John Woo's new feature film - Blood Brothers - premiered at the DGA under the auspices of the Pacific Asian Film Festival without much fanfare.
In spite of the fact the period piece was actually directed by Alexi Tan, Woo's fingerprints were all over the mixed-genre feature.
But a lot of slow-mo action, nifty blurred effects, and post-production wizardly could not - a hit - make.
Overall, Blood Brothers was pretty lackluster.
At best, it was a mediocre entry at the Asian Pacific Film Festival, where much more riveting celluloid pieces were being offered up by young, first-time out directors.
"Blood Brothers" is the tale of three men in search of their fortunes and a better life on the other side of the tracks in Shanghai (circa 1930's).
In one of the few down-to-earth believable moments in the film, the three likable characters fantasize about trekking off to the big city to find employ as professional servers in fancy upscale restaurants - with the ultimate aim of rustling up quick cash.
Cut to the mean streets of the city and our young heroes - hauling city dwellers 'round town in rickshaws - no less!
What else for an able-bodied man without contacts to do?
As Eric Burton of the "Animals" might say:
"It's a hard world to get a break in."
Before you could utter - "stretches one's credulity" - the ambitious lads are thrust into the nefarious Chinese underworld - and in the blink of an eye - are meting out punishment as enforcers at the behest of their employer who is the kingpin of a prominent gang.
Tan uses broad strokes to paint a canvas that is rich in texture.
And, by way of precise cinematic technique, facilitates exquisite visuals and a clever juxtaposition of images to stir up the filmgoer's passions and seduce them somewhat in the process.
Blood Brothers starts off measured, but later on (as if Woo could ever contain himself) busts loose in a wild sprawl of mayhem, raw violence, and blood and guts.
In spite of the fact Woo has a few potent features under his belt, he has yet to recognize the importance of a well-crafted script, story development, or even the need to flesh out characters.In essence, that is his failing.
What we have here, is a classic example of style over substance.
Just a lot of eye candy, Blood Brothers leaves a sickly sweet aftertaste.
No cigar, though!
Air thick with melodrama...