Romeo still isn't dead; movie lacks originality

From the very beginning of this movie it seemed strikingly familiar. Perhaps it was the fact that it had most of the same cast as "Romeo Must Die." Or maybe it was the because like "Romeo," "Cradle 2 the Grave" has a plot that seems straightforward but then tries to throw a curve ball that fails to surprise viewers. The similarities probably result from producer Joel Silver ("The Matrix"). The action was incredible, but he could have put some of the amazing allure of "The Matrix" into "Cradle 2 the Grave."\nThe story is predictable: gang leader DMX steals some priceless black diamonds that both an agent of Taiwanese intelligence (Jet Li) and an international criminal (Mark Dacascos) want back. When DMX's daughter is kidnapped, the gang is forced to forge an unlikely alliance with Jet Li to get back the stones and his daughter.\nThe plot is thin, but nobody goes to a Jet Li flick for the plot. The action is where this movie shines and it's obvious that Li had serious influence in developing the fighting styles used throughout the movie. He often uses these fighting styles to express different dimensions of the character being portrayed. DMX uses a mixture of street fighting and kickboxing, which shows his efficient fighting and his ferocious personality. Dacascos is darker, using a very expedient style with non-flashy moves that yield quick kills. Then there is Jet Li who is the consummate badman. He spends the first half of the movie pulverizing everyone he sees with one hand in his pocket. When he finally does use both hands, bones start breaking like people trying to make a wish on Thanksgiving. This is definitely some of his best fighting in an American movie.\nIt's a non-stop, kick-you-in-the-face ride. There's something for every type of action fan: guns blazing, fierce martial arts, and even a chase scene with DMX jumping across roof tops on a quad.\nThe movie also has a very strong soundtrack, comprised mostly of DMX material. Eminem can also be heard collaborating with various artists on a track that will no doubt be his next Grammy-nominated single. The vibe of the music complimented the movie's fast pace well. So while the plot was a bit unoriginal, the action and entertainment value of the movie are top notch.