Short Takes:'True Legend,''The Big Bang,''Skateland'

"TRUE LEGEND"-- 3 STARS
Martial arts saga about feuding stepbrothers. At the Regal E-Walk (1:55). R: violence.

The breathtakingly intricate action sequences begin immediately and rarely falter in the latest epic fromHong KongiconYuen Woo-ping.

The plot, on the other hand, is utterly simple. In 19th centuryChina, stepbrothers Su (Vincent Zhao) and Yuan (Andy On), are locked in a battle of revenge: Su's father killed Yuan's. Su just wants a united family, but Yuen won't be satisfied until he and his loved ones are destroyed. Fortunately for us, this requires battle after battle, each designed to top the last. (Though a cameoingMichelle Yeohgets little to do.)

The multi-talented Yuen has been keeping busy as a revered martial arts choreographer (he's best known here for his work on"Kill Bill"and"TheMatrix"). So fans who've been waiting 15 years for the director of"Drunken Master"to helm a new movie definitely won't be disappointed.  



"THE BIG BANG"-- 1 STAR
Noir thriller about a framed detective. At the Village East (1:41). R: nudity, sex, language, violence.

IsAntonio Banderas's career really such a big bust? On the one hand, it's a shame to see a talented guy slumming in this budget-bin thriller. On the other, it'd be entirely unwatchable without him.

When the movie begins, his private eye—aPhilip Marlowestand-in named Ned—is being interrogated by three furious cops (William Fichtner,Delroy Lindo,Thomas Kretschmann). As Ned recounts his story, it seems he's been on the trail of a missing stripper, and most of his leads (including a pornographer played bySnoop Dogg) are now dead. He knows he's no murderer, but all signs point to his guilt. So he's got to figure out what really happened, before it's too late. The bigger mystery, of course, is how Banderas—and the rest of his castmates—wound up here in the first place.  




"SKATELAND"-- 2STARS
Teens spend their last summer together. At the Village East (1:38). PG-13: violence, sexuality, language.

Though noticeably lacking in originality,Anthony Burns' low-key directorial debut skates by on the charms of its hazy wistfulness and a likable cast.

Shiloh Fernandezis Ritchie, a confused high school grad working in aTexasroller rink around 1983. His girlfriend (Ashley Greene) thinks he should go to college, while his best friend (Heath Freeman) wants him to stay in their small town, at least until the beer runs out.

Burns doesn't quite have a handle on his period setting, despite the proudly-chosen soundtrack and ostentatious details (Polaroids,Jordachejeans). And a third-act tragedy should have been cut, along with the unearned dedication toJohn Hughes. But if you ever complained about your parents while listening to New Order, it'll inspire some nostalgia nonetheless.

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