Bruceploitation, move over! Billy Blanks and Jalal Merhi return in ‘The Circuit 4’ also starring David ‘Bolo Jr’ Yeung

"The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter" Theatrical Poster

“The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter” Theatrical Poster

Cult filmmaker/martial arts star Jalal Merhi (Expect No Mercy) brings us back to the straight-to-video/DVD era with Film One Media’s The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter, a by-name/thematic sequel to his The Circuit film series (2002-2006) that starred Olivier Gruner (Angel Town), and highlighted other MA genre stars such as Loren Avedon (Manhattan Chase), James Lew (Ninja Turf) and Lorenzo Lamas (Final Impact).

For this film, Merhi stays behind the camera to direct while martial arts sensation Billy Blanks (Expect No Mercy) takes the lead opposite rising star, David “Bolo Jr” Yeung (yes, Bolo’s real-life son!).

Along with the soon-to-be-released The Last Kumite (also starring Bolo Jr), The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter marks a welcome comeback Continue reading

Posted in News |

Down for some Jackiesploitation? Kung fu oddity ‘Fearless Hyena Part II’ arriving on Blu-ray from 88 Films in next Month

Fearless Hyena 2 | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Fearless Hyena 2 | Blu-ray (88 Films)

On April 22, 2024, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Fearless Hyena Part II, a 1983 “Jackie Chan film” directed by Chan Chuen (Energetic 21) for Lo Wei Motion Pictures.

Fearless Hyena Part II was the film responsible for Jackie’s breach of contract with Lo Wei’s production company. Due to “creative differences”, Jackie, along with producer Willie Chan, left production of this film, resulting in both men terminating their own partnership with Lo Wei for a fresh career with Raymond Chow’s Golden Harvest (proven right choice!). The film was eventually released in 1983, but the production was stitched together using body doubles and archival footage of Jackie from his other films (a la Bruce Lee’s Game of Death).

Depending on your Continue reading

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

David Gregory’s Bruceploitation documentary ‘Enter the Clones of Bruce’ arriving on Blu-ray in June from Severin Films

Enter the Clones of Bruce | Blu-ray (Severin)

Enter the Clones of Bruce | Blu-ray (Severin)

On June 25, 2024, Severin Films will be releasing the Blu-ray for the long-awaited Bruceploitation documentary Enter the Clones of Bruce.

Within hours of his 1974 funeral, Hong Kong movie studios began to produce hundreds of unauthorized biopics, spin-offs and rip-offs starring a competing roster of Bruce Lee lookalikes.

Over the next decade, ‘Bruceploitation’ would become a staple of global cinema. Director David Gregory – whose award-winning documentaries include Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau and Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson – now examines this fascinating phenomenon Continue reading

Posted in News |

They call ’em Bruces! Details for Severin Films’ ‘The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Volume 1’

The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol 1 | Blu-ray (Severin)

The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol 1 | Blu-ray (Severin)

On June 25, 2024, Severin Films will be releasing The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Volume 1, which will be available in a web-store Limited Edition bundle. Also included will be the Enter the Clones of Bruce Lee documentary, and Bruce Le’s super-rare The Big Boss Part II. Read on for the all the official details!

Hours after Bruce Lee’s death, Bruceploitation was born. And for the next 10 years, talented martial artists were enlisted to mimic iconic aspects of Lee’s life, style and mannerisms. Fueled by equal parts deception and demand, these films instead created one of the most wildly entertaining sub-genres in movie history.

The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Volume 1 now presents 14 of the very best – and frequently very bizarre – films starring Bruce Continue reading

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s masterpiece thriller ‘Monster’ roaring onto Blu-ray on April 9th from Well Go USA

Monster | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Monster | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On April 9, 2024, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray for the 2023 thriller, Monster. The film comes from Hirokazu Kore-eda, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Broker and The Third Murder.

The film stars Ando Sakura (Shoplifters), Nagayama Eita (Water Boys), Kurokawa Soya, Hiiragi Hinata (Piece of Cake) and Tanaka Yuko (The Rape).

When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds though the eyes of the mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually Continue reading

Posted in News |

There will be blood! ‘The Bounty Hunter Trilogy’ starring ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ star Tomisaburo Wakayama now available

Now available is Radiance Films’ release for The Bounty Hunter Trilogy collection on Blu-ray (Region A/B), which includes 1969’s Killer’s Mission and The Fort of Death, as well as 1972’s Eight Men to Kill.

Before he made his name in Lone Wolf and Cub Tomisaburo Wakayama starred in this triptych of violent samurai spectacles that draw on James Bond and Spaghetti Westerns for inspiration yet feature the familiar style and Continue reading

Posted in News |

Van Damme is a gritty vigilante in the New Trailer for the neo-noir thriller ‘Darkness of Man’ from ‘Beyond the Law’ helmer

"Darkness of Man" Theatrical Poster

“Darkness of Man” Theatrical Poster

We’ll soon see martial arts superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme (Welcome to the Jungle, Until Death, Black Water) in Saban Film’s Darkness of Man (aka Born to Kill), an upcoming thriller directed and written by James Cullen Bressack, who is perhaps best known for helming the 2019 Steven Seagal/DMX actioner Beyond the Law, and 2022’s Hot Seat, starring Mel Gibson/Kevin Dillon.

The film is written by both Bressack and Alethea Cho, with input from Van Damme. Bressack is also producing, alongside Jarrett Furst (Fast Vengeance).

Set in Los Angeles, Darkness of Man sees Van Damme play Russell Hatch, an Interpol operative who takes on the role of father figure to Jayden, the son of an informant killed in a routine raid gone Continue reading

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

Wellson Chin’s all-star 1989 Hong Kong actioner ‘Inspector Wears Skirts 2’ now on Blu-ray from 88 Films

The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now available is 88 Films’ Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Inspector Wears Skirts 2, a 1989 Hong Kong film directed by Wellson Chin Sing Wai (Naughty Boys).

The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 stars Sibelle Hu (Tai Chi Boxer), Kara Hui (Angel Terminators), Sandra Ng (Thunder Cops 2), Regina Kent (Legacy of Rage), Joanna Chan (The Last Duel), Angile Leung (Police Story 2), May Lo (The Last Blood) and Amy Yip (Miracles).

Hong Kong’s toughest team of fearless lady cops are back on the beat! These female furies are forced to take on both their male counterparts in a battle of the sexes and a team of foreign mercenaries.

Action legend Jackie Chan’s (producer of the film) lethal ladies include Shaw Continue reading

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

Baby Assassins 2 (2023) Review

"Baby Assassins: 2 Babies" Theatrical Poster

“Baby Assassins 2” Poster

AKA: Baby Assassins: 2 Babies
Director: Yugo Sakamoto
Cast: Akari Takaishi, Saori Izawa, Joey Iwanaga, Tatsuomi Hamada, Atomu Mizuishi
Running Time: 101 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

I confess I wasn’t the biggest fan of Yugo Sakamoto’s Baby Assassins, concluding that the 2021 production “will likely only appeal to those action fans who are willing to wait (or perhaps skip forward) to see Masanori Mimoto unleash under the choreography of Kensuke Somomura.” However I’m all for giving 2nd chances, and there was just enough potential in the first instalment to make me curious enough to come back for more.

Sakamoto certainly hasn’t been resting on his laurels in the short timeframe between the original and the sequels release, with his seeming ambition to create an assassin’s universe of movies and shorts continuing to grow. Since the release of Baby Assassins he expanded his short The Legend of the Strongest Hitman: Kunioka into a feature length production, and the end result was an entertainingly meta-take on the genre. The story sees Sakamoto cast a fictional version of himself, one who decides to find inspiration to help finish the script for Baby Assassins by following around a real hitman, and the chaos that ensues. Blurring the lines further, 2022’s Green Bullet focuses Continue reading

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

I feel the need… the need… for Xi Jinping! ‘Top Gun’-style actioner ‘Born to Fly’ lands on Blu-ray next week

Born to Fly | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Born to Fly | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On March 26, 2024, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray for Born to Fly. This Top Gun-style Chinese production is directed by Liu Xiaoshi and stars Wang Yibo (Hidden Blade).

After an unforeseen threat arises mid-air, a talented young air force test pilot (Wang Yibo) is forced to test not only the capabilities of his top-secret aircraft, but also his own physical and psychological limits, in order to survive.

Born to Fly also stars Hu Jun (Firestorm), Yu Shi (Die Now), Zhou Dongyu (The Thousand Faces of Dunjia), Zhuangzhuang Tian (Gone with the Light) and Binlong Pan (The Monkey King 3).

Watch Continue reading

Posted in News |

More beasts for your buck! Sonny Chiba’s ‘Karate Bullfighter’ & ‘Karate Bearfighter’ arriving on Blu-ray in June from Eureka

Beast Fighter: Karate Bullfighter & Karate Bearfighter | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Beast Fighter: Karate Bullfighter & Karate Bearfighter | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On June 25, 2024, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A) for Beast Fighter, which will include the 1975 martial arts films, Karate Bullfighter and Karate Bearfighter.

The mighty Sonny Chiba (Bodyguard Kiba) stars in two spectacular martial arts movies based upon the real life of Masutatsu “Mas” Ōyama – the fabled bull-slaying karate master who trained none other than Chiba himself.

In Karate Bullfighter (or Champion of Death), a karate tournament is crashed by an enigmatic martial artist calling himself Ōyama (Chiba), who arrives in tattered rags and beats all who dare challenge him. But Ōyama’s entrance into the world of karate has unforeseen consequences, and soon he is fighting for far more than sporting victory. Then, in Karate Bearfighter, Ōyama Continue reading

Posted in News |

Revenge is a dish best served by Sumiko Fuji! Eureka announces Blu-ray collection for ‘Red Peony Gambler 1-3’

Red Peony Gambler 1 – 3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Red Peony Gambler 1 – 3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On June 17, 2024, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) set for the Red Peony Gambler series, which will include 1968’s Red Peony Gambler and Red Peony Gambler 2: Gambler’s Obligation, as well as Red Peony Gambler 3: The Flower Cards Game.

Originally released between 1968 and 1972, the Red Peony Gambler series is a cornerstone of the ninkyo eiga genre and a clear influence on such cult favourites such as Lady Snowblood and Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the first three Red Peony Gambler films, starring Sumiko Fuji (13 Assassins) and directed by three titans of Japanese genre cinema in Kōsaku Yamashita, Norifumi Suzuki and Tai Katō.

Set during the Meiji era, Red Peony Gambler stars Fuji as Ryuko Yano, the daughter Continue reading

Posted in News |

I got the power! Kino Lorber announces New Blu-ray for Jeff Speakman’s cult martial arts classic ‘The Perfect Weapon’

The Perfect Weapon | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

The Perfect Weapon | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

On May 21, 2024, Kino Lorber Studio Classics will be releasing a Blu-ray for Perfect Weapon, a 1991 martial arts/action film directed by Mark DiSalle (Kickboxer) and starring Kenpo 5.0 founder, Jeff Speakman. For the first time, the film will be presented with a Brand New HD Master – from a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative!

Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal certainly had the action movie market cornered during the early 90’s, but martial arts fans would be wise not to pass up this B-movie gem starring Jeff Speakman (Street Knight). The well-oiled Kenpo practitioner was granted the spotlight for only one or two theatrical ventures in Hollywood before entering the straight to video realm and his 1991 debut Perfect Weapon remains the standout. While Speakman’s acting leaves something to be desired, the plethora of fight scenes choreographed by veteran stuntman Rick Avery make “The Perfect Weapon” an Continue reading

Posted in News |

Look, up in the sky! It’s ‘The Raid’. It’s ‘John Wick’. It’s the latest ‘Monkey Man’ Trailer directed by and starring Dev Patel

“Monkey Man” Theatrical Poster

“Monkey Man” Theatrical Poster

John Wick, move over! On April 5, 2024, Universal is releasing Dev Patel’s (Slumdog Millionaire) martial arts-infused action thriller, Monkey Man, a Jordan Peele-produced film that Patel not only directs, but stars in.

In the film, a recently released ex-felon (Patel) living in India struggles to adjust to a world of corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.

Monkey Man also stars Sharlto Copley (Hardcore Henry), Pitobash Vipin (Mirch), Sharma Sikandar Kher (Contract), Sobhita Dhulipala (Major) and Ashwini Kalsekar (Fu Bai Fu).

And also watch out for fight choreography by Brahim Chab (Vanguard), who is perhaps best known for his stunt/choreography work in such Continue reading

Posted in News |

Yuen Woo-ping’s 1982 kung fu fantasy classic ‘The Miracle Fighters’ arriving on Blu-ray in June from Eureka

The Miracle Fighters | Bu-ray (Eureka)

The Miracle Fighters | Bu-ray (Eureka)

On June 24, 2024, Eureka will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Miracle Fighters, a 1982 kung fu fantasy classic from the legendary choreographer/director Yuen Woo-ping (Dreadnaught, In the Line of Duty 4).

Hailed as one of the “weirdest” kung fu/fantasy movies to be distributed under the Golden Harvest banner – and certainly shouldn’t be confused or compared with Tsui Hark’s seminal masterpiece Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain (also 1982) – The Miracle Fighters is an octane fueled tale of despotism, ego-based ambition and insanely cerebral magical practices. Again using Yin/Yang metaphors, Ping’s physical depictions of Chinese occultism is clearly defined by both ‘light’ and ‘dark’ forces, regardless of its signature trappings or banal dialogue. Its true magical Continue reading

Posted in News |