The Film (2.5/5)

Over the last few years (2013 to now, 2018), it seems the level of movie production in China has raised and met that of the United States. For better or worse, we are starting to see a more Blockbuster fueled and CGI powered line of tentpole movies in the China Market. But for every MONKEY KING, TAKING OF TIGER MOUNTAIN, or hell even KUNG FU YOGA, we still get a few clunkers like RESET. It's the kind of movie that loves to show all its money on screen and aim at the widest audience possible. But here is the problem, Chinese cinema has always been unique for its use of Home grown culture and big thrills. But once you stripped it down and ape US films too closely, you just get another lifeless blockbuster.

The story follows Xia Tian (Yang Mi), a scientist who works in The Nexus Corportation, making experimental technology that may unlock the secrets of time travel, and even universe shifting. But this kind of grounding work, hasn't gone unnoticed. A Rival corporation with no ethical hold ups, decides to steal the info with the aid of a mole, and spy named Tsui (Wallace Huo). To get closer to Xia, Tsui kidnaps her young son and threatens to kill him. But when tragedy happens, Xia decides to take the law, and Time in her own hands.

RESET is an odd mishmash of various kinds of action films. A little TAKEN, mixed in with a little bit of John Woo's PAYCHECK and THE TERIMATOR. But despite these elements, the film just feels empty. For a action picture, the whole affair is lacking on said action. There are a few gun fights, and one powerful stunt with a car, but the rest of the run time limps along.

The movie was produced by Jackie Chan and has plenty of production values to boot. The movie looks impressive and polished, but it lacks the action, dramatic, or even comic timing of Chan's other work. Director Hong-Seung Yoon, has a good eye for composition, but lacks the punch to get the cast to be memorable. A lot of recent big scope Chinese films have suffered under heavy censorship from the Chinese government, and it's easy to see why this movie seems off kilter.

For the cast, TV star Xia Tian is easy on the eyes and likeable, but her role here lacks depth. She handles dramatic scenes as well as can be expected. But her part just feels lost in a soap opera. Taiwanese singer and actor, Wallace Huo has a great look, but his villain here is too by the numbers to really stand out.

Audio/ Video (5/5)

The movie comes with a 2.0 Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio track. The sound mix is lush and full of energy. The score and explosions especially sound great. The track has no hiss or pops. English and simplified Chinese subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer looks simply amazing. While the film itself suffers from some script problems, the visuals are impressive. With vivid reds, blues, and silvers. The cinematography and focus are all handed well making this look like one of the slickest Chinese films on the market. The black levels are smooth and there is no noticeable grain or blur.

Extras (1/5)

Extras are limited to a trailer gallery featuring RESET, ALONG WITH THE GODS, THOUSAND FACES OF DUNJIA, and LEGEND OF THE NAGA PEARLS.

Overall (2.5/5)

RESET is a lackluster production. While it's not unwatchable, it suffers from no clear ideas and an uninspired script.