TOP 10 BEST EDUCATIONAL FILMS OF USA AND ASIA

Posted on March 8, 2020 by JJ Bona
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-building-business-cinema-436413/

If you’re looking to learn, then you can’t depend on the classroom alone to learn the lessons you need to learn in life. If you like to watch movies, then you have a wonderful opportunity to use them to learn some of the most important lessons in life. As it turns out, movies can teach us a whole lot if we watch them with an open mind. In fact, some movies are made so well and packed with so much wisdom that they can teach us a lot more than a classroom ever will. To make it even better, they’re entertaining! That’s why movies make for such great sources of education!

We were particularly interested in the movies coming out of Asia and the USA that were especially educational on aspects of life in these places. These are the kinds of movies you should consider watching if you’re moving between these countries and want to understand the culture and psychology better. So, to help you on your journey, we made a list of the 10 best movies from the two regions, 5 from each, to help you understand what makes them tick better.

Top Movies of USA and Asia

All these movies are great, and you should work your way through them one by one. You may find that it consumes a lot of your time, and you may not have the time to get around to your assignments. Don’t worry about it. Edubirdie located in Canada is a great service that can help with your assignments as you take your time to learn new things. 

There are actually a lot of services that help with this. TopicsMill is yet another one that helps with theses and essays, helping you come up with interesting essays on a variety of topics. 

Movies from the USA

1. Good Will Hunting

This iconic American movie stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams. It features a 20-year old man who is immensely talented in chemistry and mathematics, but has to get through some serious psychological issues before they can truly tap their potential. It’s a great film for those looking to learn how to reign in their pride and be open to learning new things.

2. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump has long since become a permanent feature of American culture since it was screened for the first time in 1994. Not only did it launch Tom Hanks to stardom, but it also taught people that anything can be achieved with the power of will alone. In it, Forrest (Tom Hanks) is a low IQ man that nevertheless overcomes obstacles in his life to become a decorated soldier, a consummate sportsman, and a rich businessman. 

3. The Theory of Everything

Stephen Hawking will forever be a celebrity icon of the world of science, having fought acute ALS. When he was first diagnosed with the condition in his college days, the doctors only gave him 2 years to live. He defied their predictions and went on to live for 76 years, formulating many groundbreaking physics theories, writing books and papers, and gaining recognition as a charming science commentator in the process. The movie is a view of his life, and Eddie Redmayne does a remarkable job of depicting the distinguished scientist.

4. The Social Network

Marc Zuckerberg is the archetypal college drop-out who went on to start a billion-dollar internet company. The Social Network looks at his journey from the Harvard dorm where he started Facebook to the media giant, he built that has since influenced the lives of billions. Whatever you think of Marc Zuckerberg as a person, it’s hard to deny the many lessons of this movie.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness

This movie is yet another example of the things one can achieve through the sheer force of an indomitable will. Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a homeless man that goes on to become a millionaire with his own stock brokerage, overcoming many obstacles along the way.

Movies from Asia

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-asia-asian-blur-236148/

6. The Propaganda Game

This movie takes a deep dive into the state of media in North Korea and its role in maintaining docility and conformity in the population. If you’ve always been interested in how totalitarian states run propaganda machines through the media, then you will love this movie.

7. Ong Bak

Ong Bak is a movie about fighting against the odds to uphold your principles. IT follows Tony Jaa as he seeks to return the Buddha head stolen from his village and reinstate the dignity of his people. The Buddha head is really just a McGuffin, since it could really be anything else and the lessons would still stick. This movie also has great action sequences if you’re into that kind of stuff.

8. Myanmar

This film is really a documentary and seeks to pull back the curtain on the goings-on of a country that has largely succeeded in keeping its operations isolated from the rest of the world for decades. Yet another movie about totalitarian regimes and how they maintain their power, it’s a great study on the subject.

9. At the Height of Summer

This movie is all about women and how they go through everyday struggles that are uniquely female. The 3 sisters in the film juggle several responsibilities and face many challenges, but still manage to come out on top in the end.

10. Summer at Grandpa’s

This movie depicts the stark contrast between urban and rural life in Asia. It shows the challenges children from the two environments face when they are in alien places, and how they overcome those challenges. 

Conclusion

All these movies make for a great time with lots of entertainment and education. By the time you’re done, you will have a much broader perspective of the world and how it works. 

Author Bio

Nicholas Walker is a writer and editor with 5 years of experience. He primarily writes about travel, education, and entertainment. His favourite pastimes are meditation and hiking, and you can often find him on the local trails over the weekend.

Posted in News |

Loser Hero | DVD (Bayview Films)

Posted on March 3, 2020 by JJ Bona
Loser Hero | DVD (Bayview Films)

Loser Hero | DVD (Bayview Films)

RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2020

On May 5, 2020, Bayview Films is releasing the DVD for Zhang Lei’s Loser Hero, starring Andrew Lin (The Man with the Iron Fists) and Steven Dasz (Lady Bloodfight).

What happens when a loser is suddenly infused with supernatural powers beyond his comprehension by a kung fu expert? He goes from being a loser to a hero in a flash! Protecting the innocent, our new hero becomes the person he always wanted to be, only to find that a connection in his past is the real reason he is unstoppable!

Loser Hero also stars Tiankai Cao, Yi Lin, Sin Lung, Guopeng Wan, Xia Yu Xin, Shu Yi and Jacky Wu Zongxian.

Pre-order Loser Hero from Amazon.com today! 

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

Mr. Six | DVD (Bayview Films)

Posted on March 2, 2020 by JJ Bona
Mr. Six | DVD (Bayview Films)

Mr. Six | DVD (Bayview Films)

RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2020

On May 5, 2020, Bayview Films is releasing the DVD for Mr. Six, an award-winning crime-drama from director Guan Hu (Dirt). The film stars Feng Xiaogang (Ash is Purest White), whose performance earned him Best Actor at the 52nd Golden Horse Awards.

Mr. Six is a story of family, camaraderie, and nostalgia – a tribute to the old values which we used to uphold – and how different generations can co-exist despite conflicting views and beliefs.

The film also stars Zhang Hanyu (Operation Mekong), Xu Qing (Hidden Man), Li Yifeng (Animal World) and Kris Wu (Europe Raiders).

Pre-order Mr. Six from Amazon.com today!

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

A*P*E (1976) Review

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Paul Bramhall
"A*P*E" Korean Theatrical Poster

“A*P*E” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Paul Leder
Cast: Joanna Kerns, Rod Arrants, Alex Nicol, Lee Nak-hun, Yeon-jeong Woo, Jerry Harke, Larry Chandler, Walt Myers, J.J. Gould, Kwon Il-soo, Chiu Chun
Running Time: 87 min.

By Paul Bramhall

When people think about Asian takes on King Kong, chances are the most likely answer they’re going to give you will be the 1977 Shaw Brothers flick The Mighty Peking Man, which came a year after Hollywood’s poorly received 1976 remake starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange. Ask people to name a famous Korean monster movie, and most would likely reply with Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 classic The Host (and if anyone says D-War, I suggest you cut all associations with them immediately). What’s the point of these questions (and this review for that matter)? Well, it’s to bring your attention to the long forgotten U.S.-Korea 1976 co-production A*P*E, a 3D extravaganza that puts Avatar to shame, and features a 36 foot tall ape rampaging through the streets of Seoul.

With such an enticing premise, you may ask how such a production could become relegated to the deepest depths of celluloid wasteland, the answer to which becomes almost immediately apparent. On a positive note though, the good news is that in the almost 45 years since its release, A*P*E has matured into one of the finest examples of so bad its good cinema that you’ll ever have the joy of experiencing. Sure, movies like Samurai Cop and The Miami Connection may have matured to their cult status in half the time, but the fact is there’s no time limit on entertainment value.

A*P*E (Attacking Primate monstEr, for those wondering) is directed by Paul Leder, a name which I’m sure was synonymous with any given title in those $1 DVD racks you’d find in discount stores back in the 00’s (remember those?). If it doesn’t exist already, a distributor needs to get onto securing the rights for a Frame Up and Frame Up 2: The Cover-Up double feature. Here he steps into the director’s chair for the third time, and also takes on a small acting role as he would in many of his productions. Quite how he came to helm one of the first co-productions between the U.S. and Korea is anyone’s guess, and frankly I value my time more than to spend too much of it Googling to try and give a definitive answer, however I’m glad he did, because A*P*E is an absolute hoot.

The intentions are clear pretty much from the get go. Under the cover of night a pair of sailors are navigating a ship containing the 36 foot ape to Disneyland (yes you read that correctly). Through dialogue the pair exchange in an almost comatose manner (seriously, I think they were both high), we learn that the ape was recently captured in Harlem of all places, and is going to be put on display for the public in various cities. That is until the ape breaks free of its shackles, causing one of the sailors to react with an “oh, shit”, spoken through what I assume was a morphine induced haze. The shot then cuts to a plastic boat floating in a bathtub against a black sheet, which then explodes. 

Cue a man adorned in possibly the worst ape suit ever committed to film (the nipples rivals George Clooney’s in Batman and Robin), emerging out of the water with a ripped seam to expose a white t-shirt underneath, who proceeds to then wrestle with an equally (I guess we’re supposed to believe) gigantic white shark in a fight to the death. What the chances are of a 36 foot ape encountering an equally large shark at the same time I don’t know, however it’s an amusing confrontation, and is quite blatantly a long dead baby shark (still readily available from your nearest local fish market in Korea). Only a few steps later, and somehow the ape has strolled through the Pacific Ocean from his Harlem – Disneyland transfer, to stomp onto the shores of South Korea. Welcome to the first 5 minutes of A*P*E.

Once in Korea we’re introduced to a newly arrived American actress, played by Joanna Kerns (most famous for her role as the Mom from TV’s Growing Pains), who’s there to shoot a movie on her “first visit to the Orient.” She’s surprised to be joined by her on-off journalist boyfriend, played by TV actor Rod Arrants, who wants nothing more than to profess his true love for Kerns. At its most awkward, Arrants joins a scene being shot for the movie Kerns is starring in, which involves her being raped by her co-star. When the co-star gets a little too rough, Arrants whisks her away for a smooch, before returning to set upon which time the director calmly tells her co-star, “Now remember Greg, rape her gently.” I felt terrible for laughing.

These scenes are undeniably padding towards the barely 85 minute runtime, however their inclusion only adds to the hilarity of everything rather than feeling like filler. Let’s talk about the ape. It’s horrendous. The suit itself is awful, full of scraggy tufts of hair that look like 100 people have worn it before its big screen appearance, and comprised of a separate head piece of which no attempt has been made to disguise. Whoever is in the suit (the part is uncredited) has clearly been given no direction as to how an ape should act, so he awkwardly steps onto model houses to crush them, probably worried about getting a splinter, and his hunched over walk looks like someone who’s had one too many rather than a primate. We’re talking Shaolin Invincibles and Bruce Lee the Invincible level guy in an ape suit acting here, only it’s not just for one scene, but a whole movie.

Speaking of kung fu movies, apart from alerting me to the fact that ones with the word ‘invincible’ in the title have a high chance of featuring a guy in an ape suit, A*P*E also features a scene where the moth ball ridden clutz stumbles upon a kung fu movie being filmed! For fans of old-school Korean kung fu movies (slowly raises hand), there’s a certain joy in seeing familiar faces like Kwon Il-soo (The Postman Strikes Back) and Chiu Chun (The Deadly Kick) stopping their fight scene in the middle of filming, and turning their weapons towards a gigantic ape. Not something I ever expected to see in my lifetime, I have to admit. Most likely inspired from the previous year’s Hong Kong and Australia co-production The Man from Hong Kong, we even get a giant ape versus a hang glider scene, featuring some of the most jaw dropping(ly bad) miniature work you’ve ever seen.

Surprisingly, director Leder seems to have realised he had a clanger on his hands at some point during filming. I’m not sure when that would have been, but I like to think it was when the ape encounters a snake in a tree. Again, the logic of physics means we have to assume the 36 foot ape has just stumbled across a 36 foot snake that none of the Korean population have noticed previously, but the narrative isn’t concerned with such matters as coherency. In one of my favorite moments, the ape then grabs the snake from the tree, very much alive, and throws it towards the camera positioned underneath. Except, the snake actually hits the camera, knocking the shot out of focus. Hilarious. Any aim at seriousness slowly dissipates as the narrative continues, until eventually we’re left with scenes of the ape perving wide eyed into the window of a hotel, as an American gentlemen and a Korean prostitute attempt to get it on.

Speaking of Korea, the 2 main Korean roles of a general and his wife are played by Lee Nak-hun (Kim Soo-young’s classic Mist) and Woo Yeon-jeong (John Woo’s The Dragon Tamers) respectively, who do an admirable job of speaking English, and not looking embarrassed. The rest of the Korean extras, who are mostly called upon to run towards the camera at various points, range from looking suitably terrified, to as if they’re having the time of their lives. I’m guessing Leder never imagined that his movie could one day be scrutinised on the Blu-ray format, but hey, for anyone that’s ever watched the extras in the background of a Shaw Brothers movie fight scene, there’s nothing unforgivable on display.

With an ape that at one point breaks the fourth wall and gives the middle finger directly to camera, rocks made of Styrofoam that disintegrate as they fall down a cliff, and awesomely era-appropriate lines such as “This is Korea not Scotland, the Loch Ness Monster couldn’t make it over the Berlin Wall!”, A*P*E’ is gold. Best enjoyed with a few cold beverages and friends (unless you’re me, in which case, alone), just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews |

Deal on Fire! Call of Heroes | Blu-ray | Only $8.25 – Expires soon!

Posted on March 1, 2020 by JJ Bona
Call of Heroes | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Call of Heroes | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on fire is the Blu-ray for Benny Chan’s (Shaolin) martial arts epic, Call of Heroes (formerly known as The Deadly Reclaim).

This period action film (read our review) – featuring fight choreography by the legendary Sammo Hung (14 Blades, The Bodyguard) – tells the story of a pack of villagers standing up to a young warlord in the year 1914.

Koo stars as Cao, the son of a powerful General who has grown into a vicious and depraved warlord. Although Cao is accused of murder, his father will destroy the town if his son is convicted and sentenced to death. But injustice cannot go unanswered, and the villagers prepare for the repercussions of punishing a guilty man.

Call of Heroes sports an all-star cast that includes Sean Lau (The Bullet Vanishes), Louis Koo (Flash Point), Eddie Peng (Rise of the Legend), Wu Jing (Wolf Warrior), Liu Kai Chi (Viral Factor), Philip Keung (Unbeatable), Yuan Quan (Once Upon A Time In Shanghai), Sammy Hung (Choy Lee Fut) and Berg Ng (The Grandmaster).

Order Call of Heroes from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Liam Neeson loses his ‘Memory’ for ‘The Foreigner’ and ‘Casino Royale’ helmer Martin Campbell

Posted on February 23, 2020 by JJ Bona
"Taken 3" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Taken 3” Korean Theatrical Poster

Underrated action director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, The Foreigner) is calling Liam Neeson (Taken franchise) back into action with Memory, which will be based on the 2003 Dutch film The Memory of a Killer.

Penning the film is writer/producer, who is perhaps best known for his work on Marvel’s The Punisher series.

Neeson will play an expert assassin with a reputation for discreet precision who, when he refuses to complete a job for a dangerous criminal organization, becomes a target and must go on the hunt for those who want him dead (via Deadline).

Memory is scheduled to shoot in August. For now, here’s the Trailer to 2003’s The Memory of a Killer:

Posted in News |

Foxtrot Six | DVD (Lionsgate)

Posted on February 22, 2020 by JJ Bona
Foxtrot Six | DVD (Lionsgate)

Foxtrot Six | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2020

On April 14, 2020, Lionsgate Home Entertainment will release the Indonesian sci-fi action thriller Foxtrot Six to DVD – at this time, there is no indication if the film will also get a Blu-ray release.

In the near future, the economy has turned upside down and the world is becoming a dystopia. An ex-marine, Angga, rebels against the government and forms “Foxtrot Six,” a squad comprised of old military comrades. Together, they work to save their country from the attacks of a ruthless party leader willing to starve and kill in his quest for power.

This upcoming sci-fi thriller stars Oka Antara (Killers, The Raid 2), Julie Estelle (Macabre, Headshot, The Raid 2) and Arifin Putra (Macabre, The Raid 2), with action designed by Iko Uwais (The Night Comes for Us, The Raid 2).

Foxtrot Six is helmed by first-time Indonesian director Randy Korompis. Legendary Hollywood player Mario Kassar (Rambo, Total Recall, Terminator 2, Universal Solider), alongside Ario Sagantoro (The Raid), is producing the film.

We expect a U.S. Trailer for Foxtrot Six to pop up soon. Until then, watch an earlier Trailer below:

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

COF Presents: The Top 15 Kitchen Fight Scenes

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Paul Bramhall

COF Presents: The Top 15 Kitchen Fight ScenesLast year we compiled the Top 15 Bathroom Fight Scenes, so since we’ve now had time to fully digest, it feels only right to take a visit to that other room where the magic happens – the kitchen. Some might say a visit to the bathroom should come after the kitchen, but hey, at COF we don’t split hairs (or bills). The kitchen feels like the neglected cousin of the bathroom when it comes to being utilised as a space for cinematic action, therefore we felt obliged to serve (pardon the pun) up a feature highlighting the amount of bodily harm that can be inflicted in a food preparation area.

So, if you feel like the art of cooking has been sanitised by the countless number of channels we have dedicated to it, it’s time for us to take a look at what happens when the main ingredients are anger, revenge, and a desire to kill. There’s a few techniques that we’re looking out for when it comes to kitchen fight scenes, and it’s safe to say that number one is the use of the utensils. You have a variety of sharp knives, pots & pans, and red hot stoves, so use what’s at your disposal! Number two is, just like a bathroom fight scene, how is the space used? Kitchens are cluttered places, whether it be a homely household or a sleek spacious restaurant, the environment lends itself to frantic exchanges, so as an action director there’s plenty to work with!

We’ll be plating up our culinary chaos in the order of how much time is spent in the kitchen area, and just like any creative chef, you’ll see that we’ve sprinkled in a couple of liberties here and there. If you feel like any recipes have been missed, feel free to add them in the comments section! So, without further ado, your COF degustation begins with a dish from Indonesia –

The Raid 2 (2014) – Iko Uwais vs. Cecep Arif Rahman
Total Cookery Time: 6:50

By the time we get to the kitchen showdown in The Raid 2 there’s already been so much high quality action on display, it’s hard to image anything could top it. Coming straight off of Uwais dealing with the iconic Hammer Girl and Baseball Bat Boy, his kitchen clearing stand-off with the (so far) quietly lurking series newcomer Cecep Arif Rahman is one which not only belongs on this list, but any list of top tier fight scenes. A one on one epic clocking in at close to 7 minutes, it’s understandable why director Gareth Evans decided to wrap up the series on such a high note.

Chocolate (2008) – Jija Yanin vs thugs
Total Cookery Time: 4:44

The movie that introduced us to the talents of Jija Yanin, one of the late Panna Rittikrai’s final protégés, Chocolate is a masterclass in steadily escalating fight scenes. This particular one takes place mid-film, as Yanin’s autistic character Zen makes a midnight excursion to a meat factory, to demand the money owed to her ailing mother from a less than sympathetic supervisor. When it becomes clear no money is going to change hands without a fight, that’s exactly what goes down, as Yanin single handedly takes on a small army of meat clever wielding butchers.

One Million K(l)icks (2014) – Mike Möller vs. Li Yan-Long
Total Cookery Time: 4:23

In 2014 German martial arts wunderkind and stuntman Mike Möller was given his chance to shine by headlining the fight flick One Million K(l)icks. When Möller’s headstrong character finds fame online through clips of him fighting various opponents, he eventually meets his match in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant, run by South Shaolin Master actor Li Yan-Long. In a battle of new school versus old school, the fight brings the kung-fu movie tradition of a softer style being able to neutralise an aggressive one into a contemporary setting, and does so with satisfying results.

The Bodyguard from Beijing (1994) – Jet Li vs. Collin Chou
Total Cookery Time – 3:28

After a slew of period pieces, Jet Li returned to modern day action with 1994’s The Bodyguard from Beijing. Teamed up with frequent collaborator Corey Yuen Kwai, the finale pits Li against Collin Chou in an era when both were at the top of their game. Making excellent use of a kitchen that’s part of an open floor plan apartment, the added danger of a leaking gas canister brings a unique element to the fight, as both attempt to take out the other without falling unconscious from the toxic fumes. Li and Chou would face off more than once during the 90’s, but this is my favorite of their encounters.

Sleepless Night (2011) – Tomer Sisley vs. Julien Boisselier
Total Cookery Time: 2:59

Thoongaavanam (2015) – Kamal Haasan vs. Kishore Kumar G.
Total Cookery Time: 2:25

Sleepless (2016) – Jamies Foxx vs. Tim Connolly
Total Cookery Time: 1:47

Our first three-course meal in one sitting, director Frédéric Jardin’s 2011 hit Sleepless Night spawned a Bollywood and a Hollywood re-make, with both providing their own takes on the intense kitchen fight scene the original is known for. In it comic turned actor Tomer Sisley goes up against Julien Boisselier, with the formers Jiujitsu and Krav Maga training delivering a brutal edge (not to mention a ferocious elevator fight that the kitchen fight segues from – but we’ll save that part for another list!). Kamal Hassan’s clumsy running and Jamie Foxx’s Tupperware friendly reinterpretations pale in comparison.

Check out a medley of all 3 movies via the link – https://youtu.be/fv2g4gIog9M?t=1

The Kick (2010) – Ye Ji-won & Petchtai Wongkamlao vs thugs
Total Cookery Time: 2:40

The 2nd movie on the list to feature Jija Yanin, unfortunately this time she’s not a part of the scene in question. In 2010 Prachya Pinkaew (the director of Ong Bak and Tom Yum Goong), somehow convinced the Koreans to make this misguided Thai co-production, about a Korean family that move to Thailand and get embroiled in a (you guessed it) stolen artefact. In this scene Ye Ji-won and Petchai Wongkamlao (the comic relief guy from the previously mentioned Tony Jaa flicks) have to fight off a group of thugs, while thankfully being in the vicinity of a kitchen.

Special ID (2013) – Donnie Yen vs. thugs
Total Cookery Time – 2:26

I’m pretty sure I made my feelings for Special ID clear in the review I wrote at the time of its release, but one thing that can’t be denied, is that Donnie Yen’s skirmish through the corridors of a restaurants kitchen while fighting off multiple assailants is an entertaining one. Featuring plenty of painful impacts, falls, and Yen’s trademark flailing fists, as a fight scene it ticks all of the boxes, with the cluttered environment leading to a number of wince inducing close quarter exchanges. If only the rest of the movie was as good as this scene.

The Man from Hong Kong (1976) – Jimmy Wang Yu vs. Grant Page
Total Cookery Time: 2:22

A Hong Kong/Australia co-production, in the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitaiton, many of the cast and crew recalled how much of a nightmare it was to work with Jimmy Wang Yu. A nightmare he may have been, but we still got this epic kitchen fight in which he squares off against legendary Aussie stuntman Grant Page (whose trousers split barely seconds into the fight, revealing some colourful yellow underwear). If you’re not distracted by the wardrobe malfunction, look out for the vintage Kelloggs Cornflakes boxes that line the shelves!

The Private Eyes (1976) – Michael Hui vs. Cham Kim-Wan
Total Cookery Time: 2:04

Some consider The Private Eyes to be the best of the Hui Brothers collaborations, and it’s not hard to see why. Michael Hui’s kitchen duel with Cham Kim-Wan is pure comedic genius, as the pair face off using everything from strainers, sharks, chickens, and most hilariously, a pair of makeshift nunchucks made from a string of sausages. Now, imagine Michael as the lead in Dragon from Russia instead of his brother Sam, that would have been a movie!

Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) – Steven Seagal vs. Everett McGill
Total Cookery Time – 1:37

It may have been 1992’s Under Siege which gave us Casey Ryback, but we’d have to wait for its (endlessly more entertaining) sequel to see him in a real kitchen fight. We may never see the combination of Steven Seagal, Katherine Heigl, and China being attacked by crazy Americans in a movie again, but at least it happened. Here, after Seagal and Everett McGill go at each other through several train carriages, they eventually fall down a staircase landing in the kitchen, where Seagal decides it’s time to really get down to business. Watch out for the cheesy one-liner at the end.

Out for Justice (1991) – Steven Seagal vs. William Forsythe
Total Cookery Time – 1:14

It seems that in the kitchen, you can’t escape Steven Seagal! I admit my pet hate in screen fights is when they’re too one-sided in the heroes favour, however with that being said, there’s something undeniably joyous in watching Seagal decimate his opponents throughout his early movies. Here it’s William Forysthe, who made the mistake of murdering Bobby Lupo, and the even bigger mistake of ending up in a kitchen with Seagal. Cue being on the receiving end of frying pans, rolling pins, and anything else within arms reach. I’m not too sure the ‘vs.’ is even earned in this scene, but damn it’s fun to watch.

Upgrade (2018) – Logan Marshall-Green vs. Richard Cawthorne
Total Cookery Time – 00:56

Probably the most criminally underseen movie of 2018. Fantastic fight scenes? Check. A unique sci-fi concept? Check. Hard R-rated violence? Check. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out, and if you need any further reason to, well this kitchen fight scene should give you all the incentive you need. After Logan Marshall-Green is paralysed in a car crash and his wife murdered, he’s offered a chance at redemption when an experimental computer chip called Stem is linked up to his brain, allowing him to be upwardly mobile once more. For those involved in his wife’s murder, that spells bad news.

The Expendables 2 (2012) – Jet Li vs. thugs
Total Cookery Time – 00:41

Jet Li may have spent most of his time in The Expendables franchise being the brunt of height related jokes, but at least he got to unleash for a few seconds (literally, seconds) in the horrendous sequel. Showing off his skills in the opening action sequence set in Nepal, apart from being pretty much the only scene Li would feature in for the whole movie, it’s also the highlight of the bloated, overly self-aware 2nd instalment. As brief as the sequence may be, Li’s energetic burst of action is a memorable one, as he unleashes against wave after wave of blood thirsty opponents.

Bonus dish – 

Tom Yum Goong (2005) – Tony Jaa vs. Johnny Tri Nguyen
Total Cookery Time – 2:11

Ok so technically this fight doesn’t actually take place in a kitchen, but rather right outside one, with the chefs looking on inside as much a part of the audience as we are.  Still, we thought it was worthy of inclusion. After decimating a small army of attackers via an amazing one-shot stairwell fight, in his sophomore starring role Tony Jaa takes on a pre-The Rebel Johnny Tri Nguyen, a pairing which pits Muay Boran against Wushu. With the threat of his beloved elephant becoming the latest item on the menu, Jaa unleashes his inner rage at a time when elbows to the head still felt like a breath of fresh air.

Again, if you feel like any recipes have been missed, feel free to add them in the comments section below. Also, if you want to see what’s going on in the bathroom, don’t miss COF’s Top 15 Bathroom Fight Scenes.

Posted in Features, News |

Gaming on a Macbook Pro: 5 Games You Have to Play

Posted on February 21, 2020 by JJ Bona
Gaming on a Macbook Pro: 5 Games You Have to Play

Gaming on a Macbook Pro: 5 Games You Have to Play

Macs have been notorious for not offering a large library of games compared to Windows, but things have gotten better over the years. If you own a MacBook Pro and you’re itching to play a fighting or action game, we’ve got you covered!

Read on to learn all about gaming on a MacBook Pro with our top fighting and action games–no PC emulation required!

1. Skullgirls

This 2D fighting game was developed by Reverge Labs and published by Autumn Games in 2012. Because of its massive popularity, it’s available on pretty much every system you can think of, including all the major consoles and iOS and Android.

You’ll be fighting in teams of up to three characters with classic fighting game mechanics. It offers tag-team based combat with character assists, snapbacks, and delayed hyper combos.

Its unique twist is its story and setting. It takes place in a fictional world that’s reminiscent of 1940s post-war America. In this world, all of the characters are vying for an ancient artifact called a Skull Heart that curses its user if they don’t have a pure heart.

According to Metacritic, Skullgirls has “generally positive” reviews in the high 70s and low 80s. Critics praised its graphics and presentation with hand-drawn characters, the Art Deco design, and smooth animation.

2. Katana Zero

Katana Zero is a 2D action platforming game developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital in 2019. Along with macOS, it’s also available on Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch.

Reminiscent of Hotline Miami, this is a game with high difficulty that results in instant death if you’re hit by an enemy. It encourages players to learn the layouts of each level and predict enemy movements in order to progress.

Unlike Hotline Miami, instead of a top-down view of the level, you’ll navigate through side-scrolling levels. Your blade gives you the ability to deflect bullets, and you have the unique ability to slow time with a meter that refills over time.

Your character, called Subject Zero, wields a katana in a neo-noir metropolis called New Mecca. Throughout the game, you’ll be learning about your character’s mysterious past through vivid hallucinations and flashbacks.

Katana Zero has received good reviews in the 80s on Metacritic. Critics largely praise its stylish visuals and fun combat.

3. Brawlhalla

This free-to-play fighting game is developed by Blue Mammoth Games and published by Ubisoft in 2017. Not only is it available on multiple platforms, but all of those platforms are cross-play, meaning you can pick up your save game from one platform to another.

If you’re interested in setting up your Mac to play more games, check out this article here: https://setapp.com/how-to/set-up-your-mac-for-games.

This game has often been compared to Super Smash Bros. because of the goal to knock your opponent off the stage. To do this, you’ll need to damage them repeatedly. You can see how much damage you’ve taken and how close you are to being knocked off or completely out by the color around your character.

Either the last player standing will win or the player with the most points will win the entire match. The best part is you can play either local or online. You can also play competitively through one vs one ranked matches — there have even been professional tournaments through the years that award prize money.

Brawlhalla has received “very positive” reviews on Steam with many players praising how players of different skill levels can “pick up and play” it easily. It’s also known for its bright, fun graphics and uniquely designed characters.

4. Shovel Knight Showdown

Developed and published by Yacht Club Games in 2019, Shovel Knight Showdown is a platform fighting game where you can duel with up to four players. If you own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, the game is completely free as its part of the saga.

Based on the popular platforming game Shovel Knight, you can choose to play any of the popular 16 characters in the game. You can join your friends in cooperative team battles or do local one versus one battles or four-player free-for-alls.

Even better, the game comes with a multi-stage Story Mode that changes for each character.

The game has overall “good” reviews on Steam with many players mentioning enjoying the unique story for each character. They enjoy that each of the characters has their own styles of gameplay and that each stage brings new environments and challenges.

Of course, the same nostalgic artwork and music that the developer is known for are back in Shovel Knight Showdown.

5. Nidhogg

This side-scrolling fighting game is developed and published by Messhof in 2014, who was the game’s sole programmer. Described as “fencing tug-of-war” on Steam, players duel with swords with a variety of movements, such as lunges, parries, and dirty tricks. If a player is without their sword, they also have the option of punching, rolling, and kicking.

You may be wondering where the term “tug-of-war” comes from. Victory comes from gaining more ground with each kill, giving you the freedom to run, fight, or flee to your goal zone. Each fighting zone comes with unique choke points and formations, making it both a game of strategy and action like fencing itself.

With over four thousand “very positive” reviews on Steam, players are delighted with the unique, strategic gameplay and charmed by the pixel art. Many recommend that playing with a friend is the most enjoyable way to play the game.

Gaming on a MacBook Pro Isn’t Impossible

Our top five picks for the best action and fighting games on the Mac bring a lot of unique elements together. Their unique art styles, settings, and mechanics truly bring new and satisfying experiences for players of all skill levels. Gaming on a MacBook Pro is now more possible than ever before.

Interested in more action and fighting news? Keep reading our blog!

Posted in News |

‘Maria’ director Pedring Lopez hooks up with ‘Avatar’ actor Sam Worthington for Manila-based thriller ‘CounterPlay’

Posted on February 21, 2020 by JJ Bona
"Maria" Theatrical Poster

“Maria” Theatrical Poster

Filipino filmmaker Pedring Lopez (Nilalang, Maria) will soon be working with Sam Worthington (Clash of the Titans) for a thriller titled CounterPlay.

The Avatar franchise star will take on the role of a former kidnap and hostage negotiator who comes out of retirement to help get a young man accused of drug trafficking out of the Philippines and back to Australia (via SD/FCS).

If you already haven’t watched Pedring Lopez’ Maria, the film is currently streaming on a Netflix account near you.

CounterPlay starts production in August in Manila. We’ll keep you updated on the film’s progress as we learn more.

Posted in News |

Chinese Good Luck Charms For 2020

Posted on February 21, 2020 by JJ Bona

Do you want to attract luck, health, wealth, and money? Feng Shui elements will help you get the positive energy you need to attract money, financial opportunities and abundance. Here’s a list of lucky charms that Chinese men and women are keeping close in the year of the rat to attract positive energy.

Feng Shui Lucky Charms for 2020

Depending on your Chinese Zodiac sign, there are different lucky charms that you can wear in 2020. They include:

Rat

In general, the Rat will be comfortable this year. As such, the natives to this zodiac sign only need to have a positive attitude towards life. That includes people born in 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936 and 1924. However, money, good luck, work, and love won’t hold any more secrets for you this year, though you might need a lucky charm bracelet for the Year of Rat and an obsidian five-element bracelet to attract good luck and wealth.  

Ox

For people born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, and 1925, this year will bring an unspectacular evolution and luck to the limits of the OX. As such, everything should be ok for the Ox natives, but they’ll need a lot of luck in their financial life. The two lucky charms for you are a Feng Shui money frog to attract wealth and a zodiac figurine for the Ox year.

Tiger

If you were born in 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974,1962,1950,1938 or 1926, the year of Rat would be very generous to you in financial, love and professional life. You will be well protected by the Tiger lucky charm figurine and a heart charm bracelet to attract love.

Rabbit

2020 will be a satisfying year for people born in the following rabbit years; 2011,1999,1987,1975, 1963, 1951, 1939 and 1927. The natives to the Rabbit zodiac will experience several thrilling moments, but they’ll need their strength. You can expect trips, including abroad, so you should bring along a lucky Rabbit charm figurine and a furball with rhinestone for attracting good luck.

Dragon

For Dragon Natives (2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, and 1928), the Rat year brings you pleasant ambiance and lots of activities. Success will be present, especially at work, but you’ll also need some lucky charms to protect your health. These charms include a lucky dragon charm pendant and a green Pi Xiu statue for prosperity and fortune.

Snake

In general, the Chinese horoscope foretells of a year with promising outcomes for the Snake natives – 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, and 1929. The earning might be substantial, but you’ll need to keep your expenses under control and try to save money. For the singles in this zodiac, this might be the year you meet the love of your life especially with the dream catcher charm and dangle charms for prosperity and fortune.

Horse

For the horse natives (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942 and 1930), 2020 will bring favorable and unfavorable events in equal measure. The career side is the one that will be hit heavily by negativities and result in issues, but love will appear in abundance. You can attract career fortune with a lucky Buddha charm statue and a lucky horseshoe charm to attract love.

Posted in News |

Gamera: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

Posted on February 20, 2020 by JJ Bona
Gamera: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

Gamera: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Arrow Video)

RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2020

On July 28, 2020, Arrow Video will release the 8-Disc Blu-ray set for Gamera: The Complete Collection, which will include all twelve uncut original Japanese versions of the films in high definition, with lossless Japanese and English audio 4K restorations of the critically acclaimed Heisei trilogy (Gamera the Guardian of the Universe, Gamera 2: Attack of Legion, Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris).

Official details:

The original hero in a half-shell returns! For the first time ever worldwide, all twelve tales of the adventures of everyone’s favourite titanic terrapin are collected together in one deluxe Blu-ray boxset. This limited edition collector’s set traces the decades-long evolution of Gamera, from the friend of all children in his more light-hearted earlier films, to the Guardian of the Universe in the groundbreaking 1990s reboot series, often hailed as three of the best kaiju films ever made.

Features:

  • Limited collector’s edition packaging, housed in a large-format rigid box, fully illustrated by Matt Frank
  • Hours of new and archive bonus features, expert commentaries (including August Ragone, David Kalat, and Steve Ryfle & Ed Godziszewski), interviews with cast and crew, and the worldwide Blu-ray premiere of Gammera the Invincible (the American theatrical version of the first film)
  • Hardback 120-page comic book including a full-color reprint of the four-issue Gamera comic series originally released by Dark Horse Comics in 1996, and the first-ever English-language printing of the prequel comic The Last Hope by Matt Frank and Joshua Bugosh
  • Perfect-bound 80-page book including a new retrospective on the series by Patrick Macias, kaiju X-ray illustrations by Jolyon Yates, and much more!
  • Final specs to be confirmed soon.

Pre-order Gamera: The Complete Collection from Amazon.com today! 

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

Sukiyaki Western Django: Collector’s Edition | Blu-ray (MVD)

Posted on February 19, 2020 by JJ Bona
Sukiyaki Western Django: Collector's Edition | Blu-ray (MVD Marquee Collection)

Sukiyaki Western Django: Collector’s Edition | Blu-ray (MVD Marquee Collection)

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

On June 16, 2020, MVD Marquee Collection will be releasing the Collector’s Edition Blu-ray & DVD for Sukiyaki Western Django (read our review), a 2007 film from director Takashi Miike (First Love, As the Gods Will).

Read the official details:

Famed Japanese auteur Takashi Miike, best known for cult classics Audition, Ichi the Killer and The City of Lost Souls, redefines the spaghetti Western with Sukiyaki Western Django, an epic tale of blood, lust and greed starring Hideaki Ito (Terra Formars), Yusuke Iseya (13 Assassins), Kaori Momoi (Izo) and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill Vol. 1)

Two clans battle for a legendary treasure hidden in a desolate mountain town. One day, a lone gunman, burdened with deep emotional scars but blessed with incredible shooting skills, drifts into town. Two clans try to woo the lone gunman to their sides, but he has ulterior motives. Dirty tricks, betrayal, desire and love collide as the situation erupts into a final, explosive showdown.

Blu-ray Special Features:

– High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 2.35:1 aspect ratio
– Audio: English 5.1 Surround, 2.0 Stereo
– English and Spanish Subtitles
– Sukiyaki Western Django : Extended Cut (SD, 159:57, with Optional Japanese Subtitles)
– Making of Featurette (SD, 52:37, In Japanese with English Subtitles
– Deleted Scenes (SD, 06:37)
– Sizzle Reel (SD, 03:12)
– Promotional Clips (SD, 02:58)
– US and Japanese Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots (SD)
– Reversible Artwork
– Limited Edition Slipcover

DVD Special Features

– Making of Featurette (SD, 52:37, In Japanese with English Subtitles)
– Deleted Scenes (SD, 06:37)
– Sizzle Reel (SD, 03:12)
– Promotional Clips (SD, 02:58)
– Theatrical Trailer (SD)
– Audio: English 5.1 Surround, 2.0 Stereo
– English and Spanish Subtitles

Pre-order Sukiyaki Western Django from Amazon.com today!

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

How to Raise Quick Cash Without Breaking a Sweat

Posted on February 19, 2020 by JJ Bona

Do you need money in a pinch?

Focus your energy on a solution, rather than stressing about the problem. So many ways to get quick cash exist!

If you need money now, keep reading to learn how to get it!

Take Out a Loan

Whether your car broke down unexpectedly, you want in on a lucrative business opportunity, or you found yourself in over your head with bills, you might need money quickly. Take out a loan!

Filing for a loan means you borrow the money now and then pay it back later with interest. This means you probably want to only take out a loan for serious things you need. Learn more about a cash advance loan.

Sell on Sale Sites

Online sale sites can help you get money fast. You simply sign up and sell items you do not want or need.

While a yard sale limits the number of people who will see your items, selling online expands your reach and increases the likelihood that your items will sell. Where can you sign up?

Facebook contains a large number of garage sale sites that will connect you with buyers in your community. You simply follow the site, post a pic, description, and price for your item, and then meet up with your buyer.

Sign up for Poshmark to sell your clothing and accessories and reach more serious shoppers. This site makes selling simple for you to raise quick cash.

If you want to reach people all across the country, sign up for eBay. This site allows you to list a number of items that you ship to the buyer and get paid via Paypal.

Utilize Crowdfunding

Asking people directly for the money you need can make you feel embarrassed or ashamed. But, crowdfunding allows you to explain your situation and let those who want to help donate to your cause.

The Go Fund Me platform allows you to raise money for literally anything life throws at you, from funeral funds to life goals. You may want to opt for Kickstarter if you want to raise money for a clear project, like writing a book or starting an artistic business.

Shop

Shopping costs you money, right? Not if you shop for other people!

You can make quick and easy money by finding people in your community who want a personal shopper. Wealthy people who do not like to shop and elderly people who cannot easily do so make for the most likely customers.

Babysit

Parents often find themselves in a pinch needing a babysitter. Throw out that you are looking to babysit for a night or two o raise money fast.

You will get cash in hand for this. If you do not do well with children, then offer to pet sit for vacationing friends instead!

Get Creative With These Ways to Earn Quick Cash 

Step outside of the 9-5 workbox when you want to find ways to make quick cash. Depending on your circumstances, you can choose between borrowing, raising, or earning money in creative ways.

Raising money also means finding savings! Find hot deals on our website!

Posted in News |

Undercover Punch and Gun (2019) Review

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Paul Bramhall
"Undercover Punch and Gun" Theatrical Poster

“Undercover Punch and Gun” Theatrical Poster

Director: Philip Lui
Co-director: Frankie Tam
Cast: Andy On, Philip Ng, Vanness Wu, Carrie Ng, Nicholas Tse, Carrie Ng, Lam Suet, Aka Zhao, Jiang Luxia, Aaron Aziz, Joyce Feng, Jessica Cambensy
Running Time: 90 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Before you’ve gotten through the plethora of production company logos that kick off Undercover Punch and Gun (and there’s a lot of them!), the title alone is enough to give an indication as to what kind of movie is about to hit the screen. Evoking the slightly goofy names that HK action cinema used to be littered with throughout the 90’s, Undercover Punch and Gun is the kind of grammatical car crash that you’d expect to find sitting on a DVD shelf alongside the likes of Tough Beauty and the Sloppy Slop. It’s not only the title that feels like a throwback to the 90’s low budget action genre though, with the movie itself feeling as if it’s been beamed directly from 1995 to 2019.

In fact while Undercover Punch and Gun was released in 2019, it was actually filmed in 2015. The first time directorial effort of screenwriters Philip Lui Koon-Nam and Frankie Tam Gong-Yuen (the pair worked on Gordon Chan’s The Four franchise, who also produces here), here they pair up kung fu thespians Philip Ng and Andy On. Quite what the trigger was for their debuts eventual release is mystery, perhaps it was the case that someone saw On’s performance in the Roger Corman produced Abduction, and insisted that the world was ready. It could also be the case that I’m clutching at straws.

Ng and On have worked together many times before, with roles in the likes of Star Runner, New Police Story, Dragon Squad, Invisible Target, Naked Soldier, and Zombie Fight Club. However their most notable collaboration came in the form of 2014’s Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, were they shared co-lead status, and went toe-to-toe under the choreography of Yuen Woo-Ping. Here they’re given the opportunity to once again share co-lead status and face off against each other, only this time with choreography handled by Ng himself, with assistance from Joe Chu Cho-Kuen.

The plot of Undercover Punch and Gun is cookie cutter fare. Ng plays an undercover cop in a gang run by Lam Suet (who should really put a pantent of these ’Gang boss who shows up for 5 minutes and gets offed’ roles – see also The Trough and The Brink). Ng, like any undercover cop in a movie, is in too deep, to the extent that he’s dating the bosses daughter and has formed a brotherly bond with another member of the gang (Vaness Wu, channeling a Dean Shek level of constant gurning and irritation). When Suet is killed in a shootout, Ng is made leader of the gang and is soon being pulled in every direction. His superior, played by Nicholas Tse in an all too rare screen appearance these days, wants him to go deeper, while Suet’s partner-in-crime, played by the legendary Carrie Ng (Naked Weapon) has her suspicions about Ng’s real motives.

Events lead to Ng being sent to meet On, a former special agent who’s gone rogue, and now runs a meth lab from a cargo ship in international waters. On believes that Suet must have been running his own drug factory somewhere local, and wants Ng to find the person that was making the drugs, and deliver whoever it is to him for gainful employment. With only a cringe inducing Vaness Wu and a special agent (Joyce Feng, Project Guttenberg) for company, Ng sets out to claim his life back, and take out On in the process. The ingredients are all there to replicate the charm of those 90’s contemporary HK action flicks (the likes of Angry Ranger and Retreat of the Godfather – I’m looking at you), however even by 90’s HK standards, structurally Undercover Punch and Gun frequently becomes a baffling experience.

Suet’s daughter (Aka Zhao – who notably hasn’t appeared in anything since) is a tattoo artist, and when the time comes for Ng to break the news that her father has been killed, he does it when she’s in the middle of tattooing one of her customers. It’s hilarious, even moreso when she threatens her customer when she asks to leave and come back another time. The whole runtime is full of bizarre moments like this, some intentionally humerous, others not. In one scene we meet a group of kidnappers who sport a permanent creepy grin and seem incapable of blinking, in another a character is interrupted by a spam sales call from a bank, and in another On takes the time to point out that he’s unfriending Ng from the WeChat application.

In total 7 scriptwriters are credited, of which 2 are directors Koon-Nam and Gong-Yuen, and it kind of feels like they were all writing separately, including parts that they probably felt were guaranteed to be re-written by one of their colleagues, but somehow got left and slipped through the net. However, let’s be honest, nobody is clocking into Undercover Punch and Gun expecting Shakespeare, this is a movie sold on reuniting two of this era’s brightest fighting talents (and, ok, in some circles also as a Star Runner reunion). On the action front, Ng’s choreography, relating both to the choreography itself and his delivery of it, is on the mark. This isn’t mind-blowing stuff, and in an era were movies like The Raid franchise and The Night Comes for Us have shifted the bar higher than it’s been held for a long time, that may not satisfy everyone.

However, Ng eschews any temptation to resort to wirework, and delivers a fight flick that shows a commitment to staying grounded throughout, relying on the skill of the performers rather than the spectacle of assisted kicks or falls. It may be this lack of the spectacular which led to Undercover Punch and Gun staying on the shelf for so long, but as a fan of grounded exchanges that highlight the skills of those performing them, there’s a lot to enjoy here. At one point Ng unleashes a sweet set of chain kicks, and a fight which takes place in a drug lab clearly shows the influence of Jackie Chan’s ‘run and gun’ style of choreography, complimented by multiple prop usage being incorporated into the fray.

Ng and On aren’t the only skilled screen fighters, with the likes of Jiang Luxia (Operation Red Sea, Bad Blood) and Aaron Aziz (KL Gangster, Special Female Force) rounding out the cast as members of On’s entourage. While for the majority of the runtime they have little to do beyond lingering in the background, when it comes to the finale they both get their chance to shine. Luxia faces off against Ng in a furious open hand fight, while a kukri knife wielding Aziz gets to battle against a butterfly knife wielding Vaness Wu. The best is saved for last, with Ng and On throwing down within the confines of a container, and contains plenty of wince inducing impacts. While the requirements of the NRTA mean there’s a distinct lack of blood or any real signs of bodily damage, thankfully this doesn’t become too much of a detriment to the scene itself.

On himself steals the show whenever he’s onscreen, instilling his character with a childlike enthusiasm towards his villainous ways, and likewise for former Shaw Brothers bombshell Susan Shaw, who makes a playful appearance as the chemist Ng is seeking out (oh, and look out for a 2-second cameo by Jessica C, Ng’s co-star from Zombie Fight Club). Ultimately though Undercover Punch and Gun struggles to hit the 90 minute mark, with various scenes reeking all too obviously of filler. One in particular has Vaness Wu pretending to be the chemist, which takes a bizarre turn into a cookery show format, and consists of Wu dancing and other punch-the-screen inducing shenanigans. Others have Ng and On staring at each other for just a tad too long, while watching Joyce Feng searching the ship quickly becomes a chore.

Still, it’s an admirable effort, with the only real difference between now and those 90’s HK flicks of old being that we don’t watch these more recent efforts with the rose-tinted glasses that we do the latter. It’s a straight laced story that unfolds in the usual container yards and warehouses of old, contains plenty of familiar HK faces, and delivers frequent bursts of vintage HK kickboxing style action. For those that frequently bemoan the fact that Hong Kong doesn’t make movies like it used to, well, here’s one that delivers exactly that. As the expression goes, be careful what you wish for.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 5.5/10

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