District B13

District B13 is probably the first movie I’m recommending on the basis of just a single sequence! It is an over-the-top, poorly-acted, simplistic French film with a plot straight out of a James Bond flick. But the few action sequences in the film make it a worthwhile watch for action movie fans.

The sequence I was talking about happens a few minutes into the movie, when the hero is chased by a bunch of bad guys. Starting with breaking down the door of his apartment, he squeezes through tight spots, jumps across stairwells, careens down ladders and leaps across rooftops with moves that would put even Jackie Chan to shame. The jumps, leaps and glides are performed with exquisite smoothness and grace and with the racy techno music in the background, the chase is truly exhilarating.

The problem is that the chase starts the movie off on such an adrenaline rush that it is impossible for what comes after that to match up to it. There are a few more stunts, gunfights and chases that are impressive on their own. In another movie, the casino raid and the two heroes' race near the end would've been standout sequences. But coming after the first chase, they end up being a little disappointing here.