There are some people that find this flick impressively done and others that butcher it. I am in between in this picture, it has its ups and downs.

I love how the picture looks, it has nice visuals. And the violence is brutally shot. But we also have a terrible score and wooden acting. Yes, I know this is supposed to be a stylish flick, but too much style can ruin a movie, and with this movie the style just dragged on sometimes. It's pure modern cult cinema, and with cult films you either love it or hate it or pick some great stuff from the movie.

I am giving it two and half stars. It has its moments but that's about it. I'll recommend it to any art students out there for its colorful look.

It's not all retro, though. There are zooms, extreme bullet close-ups, and all sorts of cinematic surprises that pop up out of nowhere.

The result: a catchy piece of innovative entertainment that's years ahead of its time.

You can just feel the creative energy throughout its 110 minute duration. And just when you think you've think the visual novelty has reached its maximum potential, the next scene happens and your appreciation is renewed all over again.

There's something for everyone -- old folks will appreciate it because it looks like a movie of their time. Women will enjoy it because of the heart warming love story. Action fans will dig the pleasant amount of action and explicit violence. And if you're cool enough to let some kids watch it, they'll be glued to the screen in deep fascination.

Keep in mind that a lot of the scenes are intentionally campy, cartoonish and may go over people's heads. Even then, they'll realize how good this film works.

Tears of the Black Tiger is one of those movies that promises everything you see in the trailer and a lot more.