Genre: Action

The limited plot makes it impossible to get involved with any of the characters and the sheer volume of fight scenes quickly forces them to become tiresome.

The lack of urgency and often confusing nature of the plot means ‘Armageddon’ is never as engaging or exciting as it could have been.

The last twenty minutes alone are worth anyone’s money, as you will undoubtedly rewind in order to be repeatedly amazed by one of the greatest physical performers of any generation.

For anyone new to Jackie Chan, ‘Armour Of God II: Operation Condor’ is a must-see film that shows how incredible the Hong Kong superstar was in his prime.

A tapestry of emotion, audaciously flashing backwards and forwards and shifting voice-overs to piece together the moments that have led the characters to the barren wastes of the desert.

Not quite as bad as the above descriptions might make it sound but far too barmy, slapdash and low rent to be fully successful with its intentions.

Even though Oshii has an impressive eye for visuals, he really needs to invest more time into the overall package as this is sadly lacking in depth.

A personal story told on a grand scale ‘Assembly’ is as good as war flicks get, finding a near perfect balance between a personal journey and large scale combat.

Some may dismiss this merely as ‘The Matrix’ with opera. Others will agree it is an example of science fiction using its brain as well as its trigger finger.

Adkins and Johnson go full force here and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, ‘Avengement’ is another hit for the duo and showcase for the unprecedented talents of Scott Adkins.

This is only for the war history (and propaganda/sentimentality pushing) completist out there. Those wanting a war combat fix best look elsewhere.

It may be a different genre but Kitamura proves he is not just a one trick pony and still knows how to successfully shoot the action and keep the characters interesting throughout.