River (2023) Review

"River" Theatrical Poster

“River” Theatrical Poster

Director: Junta Yamaguchi
Cast: Riko Fujitani, Yuki Torigoe, Yoshimasa Kondo, Haruki Nakagawa, Masahi Suwa
Running Time: 86 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

Making a follow-up to a debut that relied heavily on a gimmick is always a tricky proposition, as several directors have found out over the years. In Japan the most obvious example is Shinichiro Ueda, who after his almost flawless debut with 2017’s  One Cut of the Dead has struggled to replicate the winning formula with subsequent efforts, and in 2023 director Junta Yamaguchi released his sophomore feature River. Coming 3 years after Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes, Yamaguchi’s debut centered around a café owner realising the monitor in his room upstairs is capable of showing 2 minutes into the future, the inconsequence of which is utilised to amusing effect. In my review I’d mentioned how it uses the time travel plot device in a “more minutiae way than any of its predecessors (and perhaps anything that’ll come after it)”.

Well, with River I’ve already being proved wrong, as rather than try something completely new, Yamaguchi has returned to the concept of 2-minute time travel for his sophomore feature. He’s also stuck with Japan’s apparent time travel specialist script writer, Makoto Ueda, who penned Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes and 2005’s Summertime Machine Blues (which received a semi-sequel in 2022 in the form of the anime limited series Tatami Time Machine Blues). However with River it’s not just a couple of rooms experiencing the time glitch, but a whole town. To his credit, Yamaguchi isn’t repeating (pun intended) himself with his sophomore feature, but rather Continue reading

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Cynthia Rothrock, Stephen Chow, Andy Lau and Simon Yam: Here’s what’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of May!

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 May, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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A Thrilling New Approach to Online Gambling: The Aviator Game

Picture yourself gliding through the air, the excitement of speed and freedom coursing through you. This is the essence of Aviator, a revolutionary casino game that offers players an adventure unlike anything else in online gambling. Aviator isn’t just a new game—it’s a completely new way to experience the thrill of betting, combining straightforward gameplay with the adrenaline of risk-taking to keep players engaged and coming back for more.

How does Avaitor play?

The premise of Aviator is both simple and captivating. Players place bets and watch as a plane ascends, multiplying the potential winnings the higher it climbs. However, the plane can disappear at any moment, and if it does before you cash out, the bet is lost. This marriage of ease of gameplay and excitement ensures a thrilling experience from start to finish. Success in Aviator hinges on making timely decisions, as the potential for winnings increases the longer the plane remains on screen. Although chance is a major factor, players are also tested on their strategic thinking, adding a layer of depth to each round.

At its core, Aviator maintains a perfect balance between accessibility and excitement. The game’s interface is clean and intuitive, allowing players to jump right into the action without any confusion. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a casual player looking for a thrilling diversion, Aviator provides an experience that is both inviting and intensely engaging. With each round lasting mere seconds, the game delivers a concentrated burst of adrenaline that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Aviator’s gameplay is not only thrilling but also visually captivating. The ascending plane, the multiplying potential winnings, and the need to make split-second decisions all combine to create an immersive and engaging experience. The game’s sleek design and intuitive controls allow players to focus on the excitement of the game without any distractions.

Why does Aviator stand out?

Aviator distinguishes itself from traditional casino offerings through its unpredictable nature. Every round is a new experience, free from the repetition found in many other casino games. Its rapid rounds keep players continually engaged, offering fresh opportunities to win or learn with each game. Critics have praised Aviator for striking a perfect balance between simplicity and strategic depth, welcoming both newcomers and seasoned gamblers into an accessible yet challenging environment.

Not just a game of chance, but strategy as well

While Aviator might initially seem like a game of luck, its strategic elements are undeniable. Players must weigh their desire for higher rewards against the risk of losing everything, striking a balance between caution and ambition. Recognizing patterns and understanding when to commit or withdraw are skills that players develop over time, making Aviator not only a game of chance but also one of skill and intuition. It is this blend of strategy and luck that captivates players, providing a mentally engaging experience that extends beyond random odds.

What’s a game without a community around it?

A standout feature of Aviator is its emphasis on community. The game fosters interaction through a live chat feature, allowing players to connect and share in the excitement together. This social aspect brings an additional layer of enjoyment, transforming each round into a collective experience. Observing other players’ tactics can inspire your strategy, introducing a dynamic aspect that enriches the gameplay. Aviator’s social environment, combined with fast-paced action, cultivates a vibrant community that celebrates the essence of gambling.

Aviator could be the forerunner of a new wave of online gambling games

Aviator is more than just an innovative game; it’s a glimpse into the future of online gambling. Its instant, engaging gameplay that demands both luck and strategy has struck a chord with a wide audience. By pioneering social features and a fresh approach to online betting, Aviator may influence the direction of online casinos, raising expectations for interactive and emotionally engaging experiences. In a constantly shifting industry, Aviator shines as a model of ingenuity, proving that even straightforward concepts can transform into groundbreaking gaming phenomena.

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Deal on Fire! The Corrupter | Blu-ray | Only $12.18 – Expires soon!

The Corrupter | Blu-ray (Warner)

The Corrupter | Blu-ray (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Corrupter, a 1999 action/thriller directed by James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross, At Close Range).

The Corrupter stars Hong Kong screen legend Chow Yun-fat (Project Gutenberg, The Killer), Mark Wahlberg (The Departed, Mile 22, The Big Hit), Ric Young (Kiss of the Dragon), Jon Kit Lee (Romeo Must Die), Brian Cox (Braveheart) and Byron Mann (Double Edge, The Man with the Iron Fists).

Nick Chen (Chow Yun-Fat) is not your average New York cop. Working in Chinatown has its multifarious cultural nuances and its fair share of ubiquitous enticement, both of which are reflected in detective Chen’s weary face. He had to get into bed with the highest Continue reading

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Who’s ready to rock? Rothrock, that is! ‘China O’Brien’ Parts 1 and 2 now available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from Eureka

China O’Brien 1 & 2 | 4K UHD (Eureka)

China O’Brien 1 & 2 | 4K UHD (Eureka)

Now available from Goodie Emporium is Eureka’s 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray (Region B) for 1990’s China O’Brien and 1991’s China O’Brien, two Golden Harvest cult martial arts classics starring the one, the only Cynthia Rothrock (Manhattan Chase, Blonde Fury).

The inimitable martial arts superstar Cynthia Rothrock stars in two of the most gloriously entertaining films of her career!

In China O’Brien, city cop and formidable martial artist Lori “China” O’Brien (Rothrock) is forced to resign from the force and return home to a small Utah town after her involvement in an accidental death. But upon arrival in Beaver Creek, she finds that her lawman father – Sheriff John O’Brien (David Blackwell) – is desperately trying to bring down local crime boss Edwin Continue reading

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Hungry for murder? Watch the Trailer for ‘Nothing Can’t Be Undone By A Hot Pot’ from ‘Railroad Tigers’ director

"Nothing Can't Be Undone By A Hot Pot" Theatrical Poster

“Nothing Can’t Be Undone By A Hot Pot” Theatrical Poster

Ding Sheng – the acclaimed director/writer of Little Big Soldier, Police Story 2013, Railroad Tigers, Saving Mr. Wu and A Better Tomorrow 2018 will soon be serving Nothing Can’t Be Undone By A Hot Pot, an action comedy that will be released in the U.S. by China Lion in May.

Nothing Can’t Be Undone By A Hot Pot features an ensemble cast that includes Yang Mi (A Writer’s Odyssey), Yu Qian (The Old Dog), Tian Yu (1921), Ailei Yu (The Captain) and Li Jiu Xiao (The Sacrifice).

In a theater’s storage room, four individuals divide their spoils, along the way becoming unexpectedly entangled in a murder. When the individuals’ unique truths boil to the surface, a revelation in the face of deceit is uncovered. The fate of man with God watching prove no match for human calculations.

Nothing Can’t Be Undone Continue reading

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Roundup: Punishment, The (2024) Review

“The Roundup: Punishment” Teaser Poster

“The Roundup: Punishment” Teaser Poster

Director: Heo Myung-haeng
Cast: Ma Dong-Seok, Kim Moo-Yul, Lee Dong-Hwi, Park Ji-Hwan, Lee Beom-Soo, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Ji-Hoon, Lee Joo-Bin, Park Bo-kyung, Derek Chouinard
Running Time: 109 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

In a world where it’s perfectly normal to wait a couple of years for a sequel to land, The Roundup rebranded follow-ups to 2017’s The Outlaws have looked to buck the trend. Audiences only had to wait 11 months between the release of 2022’s The Roundup and 2023’s The Roundup: No Way Out, and in my review for the latter I’d expressed that “I hope we’ll get a little more breathing space before the next round.” Such hopes were futile though, as barely 11 months later the 4th instalment has already hit the screens in the form of The Roundup: Punishment, which sees everyone’s favourite burly bruiser Ma Dong-seok return to the role he was born to play.

The directorial reigns have been handed over to Heo Myeong-haeng for the 4th outing (replacing Lee Sang-yong who directed both of the previous entries), a veteran stuntman and action director who made his directorial debut earlier in the same year with the Concrete Utopia spin-off Badland Hunters. His debut also featured Ma Dong-seok as the lead, with the pairs working relationship going back as far as 2014’s Kundo: Age of the Rampant, after which they’d go on to collaborate on over 10 productions in the capacity of action director and actor. While Badland Hunters was essentially a straight-to-streaming taster for Myeong-haeng’s talents Continue reading

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Virtual Recall (2010) Review

"Virtual Recall" Theatrical Poster

“Virtual Recall” Theatrical Poster

Director: Larry Cheung
Cast: Stephen Fung, Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Tang Yi Fei, Samuel Pang King Chi, Sammul Chan Kin Fung, Lemon Zhang Meng, Mandy Chiang Nga Man, Simon Lui Yue Yeung, Astrid Chan Chi Ching, Tin Kai Man, Li Hui
Running Time: 95 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Back in the late 2000’s it kind of felt like director Roy Chow’s 2009 production Murderer placed an exclamation mark on the Hong Kong cinematic output of the decade. The Aaron Kwok starring murder mystery is best remembered for its oblivious descent into levels of ridiculousness and absurdity that audiences (and likely a few filmmakers as well) weren’t even aware existed until that point. I bring up Murderer, because I have a theory that the then long-retired director Larry Cheung was one of those filmmakers, and it woke something inside him that said – “You have a Murderer inside you too, let it out!”

The result was 2010’s Virtual Recall, which saw Cheung return to the directors chair for only the third time in his career, with the previous time being for 1993’s entertainingly unhinged wuxia The Sword Stained with Royal Blood. Here Cheung does away with the period setting, instead choosing contemporary Hong Kong for a tale of parallel universes and characters floating through space in bubbles. The moment the opening credits appear onscreen, which look like they’re based on a late night 1980’s infomercial, there’s already a sense that the next 90 minutes are going Continue reading

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Superhero flick the Takashi Miike way! Media Blasters Blu-ray for ‘Zebraman: Ultimate Z-Pack’ arriving in June 🦓

Zebraman: Ultimate Z-Pack | Blu-ray (Media Blasters)

Zebraman: Ultimate Z-Pack | Blu-ray (Media Blasters)

On June 11, 2024, Media Blasters is releasing the Blu-ray set for Zebraman: Ultimate Z-Pack, from cult director Takashi Miike (First Love, Blade of the Immortal). The set contains 2004’s Zebraman and 2010’s Zebraman 2: Attack on Zebra City.

Zebraman – 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 Continue reading

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Kato who? Eureka’s Blu-ray for Jet Li’s sci-fi actioner ‘Black Mask’ now available from Eureka Entertainment

Black Mask | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Black Mask | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On April 22, 2024, Eureka will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Black Mask, 1996 sci fi actioner directed by Daniel Lee (Code of the Assassins, Dragon Blade) that stars Jet Li (League of Gods, Last Hero in China).

Jet Li stars in an action-packed superhero spectacle produced by the legendary Tsui Hark!

Tsui Chik (Li) is a librarian who leads a quiet, unassuming life – or, at least, that’s what he wants people to believe. In truth, he was once a member of the 701 Squad, a group of elite combatants produced by a failed super-soldier project. In kind with his former comrades, his central nervous system has been altered to render him impervious to pain. When several of his fellow test subjects resurface and embark on a crimewave under the leadership Continue reading

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Lethal Combat: Techno Warriors 2 | aka Digital Warriors (2000) Review

"Lethal Combat: Techno Warriors 2" Theatrical Poster

“Lethal Combat: Techno Warriors 2” Filipino Poster

AKA: Digital Warriors 
Director: Philip Ko Fei
Cast: Darren Shahlavi, Lee Kwang-su, Yukari Oshima, Zoren Legaspi, Jimmy Ko, Man-Kei Lin, James Jim-Si Ha, Philip Ko Fei, Winston Ellis, Thorsten Nickel
Running Time: 93 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Let’s address the elephant in the room – I’m convinced nobody was clamouring for a sequel to the 1997 sci-fi action mashup Techno Warriors. Philip Ko Fei’s incomprehensible Philippines shot action flick gave us a dystopian future (set in 2020!), where a villain called the Black Ninja escapes from the Cyber World into the real world, and cops from both worlds team up to stand a chance of taking him down. What Techno Warriors lacked in narrative cohesion it did make up for in its energetic pacing and high kicking action sequences, so much of which were shot Ko Fei decided to make a follow-up, ensuring the scenes that were left on the cutting room floor didn’t go to waste. The result would come 3 years later in the form of Lethal Combat: Techno Warriors 2 (or as it was released in some territories, Digital Warriors).

In my review for Techno Warriors I complained that “Explaining the plot…could easily be described as headache inducing”, however compared to Lethal Combat I can safely take that back, as almost nothing make sense from the first scene. Essentially a thematic sequel rather than a direct continuation (even though characters names remain the same, and scenes from Techno Warriors are frequently shown in flashback, albeit in a different context to how they first appeared!), Lethal Combat opens with returning cops Darren Shahlavi and Lee Kwang-su. Neither Tamara Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Foreigner | Blu-ray | Only $9.98 – Expires soon!

The Foreigner | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

The Foreigner | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Foreigner (read our review), starring Jackie Chan (Bleeding Steel).

Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan star in The Foreigner , a timely action thriller from director Martin Campbell of Casino Royale and Goldeneye.

Chan stars as humble London businessman Quan, whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love — his teenage daughter — is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism. In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat- and-mouse conflict with a British government official (Pierce Brosnan), whose own past may hold clues Continue reading

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John Travolta and Nicolas Cage to return for a sequel to John Woo’s ‘Face/Off’?

"Face/Off" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Face/Off” Japanese Theatrical Poster

It was originally planned as as reboot, but now a sequel to John Woo’s 1997 actioner Face/Off is currently in-development from Paramount Pictures.

The original film centered on an FBI agent (John Travolta) who undergoes a facial transplant surgery to take on the physical appearance of a terrorist (Nicolas Cage). According to CBR, there are some solid rumors within the industry that Travolta and Cage will be returning, as their respective characters, for the sequel.

Adam Wingard – of Death Note, The Guest and You’re Next – is attached to direct, with his frequent collaborator, Simon Barrett, to write. The film will be produced Continue reading

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Acclaimed ‘Versus’ filmmaker Ryuhei Kitamura is getting into the amusement park business with ‘Thrill Ride’

"Versus" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Versus” Korean Theatrical Poster

Action filmmaker Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, The Doorman, Downrange) will be directing Thrill Ride, an upcoming rollercoaster thriller from writers Chad Law and Christopher Jolley, who previously worked with Kitamura on Lights Out and Remember Be, respectively

The English-language film – spearheaded by Film Bridge International – will tell the story of a group of people, including two young women, who are trapped upside down on a roller coaster taken over by a mysterious saboteur threatening to drop them all one-by-one to their deaths (via Deadline).

The same source adds: “As a hardcore rollercoaster fan since I was young, I immediately fell in love with this script filled with suspense, action, crazy ups and downs, turns, loops, and corkscrews at maximum Continue reading

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Lama Avenger, The | aka The Three Avengers (1979) Review

"The Lama Avenger" Theatrical Poster

“The Lama Avenger” Theatrical Poster

Director: Wong Wa-Kei
Cast: Bruce Li (Ho Chung Tao), Chin Yuet Sang, Michael Winston, Chui Fat, Lee Hoi San, Baan Yun Sang, Ching Chu, Sham Chin Bo, Austin Wai 
Running Time: 85 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Looking back at the careers of the Bruceploitation genres big three – Bruce Li, Bruce Le, and Dragon Lee – eventually all of them would step out of the Little Dragon’s shadow, admirably pushing for their own onscreen identities to come to the fore. However it was Bruce Li who took the initiative first, and understandably so, since he holds the record for how many times he’d portray Bruce Lee onscreen in numerous biopics of varying quality (if you’re wondering, the one worth tracking down is 1976’s Bruce Lee: The Man, The Myth). By the late 70’s Li had seemingly had enough of the Bruce Lee association, and started appearing in productions billed using his actual name of Ho Chung Tao, headlining a number of gritty contemporary kung-fu flicks (and even venturing into some Jackiesploitation territory with the Drunken Master inspired Blind Fist of Bruce).

The evolution of Chung Tao as a kung-fu leading man is one of determination and learning on the fly. The difference from the stiff and uninspired performance he’d clock in for his debut lead role in 1974’s Super Dragon (unsurprisingly playing Bruce Lee, in what many consider to be the first Bruceploitation movie), to 5 years later when he’d transformed into a performer who fully understood how to convey power and intensity onscreen, is like night and day. Chung Tao would headline Continue reading

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