothing, to remove Ichi's head from his body. Audiences may have had mixed feelings for this film, especially if they were getting used to the ramped up energy of the previous ventures, but for my money, this is the best film of the series so far. Misumi weaves humor, tragedy, pathos and humanity into a rich tapestry of emotional entertainment which gives this film a depth I hope is present in the other four Zatoichi films that Misumi would direct down the line. If I had to pick the one film for a newbie to start with in this successful franchise, it would most definitely be this one.

What the color coding means...

Teal = Masterpiece
Dark Green = Classic or someday will be
Lime Green = A good, entertaining film
Orange = Average
Red = Cinemuck
Brown = The color of crap, which this film is

(From Antares' Short Summations on March 29th, 2014)

Pink Panther 2 (2008), a review by Rich

Pink Panther 2 (2008)



Steve Martin returns to the scene of the fun as the brilliant, bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in this side-splitting slapstick comedy for the whole family! When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther diamond, Clouseau is assigned to a dream team of international detectives who are under pressure to bring the master thief to justice before he strikes again. Co-starring Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, Andy Garcia, Lily Tomlin and John Cleese, The Pink Panther 2 will steal your heart...and keep you laughing!

Martin has a slightly better 2nd attempt at Clouseau, but is still at a French snails pace in comparison to Sellers. One would of hoped he had learned with the first film, and his disasterous attempt at Bilko.
It is so ridiculous in parts you cannot help laughing, but overall it is slightly embarrassing to view this pathetic offering.
John Cleese for some reason appears as Clouseaus boss, but he plays the part as Basil Fawlty and this makes no sense at all and does not work.
Wait to watch this one on telly one day you are bored.
 

(From Riches Random Reviews on July 5th, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

You Must Remember This

This one really didn't impress me all that much. I found it to be slow and boring for the most part. I also found who the girl was as being pretty obvious... I figured it was something like that early on into the episode.

My Rating:

Last couple in a row I wasn't very impressed with... I hope it picks back up here soon!

(From "Due South" marathon on July 15th, 2009)