One Movie to See and Another to Skip (No. 71)

Movie to See: Ondine

How this is a "science fiction" piece is beyond me; definitely a poor description by Netflix.  That having been said, this is a very British drama: at times it is very moving and is  occasionally light-hearted, but there is always the chance for heartbreak at every turn.  While the ending is kind of expected (see the note about "heartbreak"), there is no way you can guess how you'll get there, or the details; you know something's up as you watch this one, but it's hard to know just what it is.  I usually don't like that, but it worked here.  It gives the movie a very 'real' or 'raw' edge to it... in spite of the fantastical elements that last throughout.  This movie has a good heart at its core, and that is, unfortunately, lacking in a lot of modern movies.

 

Movie to Skip: Ninja

Instead of a real movie, this is actually just a sorry excuse for a vehicle to introduce Scott Adkins as an action star.  The plot is strikingly similar to Kung-fu Panda (I wish I were joking) but it's actually not as well developed - seriously.  This is your typical 80's style ninja movie - all action, little acting, even less quality writing.  As this movie is almost entirely action, however, that is probably its only saving grace, sadly.  You see, while Adkins not a great actor (he's pretty terrible), the man is in stunning physical condition, and he does a pretty good job kicking butt throughout the film.  Unfortunately, other than one action scene after another... the movie gets kind of tedious, and not in a good way.