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Some good choreography, but it makes you realize how much decent foley, camerawork, and picture quality add to a fight. This is what your nerdy AV club friends would have made in high school if they happened to be great martial artists and fight choreographers. Didn't care for it. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | N | I totally understand what you're saying, but the quality of the stunts and fights here is just so incredibly high that I can't let the budget tarnish it for me. | Choco |
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Great flick. The low budget takes away from the overall film but adds a bit of charm. The movie is funny and action packed. The fights are QUALITY. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys martial arts movies. | | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Who has not seen this film yet? It's totally insane and action crazy. I loved everything about this film. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | Right On!! | Little Dragon Fan | | Y | yes it is insane! the movie is one fun film. I enjoyed it because the crew worked so hard on making a movie for people who love this genre. It's crazy, it makes no sense, but it works because it's fun. | JV47842 | | N | this movie was not five star good my friend. Dum screen play. also, you should look at the whole picture before you rate a movie. I view a movie like 3 times before I rate, you should do that same. | I love you rater haters | | Y | | KungfuManiac | | Y | | Choco |
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The action in this movie is amazing, and the acting isn't as bad as some make it out to be; but what is missing for me is any semblance of a likeable character!! Every character is nothing short of a selfish a$$hole. Had there been one character to root for, I probably would have given this 4 1/2 stars. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Umm...no...sorry this doesn't do it for me. Sure, it's good enough if you don't mind a few athletic people who were sitting around at home who decided to make a movie using their old camcorder and a couple of trampolines, but that's not what I pay to see. A cool piece of footage if they made it for free viewing on YouTube, but not to sell on DVD. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | N | With the limited budget this project had, the stunts and martial arts action still rivals anything hollywood pushes on us- like editing thats so bad you can't comprehend any of the fighting techniques on screen-image what they can do with a mega budget | Little Dragon Fan | | N | I actually just watched this film again last night and was even more impressed this time around. The fights and camerawork are truly incredible, whether you consider the budgetary constraints or not. It's a phenomenal achievement in martial arts cinema. | Choco |
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| "Contour" was made by a bunch of martial artists and stunt people who call themselves simply: The Stunt People. These are some crazy, but VERY talented mo-fo's. Anyhow, these guys and dolls have been making martial arts/fu/action shorts for some time now and in 2006-07 produced and released their first full-length feature film, "Contour". Eric Jacobus, one of the founders of The Stunt People, wrote, directed and starred in "Contour". For those of you who know of Ed Wood, Jr. and his films, there is some similarity between "Contour" and Wood films in their shoestring budgets, poor acting, and horrible scripts--but that's where the similarities end. If Wood could kick arse like Jacobus he'd not be simply remembered as the worst director of all time but the worst director of all time that no one would dare tell that to for fear of getting their head crushed. Anyhow, "Contour's" plot is thin at best--hell I can't rightly tell you what the plot is--but it's okay since the plot and character developments are just means to connect the various awesome fight scenes. This movie is one fight to the next, with many lasting so long one will get tired just watching these guys/girls beat each other relentlessly. The fight scene near the end of the movie is nearly 20 minutes in length and is a masterpiece. Nevermind that all the characters in the movie are played by a handful of people (they wear masks of various types, many times causing me to laugh out loud at how stupid it all looks, to shield that they are in fact the same guys/girls); the entire budget of the movie (~$5000) was likely spent on water (for obvious rehydration), food, and medical bills (there is no way it was spent on much more); and that NO ONE in the cast can act (Jacobus is a pretty decent fu version of Bruce Campbell--even looks a little like him)--this is simply a tour de force of fu action. You will wince 30-30 times I gaurantee! The DVD [I watched] also has a docu on the making of "Contour" and The Stunt People, as well as several shorts and training pieces--all quite amazing. I highly recommend it--but don't expect great (or even good---mark that decent) cinema, you need to watch this knowing it's low budget for film, but as high a 'budget' for action as anything out there.
4.5 stars - deducting 0.5 stars for low-rent nature of script and acting (feels wrong to give it a 5 outright). |
| | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | Well said! I'm with you on this one. One of my favorites! | Little Dragon Fan | | Y | I agree with your points. | JV47842 |
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Probably my favorite American martial arts film since "Drive". Got bored with most of the Hong Kong stuff released in the last 10 years. This reminded me of why I loved all the classic Jackie Chan stuff like "Miracles" and the "Project A" flicks. It's great to see guys that aren't just satisfied with making a great American action film but want to be among the best in the world. Just a fun, entertaining film with the most amazing action choreography. If you are a fan of martial arts films, then this will not disappoint. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | Well said, couldn't agree more. Definitely reminds me of the good (and fun!) old days of HK action. | Choco |
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CONTOUR is a showcase of the crazy action and great martial arts choreography from The Stunt People. If you're looking for a fun fighting flick, you won't be disappointed. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | "Contour" is fun! It has a wild story that is very imaginative. The story maybe zany, the choreography is impressive. The film is a blast for everyone. | JV47842 |
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This $5000 production out of San Francisco will completely blow you away on the action side of things and try your fast-forward reflexes during everything else. The story about drug-runners and a guy who gives tours is nothing but padding between some of the most exhilarating fight scenes of the year. Ignore the nails on a chalkboard acting and concentrate instead of the ball-bustlingly perfect (in direction, editing, and performance) fisticuffs that make up 2/3 of this opus. Mark my words, director/star/editor Eric Jacobus is going to be blow up in the action world any day now. I only hope he promises never to write again. Ever. The DVD is stacked with a better than average commentary, a thorough hour long making of doc, some STUNTPEOPLE short films and tons of bloopers that will have you wincing every 10 seconds. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | One of the most entertaining action flicks in a long time. Regarding the action-ranks right up there with any Hollywood or Hong Kong mega budget production . | Little Dragon Fan | | Y | Contour is an off the wall hilarious slapstick with great references to the 1980's martial arts film. Good review. And agree with your opinion about Eric Jacoubs. | KungfuManiac |
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Completely ridiculous plot, but some exceptional fight scenes on a low budget. Some of the comedy was fun, but got tiring and quite annoying. The acting was simply terrible. Eric Jacobus and company rock when it comes to fights. Additional kudos for the extras and behind the scenes stuff. I can only imagine if there was additional funds for a better camera, lights, and a more experienced crew. A definite must-see for the fights!!!! | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Ever wonder what would happen if all the guys that work at your local Toyota dealership decided to make a kung fu movie? Then watch this. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | N | These guys are talented | Little Dragon Fan | | N | So all of the guys at your local Toyota dealership are talented martial artists/choreographers and can easily kick the crap out of you? Nice. Hugs and kisses, The Bottle Kids. | the Bottle Kids! | | N | Seriously, show some hard working guys a little respect. For everyone that says "I can do better," well they actually went out and did something that wasn't half bad. | KR8792 | | N | Balls. | Bastard Ronin | | N | That's ridiculous. The choreography and execution of the action sequences in this film are on a par with the best of the best. If you can't see past the low budget, that's a real loss for you. | Choco |
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I have to say, on the martial arts alone, this film is a must-see. Even if you're not a martial arts fan, your jaw will drop when watching the fight scenes. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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This, like "Undercut", is amazing. This time we get a full-length movie whereas "Undercut" was 30 minutes.from beginning to end. There's wall-to-wall action and good comedy. The Stunt People are the ones to look out for in the future. Action and comedy like no other. Pick this up right away--it is a must-have item. I can't wait for the next feature to be released. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Very good flick, lots of fun and laughs. Doesn't take itself seriously. The acting's not so great, but the fight scenes were terrific. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Very good film, my dream has come true: someone made a film like that for me. I think after 20 years, I shall be in a film just like that. The truth is anyone can be good action stars, only if you got enough budget--I'm saving up for it.... | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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Horrible movie. This movie is a joke. They did not spend a lot of money making this movie. A bunch of stunt actors trying to act. Do not buy. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | N | | the Bottle Kids! | | N | um......what?~~~~ | The 8th Sword | | N | You must not like martial arts. If so what are you doing watching martial arts movies? More importantly what are you doing reviewing movies that are focused on things that you either don't like or don't understand? | Bastard Ronin | | N | | mike lee | | N | Sorry, but you HELLA missed the point here, bro... | Choco |
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| Truly an enjoyable spectacle. Arguably the most entertaining independent martial arts movie to surface. It's right up there with "Drive" and "Six-String Samurai". This movie is loaded and packed with irreverent and zany characters and comedy as well as energetic fight scenes that are reminiscent of classic 80's Hong Kong fu flicks. You can tell what these guys watched back in the day. I definitely notice a big Jackie/Sammo/Yuen Biao influence in there style. The fights were plentiful, inventive and very fluid and utilized a good range of combat styles from Hapkido to Kung Fu to Tae Kwon Do to Escrima. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who even remotely likes martial arts movies, independent movies or just fun movies in general. Simply dope. If you haven't gotten this yet get it now while you can. This is crucial material- kind of like required viewing for MA movie fans. Take notes there will be a test on this. You don't want to get left back a grade, do you? |
| | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | | Ashley | | Y | i aint seen this movie yet but reading this review i'll have to pick this one up it sounds WILD. | kung fu kid |
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The Stunt People, California full-contact stuntmonkeys, hurt each other for no reason. Like early JC, but without the $ or superstardom. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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| For a group of people that just really wanted to make a cool action movie without any real professional backing, I would say it was a success. Many people try to make an independent movie on their own and usually it ends up not that good, which is expected. But here, a really good result was achieved.
Bordering on the look of a student film, it is obvious this is no Hollywood production. Yet, if you take the whole thing with a grain of salt and just really watch the movie, it is enjoyable.
Most of the time, the jokes are funny, while a few times you think to yourself, "Should have left that out." Same goes for the action. Most of it is really really good, and a few times not so hot. But for this level of film making, no one has been able to make something this good so far. It's leaps and bounds above normal indie stuff, especially the choreography.
This is a GREAT starting point as this crew can only get better with a real budget and some professional help. The potential is there, it just needs a little work. Overall, definitely a must see and a group to look out for in the future. |
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| Not since "Drive: Director's Cut" and "Extreme Heist" has there been a US-produced martial arts action movie that explores so many of the traditional and unique elements and filmmaking techniques that have been handed down throughout much of Hong Kong cinema history.
Hardcore kung fu fans will truly enjoy what "Contour" has to offer, as the film emulates many various aspects and hidden aesthetics of the typical Hong Kong action film; everything from quirky comedic character and story delivery, to fast-paced, high maintenance mixed martial arts fight choreography, to "Girls-With-Guns", to watching Yuen Biao dressed in drag (well...via Vlad Rimburg of course, lol)!
Director, co-star and co-founder of The Stunt People, Eric Jacobus, and the stunt team itself, have taken the typical low-budget US action film, broken it down to a kung fu filmmaking science, and constructed one of the most explosive landmark action movies to ever hit store shelves. In fact, not only is "Contour" an amazing martial arts movie, it is a well-set example of just how good even the most overlooked amateur filmmaker can be, with the right amount of drive and determination.
Mike Banner (of www.dragonsdenuk.com) quoted "Contour" as being "...better than virtually anything to come out of Hong Kong in the last ten years...".
I do not fully agree with him. However...in hindsight, Mikey does have a point!
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: "Knockabout", "The Prodigal Son", "Drunken Master", "Drunken Master 2", "Winners & Sinners", "My Lucky Stars", "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars", "Police Story", "The Inspector Wears Skirts", "King Of The Kickboxers", "Magnificent Warriors", "Hard Boiled", "Mr. Nice Guy", "Legend Of The Wolf", "Lethal Weapon 4", "Drive: Director's Cut", "Extreme Heist", "Returner", "Transporter 2", "So Close", "Shadow Fury", "Kampfansage: Der Leitze Schuler", "Special Forces", "Death Trance", "Tom Yum Goong", "Born To Fight", "Banlieue 13", "S.P.L.", "New Police Story", "Bound By Blood", and The "Everyone Is Kung Fu Fighting" series.
And finally, a personal recommendation of mine:
"Midnight Run", starring Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin. :-D |
| | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | This is a great review, dude. You cover all the bases and I fully agree with every point that you make. | Bastard Ronin |
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