Film Review: The Protector

The martial-arts action flick The Protector, is a mixed bag of thrills and unintentional comedy whose shortcomings ultimately outweigh its achievements. Although entertaining at times, this film falls victim to the weaknesses that have plagued all too many martial arts movies in the past: tacky fight sequences and poor plot development.

Raised in a world wrought with ancient tradition, Kham (Tony Jaa) has the duty of watching over two elephants that are believed to possess magical powers. When they are stolen by a mysterious crime syndicate, Kham must venture to Australia to reclaim his two beloved charges. His honor is also at stake and thus Kham seeks vengeance on those who wronged his family.

The movie is packed with the requisite gravity-defying, wireless stunts that flaunt Jaa's skills in the martial arts. However, these episodes are undermined by repetition and over-the-top foes. Did the enemies really need to Rollerblade, ride bicycles and perform barrel rolls while engaging Kham in battle?

It's difficult to appreciate the action scenes when the story linking them together is too disjointed to decipher. Apart from Kham, the characters' importances are vague at best. The film coarsely jumps from scene to scene, seemingly for the sole purpose of giving The Protector the opportunity to break yet another man's limb.