The Film
One of the reviews quoted in the press materials for Game of Death notes that this is "Snipes' best performance since the Blade Trilogy." That pretty much sums up what you can expect from this action heist film. What exactly has Wesley Snipes done since the last Blade film? Because it seems his only recent performance was pretending that he didn't have to pay his taxes.
This is worth mentioning because watching the film it is hard to know what you feel sorrier about for poor Snipes. That is he in jail or that he had to endure making this film. Speaking of which, the movie features the actor as an undercover CIA agent who gets caught up in heist that involves his trusted team suddenly going rogue. It begins with Snipes being told he needs to go undercover, and suddenly flashes forward six months later where he's the trusted security agent of a very bad man. In 85 minutes there is a chase through the streets of Detroit, a shootout in a hospital (perhaps to seem reminiscent of the Hong Kong thriller Hard Boiled) and plenty of cardboard looking sets with acting even flatter. In the end, Snipes must have felt like he couldn't escape Death or taxes.
The Picture
The film varies in its picture quality, with a somewhat muted tone throughout. The filmmakers tried to jazz it up with a few frames in black and white, a couple moments were action is sped up and even some gimmicky quick cuts. The 2.35:1 presentation is also a bit soft. There are no noticeable distractions or artifacts but the picture just isn't that crisp, suggesting this was shot with less than the highest quality equipment.
The Sound
As to the audio quality, this one is almost as flat as the acting from Snipes, Robert Davi and Zoe Bell. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack features dialog that is muddled at times, with many sequences that were clearly looped in post production and with sound effects lacking any resonance or body. The gun shots are mere pops, and even the car chase lacks any thunder. There is discrete use of surround sound at times, but nothing that was close to impressive.
The Extras
On the bonus feature front there are six mini-featurettes that include mildly interesting tidbits on the cast, working with the director and even shooting in Detroit. But for a film that is pretty bad it is hard to get into the bonus material. In fact, it is slightly painful to see how hopeful the cast was about the film - especially after you've already seen the final results.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those direct to video films that you don't expect to be very good. The problem is that this one is simply beyond bad. It is filled with so many plot holes, unanswered questions and key points - such as how $100 million doesn't really divide up that well with a big gang, unless you expect someone to come in and take most of it out! But like the bad guys looking for a payday, we think that's what Snipes had in mind. A pay day to let Death take care of some of the taxes.
Product Details
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