Well, where to begin?

Let's start here - I heard about this a long time ago and looked forward to it...for years, as the release date was pushed back several times, which is never a good sign.  Filming took place in early 2011, and Production Company interferance, altered scripts, reshoots, and finally pushed back release dates kept this thing away from theaters for a long time...too long.

Originally bugeted at a whopping $175 Million, insiders say that after everything was said and done, that $175 Million probably was more like $225 Million.

How did it do?  Very, very poorly - $38 Million at the NABO and another $113 Million overseas, resulting in a very underwhelming $151 Million WWBO, which is said to have really hurt Universal's bottom line in 2013.

So, was it that bad?  I sure don't think so.  In fact, I enjoyed it.

First of all, it's a classic true Japanese historical story that has been shot in different ways many times over the years, but this is the first Hollywood telling of the tale.  And maybe that's what set peeps off, as magic, dragons, witches, and other Hollywood type elements were added to make it come off as more epic in scale.

True or not, it's a classic story that we've all seen in one way or another many times.  A group of outcasts fights back to regain their honor (and their master's honor) against an evil lord and his evil peeps.  Cliche?  Sure, but still fun.

Scenery is great.  Battles pretty well done.  FX are hit and miss, but overall, pretty good, IMO.  But, pretty good doesn't cut it when you've got some $200 Million to play with - everything could have been better.

Although I enjoyed it, I do see many elements that needed work, most notably, several big important scenes were too short, while other less important scenes were too long.  The film also covers years and many, many different locales, and things aren't held together quite right.

And then we come to our friend, Keanu Reeves.  I think it's a love him, hate him thing in terms of his acting, and my bet is that most weren't showering him with love after this.  He's OK, IMO, but he's always dull and nonemotive, and once again, this is on display here.

Another dagger through the heart may have to do with the fact that although this is definitely a Hollywood production, the ending is downright bleak and sad, but that's how it really ended in real life, so I think they were kind of stuck in what they had to do.  I did not know the story beforehand and was rather shocked how it ended.  Beleive it or not, I was also sad.

But, in comparing this the other movies I saw this week - Godzilla and The Monuments Men, this was an easy winner and I'd actually even recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of flick.

Grade - B

This is the forth version of this story I've seen. While I don't remember the other 3 very well. I remember not liking them. I hated this.

I like Keanu. I think he has "good guy" charisma. I want to cheer for him but this whole movie was just plain horrible. It even looks very cheaply shot for such a big budget movie.

I've looked at this a few times, but every time I just think... NO! Don't do it.... save your money.


Looks a bit wank, I have to admit. I love martial arts films. I just can't see it with Keanu.

If it hits Netflix then I'll watch it.

Quoted Text So, was it that bad?  I sure don't think so.  In fact, I enjoyed it.

Overall---I have to agree. I heard bad stuff about it, one character poster showed a freaky dude who showed up for a few seconds...bu there was some nice stuff in there. I think folks didn't take the lead seriously, I think some of the FX and creatture stuff were "huh" moments. In fact, that was a "hyh" moment for me too. The opening hunt, the supernatural monks in the cave (and the battle therein) the backstory -origins of the lead chatacter (huh???)  and ob the plus side there's a touching love story which ends in...all the Ronin dying at the end due to politics and prcking order (even though the self sacrifice was one of the few elements of reality)

The stylised and supernatural/fantasy angle, while interesting on its own, feels like it belongs in another movie. But is it a terrible film? Not in the least.