Hit & Run

A lighter variation on the Indonesian cult-classic The Raid, with Joe Taslim and Yayan Ruhian beating each other up again. There hasn't been better martial arts film since The Night Comes for Us. The film could be split into two halves, with the first being a wacky comedy about a cop played by Joe Taslim, he is a local celebrity, constantly has cameramen on his back and does all his police work for his own show. Joe Taslim proves here that besides shooting, kicking, punching and swinging a sword, he can handle humor and enjoys his role beautifully. The style of humour may not suit everyone, but at least two scenes are downright seizure inducing. The second half switches to a more serious note, with Joe Taslim going up against the dreaded Kingpin Yayan Ruhian, and here begins the ultimate martial arts Inferno, which is pleasantly reminiscent of The Raid in its locations and fighting style. The finale is over half an hour long, with Joe Taslim going through rooms and using his talents to the fullest. There's a fight in a pretty narrow hallway, and the Female fight in the kitchen is not to be missed, it culminates in an intense basement fight with Ruhian that lasts about five minutes and is a dream duel for all action fans. The cinematography is great, the choreography is elaborate, dynamic and intense. My only criticism perhaps is that they skimp on the gore, but that can be forgiven thanks mainly to Tatiana Saphira, who is a babe! The Raid laid the groundwork, The Night Comes for Us evolved the violence to another level and Hit and Run culminates the "trilogy" in a light-hearted way, and thankfully all levels work. P Story***, Action*****, Humor***, Violence**, Entertainment****, Music****, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense***. 8/10. (16.11.2020)