Unleashed Movie Review by Meh

The movie itself although an action movie really is I think put best as a Human Drama as Hakeem called it ( Hakeems Unleashed Movie Review ) The movie opens with a Bang as Bart or "The Governer" as his lackies call him, takes the leash off of Danny and says "kill em" and Danny goes from trance like dog, to killing machine. As an avid martial artist having studied my entire life I love to see a good martial artist work. This movie Jet Li had a unique "animal" style. Unlike traditional Martial Arts where you focus on your assailant that is in your focus, or attacking you, Jet Li takes on an Animal like quality.

Rather then focusing on defending himself he focuses on hurting you. Other people may be punching him in the back of the head or hitting him with blunt objects, but if your in his sights that is all he is focused on. Two moves which demonstrated this: A "goon" throws a punch at Danny. Rather then blocking it like most martial artists would he takes it full on with the top of his head. Class! Made everyone cheer. He then follows that up with chasing after another goon and one of his buddies grabs him by the hair. Fear not, he just rips his own hair out to get at his foe. Like a caged animal that has just been set free.

Bob Hoskins as the "street boss" with a great gig is excellent. His one great thing is Danny. Nobody messes with him so long as he has Danny. The one time somebody does it just made for one of the best scenes in the entire movie. Bart "The Governor" is overtaken and Danny stands with his leash on just staring into space like a caged animal. Soon as that leash comes off though its game time .. or should we say... killing time. Great chemistry between Danny and Bart and definitely the choice of Bob Hoskins as the villain was a good one. You feel for him at times, you hate him at times, but most of all you love the character and appreciate his talents.

Jet Li proved two things in this movie. Number one that he still has it when it comes to stomping action, and a unique fighting style that never gets tired. Secondly he proved that he can act, and carry a scene. When the collar goes on he transforms into a mute character with no will of his own, when it comes off he is a killing machine... literally.

Morgan Freeman and Kerry Conrad also did outstanding work in this film playing their roles well. I think that more then anything this movie is a drama that tells a sad story, about a boy, who becomes a dog and then becomes a man. Overall I give this movie a 8/10 and fans of The Professional and other great Jet Li films like Kiss The Dragon will appreciate and love this movie.

Jet Li's character evolution in this movie is excellent. He is the key character and Morgan Freeman's character of the blind piano tuner plays well to that character. You dont feel things being overdone and not for one minute did I feel something was out of place. Another film well done with great talent and skill by all involved.