Genre: Sci-Fi

A bit like a SyFy Channel movie mixed with an Adkins actioner, ‘Abduction’ is ninety or so minutes of sci-fi silliness coupled with action awesomeness featuring two of the best screen fighters around.

For a change, ‘Alien Vs. Ninja’ is an amusingly titled, low budget action movie that actually lives up to expectations.

Perhaps some fans may have fun trying to spot the obvious influences, but beyond that it’s hard to see why it would be worthy of your time.

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

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.

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.

Slickly helmed by stunt guy and first-time director Heo Myung-Haeng, ‘Badland Hunters’ is some rollicking fun not to be taken too seriously.

‘Battle Royale’ is a fast-paced, intense and emotionally charged film that goes where most filmmakers would never dare and produces a highly recommended movie for fans of all genres.

The core concept remains relatively fresh and the switch in style to more of a war-like epic works in the film’s favour.

‘Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes’ has enough effortless charm and genuine heart to mean that this is more than just an exercise in playing that beloved narrative device of time-travel.

‘Big Man Japan’ isn’t always quite as quirky and clever as it thinks it is but is nevertheless another entertaining example of why Japanese cinema is at the forefront of the unique and creative.

The action is still impressive, and deserves 4 stars, but the direction, annoying camera work and lack of real plot drag it down into the 3 star category.