Jade

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1970s blaxploitation enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the budget-friendly yet entertaining film “Jade“. Writer-director James Bamford unabashedly draws inspiration from the era, offering a smorgasbord of swords, shootouts, and casualties that would have once thrived on infamous New York City’s 42nd Street.

Much like the films that served as its inspiration, “Jade” isn’t without its flaws. The narrative is rather shallow, some characters lack depth, and occasionally, the movie seems to meander in search of the next major action sequence. However, viewers who appreciate the style of pulpy throwback subgenres will relish the consistent serving of stylish split-screens, excessive slow motion, entertaining Mexican standoffs, and breathtaking gun fu action.

In the movie, martial arts expert and stuntwoman Shaina West takes on the leading role as the character named Jade, a young woman grappling with sorrow and remorse after her brother’s tragic death, which she inadvertently caused. This pivotal detail about her past is hinted at but not fully disclosed in the film. The only remaining family member for Jade seems to be Layla (portrayed by Katherine McNamara), her late brother’s pregnant girlfriend, who is still finding it hard to forgive Jade for the incident.

In my perspective, this gripping movie begins when I find myself in possession of a puzzling hard drive, which has become the coveted prize for a morally bankrupt businessman named Tork, portrayed with characteristic flair by Mickey Rourke, delivering a performance that truly embodies his unique acting style. Simultaneously, an Interpol agent named Reese, who was once my mentor and holds a special place due to his close relationship with my late parents, is also on the hunt for this very same hard drive.

For Jade, determining who to rely on isn’t straightforward, especially when she’s navigating through hordes of menacing adversaries with malicious intentions, all while firing and evading their attacks. Essentially, this narrative boils down to that predicament. Unfortunately, the hard drive proves to be merely a plot device, or in movie terms, a MacGuffin. We encounter only a few minor twists, and there are scarcely any significant revelations. Primarily, Jade transitions from one intense and fashionable action sequence to another.

Individuals seeking a more substantial storyline might consider this movie insignificant. However, “Jade” provides more than just a script, particularly with the captivating performance of Shaina West. She is an energetic and charming embodiment of raw power, meting out brutal vengeance with a playful glint in her eye and a striking full-volume afro as voluminous as her body count. Recollections of Tamara Dobson’s Cleopatra Jones and Pam Grier’s Foxy Brown surface as Bamford bestows West action scene after action scene.

The film ‘Jade’ harks back to the action-packed, no-nonsense era of the 70s exploitation flicks. It’s packed with quick-witted dialogue, clever genre references, and an abundance of gunfire, martial arts, and blade work that will leave any true fan feeling satisfied. While it may have a thin plot and its characters are largely stereotypes, the action is so engaging you might not even notice! ‘Jade’ will be available digitally starting February 18th.

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2025-02-18 18:56