Bangkok Knockout (2010) - ActionFest Buffet 2.0: Plate #5

On the Menu: BANGKOK KNOCKOUT (2010)

Ingredients: Chatchapol Kulsiriwoottichai, Sarawoot Kumsorn, Sorapong Chatree, Gitabak Agohjit, Supakson Chaimongkol, Virat Kemgrad, Krittiya Lardphanna and Speedy Arnold. Directed by Panna Rittikrai. Run time: 107 minutes. Rated: Unrated.

At First Bite: For the first films of Day 3 of ActionFest 2011, I decided to choose this over the 1978 Burt Reynolds flick HOOPER. The other choice was LARGO WINCH, which I had seen the night before. The program mentioned it was the international premiere of the Thai film from director Rittikrai, who was the mentor of Tony Jaa (ONG BAK). I just knew there was going to be a lot of action in it.

A team of stuntmen win a challenge in order to go to Hollywood to star in a film. Well, that's what they were told anyway. During a night of celebration, they're drugged and taken to an area full of abandoned warehouses. Also, one of their girl companions has been kidnapped.

It's all part of the show though. They've become contestants in a game similar to THE RUNNING MAN set up by what appears to be an American. Basically, they end up fighting for their lives while rich people sit in the back of a truck taking bets.

Tough to Swallow: The acting all-around is pretty bad, especially from the group of bettors.

Something to Chew On: Rittikrai portrays the leader of the opposing fighters.

Aftertaste: The movie is chock full of awkward moments, flashbacks, crazy characters and broken English. As I mentioned before, the acting is pretty much horrible. Most of the audience I was with got a few good laughs in at the expense of the villains, e.g., the flamboyant fighting transvestite.

However, the reason to watch this movie is for the stunts. Period.

The wow factor increases with each stunt in the film. One scene includes a death-mobile and a masked man who just won't die (a la Jason Voorhees). You will definitely catch yourself watching this movie on the edge of your seat with your mouth hanging open. It's amazing these people didn't kill themselves trying to do some of this stuff.

I wouldn't necessarily seek it out unless you really love action films.

Rating: