Michael Jai White Stars in Straight-to-Video Street Fight DVD Drama
After Isaiah Bone (Michael Jai White) is paroled from the penitentiary he has a hard time finding a legit line of work so he can provide for his loyal and patient wife, Tamara (Nona Gaye). So, given that he's buff and good with his fists and feet, he descends upon the underground street fighting scene where rumor has it that a purse can be as much as $5 million. Of course, even in back alley brawling, you still have to work your way to the top before you can get a piece of the reigning champ.
Just like when he was behind bars, Bones proves to be invincible. And it isn't long before he's wiped out all the other contenders, leaving a trail of crumpled bodies littered around and writhing on the ground in his wake, much like a black Bruce Lee. Still, his march to the big showdown with Pretty Boy Bryce isn't without complications, as the local mob boss, Franklin McVeigh (Julian Sands), wants a cut of the action. Plus, the dastardly McVeigh has a damsel-in-distress in need of rescue, angelic Angela (Michelle Belegrin).
Directed by Ben Ramsey, Blood and Bone is a decent, low-budget splatter affair for folks who care more about body counts and orchestrated martial arts stunts than a coherent storyline. Michael Jai White (Spawn) makes a convincing case here that he deserves future consideration as an action star on the order of a Vin Diesel or a Sylvester Stallone.
A take no prisoners flick featuring plenty of balls-out action for the bloodlust demo.
Very Good (2.5 stars)
Rated R for profanity, ethnic slurs, sexuality, drug use and graphic violence.
Running time: 93 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Extras: Commentary with director Ben Ramsey and the cast, and a "Behind-the-Scenes" featurette.
To order a copy of Blood and Bone, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FU8JTW?ie=UTF8&tag=thslfofire-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002FU8JTW
To see a trailer for Blood and Bone,
Kam Williams is a syndicated film and book critic who writes for 100+ publications. He is a member of the New York Film Critics Online, the African-American Film Critics Association, and the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee. Contact him through NewsBlaze.
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