In the late 90s, I went on a kung fu rampage, driven largely by the American introductions of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. My interest waned a few years later for whatever reason, but now I’m feeling the itch to get back into the swing kick of things. Triple Threat, which stars Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, and Tiger Hu Chen as the “triple threat,” seemed like a good enough place to start.
Seemed is the key word.
Triple Threat is an entertaining, fast-paced action-thriller—as long as you don’t mind somewhat generic kung fu and a throwaway plot.
The plot, which is really just an excuse to get to the action, has something to do with a businesswoman (Celina Jade) who becomes the target of mercenaries after she vows to take down a major crime syndicate. She is protected by a ragtag group of fighters who have various reasons to take down the same enemy.
The action, meanwhile, is decent but far from stellar. Triple Threat, which also features Scott Adkins and Michael Jai White, has plenty of talent in front of the camera, and director Jesse V. Johnson does a fine job of giving each cast member plenty of time to shoot, punch, and kick their way to the next scene. But none of the action stands out in any way or form; for as much shooting, punching, and kicking there is, Johnson and fight coordinator Tim Man don’t bother assembling any of it into something notable. No individual action sequence stands out in any way or form, and that’s a shame.
As I dip my toes back into the world of kung fu movies—and no, I don’t proclaim nor intend to be a kung fu movie connoisseur—I realize my threshold for something unique will be high. Triple Threat is a fun little movie, but it’s one that will easily be forgotten among greater films.
Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.