Od kołyski aż po grób

I want to be supportive today, so I'm going to write something positive about this movie. So... well... er... Jet Li says three words and moves his facial muscles twice in the entire movie, and... er... he’s looking for some diamonds, and... yeah, there’s a nice helicopter explosion, and then... er... the script is crap, the whole film is crap, boring as fuck. That this is not being supportive? Yeah, you are right. But I did try. (02.07.2003)

To the accompaniment of hip-hop and rock, American "niggas" and Taiwanese clash under the guidance of a Polish director. So is this a multinational action movie or what? The intellectually engaged viewer will answer no, while the one who turns off their brain just before starting the movie won't care at all. Acclaimed cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak belongs to the category of "producer filmmakers." They don't care what they are filming - it can be anything - as long as they are filming "something." Jet Li, DMX, and stolen black diamonds. Yes, the story is exactly as the previous three clues suggest. I'm tempted to say that it's not about the story, that it's all about the action, but that's not the case with Cradle 2 the Grave. It's not that the action lacks creativity and pace, but there's not as much of it as an action film should have. Despite Jet Li taking the lead role, there is surprisingly little martial arts action in the film, and considering that the "niggas" are armed, the gunfights are also quite scarce. But whenever I remember any scene, I can recall it very precisely. Angry Dobermans, a wrestling arena, or a quad bike. It's not easy to forget, but the fact that I want to remember more is insistent. Jet Li's (non)acting is something I've become accustomed to. DMX is one of those rappers who can also somewhat act. He probably won't get an Oscar, but he doesn't have to worry about the Golden Raspberry either. The quirky, wisecracking character of Tommy played by Anthony Anderson is fantastic. So what if the chances of him actually acting are probably as likely as him losing at least 100 pounds? Even though Cradle 2 the Grave is "just" a disposable action film and it is not advisable to think about it, it barely reaches an average rating because even in this genre, it definitely isn’t among the best, which is a bit surprising considering the director's name. (25.06.2005)

Even a viewer who liked Exit Wounds or Romeo Must Die has to admit that Cradle 2 the Grave is exceedingly dumb. It’s almost as dumb as Van Damme’s Street Fighter. And Jet Li doesn’t have a chance to do anything more than the routine in it. (09.04.2003)