(door clicks open)
(footfalls landing)
(bell tolling distantly)
- Do not dwell on the past.
Do not dream of the future.
Concentrate the mind on the present moment.
My name is Smith. (suspenseful music)
Welcome to Flatland.
(spooky music)
- When I first met the doe, his name was Khan.
Mine, St. Michael.
The war for the soul of mankind has raged for 3,000 years.
The battleground today is Shanghai.
I have forced three young Americans to work for me.
J.T., the gangbanger,
Mr. Mitchell, a failed mob lawyer,
and Amy Lee, a beautiful young woman.
They will ultimately discover the history
when present and past collide, and where one misstep
on either side of the fourth dimension
is fatal.
In the world of Flatland,
where nothing is as it appears to be.
My name is Smith.
Welcome to Flatland.
(energetic music)
(electricity crackling)
(upbeat instrumental music)
- Give me the goods, Josh.
- Okay.
(building rattling) (ominous chant music)
(teacup rattling)
(wind rushing)
(teacup clattering)
(slow-tempo funk music)
(bird screeching)
(slow-tempo funk music)
(suspenseful Far Eastern instrumental music)
(low chanting music)
(china rattling)
(door closing)
(body thudding)
(chimes tinkling)
(ominous music)
(man screaming)
(high-tempo electronic music)
(high-pitched droning)
(quiet funk music)
- It's possible, Tsao Min.
It's just possible.
It's only happened twice in something like 10,000 years,
the four signs all at the same time.
I can't believe it,
but it is possible.
I might get everything I want
without lifting another finger.
(fire flaring)
How delicious is that?
(fast-paced disco music)
- Now, you know what to do with this, right?
You just press your lips together
and blow.
- But first, you've gotta make a wish.
- Spanking, spanking, spanking.
- Okay.
- Spanking.
- Well, now that's a long wish.
I'm about to wrestle you, man.
- I know, I want me a long piece of cake.
- Hey.
(Linda blowing)
- Blow, baby, blow.
(Linda blowing)
(fire flaring)
(crowd applauding)
- [Mitchell] Aw, yeah.
(fast-tempo disco music)
(ominous music)
(Smith grunting)
(Smith gasping)
(laid-back funk music)
- Care for some calories?
- Oh, I think I'll pass.
- You all right?
- Kiddo, they tell me that I'm better than just all right.
- Are you sure?
You look a little pale.
- Whiter is my favorite shade of pale.
That's my best color.
You look like a million bucks.
Go on, enjoy your party.
- Thank you.
(kissing)
(Middle Eastern horn music)
(wincing)
(gasping)
- Where is this coming from?
(ominous music)
(electronic music)
- How you doing?
- Fine.
- Really?
You don't look it.
Man, you are burning up.
You gonna need to drink this.
I made it myself.
- What's in it?
- I got a little lemon peel in it,
ginseng, green tea with chili peppers.
Oh, and four pounds of garlic.
- Sounds wonderful.
- My grandma calls it kick-a-germ joy juice.
It works.
Go 'head, drink it.
(bright electronic music)
- Your grandma was a sadist.
- Your breath will stink, but you'll feel better.
What else can I do for you?
- Some silence.
You can leave.
I don't like being nursed.
(soulful jazz)
- You know, I gotta say this is the first time
I've seen you aching since I've known you.
- I get a cold once in a decade.
Seriously, if your grandma's recipe doesn't kill me,
I'll be all right.
Now go.
(soulful jazz)
- But I'll be back.
- That's what I'm afraid of.
(soulful jazz)
(wind whistling)
(ominous music)
- So long ago.
But I remember this.
Oh, God, do I remember this.
(fire flaring)
(suspenseful music)
(fire flaring)
(suspenseful music)
- [Victoria] I thought it was over.
- [Tsao Min] He was dead?
- You know what that felt like?
All the baubles.
All the gems.
The heavens and the earth,
and all the seraphim laid out at my feet
for my taking.
The world was mine.
- You were happy.
- Beyond happy.
I was ecstatic, but more than that, I was vindicated.
I was the brightest light of the morning.
And the garden of paradise was still standing.
History does have a way of repeating itself, Tsao Min.
And this time, I'm not going to let it slip away.
(ominous music)
- I love unexpected pleasures
like afternoon coffee with Mr. Smith.
- Enjoy it while you can, kiddo,
'cause there ain't no freebies.
- Right.
And the buck stops where?
- Right here.
Ground zero.
- Okay.
Serious talk.
- Yeah.
- About me or you?
- (sighing) It's a duet, baby.
But you may have to take the lead.
- And what wall do you want me to run through for you now?
- We're all getting mine.
- What do you mean by that?
- I need your help.
- Only mine?
- Yeah, well, the others weren't there,
and you were.
- Look, I know this is serious,
but if you could give me a teeny little clue.
- Amy,
I need you to go back.
(groaning)
- Are you all right?
- No, it's gonna get worse.
- What's wrong?
- Everything.
It's happening.
It started with the fire.
- A fire?
- Not one, several.
Where they shouldn't be.
On the ocean.
In the treetops.
In the earth.
(thunder rumbling)
Now this.
- Smith, what is it?
What's happening?
- It's a sign.
Second of four.
- A sign of what?
- My death.
(somber percussive music)
(blows)
(bell tolling)
(crow screeching)
(ominous music)
(crow screeching)
(ominous music)
- [Tsao Min] He's here.
- Then it's true.
I have another chance.
Did he see you?
Your voice,
and my pleasure.
- Whatever you want.
- What I want is to see him.
He'll know I'm here.
- And he knows you'll need him.
- And he needs me.
Or at least I'll make him believe that.
- Do you want me to bring him here?
- Yes.
We have time.
There are four signs in all.
Smith has seen fire and air.
He still needs to see the other two.
I want him to suffer.
Torture like he's never known.
I want it to run through his veins like a river of pain.
And before he closes his eyes forever,
I want him to see me.
One final sweet thought
before he goes to hell.
Find our friend and bring him to me.
I'm ready.
(ominous music)
- Too many dreams, merry-go-round.
- [J.T.] Did you drink all the joy juice?
(quiet music)
- Strange thing to call it.
There wasn't much joy in it.
- Now I think it's time to get you a doctor.
- Witch doctor, maybe.
It won't help.
There is no cure for the end of life, J.T.
- The end of life.
Since when did you become a little old lady?
I mean, you got a flu, man.
- I wish.
But whatever happens, happens.
- What is it with you and all this fatalistic nonsense?
- Is that what you think?
- No.
That's what you think.
I think you're sick as a dog and you need a little help.
- More.
- Tell me what I can do.
- Leave me alone and look to yourself.
- You're just like my grandfather was.
- I doubt it.
But why?
- He wouldn't let anybody help him, either.
But I owe you, so you're gonna let me.
- You owe me nothing.
- That's where you're wrong.
- I'm feeling dizzy.
- When this stuff started with Smith,
you opened a door for me.
Hell, man, you trained me.
You also told me that you'd been
around for thousands of years.
Why in the world you gonna die now?
- I lied.
Besides,
everything you are,
you did yourself.
You are the warrior.
I was only the guide.
- I'mma guide your ass to bed.
- Bed is the last place I want to die.
You don't have to check out in the sack.
Don't think I want it to be with you.
(gentle music)
- You are impossible, man.
- You're learning.
(uptempo electronic music)
(wings flapping)
(uptempo electronic music)
(Avatar grunts)
(uptempo electronic music)
- Are you sure you don't need anything?
- All I need is you.
You must try and remember.
Back a long way,
in Flatland before Mitchell, before J.T.,
the days when it was just you and me.
- I'm not very good at this.
- Remember, you lived those lives.
We both did.
- And the signs?
- Fire and air, just like they are now.
Just like I showed you.
(eerie music)
- It's just...
nothing.
- You must remember I was very sick.
People tried to help me and they couldn't.
It was you that I needed.
- What did I do?
- Everything you could.
Remember?
(flames flaring)
- I see it.
I know the place.
There was fire where there shouldn't be.
In the air.
It was very strange.
It was--
- Blood red?
The color of the apocalypse.
- It was you the men tried to help.
But what did I do?
- What you always do.
You tried to help me.
- What happened?
- It was terrible.
(suspenseful music)
- Who will it be?
(suspenseful music)
(sword swishing)
(suspenseful electronic music)
- Let's go.
(suspenseful electronic music)
- They chose me.
- And I accept.
(sword ringing)
(swords ringing and clashing)
(uptempo electronic music)
(swords ringing and clashing)
- [Amy] Whoa!
(uptempo electronic music)
(grunting)
(sword ringing)
(uptempo electronic music)
(grunting)
(knife ringing)
(knife plunging)
(groaning)
- Sweet.
Too bad I won't be able to taste the rest.
(body sliding)
(ominous music)
- I died.
- You weren't alone.
- You died, too.
- There are four signs
before my death,
and when they all come at once,
it's pop goes the weasel.
Earthquakes.
(room shaking)
Fire in the air.
(fire flaring)
And water.
I haven't seen H two oh yet
but I know it's coming.
- The four elements.
- And when they lose their minds,
I lose my life.
- Who is the man that killed me?
- That's a game.
(sighing)
It isn't a man.
Or a warrior.
It isn't even human.
It's an avatar.
It's a final solution for Khan and me.
- He can kill you?
- Ha!
Hoop on me like a famished dog on a T-bone.
Tap-city over and out.
And down the drain goes Smithy.
- How do we stop him?
- We don't.
- I do.
- You have to find a way.
- Smith,
I don't think I know--
- I don't give a rat's ass what you think!
If I die, I'm history.
Khan rules,
and this planet takes on an unearthly glow
of a radioactive half-life of 15,000 years.
In other words, kiddo, you think therefore you are?
That dog don't hunt.
It's what you do that counts.
- I'll find the avatar.
- He'll find you.
Find a way to kill him, Amy.
- [J.T.] Just came to find a good doctor.
- Don't bother.
Smith refuses.
He thinks they're all quacks and rip-off artists.
- What a coincidence.
I feel the same damn way about lawyers.
- Hey.
- I didn't even know Smith was sick.
Uncle the one who's dying.
- Well, they are kind of gross and pathetic.
- We still need to find a doctor.
- Let your fingers do the walking.
- Ah, which reminds me.
My fingers never did get that spanking.
- Keep your fingers to yourself,
or I'll break 'em one by one.
- A little rough.
- You got some issues.
- Issues, please explain.
Issues what?
- It's the same lines over til you break a record.
- No, my turf is strictly CDs all the way.
(assertive electronic music)
(suspenseful music)
- What do you think?
(funky music)
- Nice.
Except I like my women a little more...
Supple.
- That can be arranged.
- I'm sure.
- He's seen three signs.
How soon is the fourth?
- Tonight.
Water, in case you didn't know.
- And then what?
- Smith will have to choose a surrogate.
- Do you know who that might be?
- The one called Amy.
- A woman?
Are you sure?
- He's always sent her against me.
- No contest.
- It doesn't matter.
- It does to me.
I've waited a long time to be rid of Smith.
- He feels the same about you.
- And what's that supposed to mean?
- I'm not on your side or his.
- I forgot.
You're immoral.
- It's the way I am.
He'll send his warrior against me.
I'll kill her.
He'll die.
If it was your turn, I'd do the same.
- But, it's not.
And without Smith it never will be.
And then you'll have no reason to exist.
Unless you come to my side.
- Is that an offer?
- Consider it an opportunity.
- Maybe I will.
- Good.
I can be very supple.
(sensual electronic music)
(funky music)
(droning humming music)
- He chose me.
(sword ringing)
(knife sinking)
(foot thumping)
(ominous music)
(Smith screaming)
- Women love pejoratives.
Where'd you learn that one, back in the hood?
- I learned more before I was 12 years old
than you ever learned your whole life.
Why the hell you chase after every single girl, anyway?
- Why? Because I love 'em.
Short ones, tall ones, thin ones.
Sometimes I pass on the plumpers.
See, my friend, sometimes you have
to understand the language of love
and sex.
- I understand languages.
I just don't understand you.
You nuts.
- Watch and learn.
(speaks Chinese)
This is my big red car.
(gentle music)
(doors grating open)
- Hey, I was looking for Smith.
- I saw him a couple of hours ago.
I don't know where he is now.
- You know.
- He told me.
He's asked me to be the one.
Again.
- You'll fight the avatar,
but you've never beaten him.
- There's always gotta be a first time.
- [Linda] What's all this?
- It's something I did before I tried
to save Smith a thousand years ago.
- The four signs.
They always signify Smith's death.
- The only thing I remember is it was very quick.
Sometimes, I couldn't even see his moves.
- [Linda] Well, the avatar is known for that.
Fighting quicker than the blink of an eye.
This part almost looks like
a stick figure with three arms.
- Well, he didn't have three arms.
At least, I didn't see a third one.
- Anything's possible in Flatland.
(pulsing uptempo electronic music)
(ominous music)
- Smith.
I'm looking for Uncle.
- You got me instead.
- He looks pretty bad.
Have you seen him?
- Ah, he always looks bad.
- Linda said you're not feeling too well, either.
- It's a state of mind.
What the hell would Linda know?
- Well, I think he needs a doctor.
- They're all quacks and rip-off artists.
- You may need to see one, though.
You don't look too good.
- Aw, thanks.
- Take care of yourself.
- J.T.
It's a state of mind.
Life and death are the same way.
Don't ever forget that.
(ominous music)
- I'm gonna go find Smith.
Maybe he can figure it out.
- He would have told me.
- Hey.
- I know.
One surrogate fights the avatar.
Even if he does have three arms.
(footsteps landing)
(ominous music)
(knife sinking)
(ominous music)
- [Linda] The avatar is known for that.
Fighting quicker than the blink of an eye.
(ominous music)
(knife sinking)
(heavy percussive music)
(quiet ominous music)
- Welcome back.
- Good to be back.
- Got any requests?
- It's your party, Smith.
I'm just passing through.
- Well, I got all the classics here.
I've got everything from Cat Ballou to Leonard Cohen.
It's funny.
I can't seem to make up my mind.
- This is how a man spends his final minutes.
With old songs and overpriced cocktails.
- They're not old songs.
They're bookmarks.
- [Avatar] For?
- For first loves and second chances.
- You are a sorry sight.
- Are you having fun?
- Sure.
Had a great weekend.
Caught up with some old friends,
including your favorite,
though the years have been kinder to him.
- I don't suppose I could talk you into a name or face?
- No, I don't think so.
I'm here to do one thing.
The rest is just bad theater.
- Right, and you're on in five.
- Who is it this time?
- It's an old acquaintance.
- Why her?
Right.
Family ties.
Well, you never know.
Maybe dying taught her something.
She can meet me there.
See you soon, Smith.
(coins clattering)
- Save it.
I got a whole life ahead of me.
(footfalls landing)
(ominous music)
(bells tolling)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps pounding)
(kicks swooshing)
- Damn it.
Don't you realize what you are doing?
What will happen if he dies?
- Spare me, sweetheart.
I'm on holiday.
- Khan will rule.
There will be no one to fight him.
- Is that what you thought?
That you could talk me out of this?
You don't get it, honey.
This is not a debate.
This is procedure.
Now.
Are you going to fight,
or do I tell Smith his prize warrior
went out like a schoolgirl with a scuffed knee?
Not a nice thought to die with.
- All right.
(suspenseful music) (footfalls landing)
(kicks swinging)
(percussive music)
(Amy and Avatar grunting)
(knife clinking) (footfalls landing)
(Amy groaning)
- You remember this?
- Like it was yesterday.
(knife clinking)
(knife sinking)
(Avatar screaming)
(knife sinking)
(Avatar groaning)
(dramatic music)
- I got a secret, Khan,
that you don't know.
I guess that puts me one up.
Yeah.
You put the four horsemen out here
to run hard on the world.
Well, guess what?
It's not gonna happen
because the good guys scored the day.
I'm feeling real good.
(Far Eastern-inspired hiphop music)
(Victoria growling)
(Victoria groaning)
(glass shattering)
(uptempo hip-hop music)