DOA Dead or AlivePosted by Thorsen Reed on February 21st, 2021 Although brainless in every respect, Newt Arnold's beating orgy “Bloodsport” is still one of the genre classics after eighteen years - an almost story-free little film that one likes to watch again and again on TV repeats. And what could the undemanding man's heart desire more than a Jean-Claude Van Damme whipping around absolutely pointless? Right, four absolutely pointless hard-body models, who preferably don't wear more than a super-tight bikini! And that's exactly what you get in Cory Yuen's martial arts comedy "Dead Or Alive", which is the third computer game adaptation by successful producer Bernd Eichinger after Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. The fact that, despite the appealing ingredients, the expected trash exhilaration does not arise, is primarily due to the fact that the story too often digresses from its quick-witted girls and the stylish fights to also include a completely superfluous, extremely annoying science Accommodate fi conspiracy. What do the blonde master thief Christie (pop singer Holly Valance), who leaves just as positive an impression in a sensual shower as in a brutal duel, the outcast Princess Kasumi (Devon Aoki, Sin City, 2 Fast 2 Furious), the wrestling amazon Tina (Jaime Pressly, Hart am Limit), who likes to beat up a whole team of armed pirates to the teeth in her free time and the shy beauty Helena (Sarah Carter, Final Destination 2) together? They all belong to the absolute elite in their special fighting style and they are all invited to the "Dead Or Alive", the most important - albeit illegal - martial arts event in the world. On a mysterious island, under the supervision of the opaque Dr. chinese movies online (Julia's big brother Eric Roberts) compete against each other - the winner should receive the proud sum of ten million dollars for his victory. But already after the first round, the signs are growing that Donovan has more than just the fair hosting of the tournament in mind ... "Dead Or Alive" is the film adaptation of a very one-dimensional fighting game and doesn't even try to hide it. And even the completely over-the-top staged introduction, in which the personal backgrounds of the fighters are illuminated in a trashy-amusing way, proves that this completely meaningless, but all the more fast-paced concept can certainly work. As soon as the participants land on the island by parachute, which looks like a mixture of spring break party paradise and high-tech villain den, the pace suffers from the story that is far too frayed for a simple beating film, but of course by no means complex . On the one hand, there is the tournament with its stylishly choreographed fights, in which not a single drop of blood flows in accordance with PG-13, but always with an appropriate dose of sex appeal. The CGI effects are deliberately close to the computer game template, which means that the fighting sequences can even boast a slightly surreal touch in their best moments. The highlights of these pleasantly level and entertaining passages are the beach volleyball match supported by absurd animations and a wet T-shirt fight in the pouring rain - in these stronger scenes, even very careful parallels to the genre dominance Kung Fu Hustle can be drawn.
On the other hand, there is unfortunately also the conspiracy in the background, which is quickly and surely taking up more and more space. The rather helpless, 08-15-like cobbled-together plot spreads just as little tension as the pale Eric Roberts (Phat Girlz, National Security) can throw villain charms into the pan. With “Bloodsport” you can accept the hollow story because apart from the tournament itself it simply doesn't have any. On the other hand, if you try harder, it usually ends in awkward embarrassment - and this is exactly the case with "Dead Or Alive". Naivety doesn't always have to be something bad - but in this form it is an insult to the viewer. There is still a huge difference between entertaining-trashy level-headedness and drowsy-boring sci-fi slapstick, which even makes Agent Cody Banks 2 seem like a visionary masterpiece.
Cory Yuen, who made his directorial debut in the USA with “Dead Or Alive” after some Hong Kong actioners, after having previously worked as the stunt choreographer of “Leathel Weapon 4” and “Romeo Must Die” and as co-director of The Transporter Hollywood- Gaining experience, presents himself as a solid craftsman, especially in the action scenes. However, one would have, precisely because all the girls supposedly represent their own fighting style
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