paradux For starters ignore the glowing reviews.The fact is that this is the best film from Adkins since Boyka II -- and we all know that at the time he did SHADOW, the Boyka III was still in development -- yet at the end of the day, when the points are tallied, this is still not a very satisfying movie.And don't take my word for it. Look at the IMDb score and the number of members who voted. Clearly there is slight difference of opinion between the IMDb membership and the "front run" popular reviews saying this is the best thing since sliced bread.As I said, it is a step in the right direction. Since the last Undisputed (Boyka II) Adkins' agents have treated him like a punching bag, throwing him into all kinds of odd roles and odd films -- even some that (gasp!) are purely dramatic, where the only beating that takes place is when you punch out the friend that recommended it.Adkins is game and he tries. But David White's script is a mess. Off the top we kill the pretty pregnant wife of Adkins' character. OK, I am all in favor of getting to the point .. but there is no point. The rest of the film rambles like an old streetcar, toying with themes of revenge. family honor, anger management, and ninjitsu. As for the "big reveal" at the end, I will not dignify it by explaining it and neither should you.Boyka 2016 awaits. And no one needs it more than Adkins himself.

KineticSeoul Scott Adkins is back as the ninja warrior. It's still another cheesy movie, but I personally thought it was fun to watch. Even if the story didn't make much sense sometimes and some parts just seemed random. This is a low budget action movie, but it's still a good one. It's just cool to watch Scott Adkins do what he does best. And to watch a real martial artist in action that knows what he is doing. So yeah, it's has a passable story for a martial arts action movie and the fights are cool to watch and choreographed excellently. Even when it comes to the cinematography you know exactly what is going on, despite the quickness. Sure, there are some parts where the bad guys could have easily killed or apprehended the main character. But it's a movie and it was too distracting. Overall this is a cool martial arts ninja movie. Even if the ninja and stealth elements aren't really shown much.6/10

Anssi Vartiainen Ninja: Shadow of a Tear continues the story of Casey Bowman (Scott Adkins), an American raised in a Japanese dojo. Since the events of the first film, Casey has settled down to run the dojo after the demise of his master. But now a new threat rears its head as his pregnant is murderer while he's out for groceries. Fueled by rage, Casey travels to Thailand in order to avenge his wife.This film works as a sequel. It continues the storyline instead of just telling the exact same story with new villains, the old cast is back and the story stays faithful to the characters. Furthermore, Adkins is still very believably in his role, both physically and mentally. The tone of the film is perhaps even darker than in the original, and it show's in Adkins' acting. His brooding and occasional bouts of rage feel justified - not just merely cheap tricks to make him seem more antiheroish - especially when his true character shines through most of the time.The action and the fight scenes are still the best part of this franchise. Adkins is a skilled martial artist and the film makers have a good eye for shooting the fights in a way that makes them seem exciting and new. There's flair to them, but no so much that it seems unrealistic.Ninja: Shadow of a Tear is easily recommended for all those that enjoyed the first film and want to see more. It's also a good martial arts action film in general.

genji-hth-106-891191 I have never been a fan of Florentine's work. But I do like Ninjas so I thought I'd give it a try. Although my expectations were not high seeing how it is a Florentine movie and a DTV release I was still underwhelmed.Despite the many things I didn't like with this film the action never left me disappointed. The choreographies were varied but still seemed to have a underlying foundation and therefore fit really well together. The cinematography and editing during the fight scenes was also to my liking. Every strike was well executed and comprehensible.Unfortunately that is about the only good thing this movie got going. I am not gonna nag about the thin plot - it's a DTV action flick what did I expect? Well, for starters I expected some darn Ninjas! But to be fair you get half a Ninja at the very end of the movie. When Adkins puts on a Ninja outfit, recites the 9 levels of power, does exactly 1 stealth kill and then starts blowing the whole place up....so much for that Ninja action promised in the title. Why not name it "Burma Knockout" or "Gaijin Revengeance" instead? You might as well...Another thing that really bugged me was the cinematography and editing outside of the fight scenes. Often times there was soft focus or very uninspired shots mixed together with some oddly paced cuts sometimes resulting in unintentionally funny moments.Though I won't critique the plot i will criticize the characters and their motives. I mean, I want to see Adkins beat up a bunch of Asian guys as much as everybody else but I find it a little unjustified to mow down a whole bar just because one a**hole made you spill your beer. Also the film had seemed to get this weird message across that revenge can get you happiness and inner peace...they never say it out loud but it is always kind of there.Looking at the other reviews and the 6+ rating it makes me wonder if I maybe have watched a different movie. Of course the action is superb but nothing more - not the best. And besides that the movie has nothing more to offer. Not to mention that it barely even delivers what the title promisesHence my rating: 3/10 3 stars entirely for the very well executed and very well captured action.