Crimson Rivers: Angels of the Apocalypse

A great mystical joke on the topic of the ultimate end of the world, which tries unsuccessfully to copy all sorts of self-flagellating thrillers, of which there are many in today's pre-apocalyptic epoch. There is a bit of atmosphere at the start, but when the pseudo-biblical colossus gets into motion, it becomes inadvertently ridiculous. Very ethereal angels of the apocalypse, reminiscent of stoned Shaolin monks, a confused expert on symbols who is obviously better versed in cosmetics, the hopelessly uninteresting Jean Reno and the action mannequin Magimel... that's a lot to take in. A sparse plot about a bunch of plugs playing apostles and a bunch of plugs who, for shady reasons, intended to stage the Revelation of St. John. Of course, the manly presentation of Christopher Lee, whose character does not have much motivation, must be present. Some effects by Olivier Dahan’s directing are also hopelessly blurred in the confusing whole and the Dadaist fragmentary dialogues that the screenwriter had to recite from an absinthe bath. Anyway, it's paradoxically quite fun, and at times you might even believe the film’s dark atmosphere. Unfortunately, in the end, you only believe in the unspoken nonsense, which is the only thing that is unfeigned. The main thing is that the film steals the best of Hollywood provenance, but unfortunately with the shaky hands. Dear Frenchmen, America simply will not happen for you. St. John, do you see that? (02/08/2006)

The opening brawl with the drug dealer, which any top action movie wouldn't be ashamed of, indicates that the film has a brisk pace, good camera work and lighting, and professional direction. But what good is all that when the screenplay is so stupid, like a joint effort of inmates from an institution for the mentally challenged in the worst possible condition, additionally fueled by alcohol? True, it can't be taken seriously. Still, if I disregard the missing logic of the plot, I had a decently entertaining time during individual scenes thanks to the aforementioned technical perfection. I can't exactly say what it's about, because I didn't understand Luc Besson (at least I hope I didn't), but for a late evening with a tired mind, it amounts to pretty decent relaxation that doesn't force you to think. Plus, you even get to laugh at certain moments - like when a high-ranking German official turns out to be the leader of a neo-Nazi organization, or when our heroes fight a hooded black monk in a convenience store. Overall impression: 35%. (12/07/2007)

"Purple Rivers 2: Angels of the Apocalypse" is not an adequate continuation of the first film because I constantly had the feeling that the creators were wearing the shoes of those who made the first film, but they didn't realize that they were just too big for them. It's not a completely bad film, there are moments that can captivate you, but they are just moments, not the film as a whole, which is definitely a shame for a crime thriller. (07/29/2015)