Official Synopsis:
The unexpected death of an international martial arts master and established movie star came at the peak of his popularity. Having already shot scenes for his upcoming movie, studio head decide to complete the film by launching a search for his replacement, attracting hopefuls from all around the world. Finishing the Game is a hilarious and unpredictable re-imagining of that casting process for the superstar's replacement.

Our Take:
I’m not generally a fan of the mockumentary; I like a few select ones, but for the most part I think the genre is a bit overplayed and lacking in films that are good enough to spend the time on. Once in a while, though, one comes along and gets everything right, and Finishing the Game is one of those films.

The movie takes place in the 1970’s, and it follows the fictional search for a replacement actor to finish Bruce Lee’s final picture after his untimely death. Not only is the film set in the 70s, but it looks exactly like a 70s movie should. The clothes and hairstyles are all accurate, but the film also has that slightly washed-out/overexposed look that’s a hallmark of so many B-movies from that decade. It’s a little touch, but it really works to give the movie the proper feel. Through the course of the film, we follow the auditions of a number of characters, including martial arts star Breeze Loo, Terrick the Caucasian Asian, and Indian guy named Raja, and a starstruck rookie named Cole Kim.

It’s not a laugh-out-loud kind of movie, but there are more than enough chuckles to make it worth your time. Mixing the interviews and fly-on-the-wall audition footage with scenes from faux martial arts films of the era allows for the conventions of the documentary to be spoofed while also offering up entertaining bits throughout.

There are a few extra features included on the DVD.

- Feature Commentary - By Co-Writer/Director Justin Lin, Co-Writer Josh Diamond And Composer Brian Tyler.
- On Set Mayhem.
- Deleted Scenes With Optional Director/Co-Writer/Composer Commentary.
- Satisfaction: A Music Video By Far*East Movement.

Part of what surprised me about Finishing the Game is that it’s directed by Justin Lin, who helmed the action-dramas Better Luck Tomorrow and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. For him to switch gears so rapidly and embrace comedy (and do it well) is pretty impressive, and I’m very curious now to see what he does next. Finishing the Game is a mockumentary that’s better than the average fare the genre produces.  

Overall Picture:
Movie: B+
DVD: B-

- Mike Spring

Editor