Iron Girl II | DVD (Switchblade Pictures)

Iron Girl II | DVD (Switchblade Pictures)

Iron Girl II | DVD (Switchblade Pictures)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2015

Switchblade Pictures presents the DVD for Kenichi Fujiwara’s Iron Girl II (aka Iron Girl: Ultimate Weapon), the sequel to 2012’s Iron Girl.

It’s the same post-apocalyptic world and Chris, the mysterious bounty hunter better known as Iron Girl (Kirara Asuka), is still the deadliest fighter on the planet. Unfortunately, she also still has no memory of who she is or where she came from, and, in a land where knowledge is power that means her days could be numbered. Regardless, Iron Girl must take on an army of assassins and a renegade group of bandit militia called Sparti United. | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Iron Girl II from Amazon.com today!

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

Yakuza Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Entertainment One)

Yakuza Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Entertainment One)

Yakuza Apocalypse | Blu-ray & DVD (Entertainment One)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2015

Entertainment One presents the Blu-rayDVD for Yakuza Apocalypse, directed by Takashi Miike (13 Assassins).

In the world of the yakuza, Kamiura is the boss. He is rumored to be invincible, but in truth is a vampire. When assassins aware of Kamiura’s secret arrive from abroad, he is given an ultimatum: return to the syndicate he left years ago or die.

The film stars Ichihara Hayato (Negative Happy Chain Saw Edge), Lily Franky (The Devil’s Path) and Yayan Ruhian (The Raid 2). | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Yakuza Apocalypse from Amazon.com today!

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

Shanghai 13 | aka Heroic Ones from Shanghai (1984) Review

"Shanghai 13" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Shanghai 13” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Chiang Ming, Ti Lung, Cheng Tien Chi, David Chiang, Lee Chung Yat, Chi Kuan Chun, Wong Ching, Chiang Sheng, Leung Kar Yan, Lu Feng, Chai Kai, Chan Sing, Chen Kuan-tai, Cheung Taai Lun, Jue Hoi Ling, Andy Lau, Danny Lee, Jimmy Wang Yu, Wang Chung, Clement Yeh
Running Time: 85 min.

By Martin Sandison

The great Chang Cheh – one of the most revered, prolific and revolutionary directors of all time – created some of the greatest innovative kung fu movies. By 1984 he was 60, and was considering retirement. To fund this, he made one of the most ridiculously action- packed and star-packed kung fu films of all time: Shanghai 13. With a veritable smorgasbord of action stars from the classic Shaw Brothers era, this is cinematic heaven. Made in Taiwan on a pretty small budget, Chang virtually started most of the stars of the films careers they agreed to appear, no matter how small their part. The film ultimately is a celebration of the classic kung fu film; the movie techniques that Chang made famous, the stars he discovered, the perfunctory storylines. This creates a depth that goes beyond how silly the film appears on the outset, and ensures its place as one of the all time greats.

The credit sequence for the movie is unfeasibly cool as a funky but tinny song plays and each actors face appears in illustrated form. The plot is undoubtedly throwaway, just a vehicle for as many stars to appear as possible. The film is set in 1920’s Shanghai, and involves a patriot called Gau attempting to deliver important documents to Hong Kong and an army of traitors after him. Basically every scenario revolves around Gau being escorted by patriots, and traitors attempting to kill him. That means there is a fight in every scene! The match ups are positively mouth watering, and the choreography and filming of them is top notch.

Action direction is credited to five different film makers, the first being Lau Kar Wing. Younger brother of the legend that was Lau Kar Leung (RIP), by 1984 he had proven himself as one of the greatest performers and choreographers of the golden age. He appeared in and worked behind the scenes of countless classics, including The Odd Couple with Sammo Hung. That movie is, in my opinion, the greatest classical weapons film ever made. He also fought his older brother in the second best classical weapons film ever made, Legendary Weapons of China! Two of the Venoms, Chiang Sheng and Lu Feng, also serve as choreographers on Shanghai 13, who by this point had worked on numerous Venoms films and had become very accomplished.

Next is Wong Gwok Chue, a veteran who also worked on Scorching Sun, Fierce Winds and Wild Fire, starring Tan Tao Liang and Chang Yi (one of the greatest Independent kung fu movie villains). And last but not least Ricky Chen Tien Chi, who also has a large part in Shanghai 13. He was first credited choreographer on Mystery of Chess Boxing, one of the all time classic Independent kung fu movies, and appeared in plenty of Shaw Brothers and other Independent productions. Chang Cheh really pulled out the stops on talent behind the camera, but onscreen the talent pedigree goes through the roof.

The first star to appear is Jimmy Wang Yu, and despite his non-fighting role, the one-armed swordsman makes an impact. Next up is Chen Kuan Tai, who does a little fighting and is as regal and composed, as always. Danny Lee plays a sniper, exuding coolness and channelling his persona from the Heroic Bloodshed classic City on Fire (finally got to mention it!). Co-choreographer Chiang Sheng pops in as the fights start to heat up, battling three heavies while still having a cigarette holder in his mouth! He shows his natural aptitude for acrobatics here.

The next scene features the non-martial artist legend Beardy (Leung Kar Yan) hanging out in his plush apartment with a bevy of pretty ladies, just being Beardy. He is interrupted by Venom Lu Feng (looking ripped and up for a fight), and one of the best fights in the film proceeds. There is a magnificent shapes hand exchange between the two, which had me in that zone of martial arts movie awestruck consciousness. Beardy even fights on with numerous injuries, referencing that other Chang Cheh masterwork Boxer From Shantung.

Then a very young Andy Lau shows up (complete with cool white outfit and converse) and despite some doubling, he delivers some fine flowing martial artistry. Here the filming techniques amp up, with reverse photography and clever editing to paper over the cracks. Chang clearly knows what he is doing: creating a visual festival of all the innovations he made famous.

The next scene features Toby Chi Kuan Chun and David Chiang, two of the masters of kung fu cinema, as they go at it with Ga Hoi (a recognisable face especially from the shapes genius 7 Steps of Fung Fu) and Wong Chung, a veteran Shaw Brothers and Indie bit part actor. All four perform admirably, with Chiang really cutting loose. He even has an exploding pocket watch that he puts to good use!

The best entrance for any character is undoubtedly Ti Lung, as he appears to save Gao by slitting two guys throats. The camera centres on his iconic face complete with moustache, cool hat and pipe. The final fight (and the whole film really) is a fan’s dream. Two big surprises are the inclusions of Chen Sing and Sonny Yu. Chen Sing suddenly arrives on the scene, looking a little overweight – sporting a Karate suit – diving into the action with abandon. By this point he had moved away from Shaws to star in innumerable Indie flicks, with his nickname “The Chinese Charles Bronson.” His battle with Ti Lung is one for the ages, despite it not being as intricate as other sections of the action. Sonny Yu was a relatively new star compared to the rest of the cast, with only a few films under his belt. His technique is exemplary especially in kicking, and he more than holds his own.

When this film finished I was spent. But in a euphoric way. I would urge any fan of kung fu cinema, whatever age or stage, to check this undoubted masterpiece out (available on DVD from Terracotta). Despite not being Chang Cheh’s swan song (that would come in 1993 with Ninja In Ancient China), it is a fitting jewel in the crown of his unbelievable filmography.

Martin Sandison’s Rating: 10/10

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

Dolph Lundgren and ‘Kickboxer’ actress vs ‘Shark Lake’!

"Shark Lake" Theatrical Poster

"Shark Lake" Theatrical Poster

Action legend Dolph Lundgren is getting his bait ‘n tackle box ready for a Jaws-like thriller titled Shark Lake (formerly titled The Lake). We’re crossing our fingers that this upcoming film is a step above the recent wave of shlockbusters (i.e. Sharknado, Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus), but only time will tell.

Here’s the official plot: Fiercely protective single-mom Meredith Hendricks happens to also be the best cop in her quiet town on Lake Tahoe. When a black-market exotic species dealer named Clint, is paroled from prison, something he let loose begins to make its presence known. Swimmers and land-lovers alike begin to become part of the food chain at an unbelievable rate.

Shark Lake is directed by Jerry Dugan (Between Grass and Sky) and also stars Sara Malakul Lane (Kickboxer: Vengeance), Lily Brooks O’Briant, James Chalke, Michael Aaron Milligan and Ibrahim Renno. Check out the first trailer!

Updates: Watch Shark Lake’s newest trailer. The film hits theaters and iTunes on October 2nd, 2015.


Posted in News |

Zero Tolerance | aka Angel (2015) Review

"Maximum Crash" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Maximum Crash” Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Maximum Crash
Director: Wych Kaosayananda
Cast: Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Gary Daniels, Prinya Intachai, Kane Kosugi, Ammy Chanicha, Steven Clarke, Yuhkoh Matsuguchi, Damian Mavis, Charlie Ruedpokanon, Ron Smoorenburg
Running Time: 90 min.

By Zach Nix

Zero Tolerance is the latest actioner from director Wych Kaosayananda (Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever). However, one must familiarize them selves with the film’s interesting production history in order to fully appreciate and understand it. Zero Tolerance was previously completed and released only in Vietnam under the title of Angels. The film was designed to be a slow burning drama with action scenes peppered throughout it.

Unfortunately, Kaosayananda found it difficult to sell his film to distributors because Angels was more of a drama than an action film. Therefore, Kaosayananda decided to add action star Scott Adkins (Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning) into the mix for marquee value and to reshoot and re-edit the entire film in order to craft more of a stream lined actioner that would interest buyers. This re-edited version, entitled Zero Tolerance, is the cut of the film that has been released to the rest of the world.

Few action films undergo such re-editing and re-labeling as Kaosayananda’s latest. Therefore, Zero Tolerance’s drastic re-edit and added star power of Scott Adkins should be enough to pique action fans’ interests. Unfortunately, action fans will find nothing but disappointment with this new Thai production. All of Zero Tolerance’s post-release meddling has done nothing but waste an otherwise excellent cast comprised of Dustin Nguyen (The Rebel), Sahajak Boonthanakit (Only God Forgives), and Gary Daniels (City Hunter).

When a female corpse is uncovered in the waters of Bangkok, Thailand, resident detective Peter (Sahajak Boonthanakit) identifies her as Angel, his goddaughter. Peter notifies her biological father, Johnny (Dustin Nguyen), of the unfortunate news and vows to help Johnny uncover her killer. The two tear their way through pimps and drug pushers in search of the truth, only to find their quest complicated by pushers Steven (Scott Adkins) and Sammy (Gary Daniels).

Even though Zero Tolerance’s plot sounds simplistic and straightforward, Kaosayananda’s film is anything but. Zero Tolerance is an overly complicated and dull revenger thriller burdened by confounding editing choices and unnecessary characters. The film’s notable re-edit has done nothing but harm what was otherwise a mostly dramatic actioner. It’s a shame that Angels was re-edited, as it would be nice to see Kaosayananda’s original cut of the film attached to a future DVD release of Zero Tolerance in order to compare and contrast the two.

Nguyen is the protagonist of the picture. However, one will have difficulty figuring this out based on the film’s editing and introduction of the character several scenes into the movie. It doesn’t help that Nguyen’s performance is extremely frustrating as well. Nguyen showcases intense emotion during some scenes, but otherwise acts emotionless and dull throughout the rest of the picture. When Nguyen is told that his daughter has died, he barely seems to care at all. Nguyen’s search for his daughter’s killer is in no way personal, believable, or engaging. He simply mumbles his way through dialog and than brutally murders people every once in awhile.

The most confounding addition of Zero Tolerance comes in the form of action star Scott Adkins. It’s clear that Adkins was added purely for marquee value. His character serves no true purpose within the film other than to add two extra action scenes to the mix and to draw in action fans expecting a film to star one of contemporary action cinema’s greatest stars. Adkins must appear on screen for less than 10 minutes. He barely constitutes as a character and does nothing but overly complicate an already confounding revenge thriller.

Boonthanakit gives the best performance of the film as Angel’s loyal godfather. He plays co-lead to Nguyen and conveys a sense of determination in his quest that seems lacking in even Nguyen’s scenes. It’s a shame that Adkins is advertised as one of the film’s stars while Boonthanakit, who plays a major role in the film, is reduced to purely a name on the film’s poster. Gary Daniels also appears in a small dramatic role as a pimp previously involved in Angel’s life. What remains of Daniels’ scenes within this re-edit does not constitute much. Action fans should also not expect for Daniels to participate in any of the film’s action, as his role is purely dramatic in nature. Kane Kosugi (Tekken 2: Kazuya’s Revenge), also advertised on the film’s poster, literally appears in one scene alongside Adkins. That Kosugi is advertised within the film at all is unbelievable.

Zero Tolerance’s few shootouts are particularly bloody and quite exciting, although few and far between. It’s clear that Angels was envisioned as a mostly dramatic film peppered with action scenes. Therefore, only two major action sequences from Angels, along with two additional action sequences added from the reshoots, constitute the film’s action quota. The most notable addition to Zero Tolerance, and arguably the biggest take away of the film’s meandering experience, is a one on one showdown between Nguyen and Adkins. Even though their fight is entirely pointless, Nguyen and Adkin’s final throw down will give action fans something to talk about.

Zero Tolerance is a fascinating and sad reminder of the woes of distribution and marketing. While far from perfect, it’s clear that Kaosayananda’s originally envisioned Angels was a personal and dramatic actioner that was near to the director’s heart. Unfortunately, Kaosayananda had to compromise his vision in order to get Angels sold to the rest of the world. Therefore, his mostly dramatic film was cut down to a mere hour and a half, retitled, and turned in to more of a streamlined action picture that would pique action fan’s interest, especially with the inclusion of Adkins. The saddest truth of them all is that Zero Tolerance’s post-production woes are more fascinating than the film itself. What remains of Kaosyananda’s Angels is an extremely dissatisfying revenge thriller plagued by weak editing and poor direction.

Zach Nix’s Rating: 3/10

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

Wild City | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Wild City | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Wild City | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2015

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Wild City (read our review), directed by Ringo Lam (City on Fire).

When former cop-turned-bar owner T-man Kwok (Louis Koo) befriends a woman at closing hours (Tong Liya), they soon find themselves targeted both by her former lover — an attorney and the thugs (Chang Hsiao-Chuan) he employs. Once Kwok’s half-brother (Shawn Yue) and a suitcase full of tainted cash enter the picture, the chase turns deadly. | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Wild City from Amazon.com today!

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

Delta Force 2 | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Delta Force 2 | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Delta Force 2 | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2015

Kino Lorber presents the Blu-ray for Aaron Norris’ 1990 action flick, Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (aka Delta Force 2 Operation Stranglehold), starring Chuck Norris (Yellow Faced Tiger).

When DEA agents are taken captive by a ruthless South American kingpin, the Delta Force (headed by Norris), is reunited to rescue them in this sequel to the 1986 film. Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection also stars Billy Drago (The Untouchables, China White) and John P. Ryan (Runaway Train). | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Delta Force 2 from Amazon.com today!

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

The Kung Fu Fandom Forum is bigger, better and back online!

R.I.P. kungfucinema.com

kungfucinema.com: 2003-2015

Many visitors to City on Fire will also no doubt be aware of kungfucinema.com, and are most likely asking the question of why the site has been offline since Sunday 11th July. Unfortunately it was confirmed by site owner Mark Pollard a couple of days ago that kungfucinema.com has been laid to rest, after 12 years online, due to personal reasons.

For myself, as I’m sure for many others, the closure of the site marks the end of an era. Having started in 2003, for the next 6 years the site was run by Mark, providing in-depth and entertaining reviews on kung fu movies both new and old. Personally, many of my DVD purchases of years gone by were based on Mark’s reviews. Having gotten into the genre in 1999, after purging myself on Hong Kong Legends and Eastern Heroes releases, kungfucinema came along at a time when sites like HKflix were just warming up, and Celestial had just began releasing remastered Shaw Brothers movies on DVD for the first time. The reviews and articles on kungfucinema were like an invaluable guide on what was worth picking up and what wasn’t.

In 2007, kungfucinema also gave me my very first writing gig. After having several e-mail exchanges with Mark, he took me on-board as a reviewer, and I took to sharpening my writing skills on a selection of Shaw Brothers movies. As fate would have it though, a few months later Mark became less and less active on the site, which was the end of an era in itself. In 2008 the reigns were handed over to Albert Valentin, whose arrival marked a noticeable shift of focus away from kung fu movies, and onto lesser known American martial arts B-movies from the 1990’s.

2008 also marked another significant event in the history of kungfucinema, as the most well established forum for talking kung fu movies on the internet, Kung Fu Fandom, made the switch from its previous incarnation and began being hosted through kungfucinema. Now going under the title of the Kung Fu Cinema Forum, in its new guise the community went from strength to strength, quickly becoming the home for both people that were new to the genre, and those that had several encyclopaedias worth of knowledge stored under their belts.

For many, the sudden disappearance of the forum is understandably the greatest cause for concern. Not only does it contain 10+ years’ worth of discussion and information, but it also has the posts of forum members who have since passed on, their thoughts and opinions still able to live on in the written word. I became a forum moderator myself at the beginning of 2014, and like many other members of the community out there, the biggest question that’s being addressed right now is to how we can transfer the content to a new home.

Update: It’s back! The official launch of the Kung Fu Fandom Forum begins today at 5:00PM, North America, Eastern Time Zone. Expect the forum to be bigger, better, and more user friendly than ever!

Posted in News |

Bruce Lee finally kicks his way to Blu-ray in the UK!

Bruce Lee finally goes Blu-ray in the UK!

Bruce Lee finally goes Blu-ray in the UK!

The wait is over! UK’s Mediumrare Entertainment has announced the release of Bruce Lee’s Hong Kong films on Blu-ray for the very first time. All titles will be released on October 26th in the UK.

Each movie – consisting of The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), The Way of the Dragon (1972) and Game of Death (1978) – feature reversible sleeves with newly commissioned artwork, a 24-page booklet for each film, commentaries, features and a whole lot more.

Some of us may (particularly in the United States) already own Shout Factory’s Premiere Collection or Legacy Collection, but if you’re a completist or just want to spice up your Bruce Lee collection, you’ll want to read about the supplemental material Mediumrare Entertainment has cooked up (just make sure you an all region Blu-ray player).

Please note: Enter the Dragon (1973) will not be released as part of this series, as it is owned exclusively by Warner Bros.

The Big Boss (1971) Blu-ray includes:

Audio Commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Mike Leeder
Audio Commentary with Bruce Lee expert Andrew Staton and Will Johnston
Breaking the West Interview with co-producer of Enter the Dragon Tom Kuhn
The History of The Big Boss: A photographic retrospective
Original 35mm Title sequence
Textless 35mm Title sequence
Rare uncut 8mm trailer
Promotional Gallery
Deleted Scenes Examined
Hong Kong promotional trailer
Original Theatrical Trailer
24-page collector’s booklet
Reversible sleeve within newly commissioned artwork

Fist of Fury (1972)

Audio commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Mike Leeder
Audio commentary from Asian film expert Bey Logan
The First Lady: an interview with Nora Miao
Blade of Fury: an interview with Riki Hashimoto
Master of Bushido: an interview with Jun Katsumura
The Fist of Fury location guide with Bey Logan
First Amongst Equals: an interview with Dan Inosanto
Legacy of a Master: an interview with acclaimed action-director, Jeff Imada
Tracking the Dragon: an interview with Bruce Lee’s photographer Linda Palmer
Friend to the Stars: an interview with Bruce Lee confidante, Joe Torreneuva
Trailer gallery
Rare photo archive
24- page collector’s booklet
Reversible sleeve within newly commissioned artwork

Way of the Dragon (1972) Blu-ray includes:

Introduction: Robert Lee
Introduction: Bey Logan
Audio Commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Mike Leeder
Audio Commentary by Bey Logan and co-star Jon Benn
A Dragon Remembered: Interview with Bruce Lee’s brother Robert Lee
Double Edged Sword: An exclusive interview with Bob Wall
Bruce Lee Trailer Archive including rare UK theatrical trailers and TV spots
Interviews with production managers Chaplin Chang and Louis Sit
Memories of the Master featurette: Interview with Pat Johnson
Dragon Rising: a re-mastered transfer of Bruce Lee’s only remaining screen test
Artist and Warrior: An exclusive interview with co-star Tony Lau Wing
Warrior Immortal featurette with co-star Wong In-sik
Reflections on the The Little Dragon Promo
Production Photo Gallery
Rare Photo Archive
24 page Collectors booklet
Reversible sleeve with newly commissioned artwork

Game of Death (1978) Blu-ray includes:

Audio commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan
Audio Commentary With Hong Kong Film Expert Mike Leeder
Five deleted scenes, including alternate title sequence and extended ending
Production photo gallery
Rare archive photo gallery
Original UK and Cantonese Theatrical Trailers
Featurette: Dan Inosanto – Warrior And Teacher
Dan Inosanto Jeet Kune Do and other Asian methods of fighting seminar (40mins)
Featurette: Taky Kimura – Keeping The Flame Alive
Featurette: George Lazenby – Reflections of the Master
Game of Death outtake footage
Legacy of the Dragon documentary (46 mins)
Game of Death re-visited (40 minutes of footage edited as Lee’s original plan)
24 page collector’s booklet
Reversible sleeve with newly commissioned artwork

And yes, all nunchuck scenes are intact. ; )

Posted in News |

War Pigs | DVD (Vantage Media)

War Pigs | DVD (Vantage Media)

War Pigs | DVD (Vantage Media)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2015

Vantage Media presents the DVD for War Pigs, an upcoming action-war flick directed by Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers series), about a rag tag unit of misfits known as the War Pigs, who must go behind enemy lines to exterminate Nazis by any means necessary.

War Pigs stars Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Luke Goss (Tekken), Ryan Kelley (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Noah Segan (Django Lives!), Chuck Liddell (Cradle 2 the Grave), Jake Stormoen (Cyborg X) and Steven Luke (Dust of War). | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order War Pigs from Amazon.com.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Simon Yam and a former Bond girl have the ‘Magic Card’

"Magic Card" Chinese Teaser Poster

"Magic Card" Chinese Teaser Poster

Opening in China on October 16, 2015 is the Chinese adventure, Magic Card, which is being described as a high-adrenaline, spy-themed, action movie aimed at the international market. The upcoming film marks Jiang Guomin’s first directorial project since 2007’s Bullet and Brain.

Magic Card stars Simon Yam (SPL II, Wild City, Cross), Kimi Qiao (Days of Our Own), Viann Zhang (Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate), Dada Chan (Z Storm) and Italian superstar Maria Grazia Cucinotta, who is mostly known for Il Postino: The Postman (1994) and her role as a Bond girl in The World Is Not Enough (1999).

Surprisingly,  trailer has yet to turn up, but given its October release date, one should be popping up soon. Stay tuned!

Posted in News |

Mark Dacascos gears up for war in ‘Garrison 7: The Fallen’

"Garrison 7: The Fallen" Teaser Poster

"Garrison 7: The Fallen" Teaser Poster

Australian filmmaker, Scott Brewer – known for his stuntwork in films like The Matrix and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – is in pre-produciton phase for his upcoming Garrison 7 series, which has martial arts star Mark Dacascos (Drive) and Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) attached as leads, not to mention, Brewer himself.

So far, two, very slick concept posters have been released for Garrison 7: The Fallen and Garrison 7 (click here to view), both due for release in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

In the meantime, Garrison 7: The Hunt (aka G7: The Hunt), an action-short, which the future films will be based on, should be seeing the light of day any time. Until then, don’t miss its impressive teaser.

Posted in News |

The Guardsman | aka Imperial Bodyguard | DVD (Lionsgate)

The Guardsman | DVD (Lionsgate)

The Guardsman | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2015

Lionsgate has presents the DVD for The Guardsman (aka Imperial Bodyguard), a 2011 Chinese martial arts film starring Yan Jie (Young Detective Dee), Yuen Biao (Knockabout), Cheng Pei-pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Wu Ma (Once Upon A Chinese Hero).

Official plot: When the Emperor travels in disguise to understand the problems that his people face, his enemies discover his identity and team up with Japanese pirates to assassinate him. Now, it is up to a group of loyal warriors to protect the Emperor and bring peace to the kingdom. | Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Guardsman from Amazon.com today!

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

Olga Kurylenko gains ‘Momentum’ as a female action star!

"Momentum" Theatrical Poster

"Momentum" Theatrical Poster

With two video game adaptations, a Bond flick and a handful of other action packed titles under her belt – actress/model and former Bond Girl – Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) is officially an action star. We furthermore rest our case with the newly released trailer for Momentum, the debut thriller from Stephen S. Campanelli, which also stars James Purefoy (The Following).

When an infiltration expert with a secret past accidentally reveals her identity during what should have been a routine heist, she quickly finds herself mixed up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a master assassin and his team of killers. Armed with her own set of lethal skills, she’s out for revenge!

Look for it in theaters on October 16th, 2015. Don’t miss the trailer!

Posted in News |

Private Eyes, The | aka Mr. Boo (1976) Review

"The Private Eyes" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Private Eyes” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Michael Hui
Co-director: John Woo
Cast: Michael Hui, Sam Hui, Ricky Hui, Stanley Hui, Shih Kien, Angie Chiu, Chen Hung Lieh, Huang Ha, Tsang Choh Lam, Richard Ng, Billy Chan, Chan Laap Ban
Running Time: 94 min.

By Matthew Le-feuvre

Hong Kong comedy veteran, Michael Hui, has, for veritable reasons, seemed to excel both artisitcally and commercially whenever he’s temporarily halted, taken stock and examined his lively career with honest conviction: afterall, comedy in all of its unique and vivacious forms is a far more complex discipline to reproduce, even sustain, compared to, say, the traditionalism of the bard. However since the early 70’s, Hui has perpetually strived to reinvent himself, often employing a symbolic blank canvas to draw inspiration from.

With this uncommon approach, Hui has ably maintained an array of conciously realized and distinguishable characters, each retaining singular quirks and visual nuances befitting of any superstar of Hui’s worth: if it isn’t outrageous disguises or goofy gimmicks, his sardonic verbal dexterity is an equal strength not to be overlooked; in fact, Hui’s repertoire – which could be directly matched with the late, great Peter Sellers – is so multi-faceted and perfectly delivered he’s even funnier when his personas act in a laconic manner, exhibiting wry (facial) expressions or gestures of bemusement – sometimes at the expense of physical discomfort. A craft that deservedly warrants appreciation.

A former English teacher, Micheal Hui (aka Hui Kune-Man) made an extraordinary debut as a game show host on HKTVB in 1971. Following on from his extensive, needless to say, highly animated television work, Hui co-partnered with his younger brother, Sam, to present The Hui Brothers Show – a weekly airing that was constructed around reciprocal banter, jovial songs (from Sam) and short, intelligently devised sketches. Again risible and idiosyncratic, yet pleasingly, family orientated without the slightest suggestion of profanity or crass dialogue, The Hui Brothers Show swiftly catapulted both Michael and Sam into film stardom; though initially with rival production studios, while middle brother, Ricky eventually graced the kinetic proceedings as a daffy addition, tantamount to enunciating deadpan retorts, cock-tailed with either coy embarassment or blank faced stupidity.

Prior to the Hui’s triumvirate collaborations throughout the mid to late 70’s/early 80’s with unsurpassed classics such as: Games Gamblers Play (1974), The Last Message (1975) and Security Unlimited (1981), the monopolistic force of the renowned Shaw Brothers were duly impressed with Micheal’s brand of infectious genius to the point of contracting the elder Hui to spearhead a series of comedy slanted features (a genre the Shaws’ hadn’t really delved too much into beforehand!). The first, The Warlord (1972) was for its era, sharply tongued and irrepressibly funny, despite containing mildly controversial sub-themes. A huge box office sensation that almost went toe to toe with Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon (1972), expeditiously the Shaws’, undoubtedly gratified, injected further time and sponsorship into Hui’s ballooning popularity: what annually suceeded was The Happiest Moment (1973), Scandal (1974) and Sinful Confessions (also 1974) until – like the majority of contractees – Hui objected against the financial restrictions imposed by the Shaws’ then-apparent ravenous preoccupation with wealth.

By then, the balloon had burst, and pastures new beckoned in the form of Golden Harvest, home to numerous ex-clear water bay refugees: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Wei and Huang Feng for example. Happily, Hui was permitted to establish ‘The Hui Brothers Film Company’ in association with Golden Harvest president, Raymond Chow and his business counterpart, Leonard Ho. Together with his sibblings, and an almost carte blanche arrangement, Hui began developing scripts which in comparative terms were innovative and fresh, yet not all critics were receptive or enthused with the content. However that all changed in 1976 with the highly anticipated release of The Private Eyes.

Hailed as one of the funniest films – by Hong Kong standards – of the 70’s to emerge in consequence to a flagging industry still (though temporarily) fixated with Bruce Lee’s commercial absense. Hui, instead, ingeniously and mirthfully takes centre stage as Joseph Wong Yeuk-Sze, a parsimonious, uber conceited and utterly inept private eye, who is more attentive too his social status and bank balance than investigating the likes of amorous philanderers, fraudsters, a mad bomber and/or predictable shoplifters.

Plot-wise, Private Eyes on first viewing could appear as a rootless exercise into the profit margin, anchored only by witty dialogue and situational slapstick as Hui’s script/direction more than counterbalances for what could be perceived as (a) deliberate incoherence. Antagonists and protagonists (Shek Kien and Richard Ng, respectively) alike drift into the activiities and disappear with frequent regularity only to reconvene at the picture’s finale, staged in a local cinema during the projection of A Queen’s Ransom (1976). But on further inspection, Hui has constructed this masterpiece like a gliding sequence of interlinking mini-sketches scaffolded by co-stars, Ricky and Sam Hui, as fledging assistants, Puffy and Lee Kwok Kit – each as wacky in their approach to surveillance as Michael/Wong is to displaying (in)effective hand-to-hand combat. This was highlighted in a 1990 documentary entitled The Best of Martial Arts (aka The Most Deadiest Art). Famously, it is a scene in which Wong believes his wallet has been lifted by an opportunistic pickpocket. He pursues his suspect into a hotel kitchen where a ludicrous duel ensues as cooking implements, a pair of footlong sausages (substituted as Nunchakus) and a wok are all dynamically employed under the careful arrangements of Sammo Hung Kim Po.

To divulge more, specifically pertaining to Hui’s spirited Bugs Bunny visage or impromptu flatulence as a result of eating too many carrots, or demonstrating aerobics with an uncooked chicken would be considered an unsolicited grievance, especially to latent audiences interested in rediscovering cult retrospectives. Nevertheless Private Eyes is a film that, if nothing else, assuredly justifies acclaim. There are no enigmatic complexities, spiritual metaphors or Taoist philosophies contained therein: it’s simply an irresistible treat!

(This review is dedicated to Michelle Capps: an angel who walks in the light).

Matthew Le-feuvre’s Rating: 9/10

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