Miss Baek (2018) Review

"Miss Baek" Theatrical Poster

“Miss Baek” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Ji-won
Cast: Han Ji-Min, Kim Shi-A, Lee Hee-Joon, Kwon So-Hyun, Baek Soo-Jang, Jang Young-Nam, Kim Sun-Young, Lee Joo-Young, Jung Kyung-Ho
Running Time: 98 min.

By Paul Bramhall

While many argue that Korean cinema has lost the gritty edge that drew selected audiences to it in the first place, what can’t be argued is that in the 10’s, some of the best examples of uncompromising cinema came from women directors. From Jeong Joo-ri’s A Girl at My Door, to Shin Su-won’s Madonna, to Lee Kyoung-mi’s The Truth Beneath. Much like the Korean economies own Miracle on the Han River, so it also feels like its film industry went through a similarly rapid modernisation, with its output from the mid-90’s becoming increasingly sophisticated. One aspect of the film industry which has been slower to change though, is the fact that it remains a largely male dominated arena when it comes to directors, so it’s been a pleasure to see how much female directorial talent has come to the fore over the last decade, and hopefully it’ll continue to do so.

If Miss Baek is any indication to go by, then that looks to definitely be the case, which marks the directorial debut of Lee Ji-won. While it may be the first time for Ji-won to sit in the directors’ chair, she’s been involved in the film industry for the last 20 years, having worked on the Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! John Wick: Chapter 2 | Blu-ray | Only $6.96 – Expires soon!

John Wick: Chapter Two | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

John Wick: Chapter Two | Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Chad Stahelski’s John Wick: Chapter 2 (read our review).

Keanu Reeves returns in the sequel to the 2014 hit as legendary hitman John Wick who is forced to back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.

The film also stars Common (The Informer), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), Riccardo Scamarcio (Welcome Home), Ruby Rose (The Doorman), Lance Reddick (The Wire), Peter Stormare (Kill ’em All), Bridget Moynahan (Lord of War), Franco Nero (Enter the Ninja) and John Leguizamo Continue reading

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Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos, The (2019) Review

"The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos" Theatrical Poster

“The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos” Theatrical Poster

Director: Son Yong-ho
Writer: Han Jeong-hoon
Cast: Kim Sang-Joong, Ma Dong-Seok, Kim A-Joong, Jang Ki-Yong, Gang Ye-Won, Kim In-Woo
Running Time: 115 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Feature length spin-offs of TV shows are a rarity in Korea, so it came as a surprise when the announcement was made that Bad Guys was going to be heading for the big screen. The concept of writer Han Jeong-hoon, Bad Guys aired as an 11-episode series in 2014, and focused on a world-weary detective who’s given the opportunity to put together a special crime squad to tackle violent crime. The hook was the squad he assembles comprised of incarcerated criminals – a gangster (played by a pre-Train to Busan Ma Dong-seok), a psychopathic serial killer, and a hitman. Not so surprisingly, the show was a success.

Jeong-hoon would script a follow-up in 2017 with Bad Guys: Vile City, a thematic follow-up which gave us a whole new cast of characters, and was notable for marking Park Joong-hoon’s return to the screen (and first time in a TV series) as the lead after a 6 year hiatus Continue reading

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Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

Do You Need Money Now? Check Out These 4 Ways To Get Money Fast

More than 78 percent of the workforce lives paycheck to paycheck every month. If you’re one of them, you know just how tough things can get when you desperately need money to pay the bills.

Counting your pennies and looking for ways to cut your expenses can help, but they’re not always enough. Unfortunately, figuring out how to get money when bills are coming due can be tough.

If you’re not sure where to start, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are a few proven ways to get money quickly.

1. Ask the People You Know for Help

If you find that your finances are a bit tighter than you’d like or you’re coming up short on a few bills, the best place to start is with the people you know. Don’t hesitate to ask your family members or friends for a loan.

You can even treat it like a conventional loan and draw up a contract so both you and your lender know where you stand. Just make sure you stick to the agreement you make.

The last thing you want to do is strain your personal relationships just because you need money fast.

2. Look for Short-Term Loans

If you’re not comfortable asking the people you know for loans, start looking for traditional lenders. These can be big banks or credit unions, but if you’re only borrowing a small amount to help you get by until payday, a short-term loan will be a better choice.

There are many lenders that specialize in these loans and allow you to apply and get a decision instantly online. Just make sure you understand the repayment terms in detail before you accept the money. Otherwise, you could end up biting off more than you can chew and get stuck with more debt than you can bear.

3. Find a Side Hustle

If you’re worried about money, the easiest way to create a long-term fix is to start earning more. Look for side hustles that you can do in your spare time.

If you love driving, consider becoming a rideshare driver. If you love animals, try becoming a pet sitter or dog walker. Follow your passions and look for ways to earn a little extra money doing what you love.

4. Sell Your Junk

Everyone has extra stuff lying around the house that they don’t want or need. Instead of donating it to charity, sell it.

Host a garage sale over the weekend with a few neighbors. List items online and sell them to people who prefer to shop from their computers. The options are endless.

Be Proactive When You Need Money Fast

The most important thing to remember when you realize that you need money fast is that you need to be proactive. Look for ways to earn money rather than giving up or racking up debt on your credit card.

Try these simple ways to earn money fast and you’ll improve your finances in no time.

Looking for more helpful tips to take control of your financial situation? Check out our latest posts.

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7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

7 Wonderful Ways To Use CBD Oil

Using marijuana to treat different types of pain is nothing new. But the recent legalization of CBD as a form of medical treatment has given more flexibility to its use.

Many people are learning about the benefits of marijuana for the first time as they navigate major health setbacks. Here are 7 benefits of CBD oil you need to know.

1. Aches and Pains

One of the leading reasons to use CBD oil is to manage aches and pains in the body. You won’t have to worry about heavy medications the next time your back goes out.

Taking CBD oil gives your body endocannabinoids to help soothe your nervous system by blocking pain receptors. This isn’t harmful to the body since it’s possible for the body to still heal while the nervous system is eased.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and bones of aging adults. Medication doesn’t always provide the instant relief necessary to live with the illness comfortably.

You can live for years on the same pain medication without relief. Enter CBD oil.

Another benefit of CBD oil is improving pain from chronic illnesses like arthritis. Research shows that CBD oil can help with inflammation which is stifling in the joints.

If you have arthritis, expect your sleep to improve after taking CBD oil. You’ll also have less pain when you’re just sitting which is common for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

3. Destress

One of the top reasons for marijuana use, in general, is to relieve anxiety or stress. But in its CBD form, the oil can produce much healthier results because it doesn’t require the typical feelings of being ‘high.’

You’ll feel less on edge when adding CBD oil to beverages after a long day of work or in the morning if you have a tough day ahead. The amounts of CBD oil you need vary depending on your situation.

Typically, a healthcare professional can tell by your size and height the right dosage for medication. With CBD oil, there may be other factors at play like how many other medications you’re taking and the contents of those medications.

Consider CBD oil if you need an all-natural alternative to anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a doctor. These medications often come with side effects that take away the benefits of using the drug.

4. Improves Cancer Symptoms

One of the top complaints of cancer patients receiving chemo is feelings of nausea. The high doses of radiation in the body have disorienting effects that leave some patients wanting to vomit.

Ease your post-chemo blues with a healthy dose of CBD oil. It’ll take away the feelings of nausea and might even kill cancer cells.

Some research shows that cancer cells die in the face of CBD. At a minimum, you can expect the spread of cancer cells to be impacted by taking CBD.

Studies are still very early so it might not be a guarantee for each patient, but it’s worth trying since the supplement is plant-based. You can take it without worrying about worsening your symptoms throughout the chemotherapy process.

The worse that can happen is you’ll feel less nauseous while treating the cancer cells in your body.

5. Acne

It’s possible CBD oil can help with the treatment of acne. Visit a vendor like Colorado Breeders Deport to find CBD varieties that can help reduce the inflammation in your skin.

Inflammation is the main culprit when dealing with heavy acne. You can soothe the layers of your skin from within the body using CBD oil.

It does this by taking away cytokines, an inflammatory agent in the body. CBD oil ensures your body doesn’t produce too much sebum leading to outbreaks in the skin.

6. All Natural

People are increasingly skeptical of traditional medicine. Documentaries poke holes in the healthcare system and its treatment of patients.

Critics argue that profit is more important than patients causing many ethics to be broken. As a result, people seek more natural ways to treat conditions.

CBD oil is one of the leading pain relief options for aging adults with chronic conditions. Its benefits are now being recognized by younger adults who also prefer to skip pharmaceutical drugs in exchange for something with fewer side effects.

The benefits of CBD oil is still being uncovered, but the more scientists learn, the more they realize that nature seems to have a cure for everything.

7. Food Friendly

A final benefit of CBD oil is that it’s one of the few supplements that can be added to food. Incorporate CBD oil into your favorite holiday recipe or lunchtime soup.

It’s a wonderful way to treat party guests after a long week of work. Find CBD oils or butter that are already in cooking form.

This means the texture blends easily into your dish so you won’t have to worry about it impacting the flavor. A good CBD cooking ingredient isn’t noticeable in its taste but is noticeable in its side effects.

You should be more relaxed after a CBD ingredient gets added to your food.

Finding the Right CBD Products

Not all CBD products are created equal. Keep in mind that one product might have lots of fillers that take away its status as all-natural.

Do your research to find an oil that provides you with the best results without a lot of additives. CBD isn’t a cure-all, but there are enough health benefits to warrant even a skeptic to give it a try to remain in good health.

For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.

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Tokyo Shock releases a Special Edition Blu-ray for Takashi Miike’s 2004 superhero film ‘Zebraman’

Zebraman: Special Edition | Blu-ray (Tokyo Shock)

Zebraman: Special Edition | Blu-ray (Tokyo Shock)

On October 27, 2020, Tokyo Shock is releasing the Blu-ray for Zebraman: Special Edition, a 2004 film from cult director Takashi Miike (First Love, Blade of the Immortal).

It’s 2010 and Shinichi (Sho Aikawa, Rainy Dog) is a down-trodden third-grade teacher who gets little respect from his own family let alone from his wise-ass students. Back in 1978 he became obsessed with a TV superhero named Zebraman, a show that was cancelled after only a few episodes. Since the Zebraman show was set in 2010, Shinichi decides the time is right to make a crude Zebraman costume and slink around the city at night to fulfill his childhood fantasy. His seemingly harmless escapism takes a sudden detour into harsh reality when he runs into a strange half-crab, half-man who was Zebraman’s arch enemy from the old show! Soon the saga of Zebraman and his war Continue reading

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Debt Collectors (2020) Review

"The Debt Collectors" Theatrical Poster

“The Debt Collectors” Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Debt Collector 2
Director: Jesse V. Johnson
Cast: Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor, Marina Sirtis, Demitra Sealy, Vernon Wells, Catherine Black, Josef Cannon, Ski Carr, Charity Collins, Mayling Ng, Aaron Toney
Running Time: 97 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 2018, hot off the heels of Accident Man and anticipating the all-star Triple Threat, director Jesse V. Johnson and star Scott Adkins snuck in a little movie called The Debt Collector. Pairing Adkins up as a rookie debt collector with a grizzled veteran of the trade in the form of Louis Mandylor, this unexpected gem is my favorite of the Johnson and Adkins collaborations. The daytime noir feel in sun-soaked L.A., the chemistry between Adkins and Mandylor, and a cast of characters who seemed like they stepped straight out of a gravelly voiced pulp crime novel, all combined to create a tightly paced and entertaining action flick.

A word of warning that the rest of this paragraph will contain a significant spoiler (well, kind of) if you’ve yet to see The Debt Collector, so you may want to consider skipping to the next one. The ending of The Debt Collector saw Adkins and Mandylor Continue reading

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Not Your Average Bears: Top 3 Surprising Benefits of CBD Gummies

Not Your Average Bears: Top 3 Surprising Benefits of CBD Gummies

Not Your Average Bears: Top 3 Surprising Benefits of CBD Gummies

In recent years, CBD has grown tremendously in popularity and for a good reason. CBD is proven to provide a ton of great health benefits, with few side effects.

Though there are several ways to ingest CBD, CBD gummies are a popular choice because of the convenience and ease of use.

If you’re thinking about taking CBD gummies, here are three benefits you can expect!

1. You’ll Have Accurate Dosages 

One of the best benefits of CBD gummies is the dosage. With other forms of CBD, the dosage can be less predictable. With CBD gummies, you know exactly what you’re getting.

Some CBD is available in other edible forms, like brownies. These dosages can vary based on the size of the food. If you only take a few bites, it isn’t easy to figure out exactly how much CBD you’re consuming.

Though CBD oils can be useful, they can also be less predictable in their dosages as well. Unless you directly measure it, you could be taking more or less than intended.

CBD gummies are consistent every time, which is better for maximizing results.

2. The Effects Are Long-Lasting 

Another benefit of CBD gummies is the long-lasting effects it has on the body. Because it’s consumed in the form of food, it flows through your digestive system like normal food.

Over the next several hours, the CBD is released into your body slowly as your body digests it. As a result, the effects of CBD tend to last longer than if you were to vape CBD or take it in another way.

So if you want the effects of CBD to last you longer in the day, CBD gummies are the best option.

3. You’ll Enjoy the Taste 

If you enjoy eating gummy bears, you’ll also love CBD gummies. There are multiple flavors to choose from, so you can avoid the hemp taste that you find in other CBD products. Sometimes they can leave a weird taste that can linger in your mouth.

If you like the taste, you’re going to look forward to taking the CBD. This is especially true if you’re a candy lover.

Though if you do have a sweet tooth, be careful not to overconsume the gummies!

Ready to Grab Some CBD Gummies?

These are just a few of several benefits of CBD gummies. They’re easy to take, and they taste good. There are few downsides to taking CBD, and they’re currently legal in all fifty states.

They’re also a ton of CBD businesses, both online and in stores, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. To ensure you get the highest quality, be sure to do your research and read the reviews before buying it.

As always, consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding CBD and your health.

And if you found this article helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. We cover several topics, including other articles related to CBD and vaping that you’ll love!

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Here’s what’s on Well Go USA’s Hi-YAH! for September

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of September, which includes a New film added to Hi-YAH! every Friday – plus an additional exclusive title that you won’t see on any other streaming channel.

Check out the full list Continue reading

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Krav Maga – The Discipline of Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot has made the DC character Wonder Woman her own, not only in terms of her depiction of Diana Princes’ alter ego but also her mastery of Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art.

Gadot first appeared in the DC Universe as the Wonder Woman character in the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Her character was popular enough to earn a film dedicated to her, the 2017 release of Wonder Woman, soon to be followed up by Wonder Woman 1984. However, the former Fast and the Furious actress is not just combative in the films, she has mastered Krav Maga and is as able to protect herself just as efficiently as the DC character she is famous for portraying.

Gadot served her time in the Israel Defense Forces, which has the discipline as part of its basic training. The style dates back to the 1930s and is a derivative of the street fighting style of Hungarian-Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld. It was initially developed to give the Jewish population a method by which to defend themselves against anti-Semitism. Whilst it teaches pupils to avoid conflict as much as possible, once engaged it is pointed towards being aggressive and bringing bouts to a close as quickly as possible.

Do not expect to see Krav Maga competitions and tournaments though; this style was not invented for in-ring confrontations. Instead, it has been developed from moves seen on the battlefield and is very much a discipline focused on protection and resolution of conflict and danger. Whilst it does contain punches and strikes, not unlike Muay Thai and Kung Fu, it is not regulated by rules or regulations and has a wider move set designed to adapt to the different dangers that may be presented to the individual.

Gadot admitted on the Late Show with James Corden that she knows Krav Maga, confirming it was taught to the Israel Defense Forces. No doubt, her understanding of the martial art has helped her develop the Wonder Woman character for which she is becoming increasingly famous. Her profile has risen sharply by being involved in the films, with the popularity of the DC Universe exploding in recent years. Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman has catapulted her, and the character, into contemporary pop culture. Her imagery has been used and adapted across several platforms, including gaming. Aside from direct ports to console and PC, other online platforms have found the character popular enough to base titles on. There are a couple of titles on Foxy Games, one of which is Wonder Woman, which leans heavily on the character. Other depictions can be found across mobile devices, boasting either multiple characters from the DC Universe or specifically the character herself.

That overwhelming response to Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman, and the increased exposure across a range of media, has led to her being linked with another well-known franchise. No doubt aided by her understanding of martial arts, there have been calls for her to be the next Indiana Jones, picking up the mantle from Harrison Ford. Ford is set to appear in his fifth and final Indiana Jones film in 2020, with speculation mounting that the sixth film will use a new actor or actress, and take a different direction.

With her knowledge not only of Krav Maga but also other martial arts such a BJJ, Gadot would be a natural fit for the role. If she were cast as the intrepid explorer, she would create a Lara Croft hybrid of sorts for a new generation and would be an interesting prospect for fans of both characters.

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Spare (2008) Review

"Spare" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Spare” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Seong-han
Cast: Lim Joon-il, Mitsuki Koga, Hitoshi Ozawa, Jung Woo, Kim Soo-hyun, Yang Ki-won, Yoo Sang-seob, Seo Ji-oh, Kang Yeong-mook, Kwak Jin-Seok
Running Time: 105 min.

By Paul Bramhall

There was something about fight flicks made in 2008 that saw some of the best ones simply disappear into the ether. Koichi Sakamoto’s Broken Path was sucked into a blackhole, which save for an obscure South African DVD, would take 4 years before eventually getting a legitimate release on the format in the UK. If fight fans thought that 4 years was a long time to wait though, then that pales in comparison to the long silence that came after the short theatrical run that Spare had in its native South Korea.

2008, and the mid-2000’s in general, was a good time for action cinema in South Korea. The Seoul Action School, a purpose fitted building on the outskirts of Seoul were trainee stuntmen and women go to learn and perfect their craft, had gained much deserved recognition thanks to having a hand in the production of Ryoo Seung-wan’s 2006 beat ‘em Continue reading

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Tyrese Gibson, John Malkovich, Michael Jai White join forces for Jon Keeyes’ action thriller ‘Red 48’

"Never Back Down: No surrender" Japanese DVD Cover

“Never Back Down: No surrender” Japanese DVD Cover

Martial arts star Michael Jai White (Never Back Down 2, Triple Threat, Accident Man) is set to star alongside Tyrese Gibson (Fast and Furious franchise) and John Malkovich (Con Air) in Yale Productions’ Red 48, an upcoming actioner from director Jon Keeyes (The Harrowing).

In the film, Gibson will play Kyle Snowden, a troubled former Marine turned child protective service officer who must save an immigrant child from a dangerous criminal who has trapped them and other hostages inside a convenience store. Adding more power to the keg: The store is owned by the Snowden’s stepfather, Sam Safty, being played by Malkovich. White plays Sparks, the Safty’s no-nonsense bodyguard and confidant. (via THR)

Production for Red 48 has wrapped, so expect a Trailer and release date in the near future Continue reading

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The Fighting Fist of Shanghai Joe | Blu-ray (Wild East)

"The Fighting Fist of Shanghai Joe" Blu-ray Cover

“The Fighting Fist of Shanghai Joe” Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: October 6, 2020

On October 6, 2020, Wild East Productions is releasing the Blu-ray for 1973’s The Fighting Fist of Shanghai Joe (aka My name is Shanghai Joe), a Italian western/martial arts hybrid from director Mario Caiano (Eye in the Labyrinth Director).

The film follows a Chinese man who encounters violent lowlifes after traveling to San Francisco in search of a better life. Blu-ray extra features include: Picture Gallery, Trailer and an Interview with director Mario Caiano.

Also known as The Dragon Strikes Back, the film stars Chen Lee (Return of the Sister Street Fighter), Klaus Kinski (Fitzcarraldo), Carla Romanelli (The Sensuous Nurse), Gordon Mitchell (Bikini Drive-In), Katsutoshi Mikuriya and Robert Hundar Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

‘Rush Hour’ and ‘John Wick’ producers have Donnie Yen, Alec Baldwin and Frank Grillo honoring ‘The Father’

"Flash Point" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Flash Point” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Donnie Yen (Ip Man 4: The Finale, Flash Point), Alec Baldwin (Mission Impossible: Fallout) and Frank Grillo (Wolf Warrior 2) are teaming up for The Father, an action thriller to be directed by Tommy Wirkola (Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters) with a script written by P.G. Cuschieri (Cut Throat City).

The Father is set against the Irish-American gangland of South Boston and charts the struggle of middle-class Hong Kong immigrant John Chung (Yen) making the best of his family’s new American life while working as a modest fish broker in the city’s infamous docklands. When his wayward teenage boys stumble upon four kilos of heroin, they’re hunted by a local crime ring and a group of corrupt cops (via Deadline).

Yen will also produce along with Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour), Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum) and Continue reading

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Mulan (1998) Review

"Mulan" Theatrical Poster

“Mulan” Theatrical Poster

Director: Barry Cook
Co-director: Tony Bancroft
Cast: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer, June Foray, James Hong, Pat Morita, George Takei, Soon Tek-Oh, Frank Welker
Running Time: 87 min.

By Ian Whittle

I was a huge Disney fan in the 90s (Beauty and the Beast is among my top 5 films to this day), but for some reason Mulan totally bypassed me until 2014, when I was moved to watch it by the delightful discovery that Jackie Chan acted and sang in the Mandarin dub!

Mulan, based on a centuries-old legend filmed many times (including this year’s Disney live action remake) was the first solo vehicle for Disney’s Florida animation studios, and came on the tail end of the fabled Disney Renaissance. This period, lasting from the late 80s to about the turn of the century, saw Disney regain its confidence and box office takings with a series of hugely popular animated musicals. By 1998, that shine Continue reading

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