This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!" reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of its source material. The film is offered in 1080p HD with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. It appears to have been shot on the lower end of professional digital HD cameras, which is evident in several technical flaws. Highlights are frequently blown out, and aliasing often affects fine parallel lines, such as in the scene where Jukkalan is rifling through files at the bike shop office. Bright colors and skin tones are prone to appearing pale or out of balance, and wide shots tend to lose sharpness. However, close-ups offer better detail, showcasing facial textures and clothing with remarkable clarity.

Color grading has its inconsistencies, marked by occasional white balance issues and fluctuating contrast levels. Despite these inherent flaws, Magnolia's transfer manages a solid encode with no apparent compression artifacts or additional problems introduced during the processing. The black levels are notably deep and inky, providing a rich tonal range that counterbalances some of the color grading challenges. Overall, while the video presentation exhibits a range of issues originating from the source material, Magnolia's effort in maintaining the integrity of the film through optimal encoding is commendable.

The audio presentation of "This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!" on Blu-ray offers two compelling options: the original Thai DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and an English dub in the same codec. Both tracks deliver clear and immersive audio experiences, with minimal differences in volume and clarity except for the dialogue. The sound mix is dynamic, featuring exaggerated sound effects like powerful body blows, explosive gunshots, and pronounced footfalls, all contributing to a vigorous auditory experience. Ambient noises such as wind, street sounds, and room acoustics are intricately woven into the soundscape, giving the surround and rear channels ample room to shine.

Dialogue clarity is consistently maintained, although voices can occasionally be slightly low in the mix without ever becoming incomprehensible. The music, predominantly characterized by break-beats and crunchy guitar riffs during action sequences, tends to dominate the audio track. This overpowering presence is balanced by more subdued cues for scenes of whimsy and romance, thereby enhancing the emotional tone. Optional subtitles in English, English SDH, and Spanish are available and feature easy-to-read yellow lettering, offering accessibility for a broader audience.

Overall, whether opting for the original Thai track or the English dub, viewers will be treated to a robust audio experience that enhances the film's dynamic action and varying tonal shifts.

The extras for the Blu-ray of "This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!" offer a modest yet insightful look into the production of the film. "The Making of This Girl is Bad-Ass" provides a brief yet informative featurette with cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, presented in Thai with English subtitles. Additionally, the disc includes a "Behind the Scenes" montage of extra b-roll footage that complements the main featurette. The international trailer is available in high definition, giving viewers a polished preview of the film. Rounding out the extras is a collection of trailers for other films from Magnolia Home Entertainment, offering a wider context of the distributor's catalog.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of This Girl is Bad-Ass: A short featurette with cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and film clips.
• Behind the Scenes: A brief look at additional b-roll footage.
• International Trailer: The high-definition trailer for the film.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Trailers for other films from the distributor.

"This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!" presents Yanin Jeeja Vismitananda, discovered by Prachya Pinkaew and known for her high-octane performances in "Chocolate" and "The Kick," to a familiar yet underwhelming territory. As Jukkalan, a tomboyish Bangkok bike messenger embroiled in the dark underworld of drug running, Jeeja exhibits her usual martial arts prowess, supported by her third-degree black belt in taekwondo. Unfortunately, the film does not capitalize on her physical capabilities, offering a sparse collection of fight scenes that are neither innovative nor memorable. Despite a few engaging moments, such as a bike shop brawl featuring creative weaponry like metal gears and bike tires, the action sequences largely fail to deliver the exhilarating "Holy Sh!t!" moments expected from Jeeja's repertoire.

Director Petchtai Wongkamlao, who doubles as Jukkalan's uncle Wang, injects his comedic flair into the narrative but often overshadows the action. With over-the-top characterizations, bizarre villains such as Boss Seng with his high-pitched voice and Boss Piak with a BDSM gimp sidekick, and ludicrous comedic elements, the film struggles to find a coherent tone. Jukkalan's subplot involving romantic entanglements further muddles the script, coming across as a contrived and eccentric narrative that falls into 'so bad it's good' territory.

The plot's simplicity is undermined by excessive padding with melodramatic and comedic filler, distracting from what little action is present. The climactic fight in a pottery warehouse feels arbitrary, aiming for visual spectacle but failing to impress. Overall, while Jeeja shines in her role displaying occasional flashes of her martial arts skill, "This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!" ultimately feels more like a parody than a proper action film. This movie might suit those seeking a quirky cult experience rather than a legitimate martial arts showcase.

This Girl Is Bad-Ass!!, despite its promising title and the talents of Yanin Jeeja Vismitananda, falls short of being a memorable entry in the Thai martial arts genre. While Jeeja showcases her impressive fighting prowess in at least one standout scene, the rest of the film's action sequences, including repetitive warehouse brawls and clichéd slow-motion rain-soaked showdowns, feel stale and uninspired. Unfortunately, the movie's comedic elements struggle as well, with humor that either misses the mark entirely or gets lost in translation, failing to elicit genuine laughs.

The production quality of the Blu-ray is average, with decent but unimpressive video and audio fidelity. The extras included don't add much value for viewers who are not die-hard fans. While the film might hold some appeal for hardcore followers of Jeeja or enthusiasts of Thai martial arts cinema, mainstream audiences may find its predictable plot and broad humor unengaging. The movie could work as a late-night rental with a group of friends and some drinks, but it likely won’t earn a spot in your permanent collection.

In conclusion, This Girl Is Bad-Ass!! is unlikely to satisfy those expecting a film on par with Chocolate or Ong Bak. Its lackluster comedic execution and formulaic action sequences offer little to differentiate it from other entries in the genre. This film is best suited for niche audiences who are devoted to Jeeja Vismitananda or enjoy exploring every corner of Thai martial arts films. For everyone else, it may be best approached with tempered expectations or considered as a casual viewing experience rather than a must-watch.