Universal Soldier : Regeneration (aka A New Beginning) Review

In the world of entertainment and movies, growing up is the 80s meant one thing. Growing up with action movies. From juggernauts like Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and your temperamental good cops like Willis and Seagal you get all sorts of memorable characters that you have grown to love and grasp it as part of your childhood (yea its usually rated R, but no one gives a sh*t and we turned out fine :)).

Oh hell yea!

The original "Universal Soldier" (UniSol) came out when I was 11 (Hint: Same year as the Barcelona Olympics). I remember watching the tape many times over (no internet back in the day, and my Micro Genius was locked up on weekdays), watching the then 'in his prime' Jean-Claude Van Damme go all out against 'Ivan Drago/He-Man/Punisher' Dolph Lundgren.

"Universal Soldier" was not the greatest of action films, but it did make a stamp in my brain (im sure most Gen X kids agree) and will probably always be there. Heck, two dead Vietnam vets (1 crazed and 1 righteous) get reanimated in the 1990s as supersoldiers? Ingenious!

Fast forward 18 years whilst forgetting the abomination that was "Universal Soldier: The Return" (and the other 2 lesser known TV sequels; the latest film ignores them as well) and you get "Universal Soldier: Regeneration", or A New Beginning as it's known on these shores.

What a crap poster.

Little advertising and marketing led me to only find out about this movie just over a couple of months ago, and when I saw the trailer for the first time, my chronological thoughts are as follows.."Damn this looks cheap as hell...Woah, Van Damme looks old....OMFG Dolph Lundgren is BACK!! And with UFC champ Andrei Arlovski!"

I write this after coming back from the cinema from watching this and I must say that this movie is extremely disappointing and has taken away the dignity of the two main characters from the original movie. I can't believe that Lundgren even actually signed up for this.

They don't look so bad here. Go watch the trailer. Gawd.

The story is crap. The colour scheme in the entire movie is crap. The UniSol's head gear look like used spraypainted webcams. Van Damme can hardly be seen doing any of his trademark moves. All he does is sulk. Lundgren is hardly given anything worthwhile to do. The actors are too damn old (a Rocky Balboa this is not!). I personally feel cheated and robbed of the JCVD/Lundgren rematch of the ages. I won't spoil more. A sequel to UniSol definitely has potential in this day and age, but the treatment for this was really off target. The first five minutes from the original movie is better than 1.5 hours of this crap.

As usual with B-grade flick, the ending suggests a sequel. I say leave JCVD out of it. But then again, who wants to watch a UniSol movie without him.

WWE Superstar Weekly Countdown - #10 Evan Bourne

As it is a mere 11 weeks left until my pilgrimage to Vince McMahon, I will be doing a weekly countdown of the 10 WWE superstars that I am most eager to watch in action, live on RAW & Smackdown.

#10
EVAN BOURNE

He may not be the biggest of competitors, but Evan Bourne's athleticism is definitely impressive and I can't wait to watch this guy flip through the air and go 'air bourne'

Championships held: None

Bry's Top Ten Cities To Visit Before Life Ends

10. Seoul (S.Korea)


The capital of South Korea. Many of us Malaysians have been brainwashed by the countless Korean movies and TV serials which serve as not only for entertainment, but as a way of promoting their country as well.
Remark: A Winter Sonata

9. Rome (Italy)

Rome. A city rich with history, art, and culture. What was once one of the most powerful empires in the world is now a historical landmark. The Colosseum, and museums should be places not to miss... and not to mention, the Vatican City.
Remark: When in Rome, do as the Romans do

8. Tokyo (Japan)


One of Asia's top destination spots, Tokyo is a haven for electronics and Japanese culture. Merely 70 years ago, the Zeros were feared but is now the country that manufactures the likes of Toyotas and Hondas. Where be them geishas?
Remark: Drift Drift Drift!


7. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)


My top pick for the continent of South America would be Rio in Brazil due to its urban skyline and its beaches.
Remark: Copa..copacabana! & find the girl from Ipanema

6. Berlin (Germany)


Once split into two by a wall, is a major center of culture, politics, media, and science in Europe
Remark: Take my breath awayyy...err, waitaminute.

5. Bangkok (Thailand)


The nearest city from KL on my top 10 cities list is Bangkok, Thailand. Many of my friends have already visited the bustling city and came back with rave reviews and also bagsful of clothes and trinkets.
Remark: One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster, the bars are temples but the pearls ain't free... To tailor make a 'Bangkok Dangerous' suit and pants!

4. London (United Kingdom)


London will be the first city on my list to be crossed out this coming April. Can't wait to explore the many landmarks and football stadiums around the city.
Remarks: Will check on the integrity of London Bridge to see if it's falling down. Perhaps meet a fair lady in the process.

3. Paris (France)


Another city I hope to cross out this year is Paris. Insyaallah..*I mean Godwilling, I would have enough quid to hop on a train and bullit across the channel and grab some strudels and baguettes! A photo with the Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) is a MUST.
Remarks: Either 'one night in Paris' or.. not.

2. New York City (USA)


The top two cities on my list are in the United States of America. New York City is one of the most populated cities in the country. The location for movies like Ghostbusters, King Kong, The Godfather, Highlander, Die Hard With A Vengeance, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, X-Men... (and the list never ends). Landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, ground zero WTC, and the Rockefeller Center are places just not to be missed. Oh, and Hot Dogs with everything on 'em.
Remarks: If only Central Perk was real.

.
..
*drum roll*

And the number 1 city to visit before life ends....


1. Los Angeles (USA)
The City Of Angels. Hollywood. 90210. Need I say more?
Remarks: *Baywatch theme song plays in head*

Extra-curricular activities for 2010