Ong-bak: The Thai Warrior (2003 Thailand, 2004 USA)

When watching a martial arts movie, it doesn't matter how good the script is (in this case, awful), if the acting is good (nope!), if there's any character development (not here), or any emotional involvement whatsoever (none). All that matters is what happens when foot meets ass. When the fighting starts in Ong-bak, all is forgiven. For all of its considerable flaws, watching newcomer Tony Jaa effortlessly flip around, under, over, and through his opponents is still about as good as this genre can show. And the best part? It's all real! There are no wires, no CG, and he does all his own stunts. Who cares if the movie is as dull as North Dakota in winter when there's nobody fighting? Seeing such physical perfection is worth a little inconvenience.

8 out of 10.