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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An Old Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray (Terror Vision)

An Old Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray (Terror Vision)

An Old Kung Fu Master | Blu-ray (Terror Vision)

RELEASE DATE: May 2024

Next month, Terror Vision is releasing the Blu-ray for 1981’s An Old Kung Fu Master. This kung fu classic is directed by Cheng-Liang Kwan (Showdown at the Equator) and stars Simon Yuen Siu-Tin (Drunken Master), Charles Heung (Deadly Kung Fu Factor) and Cecilia Wong (Stranger from Shaolin).

Official details:

From actor/director Cheng-Liang Kwan (The Eight Robbers) comes An Old Kung Fu Master! A drunken master takes on some new disciples from a Kung-Fu school and he teaches them his secret styles of martial arts to take on a greedy warlord that is trying to take over the Continue reading

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Quentin Tarantino has dropped his 10th and final project: does this mean a ‘Kill Bill Vol. 3’ is back on the table?

“Kill Bill Vol. I” Theatrical Poster

“Kill Bill Vol. I” Theatrical Poster

Now that Quentin Tarantino has dropped The Movie Critic as his 10th and final project (he simply changed his mind, Deadline has been told), there’s a chance that a Kill Bill Vol. 3 is still possible. Sure, we’re aiming high here, but in the world of Hollywood, anything can happen.

The 3rd installment of Tarantino’s Kill Bill saga – and even some prequels – have been rumored for years. Tarantino himself mentioned the possibility, stating that Uma Thurman was definitely up for another round as The Bride. According to Thurman, an unfinished script does exist. There was even some talk of it being done entirely in Anime-form.

While promoting Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019 (via Josh Horowitz’ HSC Podcast), Tarantino had this to say: “Me and Uma have talked Continue reading

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Lionsgate teams up with Park Chan-wook for an English-language series remake of his 2003 masterpiece ‘Old Boy’

"Oldboy" Theatrical Poster

“Oldboy” Theatrical Poster

Lionsgate Television is teaming up with Park Chan-wook (Thirst, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) for an English-language series adaptation of the director’s own 2003 cult masterpiece, Old Boy, which itself was based on Garon Tsuchiya’s manga of the same name.

The movie followed Oh Deasu (Choi Min-sik), who wakes up only to find himself locked in a room for 15 years, until he finally wakes up in the same place he was abducted from a decade and a half earlier. What follows is a phone call as his first clue as to the identity of his abductor and the reason for his incarceration. In his search for revenge, he falls in love with a younger woman which becomes a key element in his twisted story.

In 2013, Old Boy was the Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Hard Target 2 | Blu-ray | Only $8.95 – Expires soon!

"Hard Target 2" Blu-ray Cover

“Hard Target 2” Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on fire is the Blu-ray for the Jean-Claude Van Damme-less sequel to 1993’s Hard Target.

Disgraced and retired mixed martial artist Wes “The Jailor” Baylor (Scott Adkins) couldn’t refuse the million dollar purse offered to fight in Myanmar. When he arrives to fight, he learns he’s been tricked into becoming the target of a human hunt. Carrying only water and a ruby-filled money belt for the last person standing, Wes must outsmart the heavily armed group who’s paid to kill him. As Wes fights for his life in the treacherous jungle terrain, the hunters become the hunted.

Hard Target 2 also stars Robert Knepper (Prison Break), Rhona Mitra (Shooter), Ann Truong (Sonnigsburg), Temuera Morrison (Green Lantern), Adam Saunders (A Heartbeat Away), Jamie Timony Continue reading

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Veteran HK director Billy Chung is back in action in the Trailer for ‘Operation Black-Ops’ starring Shawn Yue and Celina Jade

"Operation Black-Ops" Theatrical Poster

“Operation Black-Ops” Theatrical Poster

Veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Billy Chung Siu Hung (Hong Kong Bronx) returns to the director’s chair for Operation Black-Ops (aka China Top Arms: Mission Top Secret or Alpha Solider).

Chung’s credits include 1993’s The Assassin and 2000’s Undercover Blues (as well co-directing duties on 2009’s To Live and Die in Mongkok and 2016’s From Vegas To Macau 3).

Described as a “military action film” by AFS, the upcoming action-thriller stars Shawn Yue (Mad World, The Brink), Celina Jade (Triple Threat, Wolf Warrior 2), Kelly Yu (Moonfall) and Jiang Luxia (Coweb).

Operation Black-Ops releases domestically on June 15, 2024. Here’s hoping for a U.S. release. Until then, don’t miss the film’s New Continue reading

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Wanna dance with the devil in the pale moonlight? Watch Lionsgate’s Trailer for Kimo Stamboel’s ‘Dancing Village’

"Dancing Village: The Curse Begins" Theatrical Poster

“Dancing Village: The Curse Begins” Theatrical Poster

On April 26, 2024, Lionsgate will be releasing Badarawuhi Di Desa Penari (Dancing Village: The Curse Begins), the prequel to Indonesia‘s highest-grossing film, KKN Curse of the Dancing Village. The film is also the first IMAX movie produced in Southeast Asia.

Dancing Village: The Curse Begins is directed by Indonesian filmmaker Kimo Stamboel (Killers) – of the “Mo Brothers” directing duo (Headshot, Macabre).

In this horror-thriller, a shaman instructs Mila to return a mystical bracelet, the Kawaturih, to the “Dancing Village,” a remote site on the easternmost tip of Java Island. Joined by her cousin, Yuda, and his friends Jito and Arya, Mila arrives on the island only to discover that the village elder has passed away, and that the new Continue reading

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King Kong Escapes (1967) Review

"King Kong Escapes" Theatrical Poster

“King Kong Escapes” Theatrical Poster

Director: Honda Ishiro
Cast: Rhodes Reason, Linda Miller, Mie Hama, Akira Takarada, Hideyo Amamoto, Yoshifumi Tajima, Yoshifumi Tajima, Andrew Hughes, Shoichi Hirose, Ryuji Kita
Running Time: 96/104 min.

By Ian Whittle

Following the colossal success of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), Toho did not rush to bring back the giant ape in a hurry – the cost of licensing the character from RKO was high, and Toho had been left holding the bill by KKvG’s American co-producer, John Beck. But by 1966, American animation company Rankin-Bass had produced The King Kong Show in collaboration with Japan’s Toei Animation and a new live action Kong film was put into development between Rankin-Bass and Toho. Sekizawa Shinichi’s original script, Operation Robinson Crusoe: King Kong, was rejected and instead turned into the Godzilla film Ebirah, Horror of the Deep – which explain why that film has a scene where Godzilla takes an interest in a bikini-clad island girl.

Whilst Ebirah was in effect a B-movie, the resultant King Kong Escapes was very much top-grade, with direction (Honda Ishiro), music (Ifukube Akira) and SPFX direction (Tsuburaya Eiji) all being handled by Toho’s main monster specialists, in what would turn Continue reading

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Top 10 Qualities to Look for in a Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyer

Finding the right personal injury lawyer in Clearwater can be a big step in your legal journey, especially if you’re dealing with the effects of an accident. The right lawyer can really change the outcome of your personal injury case. Knowing what makes the best lawyers stand out is key. In this guide, we will look at the top qualities you should look for. These are qualities shown by the team at Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers in Clearwater.

1. Experience in Personal Injury Law

Experience in personal injury law is very important. The top personal injury lawyers have lots of experience. They have worked on many cases like yours. This experience gives them a good understanding of personal injury law in Florida. They can move through the legal system easily.

Also, lawyers with experience can see potential problems in your case. They know how to deal with these problems. This makes the legal process smoother. Their knowledge and experience can really change how your case turns out. So, experience is a key quality to look for.

2. Specialization in Your Case Type

Personal injury law covers many kinds of incidents and injuries. It’s important to have a lawyer who specializes in your kind of case. This could be a car accident, slip and fall, medical mistake, or injury at work. A lawyer who specializes knows the laws that will affect your case very well.

Having a specialist means they know the small details of cases like yours. They know what evidence to get and which expert witnesses to talk to. They know how to make your case as strong as possible. Their special knowledge can mean winning or losing your case.

3. Excellent Communication Skills

A great personal injury lawyer is very good at communicating. They are good at talking not just in court but also with you. They keep you up to date on your case. They explain complex legal stuff in easy English. This makes sure you know what’s happening and understand your choices.

Also, a lawyer who communicates well can talk about your case’s strengths well. They can negotiate with others, like insurance companies. Their skill in talking and arguing can really help in these talks. This can be good for your case.

4. Strong Negotiation Skills

Being good at negotiating is very important. Many personal injury cases are settled without going to court. A lawyer who is good at negotiating can get a good settlement. This means you get the most money possible for your injuries and losses. They know how to use the details of your case to get the best deal.

They have lots of experience talking to insurance companies and other lawyers. This experience helps them in complex negotiations. Often, this leads to better terms for their clients.

5. Trial Experience

Many personal injury cases are settled outside of court. But, some go to trial. In these cases, having a lawyer who knows how to handle trials is very important. Lawyers with trial experience are confident in court. They know about trial procedures. They can present your case well to a judge and jury.

They know how to argue well. They can adjust to changes during the trial. This can really affect what the court decides. Having trial experience shows the other side your lawyer is ready to fight all the way. This can make your position stronger even before you go to trial.

6. A Proven Track Record

Having a history of winning cases and getting good settlements shows a lawyer is effective. Successful personal injury lawyers can show examples of past wins. This can make you feel more sure about what they can do.

Comments from past clients give you a look at the lawyer’s style and success. These comments are a big help in knowing what you can expect. You learn about the results they get and how they treat their clients.

7. Availability and Responsiveness

Your lawyer should be easy to reach. They should answer your questions quickly. Getting updates often means you won’t be in the dark about your case.

A lawyer who cares about your case will keep you in the loop. Being available and quick to respond shows they want the best for you. It shows they are dedicated to your case.

8. Resources and Connections

Good personal injury lawyers have lots of resources and connections. They know medical experts, accident experts, and investigators. These resources are key to making a strong case for you.

They can get evidence and testimony from experts. This can make your case much stronger. This is very important for complex cases that need special knowledge.

9. A Transparent Fee Structure

It’s important to understand the fee structure from the start. This avoids any surprises later. Good lawyers are clear about their fees. They often work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win.

This fee setup means the lawyer’s goals match yours. They work to get a good outcome for you. Being clear about fees helps you understand the cost of your legal representation.

10. Local Knowledge and Connections

Knowing the local area can really help your personal injury case. A lawyer who knows the Clearwater area knows the local legal system. They know the judges and how local insurance companies work. This knowledge can lead to better results.

They know how to work with local courts and legal professionals. This can move your case along faster. It can also affect the outcome. Knowing the local scene can make a big difference in how well your case goes.

Winding Up

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in Clearwater is a big choice. It can really change how your case turns out. By looking for these key qualities, you can find a lawyer who will fight for your rights. They will work hard to get you the compensation you need. Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers in Clearwater have these qualities. They are a good choice for anyone looking for a lawyer for a personal injury case. With the right lawyer, you can go through the legal process confidently and focus on getting better.

Posted in News |

Cynthia Rothrock’s insightful article about screen credits and their meaning

In the May 1991 Issue of Inside Kung Fu, martial arts star Cynthia Rothrock contributed this insightful article about film screen credits and their meaning. Enjoy!

Posted in News |

Game of Killers (1982) Review

Game of Killers | Blu-ray (Terror Vision)

Game of Killers | Blu-ray (Terror Vision)

Director: Hui Sing-Yue
Cast: Barry Chan Wai Ji Wan, Lung Chan, Chu Shao-Hwa, Chun-Eah Lung, Su Kuo-Liang, Tu Kuei-Hua, Lin Wan-Chang, Lin Kuang-Yung
Running Time: 81/90 min.

By Will McGuire

Recently I reviewed Dark Forces’ kung fu double feature Shadow Fist Hunter and Deadly Kung Fu Factor those of you who were shopping discs on Black Friday last year may recall that at the exact same time those discs who going up for pre-order venerable label TerrorVision was dipping its toe into the kung fu physical media pool with Game of Killers, which was being restored from a previously unknown 35mm print. The film was supposed to drop in January but with the concurrent discovery of the original Mandarin language track, TerrorVision wisely delayed pressing to get absolutely the best version of the product they could onto your shelf.

Game of Killers is a loosey-goosey kung fu comedy released in the wake of the immense success Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan were having with kung fu comedies. Barry Chan (The Black Tavern, this film marks his only turn as action director as well as star) plays a principled assassin who dresses like one of the Venoms and is paired in the opening scenes with Chu Xiao Hua playing a filthy ragamuffin and this relationship between the two is what is most notable Continue reading

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