(2008)
Donald Guarisco
The low-budget action flick is a refreshing throwback to the genre's older days. Blood And Bone plays like the kind of amiable, no-nonsense programmer that Jean Claude Van-Damme might have done in the early phase of his career. Michael Andrews' script cleverly mixes motifs from blaxploitation films, crime movies and kung-fu flicks into a confident effort that delivers plenty of action with an above-average level of characterization and some snappy dialogue. Ben Ramsey directs the film in a stylish and low-key manner, capturing the fights in an efficient, judiciously staged style that shows off their excellent fight choreography and getting solid, non-campy performances from his cast. In terms of acting, Eamonn Walker does well with his showy role as a mid-level crime boss and Julian Sands oozes smarmy evil in a brief role as Walker's higher-up. However, the film is carried by Michael Jai White, who offers a quietly charismatic turn on the hero that allows his formidable presence and impressive martial arts skills do the talking. All in all, Blood And Bone is a strong action programmer that delivers the goods for genre fans.
Blood and Bone on AllMovie
Blood and Bone (2008)
