The Raid: Redemption

Release Date: Mar 23, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min. 

Director: Gareth Evans 

Cast: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Ray Sahetapy.

When 20 elite cops attempt to overtake a druglord housed in a 30-story building, the only way out is up. But getting there is easier said than done, as merciless criminals lurk in every corner, and ammunition is no longer an option. For all the moments the action was never enough, or the hero had it too easy, "The Raid" is the unequivocal answer. Like taking the hallway scene from "Old Boy" — you know the one I'm talking about — and amplifying it by a thousand, this film is not for the squeamish. There's blood, there's gore, and everything else in between. Credited with introducing Silat (Indonesian martial arts) into cinema, director Gareth Evans brings a striking balance of art and combat in a film that epitomizes the action genre. From gunfights to knifefights, the choreography is spectacular, and pulsates against the hypnotic tracks produced by Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda. But the real deal here is the hand-to-hand carnage, where time plays no factor. Just when you think it's over, another begins, and death is granted only by the hindmost of seconds. Spoken entirely in Indonesian, and starring local talent, "The Raid" breaks the mold in foreign cinema and the martial arts world. It's the type of action film that others have tried to surpass, and some can only dream of. In other words...it's bone-crushingly, neck-breakingly awesome. And if that's not enough, the American remake is already in the works.

Rating: 4 stars

The Hunger Games

Release Date: Mar 23, 2012 

Runtime: 2 hr. 22 min. 

Director: Gary Ross 

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley.

In the future, North America is in shambles and all that remains is the nation of Panem. As punishment for a past rebellion, the Capitol calls upon the 12 districts to take part in an annually-televised event that features the survival of the fittest. Hence, one girl and one boy from each district must battle to the death until a sole victor is declared. This, is the 'Hunger Games.' Based on the wildly-popular novel by Suzanne Collins and directed by Gary Ross, the next phenomenon of teenage literature is anything but cheesy. Part dystopian thriller and part coming-of-age, "Games" is a concrete adaptation, if ever there was one. Whereas the violence itself is noticeably suppressed (for rating purposes,) the bulk of the material remains intact, producing a cohesive story that even novices could follow. Furthermore, the casting is hands-down stellar. Upon which her shoulders lies the weight of the movie, Jennifer Lawrence embodies the strong-willed heroine, Katniss Everdeen, with simple grace and precision. Her ability to attract empathy, while playing a figure of empowerment, is reason enough to root for the underdog, as well as cultivate an already burgeoning career. Also notable are Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci who play the affable personnel from the Capitol. Their over-the-top attire and eccentric behavior represent the colorful trademarks of the wealthy and help invigorate the bleak surroundings that are the districts. Alas, with such a high-profile film comes inescapable scrutiny — the obvious being the comparison made to Japanese film "Battle Royale." While they have their differences, the identical premise is hard to ignore, and unfortunately, lessens the value of the experience within the arena. In any event, "The Hunger Games" is a solid start to a forthcoming franchise. The battle may have been won but the games are only just beginning.

Rating: 4 stars

21 Jump Street

Release Date: Mar 16, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min. 

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller 

Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Nick Offerman, Rob Riggle, Brie Larson, Dave Franco.

In a remake of what launched the insanely diverse career of Johnny Depp is "21 Jump Street," a high school satire with an R-rated edge. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum star as undercover cops returning to their alma mater to investigate the circulation of a new synthetic drug. With badges on the line, as well as their friendship, the two get a second chance at adolescence, only to realize that high school isn't exactly how they left it. While teenage comedies are a dime a dozen, "Jump Street" plays to its stereotypes, and does it well for the most part. What makes it fun is its self-awareness of being a remake. Not pretending to be a true adaptation of the hit 80's series, its modern-day update is what keeps it entertaining, if not for its forceful use of humor. Extreme vulgarity and a full-fledged bromance are just some of the qualities that make or break the comedy, depending on your preference. Unlike the similarly conceived "Superbad," the jokes are oftentimes conventional, and more juvenile than expected. But the chemistry between the two leads helps overshadow the film's flaws, and keeps the plot moving in a linear direction. Never a fan of Tatum's monotonous range of work, his comic delivery in "Jump Street" far surpasses mediocre expectations, and livens his potential, even if only temporarily. At any rate, there's sufficient room to grow. After all, what comes after high school?

Rating: 3½ stars