I really liked it
I'm an SS fan - I don't dislike any of his films but Into The Sun was better than some of his more recent efforts - No voice dubbing! And it had an "ok for action storyline."
Yeah I thought it was cool.
The best overall film that I've seen Seagal in since Under Siege. Caveat: it's more interesting to me because of the Japan angle. I think that many of those who don't like this film want more action or don't enjoy watching non-stars or non-native speakers in their own scenes...that's a shame and one of the reasons that Hollywood can put out the same junk every year...
Just ten minutes into the film and I already felt like I was back in Japan -- where I lived for years. Sure, Steven's acting ability is limited (check out the early scene where he "comforts" his dying comrade -- seems like he's comforting a buddy who just lost a basketball game) but there is no other actor who can write about and bring you Japan's underworld and Japan like he can. He speaks fluent Japanese, really fluent. He produced the flick and it's clearly informed by the many years he lived there.
Take it as an action flick and it may not be your favorite -- but I hate over-the-top action. Take it for a brief trip to Japan (and the underground foreigners can't see) and it's bloody good. The xenophobic Tokyo governor is spot on. Hollywood hacks could not have created this film.
Comparing this to Tarantino's stereotyped take on Japan is a laugh -- granted Tarantino never tries for realism anyway, so no criticism really. Even "Lost in Translation" which I really liked shows only the most stereotypical Japan. (I think this is because most of the Hollywood types fly into Tokyo, stay in the Plaza and get driven around, then think they understand Japan b/c they ate sushi at an out of the way sushi bar where they didn't see anything written in English.)
I'll watch Segal, who lived, taught, and raised a family in Japan any day of the weak -- even if he is a little chubbier :-)