Hot Tub Time Machine is a comedy directed by Steve Pink (Accepted).Starring John Cusack,Clark Duke ,Craig Robinson,Rob Corddry,Crispin Glover,Chevy Chase.
Adam(Cusack) takes his nephew (Clark Duke) along with his two friends Nick and Lou back to their favorite hangout place when they were younger at a ski resort.They spend their weekend at their favorite hotel.After having many drinks in their jacuzzi, it accidentally becomes a time machine taking them back to the year 1986.That night was a Winterfest concert with the band Poison performing and many important events happened that night.Now Adam and his friends must try to relive the same day without making any changes that might interfere in the future.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Bad Blood aka King of Triads
King of Triads also known internationally as Bad Blood is another film directed by Dennis S.Y Law(Fatal Contact,Fatal Move, Vampire Warriors).King of Triads stars Simon Yam(Ip Man,High Risk),Bernice Liu(Legend is Born Ip Man,King of Fighters),Andy On (Black Mask 2,True Legend),Ken Lo(Circus Kids,Legend of Drunken Master)
A group of Triad members escape from prison,they have a valuable item for counterfeiting money.One of the members Andy Lok gets hit by a police truck and is arrested.In fear of his life Andy testifies and informs his daughter Audrey Lok(Bernice Liu)about his plan.The other Triad members are now fighting for power to see who will become the next boss.Audrey has a half brother,Andy Lok(Andy On) who manipulates him to take out the members one by one so they can both have control of the gang.
The story is probably one of the worst,most laziest put to film.The only saving grace about this movie is that there is lots of Hong Kong actors that are new and old.Chan Wai Man is one of the senior members and he has not stopped making movies ever since the early 70s.Ken Lo which is mainly known as the baddie in Drunken Master 2 also puts out some good kicks.The action was directed by Jet Li stunt double and veteran Hong Kong actor Hung Yan Yan.You can see the effort and the great editing and shots that are put in this movie.Andy On is one of the youngest stars and his moves are amazing for not being a martial artist.This movie was also to promote newcomer Wushu champion Jiang Lu Xia of Coweb.There is all type of fighting from weapons,hand to hand,guns.Sadly the director focuses more on the villians which are extremely weak compared to the heroes,and that's why the movie is not at all succesful.Just like his other movies like Fatal Move,Fatal Contact.If you have seen those two you know the endings are not very happy.Unless you are aware of these martial arts actors I recommend you get King of Triads aka Bad Blood.If you do not know who these actors are,you will be very let down.Rent it first.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Vampires (1998)
John Carpenter's Vampires in a 1998 Horror/action flick starring James Woods,Daniel Baldwin,Sheryl Lee,Thomas Ian Griffith,Maximillian Schell,Tim Guinee,Mark Boone Jr.
The Vatican has been funding a secret vampire slaying group led by Jack Crow (James Woods) worldwide.After a mission to go on a nest in New Mexico the vampires are killed but they are unable to find the master vampire.Later on that night the vampire slaying time go out and celebrate in a motel and the master vampire known as Jan Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith) appears.Valek kills everyone in the hotel leaving only a bitten prostitute,Katrina (Sheryl Lee).Crow and his partner Anthony Montoya escape.They take Katrina with them because after a few hours of being bitten,they are able to track down Valek's moves. Valek must go back to the church where the team is being leaded and look for answers and wonder why Valek knew where he was and knows his name.
The budget of this movie was extremely low.About 20 million and it has a great soundtrack similar to other John Carpenter movies like Escape from New York and LA.
The Vatican has been funding a secret vampire slaying group led by Jack Crow (James Woods) worldwide.After a mission to go on a nest in New Mexico the vampires are killed but they are unable to find the master vampire.Later on that night the vampire slaying time go out and celebrate in a motel and the master vampire known as Jan Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith) appears.Valek kills everyone in the hotel leaving only a bitten prostitute,Katrina (Sheryl Lee).Crow and his partner Anthony Montoya escape.They take Katrina with them because after a few hours of being bitten,they are able to track down Valek's moves. Valek must go back to the church where the team is being leaded and look for answers and wonder why Valek knew where he was and knows his name.
The budget of this movie was extremely low.About 20 million and it has a great soundtrack similar to other John Carpenter movies like Escape from New York and LA.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Ip Man 2 (2010)
Ip Man 2 is the sequel to the Ip Man movie once again directed by Wilson Yip.This is now the 5th collaboration with Donnie Yen.Their credits include SPL aka Killzone,Flashpoint (rumored to be a prequel of Killzone),Dragon Tiger Gate,Ip Man.The movie has most of the returning actors from the first Ip Man. Sammo Hung,Lo Meng (Five Venoms,Kid With Golden Arm),Fung Hak On(Magnificent Butcher,Last Hurrah for Chivalry,Five Shaolin Masters),Darren Shalavi,(Mortal Kombat Web Series,Tai Chi Boxer)Kent Cheng(Once Upon a Time in China),Dennis To Yue(Ip Man Legend Begins),Huang Xiao Ming (Sammo Hung's son).
After years of Ip Man's escape from Mainland China.He relocates to Hong Kong to live in poverty.Ip is trying to make ends meet and wants to teach Wing Chun to students.After he has some recognition he must get permission from the other masters to teach and prove himself that he can.One of the masters is played by Sammo Hung who is an expert at Hung Fist.At the same time Hong Kong is ruled by the British and make the Chinese work for little money.There is an event boxing match of Britain's famous Boxer Twister (Shahlavi) who is an arrogant selfish bully.He ridicules the Chinese martial artists at the boxing event and ends up hurting a couple.Master Hung decides to counter and go into a match with Twister.Twister has killed Master Hung in the ring and now Ip Man must prove that Chinese martial arts can defeat Western boxing.
The fighting is superb.Combines both Wire Fu and Kung Fu and the editing never looked better.Donnie gets to fight with Shaw Brother's legends Lo Meng and Fung Hak On,even though the fights were short and they are both in their 60s,they are still in top form.Sammo's fight with Donnie is different from the one in Killzone because they fight in a round table and have very limited space.Later on they become friends instead of wanting to kill each other.Huang Xiao Ming plays Donnie's disciple Wong Shun Leng.His fighting isn't bad but to be Sammo's son he's got to prove himself.Dennis To from the Ip Man prequel plays Sammo Hung's main disciple.It is one of his first films and he later proves in the prequel that he can throw down some serious Wing Chun and can also be a major kung fu star like Wu Jing.This movie put Darren Shalahvi's career on the map.Appearing in the Webisode of Mortal Kombat playing Kano and fighting along with Michael Jai White.Darren had more roles in B movies with Steve Austin and Steven Seagal.At least he is out there being recognized instead of being in crappy cameos in Zack Snyder movies like 300 and Watchmen.If you blink you probably missed his cameo appearance.This is one of the best Kung Fu movies in years along with True Legend,Ip Man prequel,Reign of Assassins.Donnie is in talks to do more Ip Man movies so stay tuned.
After years of Ip Man's escape from Mainland China.He relocates to Hong Kong to live in poverty.Ip is trying to make ends meet and wants to teach Wing Chun to students.After he has some recognition he must get permission from the other masters to teach and prove himself that he can.One of the masters is played by Sammo Hung who is an expert at Hung Fist.At the same time Hong Kong is ruled by the British and make the Chinese work for little money.There is an event boxing match of Britain's famous Boxer Twister (Shahlavi) who is an arrogant selfish bully.He ridicules the Chinese martial artists at the boxing event and ends up hurting a couple.Master Hung decides to counter and go into a match with Twister.Twister has killed Master Hung in the ring and now Ip Man must prove that Chinese martial arts can defeat Western boxing.
The fighting is superb.Combines both Wire Fu and Kung Fu and the editing never looked better.Donnie gets to fight with Shaw Brother's legends Lo Meng and Fung Hak On,even though the fights were short and they are both in their 60s,they are still in top form.Sammo's fight with Donnie is different from the one in Killzone because they fight in a round table and have very limited space.Later on they become friends instead of wanting to kill each other.Huang Xiao Ming plays Donnie's disciple Wong Shun Leng.His fighting isn't bad but to be Sammo's son he's got to prove himself.Dennis To from the Ip Man prequel plays Sammo Hung's main disciple.It is one of his first films and he later proves in the prequel that he can throw down some serious Wing Chun and can also be a major kung fu star like Wu Jing.This movie put Darren Shalahvi's career on the map.Appearing in the Webisode of Mortal Kombat playing Kano and fighting along with Michael Jai White.Darren had more roles in B movies with Steve Austin and Steven Seagal.At least he is out there being recognized instead of being in crappy cameos in Zack Snyder movies like 300 and Watchmen.If you blink you probably missed his cameo appearance.This is one of the best Kung Fu movies in years along with True Legend,Ip Man prequel,Reign of Assassins.Donnie is in talks to do more Ip Man movies so stay tuned.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Con Air (1997)
Con Air is a late 90s action packed movie directed by Simon West (Mechanic 2011,Expendables 2). The movie stars Nicolas Cage,John Malkovich,John Cusack,Dave Chapelle,Danny Trejo,Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi,Mykelti Williamson(Forrest Gump,Heat),Rachel Ticotin (Man on Fire,Total Recall),Nick Chinlund (Training Day,Tears of the Sun,Chronicles of Riddick),MC Gainey (Wild Hogs,Beerfest).
An army ranger Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) released from active duty gets out and meets his wife at her job at a bar.He is confronted by local drunk customers and ends up killing one of them in self defense.Poe pleads guilty thinking he will do less time and spends ten years in prison.the day of his parole,he is transported in an aircraft with other convicts that have done worse crimes.The convicts have an inside plan on how to get control of the airplane and escape.It is up to Poe and the help of the DEA and US Marshalls to let Cyrus the Virus(John Malkovich) achieve his plan.
Con Air is a summer movie full of action from all types of weapons,airplanes,hand to hand,vehicles.There is also a lot of comedy involved with the characters,especially the convicts.With a budget of 75 million and a worldwide gross of 224 million worldwide.It is a succesful well appreciated movie.At the time Nic Cage was barely a leading actor with low budget movies before National Treasure,Face off,Gone in 60 seconds.This was the movie that made him a leading man after The Rock.John Malkovich plays a smart villian who is both sarcastic and deadly.Probaby one of his best career performances.John Cusack does well as a bookworm US Marshall who is very intelligent and finds out the prisoners moves.He has been around since the 80s and has done all type of movies like drama,comedy,action.With an all star cast that later their career took off like Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire,Dave Chapelle in Dave Chapelle Show,Danny Trejo in Machete,Ving Rhames in Mission Impossible movies.Simon West has great editing in cinematography,action scenes and explosions that will give Michael Bay a run for his money.It is not a movie to be taken seriously not 100% realistic but it is almost two hours of great escapism with guilty pleasure fun.Simon West has already wrapped up production in summer of 2012 for the Expendables sequel.Let's see if he is able to top Con Air. The world will find out in August.
An army ranger Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) released from active duty gets out and meets his wife at her job at a bar.He is confronted by local drunk customers and ends up killing one of them in self defense.Poe pleads guilty thinking he will do less time and spends ten years in prison.the day of his parole,he is transported in an aircraft with other convicts that have done worse crimes.The convicts have an inside plan on how to get control of the airplane and escape.It is up to Poe and the help of the DEA and US Marshalls to let Cyrus the Virus(John Malkovich) achieve his plan.
Con Air is a summer movie full of action from all types of weapons,airplanes,hand to hand,vehicles.There is also a lot of comedy involved with the characters,especially the convicts.With a budget of 75 million and a worldwide gross of 224 million worldwide.It is a succesful well appreciated movie.At the time Nic Cage was barely a leading actor with low budget movies before National Treasure,Face off,Gone in 60 seconds.This was the movie that made him a leading man after The Rock.John Malkovich plays a smart villian who is both sarcastic and deadly.Probaby one of his best career performances.John Cusack does well as a bookworm US Marshall who is very intelligent and finds out the prisoners moves.He has been around since the 80s and has done all type of movies like drama,comedy,action.With an all star cast that later their career took off like Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire,Dave Chapelle in Dave Chapelle Show,Danny Trejo in Machete,Ving Rhames in Mission Impossible movies.Simon West has great editing in cinematography,action scenes and explosions that will give Michael Bay a run for his money.It is not a movie to be taken seriously not 100% realistic but it is almost two hours of great escapism with guilty pleasure fun.Simon West has already wrapped up production in summer of 2012 for the Expendables sequel.Let's see if he is able to top Con Air. The world will find out in August.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Punisher War Zone (2009)
This is the third adaptation of the Punisher.Now it takes place in New York City.It is directed by Lexi Alexander and stars Ray Stevenson,Dominic West,Colin Salmon,Julie Benz,Wayne Knight.
This is a straight up action movie with all sorts of weapons that the Punisher uses in the comic books and the PS2 game.He is brutal and you see he does not hold back.The villains are once again The Italian mob, a bit cartoonish like the ones in the vampire movie Innocent Blood.Punisher's nemesis is the former crime lord that was disfigured known as Jigsaw.Jigsaw recruits his brother from the insane asylum to get revenge on the Punisher along with his mob.One of Jigsaw's crew members,Nicky was undercover and is killed by the Punisher.The Punisher later finds out he was a fed and pays respect to his wife and daughter. Jigsaw then recruits all the criminals in New York from Russians,Triads,Skinheads,Blacks,Hispanics to put a bounty on the Punisher.
Compared to the Thomas Jane movie this one lacks in dialogue but most have seen both prior Punisher movies and read the comic books so they have an idea of his origin.The most annoying character in the movie has got to be Loony Bin Jim (Doug Hutchison. He tries extremely hard to be very sarcastic and loony.There is a lot of comedy as well with the villains having fun and destroying everything in their path instead of being coldlblooded one dimensional killers.The budget for this movie was 35 million and was used very well.Unfortunately the actors are unknown and the movie had very few advertising.The movie did not make even half of its budget back,but with dvd sales and streaming online it has gotten the recognition.If you are a Punisher fan this one you will like it is more like the comic book.The director is a female and proves that she can direct a great action movie.Hopefully she'll get more work in the future.
This is a straight up action movie with all sorts of weapons that the Punisher uses in the comic books and the PS2 game.He is brutal and you see he does not hold back.The villains are once again The Italian mob, a bit cartoonish like the ones in the vampire movie Innocent Blood.Punisher's nemesis is the former crime lord that was disfigured known as Jigsaw.Jigsaw recruits his brother from the insane asylum to get revenge on the Punisher along with his mob.One of Jigsaw's crew members,Nicky was undercover and is killed by the Punisher.The Punisher later finds out he was a fed and pays respect to his wife and daughter. Jigsaw then recruits all the criminals in New York from Russians,Triads,Skinheads,Blacks,Hispanics to put a bounty on the Punisher.
Compared to the Thomas Jane movie this one lacks in dialogue but most have seen both prior Punisher movies and read the comic books so they have an idea of his origin.The most annoying character in the movie has got to be Loony Bin Jim (Doug Hutchison. He tries extremely hard to be very sarcastic and loony.There is a lot of comedy as well with the villains having fun and destroying everything in their path instead of being coldlblooded one dimensional killers.The budget for this movie was 35 million and was used very well.Unfortunately the actors are unknown and the movie had very few advertising.The movie did not make even half of its budget back,but with dvd sales and streaming online it has gotten the recognition.If you are a Punisher fan this one you will like it is more like the comic book.The director is a female and proves that she can direct a great action movie.Hopefully she'll get more work in the future.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Belly of the Beast (2003)
Belly of the Beast is the only Chin Siu Tung (Monkey Kung Fu,Chinese Ghost Story,Duel to the Death) Western movie so far starring Steven Seagal,Byron Mann (Street Fighter,Corruptor),Monica Lo(Naked Weapon),Tom Lu(Revolver).
Steven Seagal plays Jake Hopper an ex CIA member whose daughter has been kidnapped in Thailand.He comes out of retirement to rescue her.Sort of like the B movie version of Taken with Liam Neeson.He recruits Sunti (Mann) to help him with his daughter.Sunti owes him his life for saving him 10 years ago.Sunti has then become a monk and leaves to go with Jake.There is a terrorist group known as the Abu Karaf,but Jake realizes that the kidnappers come from somewhere else in Thailand.General Jantapan (Tom Lu) is in charge of the military in Thailand and is working with the American goverment.Jake gets help at a night club in Thailand from waitress Lulu (Monica Lo).He has saved her from some locals so she returns the favor for Jake's search for his daughter.
Not even the great Chin Siu Tung can make this a masterpiece.There are many flaws in this and lots of wire fu.In this movie Seagal is already overweight and he has a double.The double is half of his size and does flips and flying kicks.Seagal plays the cocky CIA officer like in every movie in his career so far.He does'nt even get a bruise or a hit.Half of the fighting scenes were edited with too many quick cuts so you can only see Seagal's ability half of the time.Trust me He's no Sammo Hung now that he gained so much weight.His fighting technique is his Aikido and looks like he was doing Tai Chi as well.The other fighters like Byron Mann and Tom Lu were edited greatly and they look good fighting on camera.Not enough action in hand to hand combat just more with shooting scenes.That's not why you go to see a Seagal movie.He is known for his quick hits and takedowns.There are a lot of exotic enemies that you don't see in your typical American action movie.Thai fighters with swords,a trannie,Thai monks and a witch doctor.Unless you are a hardcore Seagal fan and Chi Siu Tung fan then this one is for you.Worth a view first before you buy.Naked Weapon,Exit Wounds has better fighting IMO.
Steven Seagal plays Jake Hopper an ex CIA member whose daughter has been kidnapped in Thailand.He comes out of retirement to rescue her.Sort of like the B movie version of Taken with Liam Neeson.He recruits Sunti (Mann) to help him with his daughter.Sunti owes him his life for saving him 10 years ago.Sunti has then become a monk and leaves to go with Jake.There is a terrorist group known as the Abu Karaf,but Jake realizes that the kidnappers come from somewhere else in Thailand.General Jantapan (Tom Lu) is in charge of the military in Thailand and is working with the American goverment.Jake gets help at a night club in Thailand from waitress Lulu (Monica Lo).He has saved her from some locals so she returns the favor for Jake's search for his daughter.
Not even the great Chin Siu Tung can make this a masterpiece.There are many flaws in this and lots of wire fu.In this movie Seagal is already overweight and he has a double.The double is half of his size and does flips and flying kicks.Seagal plays the cocky CIA officer like in every movie in his career so far.He does'nt even get a bruise or a hit.Half of the fighting scenes were edited with too many quick cuts so you can only see Seagal's ability half of the time.Trust me He's no Sammo Hung now that he gained so much weight.His fighting technique is his Aikido and looks like he was doing Tai Chi as well.The other fighters like Byron Mann and Tom Lu were edited greatly and they look good fighting on camera.Not enough action in hand to hand combat just more with shooting scenes.That's not why you go to see a Seagal movie.He is known for his quick hits and takedowns.There are a lot of exotic enemies that you don't see in your typical American action movie.Thai fighters with swords,a trannie,Thai monks and a witch doctor.Unless you are a hardcore Seagal fan and Chi Siu Tung fan then this one is for you.Worth a view first before you buy.Naked Weapon,Exit Wounds has better fighting IMO.
Red Heat (1988)
Red Heat is another guilty pleasure 80s Action movie from Walter Hill(48 Hours,Undisputed,Warriors,Last Man Standing,Bullet to the Head).Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger,James Belushi,Gina Gershon,Peter Boyle, Ed O Ross,Laurence Fishburne.
A Russian policeman,Captain Ivan Danko (Arnold) is on the chase to catch Georgian drug dealer Viktor Rostavili (Ross) in Russia.Danko has killed his brother and part of Rosta's crew.Rosta manages to get away and kill Danko's partner.He has fled to the U.S in Chicago.
A Russian policeman,Captain Ivan Danko (Arnold) is on the chase to catch Georgian drug dealer Viktor Rostavili (Ross) in Russia.Danko has killed his brother and part of Rosta's crew.Rosta manages to get away and kill Danko's partner.He has fled to the U.S in Chicago.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Demolition Man (1993)
Demolition Man is a action Sci-fi movie in the early 90s Starring Sylvester Stallone,Wesley Snipes,Sandra Bullock,Benjamin Bratt,Denis Leary Nigel Hawthorne,Rob Schneider,Bob Gunton.
John Spartan aka Demolition Man(Stallone) is on the hunt to track down Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes) and save hostages.Phoenix is captured but the hostages all die.Spartan is to blame for not being able to rescue them.Spartan and Phoenix are arrested and frozen to have their sentences.40 years have passed and Phoenix has been taken out into the real world to cause havoc and to assassinate a threat which is a rebel Edgar Friendly (Leary).In the short time that Phoenix has been out he has already caused murder and chaos.Police of the future are now very intimidated and awaken John Spartan to once again arrest and kill Simon Phoenix.
This is Sly's first scifi action movie followed by Judge Dredd years later.Wesley is having fun being Phoenix and is not your typical coldblooded killer.He has humor in him.Lots of funny scenes of how the future in California is portrayed and it has become the city of San Angeles.Swearing,red meat,bonding,is a nono and lots of technology that is similar to the one in real life today.Good action futuristic flick with guns,weapons from old and futuristic.Pretty good special effects for the early 90s.Before the Matrix,Red Planet,Star Wars,Judge Dredd,6th Day,Terminator 3,Terminator Salvation,Minority Report.Sly is wearing the same beret hat he wears in the Expendables.
John Spartan aka Demolition Man(Stallone) is on the hunt to track down Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes) and save hostages.Phoenix is captured but the hostages all die.Spartan is to blame for not being able to rescue them.Spartan and Phoenix are arrested and frozen to have their sentences.40 years have passed and Phoenix has been taken out into the real world to cause havoc and to assassinate a threat which is a rebel Edgar Friendly (Leary).In the short time that Phoenix has been out he has already caused murder and chaos.Police of the future are now very intimidated and awaken John Spartan to once again arrest and kill Simon Phoenix.
This is Sly's first scifi action movie followed by Judge Dredd years later.Wesley is having fun being Phoenix and is not your typical coldblooded killer.He has humor in him.Lots of funny scenes of how the future in California is portrayed and it has become the city of San Angeles.Swearing,red meat,bonding,is a nono and lots of technology that is similar to the one in real life today.Good action futuristic flick with guns,weapons from old and futuristic.Pretty good special effects for the early 90s.Before the Matrix,Red Planet,Star Wars,Judge Dredd,6th Day,Terminator 3,Terminator Salvation,Minority Report.Sly is wearing the same beret hat he wears in the Expendables.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Flying Guillotine 2 (1978)
Flying Guillotine 2 is a sequel of the Ho Meng Hua movie with Chen Kwan Tai as Ma Tan.Replacing Ma Tan is Ti Lung.The movie is directed by Ching Gong and Hua Shan.The cast includes Ku Feng(New One Armed Swordsman,Avenging Eagle) ,Lo Lieh(King Boxer,Dragon Missile),Shih Szu(Deadly Breaking Sword,Jade Tiger), Wai Wang,Wong Chung,Yeung Chi Hing,Shut Chung Tin(Spiritual Boxer,Battle Wizard),Fan Mei Sheng.The action choreography is directed by Tong Gaai(Shaolin Intruders,Shaolin Prince,Opium and the Kung Fu Master).
Years after Ma Tan's escape there has been lots of Han rebels teaming up to assassinate The Emperor
Years after Ma Tan's escape there has been lots of Han rebels teaming up to assassinate The Emperor
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Invincible Fist (1969)
Invincible Fist is an early Wuxia film directed by Chang Cheh and Wu Ma.It stars Lo Lieh,Li Ching,Ku Feng,Chen Sing, David Chiang,Fang Mien,Cheung Pooi Saan,Cheng Lui.The action was directed by Tong Gaai(Shaolin Prince,Shaolin Intruders),Lau Kar Leung(36th Chamber of Shaolin,Mad Monkey Kung Fu).
Gold has been stolen from Gung Bai Wain Residence and everyone there has been annilihated.Lo Lieh plays the chief constable Tieh Wu Ching aka Invincible Fist of Tsang Chou.David Chiang is second brother Tieh Er Long.the gold has been stolen by a gang of four leaders that have been hiding out in the town with a different identity. Golden Abacus, Chen Sing plays bandit Iron Bat Tso Yin Chung.Ku Feng as Cripple Peng aka Peng Yun Chiang Southern Geese,and their leader Ma Wai Jia,the deadly rope killer.Ma has a blind daughter Kue Ku who knows nothing of what he does.Until Tieh finds his daughter and hides out in her house.Now he must decide to tell her the truth of what her dad does or keep it a secret.
This movie was David Chiangs last supporting role before starring in Wandering Swordsman,New One Armed Swordsman.Plenty of action with different weapons like swords,harpoons,spears,abascus,and a bit of wire fu as well.There are some cameos from Yuen Woo Ping,Cliff Lok,Yuen Chung Yan,Yen Shi Kwan before they all got their big break as action directors and actors.One of Chang Chehs best early efforts in the late 1960s.Another great performance from Lo Lieh.
Gold has been stolen from Gung Bai Wain Residence and everyone there has been annilihated.Lo Lieh plays the chief constable Tieh Wu Ching aka Invincible Fist of Tsang Chou.David Chiang is second brother Tieh Er Long.the gold has been stolen by a gang of four leaders that have been hiding out in the town with a different identity. Golden Abacus, Chen Sing plays bandit Iron Bat Tso Yin Chung.Ku Feng as Cripple Peng aka Peng Yun Chiang Southern Geese,and their leader Ma Wai Jia,the deadly rope killer.Ma has a blind daughter Kue Ku who knows nothing of what he does.Until Tieh finds his daughter and hides out in her house.Now he must decide to tell her the truth of what her dad does or keep it a secret.
This movie was David Chiangs last supporting role before starring in Wandering Swordsman,New One Armed Swordsman.Plenty of action with different weapons like swords,harpoons,spears,abascus,and a bit of wire fu as well.There are some cameos from Yuen Woo Ping,Cliff Lok,Yuen Chung Yan,Yen Shi Kwan before they all got their big break as action directors and actors.One of Chang Chehs best early efforts in the late 1960s.Another great performance from Lo Lieh.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Chinese Boxer (1970)
Jimmy Wang Yu's first directed movie after directing nine more films which include Master of Flying Guilotine, One Armed Boxer,Return of the Chinese Boxer,Beach of the War Gods,Man from Hong Kong.Chinese Boxer was released in 1970 and is one of the first China vs Japan feudal movies.The action choreography is done by the great Tong Gaai who directed Shaolin Prince,Shaolin Intruders,Opium and the Kung Fu Master.The film also stars Lo Lieh as one of his first villain roles and probably one of his best in his career,Chen Sing,Fang Mien (King Boxer,Golden Lion),Wong Ping,Cheng Lui,Chiu Hung(Broken Oath,Iron Fisted Monk),Wong Chung. Also cameos from upcoming famous directors and other martial artists like Yuen Woo Ping,Brandy Yuen,Chen Kuan Tai,Jason Pai Paio,Yuen Shun Yee(Iron Monkey,Drunken Tai Chi).
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Usurpers of Emperors Power (1983)
Usurpers is a Wuxia directed by Hua Shan,whose credits include Angel Force,Disciples of Shaolin Temple, Soul of the Sword,Flying Guilotine 2,Super Inframan.If you have seen those movies then you know you're in for a treat.Anthony Lau Wing of Human Lanterns and Secret Service of Imperial Court plays the Hero.
Vengeful Beauty (1978)
A spinoff of the Fying Guillotine movies.Ho Meng Hua once again directs this Wuxia with female heroine Chen Ping(Shaolin Handlock,Kiss of Death) as the lead.The film also stars Lo Lieh(Chinese Boxer,36th Chamber of Shaolin,Mad Monkey Kung Fu) as a menacing warlord, Yueh Wah(Killer Clans,Clans of Intrigue,Jade Tiger),Norman Chu Siu Keung(Bastard Swordsman,Duel to the Death),Wai Wang(Shaolin Mantis),Johny Wang Lung Wei(Invincible Shaolin,Young Vagabond),Lam Fai Wong(Gang Master,Lovers Blades),Keung Hon(Gang Master,Portrait in Crystal).The Action is directed by Shaolin Prince,Opium and the Kung Fu Master,Shaolin Intruders director Tong Gaai.
The Emperor is getting rid of all of the rebels and goverment officials,scholars who are not loyal.He assigns his Flying Guillotine soldiers to annilihate them and their families.Jin Gangfeng (Lo Lieh),is the top official and the emperor's right hand.Han Tiande,another official is order to kill a scholar who knows the emperor's plan.After carrying out his mission.He takes soldiers hostage and questions them.They inform him that then emperor is behind all of the killings.The emperor finds out and sends Jin Gangfeng to cover up the secret by killing Han Tiande and all of his family.Rong Quiyan(Chen Ping),plays Han Tiande's wife and is the only survivor.She finds out the killer is Jin Gangfeng and takes revenge.She is not able to kill Jin Gangfeng because she is pregnant and runs away.Jin Gangfeng tracks her down and involves his daughter and two sons for the bounty.Rong Quiyan then hides out working at an inn and is encountered by her Wudang classmate Wang Jung(Yueh Wah) and meets Ma (Norman Chu) who is also a fugitive and a former Flying Guillotine soldier.Together they all team up to take down Jing Gangfeng and the emperor.
Definitely a classic Shaw Brothers movie with lots of weapons like swords,spears,guillotines,shape fighting.
The Emperor is getting rid of all of the rebels and goverment officials,scholars who are not loyal.He assigns his Flying Guillotine soldiers to annilihate them and their families.Jin Gangfeng (Lo Lieh),is the top official and the emperor's right hand.Han Tiande,another official is order to kill a scholar who knows the emperor's plan.After carrying out his mission.He takes soldiers hostage and questions them.They inform him that then emperor is behind all of the killings.The emperor finds out and sends Jin Gangfeng to cover up the secret by killing Han Tiande and all of his family.Rong Quiyan(Chen Ping),plays Han Tiande's wife and is the only survivor.She finds out the killer is Jin Gangfeng and takes revenge.She is not able to kill Jin Gangfeng because she is pregnant and runs away.Jin Gangfeng tracks her down and involves his daughter and two sons for the bounty.Rong Quiyan then hides out working at an inn and is encountered by her Wudang classmate Wang Jung(Yueh Wah) and meets Ma (Norman Chu) who is also a fugitive and a former Flying Guillotine soldier.Together they all team up to take down Jing Gangfeng and the emperor.
Definitely a classic Shaw Brothers movie with lots of weapons like swords,spears,guillotines,shape fighting.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Master (Jet Li)
The Master is Jet Li's fifth film.It is directed by Tsui Hark.It is before Jet Li would star in the Once Upon a time in China series.The action choreography is directed by Brandy Yuen of Miracle Fighters and Shaolin Drunkards.Yuen Wah also does action directing and stars in the movie as well.This has got to be the cheapest film ever made and it is set in modern times in the late 80s.American martial artist Jerry Trimble plays the baddie and he shows off his amazing kicking skills against Jet Li.He is known for being in Heat with Robert Deniro and Al Pacino,small cameo in the King of Kickboxers with Loren Avedon,Invincible with fellow costar Stefanos Miltsakakis who is wasted in this movie but is good to see him in another movie.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sixty Second Assassin Aka My Life's on the Line
Sixty Second Assassin is a forgotten shapes film.The films stars Man Lee Pang,Leung Kar Yan,Lung Fei, Wong Chi Sang,Kong Ching Ha,Su Chen Ping,Dean Shek.This is one of Leung Kar Yans very good villian performances. he is the employer of Minute Fong(Wan Lee Pang),who is an Assassin that kills his enemies in under 60 seconds.Minute Fong wants to give the killing up to retire and live in a farm.But Leung Kar Yan has got a couple assignments before he can walk away.This Assassin story has been in many movies but what makes this one special is the fights.Good choreography from kicking and punching.
Wan Lee Pang is a Taiwanese martial artist,and has only appeared in very few movies.He is also a villian in Kung Fu On Sale.The fight between him and Leung Kar Yan is indeed worth watching.
Wan Lee Pang is a Taiwanese martial artist,and has only appeared in very few movies.He is also a villian in Kung Fu On Sale.The fight between him and Leung Kar Yan is indeed worth watching.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Ambitious Kung Fu Girl
Ambitious Kung Fu Girl is another Wuxia film directed by Tony Liu Jun Guk.His work includes Bastard Swordsman series,Master,Crazy Horse Intelligent Monkey,Lady Assassin,Lovers Blades.The film's main stars are Michelle Mai Suet,Yuen Tak,Chen Kuan Tai,Austin Wai Tin Chi,Chu Tiet Wo.
Michelle Mai plays a spoiled rich girl who is set up to be married and falls for a Swordman played by Chen Kuan Tai.She is then set up by other thieves and killers to trick her and take her wealth from her father.Yuen Tak plays the character "Monkey",that falls for Michelle.
There is too much story and talking but the only saving grace is the action,which is choreographed by Tony Liu Jun Guk and Dang Tak Cheung.From swordplay to flying,running on walls like Bastard Swordsman, Secret Service.From watching the action you know youre in for another great Tony Liu movie.Austin Wai Tin from Gang Master and Incredible Kung Fu Master,Chu Tiet Wo from Eight Diagram Pole Fighter,play the villians.At the end is another good Wuxia from Tony Liu.
Michelle Mai plays a spoiled rich girl who is set up to be married and falls for a Swordman played by Chen Kuan Tai.She is then set up by other thieves and killers to trick her and take her wealth from her father.Yuen Tak plays the character "Monkey",that falls for Michelle.
There is too much story and talking but the only saving grace is the action,which is choreographed by Tony Liu Jun Guk and Dang Tak Cheung.From swordplay to flying,running on walls like Bastard Swordsman, Secret Service.From watching the action you know youre in for another great Tony Liu movie.Austin Wai Tin from Gang Master and Incredible Kung Fu Master,Chu Tiet Wo from Eight Diagram Pole Fighter,play the villians.At the end is another good Wuxia from Tony Liu.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Kick-Ass (2010)
Kick-Ass is an adaptation from a comic book like Sin City,Watchmen.
At first before watching this movie,I did not take it seriously at all and the trailer wasnt very revealing as well. Looked more like a spoof of a superhero movie with two kids and Nicolas Cage as a middleaged man, looking like a very washed up superhero.Boy was I wrong.Also the "R" rating was a hint that this movie was gonna be explicit,and it sure was.This movie has everything,good story,comedy,action from hand to hand to weapons.The villian in the movie is British actor Mark Strong, who has been in many movies like Revolver,RocknRolla,Green Lantern,John Carter.He plays an Italian New York mobster Frank D'Amico and his son Christopher-Mintz(Mclovin)looks up to him and one day wants to take over the bussiness.
Then main two characters in the story are Aaron Johnson who plays the title character Kick-Ass and Chloe Grace-Moretz who plays Hit Girl.Chloe has got the be the best performer in the movie and the scene stealer as well.She shows energy,dedication and some good martial arts moves to the table.Nicolas Cage plays the father of Hit-Girl and is also a superhero known as Big Daddy.Big Daddy has been framed by Frank D'Amico and is put in jail for many years and is the cause of death of his wife.
The movie itself is very realistic and the superheroes have no superpowers like the Xmen or the Hulk.They use their intelligence to solve crimes.There hasnt been an "R" rated superhero movie like this since Watchmen,Sin City and the first two Blade movies.I havent seen such a great supporting actor performance from Nic Cage in a long time.With this movie it put him back on the spot.
After the succes of Kick-Ass.Director Matthew Vaughn was chosen to direct X-Men First Class and that was another success from him.
At first before watching this movie,I did not take it seriously at all and the trailer wasnt very revealing as well. Looked more like a spoof of a superhero movie with two kids and Nicolas Cage as a middleaged man, looking like a very washed up superhero.Boy was I wrong.Also the "R" rating was a hint that this movie was gonna be explicit,and it sure was.This movie has everything,good story,comedy,action from hand to hand to weapons.The villian in the movie is British actor Mark Strong, who has been in many movies like Revolver,RocknRolla,Green Lantern,John Carter.He plays an Italian New York mobster Frank D'Amico and his son Christopher-Mintz(Mclovin)looks up to him and one day wants to take over the bussiness.
Then main two characters in the story are Aaron Johnson who plays the title character Kick-Ass and Chloe Grace-Moretz who plays Hit Girl.Chloe has got the be the best performer in the movie and the scene stealer as well.She shows energy,dedication and some good martial arts moves to the table.Nicolas Cage plays the father of Hit-Girl and is also a superhero known as Big Daddy.Big Daddy has been framed by Frank D'Amico and is put in jail for many years and is the cause of death of his wife.
The movie itself is very realistic and the superheroes have no superpowers like the Xmen or the Hulk.They use their intelligence to solve crimes.There hasnt been an "R" rated superhero movie like this since Watchmen,Sin City and the first two Blade movies.I havent seen such a great supporting actor performance from Nic Cage in a long time.With this movie it put him back on the spot.
After the succes of Kick-Ass.Director Matthew Vaughn was chosen to direct X-Men First Class and that was another success from him.
American Me (1992)
American Me stars and is directed by Edward James Olmos(Blade Runner,Stand and Deliver)
It is probably one of the first Mexican-American gangster dramas that tell how la Eme (Mexican Mafia) was started.
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