Checkmate (II) (2019) User Reviews

Probably the worst directing I've ever seen...

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 3/10 · 30 October 2020]

...as well as the worst amateurish acting. The only barely convincing character was Arash Mokhtar as Detective Markou. Everyone else seemed half asleep, bored, or acted like it was their first ever role, with zero cast direction from the director, which I'm certain was the case here. Then there was the convoluted and plot issue-riddled screenplay that had more holes in it than Swiss cheese. Long dragged out scenes, poor pacing, choppy editing, and boring action. I get that this was a low budget amateur film by Giuseppe Lucarelli, but as a newb filmmaker, wearing so many hats is a risk, especially when you're terrible in every role: writer, producer, actor and just atrocious as a director. I've seen 5th grade drama class productions better than this. And to pick a story that has been done so many times before, and make it one of the worst, is a huge fail. At least be creative. Thus the risk failed. He should've at least consulted with a seasoned screenwriter and/or director. It's a very generous 3/10 from me... 1 for effort as a newb filmmaker, 1 for not making me fall asleep, and the other 1 for me actually making it to the end - which was lame.

Amateurish movie making kind of showed in this one.

[bananaspider · 4/10 · 26 September 2020]

Almost had to turn away in the beginning but gave it one more chance out of boredom and stuck it out. Mediocre movie with mediocre acting. The karate dude was too "soft" for his part.

heart was in the right place..just didn't have the weight

[irishbluesu · 5/10 · 28 September 2020]

Certainly had potential but supporting & main cast just in over their heads.. it had that 'our budget isn't very high but we're doing the best we can' feel about it and the main male character who was trying to save the chief's daughter was just not believable as a tough guy way too effeminate...

Wow

[double_n-03970 · 1/10 · 28 August 2021]

I tried by best not to comment, I don't enjoy being negative. I counted 3 of the worst scenes I've ever seen in my life before going ahead with this. All I can say is all of the good comments on here are clearly from the actors themselves of their parents. I'm questioning if my middle school drama teacher was the director of this.

Trash

[PostProductionPro_Vancouver · 1/10 · 26 September 2020]

Bad acting, bad photography, bad production values, bad directing. Sorry gang. Keep trying.

Terrible

[barneysgoat · 1/10 · 5 October 2020]

Terrible acting, terrible story & terrible production. Don't waste your time it's a load of s***e!

Don't waste your time

[kyragd2009 · 1/10 · 27 September 2020]

I had patience to watch that movie only 15 min. Terrible acting! Storyline is so bad. Don't waste your time.

What the f**

[pcraddock-01447 · 1/10 · 9 March 2021]

This is terrible from acting to directing. Gabbage

B Movie with Horrible Acting, poorly written!

[reegnayrb · 2/10 · 12 December 2020]

The acting was some of the worst I have ever seen. To be fair, a few actors did well, but most were horrible. The writing was equally horrible. Completely a waste.

Solid Action Indie

[DonSwanson · 5 December 2020]

Whereas most Indies that try to go with a blockbuster feel fall way short, this is one that mostly succeeds. Solid performance and pacing, strong production value and and a true twist makes this one to not be missed!

"That's the dumbest thing we could do"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 3/10 · 2 December 2021]

The writer of this film needs to go on a storytelling course. The director of this film needs to attend film school again. The actor playing Kyle should learn how to act. The producer of this film should re-think his occupation. And as the same person Giuseppe Lucarelli is responsible for all these things, he should be kept quite busy making up these failings in his chosen profession. At no point while watching the film did I ever grasp what was happening or why it was happening. There was no suspense or excitement. The only cast member that seemed convincing was Arash Mokhtar as Detective Markou, the movie only coming to life when he was onscreen. One to avoid.

Good Indie Thriller

[lindapalmer · 8/10 · 23 September 2020]

It has all the elements plus some great drone footage! I would recommend it for action / thriller audiences.

I'd watch a Part 2

[tamunoopubocookeygam-28586 · 6/10 · 10 March 2021]

This was a nice movie to watch and I enjoyed it. There was some clunky acting, unclear plot twists, etc.

However, I would definitely watch a part 2.

No!

[ks-60500 · 2/10 · 10 October 2020]

Boring boring boring and acting bad is the failure. Please skip this !

An intelligent action thriller

[robinhoodinmoscow · 8/10 · 3 December 2020]

With good action sequences and an endearing lead (Sara Torres), Check Mate is a smartly written and directed indie thriller. Giuseppe Lucarelli is one filmmaker to follow.

Terrific indie action film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 3 October 2020]

This film was such fun to watch. It grabbed me right out of the gate and didn't let go. I love action films and this gem did not disappoint. Really good fight scenes! If the fight scenes don't work... I won't stick around. Wonderful camera work too. All in all, this film gets a big thumbs up from me!!

well done thriller

[williamgway · 8/10 · 16 September 2020]

Good movie. Plot is well constructed and keeps you guessing. Just enough twists to keep you on the edge of your chair. Acting is good and production value as well. I recommend.

Good action indie film.

[lbruhnca · 9/10 · 20 September 2020]

The music, performances, and theme of stopping of human trafficking are all solid. I especially like how Director Giuseppe Lucarelli timed the suspenseful moments. Also particularly liked Sarah Torres in this film. Her character drew me in.

Not a second wasted

[NZfilmfinder · 9/10 · 18 September 2020]

With elements of action/thriller/mystery this highstakes film has you on the edge of your seat with a relentless pace that never lets up. The film features some excellent action sequences that put it on par with much higher budget offerings. The film has shades of the Bourne series and will keep you guessing right up until the end. Who is the mysterious Checkmate? Solid performances from a likeable cast of characters kept me fully engaged with twists and turns that deliver some shocking moments. Great stuff.

Pleasantly surprised!

[Movies_And_Frights · 9/10 · 9 October 2020]

Exceptional fight scenes and a plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. One issue I usually have with action driven thrillers like this...is the camera work. It's often super choppy and shaky and all over the place. The director and camera op knew what they were up against here, and really did the story justice.

Taut indie action/thriller

[sallproductionspdx · 8/10 · 23 October 2020]

If you love cop vs. criminal maze movies with solid action and hoops of corruption, check this out. Fun flick!

A good movie!

[beemtoaustin · 9/10 · 19 September 2020]

If this is an indie mystery/thriller, it certainly doesn't look like it! Not for a second. Terrific action together with stunning drone work put this movie firmly in the Mission and Bourne catagory. Wrap that around good performances from an unknown cast that I'm sure we'll be seeing more of in the future and you've got an exciting movie.

exciting action thriller

[mich1elle · 9/10 · 16 September 2020]

Checkmate is an exciting action thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This movie is well shot, and has amazing drone footage. The action and fighting scenes are on point. Great martial arts as well. Story in engaging and well paced, with great acting. Fun movie to watch.