Yearly Archives: 2011

Peacock King, The | aka Legend of the Phoenix (1989) Review

"The Peacock King" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Nam Nai Choi Cast: Yuen Biao, Gloria Yip Wan Yi, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Gordon Liu Chia Hui, Eddie Ko Hung, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Ken Boyle, Siu Tak Foo, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui Ying Hung Running Time: 83 min. By JJ Hatfield All is dark except for an area forming a rough circle around an ongoing archaeological dig. Without warning a great force erupts … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Japanese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Hard Boiled (1992) Review

"Hard Boiled" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: John Woo Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Philip Chan, Teresa Mo, Kwan Hoi San, Philip Kwok, Stephen Tung, Bowie Lam, Bobby Au-Yeung Jan Wa Running Time: 122 min. By Joseph Kuby As far as gun battles go, this is the best action film of all time! Cinematically speaking, it doesn’t hold a candle to Bullet In The Head or The Killer for that matter, but it … Continue reading

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Bruce Lee the Invincible (1978) Review

AKA: Bruce Li the Invincible Director: Law Kei Cast: Bruce Li (aka Ho Chung Tao, James Ho), Chan Sing, Bolo Yeung, Mars, Fung Hak On, Eric Tsang, Michael Chan Wai Man, Chan Wai Ying, Cheung Lik Running Time: 90 min. By Jeff Bona After disrespecting his fellow countrymen, Chang Lee Kung (Michael Chan Wai Man) promises his teacher (Bolo Yeung) that he’ll start a new, positive life in Malaysia. However, … Continue reading

Posted in Bruceploitation, Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Somewhere Blu-ray/DVD (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: April 19, 2011 Directed by Sofia Coppola (Virgin Suicides, Lost In Translation), “Somewhere” revolves around a hard-living Hollywood actor (Stephen Dorff) who re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) surprises him with a visit. In case you guys don’t know, Sofia Coppola is the goddess of cinema.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

R.I.P. Sidney Lumet

Legendary director Sidney Lumet has died at the age of 86. The New York Times reported early Saturday that Lumet, a four time Oscar nominee, died of lymphoma. He is best known for 12 Angry Men (1957), Serpico (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976) and The Verdict (1982). Just a few day ago, I received an email from the gZa saying: “Check out a film called NETWORK (Sidney Lumet, … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Goemon | aka The Legend of Goemon (2009) Review

AKA: Goemon: The Robin Hood of Japan Director: Kazuaki Kiriya Cast: Yosuke Eguchi, Takao Osawa, Ryoko Hirosue, Gori, Eiji Okuda, Eiji Okuda, Kazuaki Kiriya, Jun Kaname, Masato Ibu, Hashinosuke Nakamura, Susumu Terajima, Mikijiro Hira, Tetsuji Tamayama, Choi Hong-man Running Time: 128 min. By Ningen A revisionist take on the titular legendary Japanese thief, this Hero/300-esque follow-up from the director of the live-action Casshern emphasizes his role in Japan’s warring state … Continue reading

Posted in Japanese, Reviews | Tagged , |

New Legend of Shaolin, The | aka The Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) Review

"The New Legend of Shaolin" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Wong Jing Cast: Jet Li, Chingmy Yau, Tse Miu, Deannie Yip, Yeung Wai, Johnny Wang, Chan Chung Yung, Adam Cheng, Damian Lau, Chu Ko, Ji Chun Hua, Jacqueline Ng, Corey Yuen, Chiu Gwok, Wong Jing Running Time: 94 min. By JJ Hatfield I watched this film a few years back and recalled thinking it would be a long time before I watched it again. So I checked some notes … Continue reading

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American Yakuza (1993) Review

"American Yakuza" American Promotion Poster

Director: Frank Cappello Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Ryo Ishibashi, Michael Nouri, Franklyn Ajaye, Yuji Okumoto, Anzu Lawson, Robert Forster, John Fujioka, Nicky Katt, James Taenaka Running TIme: 95 min. By JJ Hatfield After a prisoner finishes a one year term in solitaire he is released and on his own. He had heard of a couple of places that would hire former convicts and he heads out to find his way in … Continue reading

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The Boondock Saints: Truth & Justice Edition Blu-ray (Fox)

RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011 The Boondock Saints: Truth & Justice Edition! Irish brothers Connor and Murphy MacManus live and work in South Boston. After killing a Russian mobster in self-defense, the brothers believe they have found their calling from God ridding the earth of human evil. So they set out to complete their divine deed by ridding the streets of gangsters, criminals and lowlifes. Starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

My Kingdom poster revealed

Poster for My Kingdom (Da Wu Sheng), a martial arts films that takes place in Shanghai in the 1920s (maybe we’ll get another appearance from Chen Zhen?). It stars actor-singer Wu Chun (14 Blades), tarlet Barbie Hsu (Reign of Assassins) and Chinese pop music sensation Han Geng in his film debut. Also stars Hong Kong heavies, Yu Rong-Guang and Yuen Biao. My Kingdom is directed by Gao Xiaosong and written … Continue reading

Posted in News |

True Grit (Coen Brothers) Blu-ray/DVD

RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2011 True Grit is a powerful story of vengeance and valor set in an unforgiving and unpredictable frontier where justice is simple and mercy is rare. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. Directed by the Coen Brothers (Fargo), which is their take on the original 1969 John Wayne western.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Blow Out Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: Apr 26, 2011 In the enthralling Blow Out, brilliantly crafted by Brian De Palma (Sisters, Carrie, Scarface), John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever, Pulp Fiction) gives one of his greatest performances (it’s Quentin Tarantino’s favorite Travolta movie), as Jack, a movie sound-effects man who believes he has accidentally recorded a political assassination. New, restored digital transfer, supervised by director Brian De Palma!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Deep Red Blu-ray/DVD (Blue Underground)

RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2011 Argento’s classic shocker has been newly transferred in stunning High Definition from its original camera negative. The DVD version is presented here in the Uncensored English Version for the first time ever! The Blu-ray version is presented in both the Uncensored English Version and Full-Length Italian Director’s Cut!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

The Cat O’ Nine Tails Blu-ray (Blue Underground)

RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2011 This is the definitive version of Argento’s masterful second film, presented completely uncut and uncensored in a brand-new High Definition transfer from its original camera negative!

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

The Nesting Blu-ray/DVD (Blue Underground)

RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011 Long unavailable on home video, THE NESTING has been newly transferred in blood-curdling High Definition from the original camera negative.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |