The 3D format
has become a hugely moneymaking gimmick, and one which has certainly played a
large role in giving audiences a reason to see a film in theaters rather than
waiting for home entertainment or downloading illegally. We have seen from
successes like Avatar, The Avengers and Gravity in the United States
Brighter,
slower, with less detail seems to be the key to making 3D effects that pop
without being disorienting, but these same characteristics can be poisonous to
the same film in 2D. Though Hark has managed to pull off some magnificent
sequences near the end of the film, the first half has more than a few moments
which scream out artifice. Fortunately, there is also the success of the
previous film in the franchise to fall back on, providing much more than visual
effects to drive the film.
Detective Dee is something of a Sherlock Holmes type character,
with the added ability of martial arts to help solve the 7th-Century
mystery. Rather than a direct sequel, Rise of the Sea Dragon is a prequel with
Mark Chao replacing Andy Lau as Dee Renjie. His very first case in the Imperial
police force involves a massive conspiracy and parasites that have the ability
to mutate human beings once infected. This story often unnecessarily convoluted
with many characters and a variety of motives, landing much more clarity in the
action sequences than in the narrative. At 134 minutes, I was surprised by how
few sequences utilize Dee ’s mental abilities
in solving the mystery, instead focusing on bringing several characters into
the fold and making them fight their way into resolution.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Disc Features: 1/10
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