Order Gordon Chan’s ‘Four 3D’ from DDDhouse.com today!

Posted on November 14, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Four 3D" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Four 3D" Chinese Theatrical Poster

All the way back when Gordon Chan’s 2012 wuxia picture The Four was announced, the producers were not shy about declaring their plans for a trilogy. Following their delivery of 2013’s The Four 2, Hong Kong cinema buffs should be pleased to hear that they kept their promise with Four 3D.

Now, DDDHouse.com has Four 3D on Blu-ray & DVD. The Four 3D is the third and final installment of the series, starring Deng Chao, Collin Chou, Ronald Cheng, Anthony Wong and Crystal Liu.

To make this news even better, these releases are coded for all region, so they are fully compatible with your North American Blu-ray/DVD players – so play on, player!

Posted in News |

Raw Force | aka Kung Fu Cannibals (1982) Review

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Paul Bramhall

"Raw Force" Blu-ray Cover

“Raw Force” Blu-ray Cover

AKA: Shogun Island
Director: Edward D. Murphy
Cast: John Dresden, Cameron Mitchell, Hope Holiday, Jillian Kesner, Rey Malonzo, Geoffrey Binney, Jewel Shepard, Camille Keaton, Jennifer Holmes
Running Time: 86 min.

By Paul Bramhall

It’s almost become somewhat of a trend amongst genre fans in the US of late to unearth previously forgotten about, or in many cases considered lost, 80’s and 90’s B-movies. Not only are titles dug up out of obscurity, they’re usually given the full re-master treatment along with one-off cinema screenings, regardless of the questionable quality of the movies themselves. Recent examples have been Drafthouse Films’ release of the 1987 ninja flick Miami Connection, and Cinema Epoch also got in on the action with their release of the 1991 oddity Samurai Cop.

The appeal of these movies seem to be in their complete lack of awareness of all involved not realizing how poorly acted, shoddily filmed, and completely incoherent what they’re making really is. Hence, any reviews of said titles inevitably will have the expression “so bad it’s good” coined somewhere along the way. Such movies have to be viewed in a certain context; these titles aren’t the type of viewing experience you’ll watch when in the mood for a quiet night in alone, they’re movies to invite a bunch of friends around, have a fridge stocked full of beer, and leave your brain at the door.

The latest title to be brought kicking and screaming from the vaults, thanks to the guys at Vinegar Syndrome, is Raw Force, a 1982 production that is arguably raw in more ways than the title intended. The plot alone is the stuff B-movie dreams are made of. A couple of guys, who are introduced as being members of a karate club, take a cruise which is scheduled to visit the imaginatively named Warriors Island. Said island is, for reasons never mentioned, the resting place for various disgraced martial arts masters.

These days, the island is inhabited by a group of mysterious monks, who are known to have the power to bring the dead back to life, thanks to their diet of, ummm, young naked women. Barbequed young naked women. The remote island is supplied with these women thanks to a German gentleman sporting a Hitler moustache, who goes around abducting prostitutes while pretending to be a police officer along with his lackeys, and then transporting the scantily clad ladies in a bamboo cage.

That’s pretty much it, except for the small detail that despite only being 85 minutes in length, it takes 55 of these for our karate club members and their stragglers to actually arrive on the island. So what takes them so long? Well, for close to an hour proceedings are dedicated to various happenings on board the cruise ship. Of course it could also be due to the fact that during this time, it’s blatantly evident in every shot taken on the deck that the water is perfectly still. Still as in, the ship is completely stationery and not moving at all. So after 55 minutes of not seeing the ship move a single inch (unless you’re counting stock footage of ships from afar), I guess we should be happy they get there at all.

First time director Edward D. Murphy spends the time on the cruise ship clumsily trying to give the guys, and a couple of other male characters that they meet up with, love interests. Thankfully though, we’re not watching an episode of Love Boat, so what this really translates to in the B-movie world is various scenes of ladies getting naked. These scenes are no doubt supposed to act as moments of titillation for the viewer, however they’re filled with such cringe worthy lines that any chance of arousal is likely to be zero, kind of like when watching a porn and the guys making more noise than the girl. It just kills it.

There’s also a chef who happens to know kung fu and is styled to look and act like Bruce Lee. That’s right, a whole 10 years before Steven Seagal did his thing in Under Siege, a Filipino actor by the name of Rey Malonzo did the whole chef-on-a-boat-who-can-kick-ass routine. Kung fu fighting zombie ass to be precise, which makes Seagal taking on Gary Busey and Tommy Lee Jones seem dull in comparison. Speaking of the Philippines, Raw Force is another one of the countless Hollywood B-movies produced in the early 80s which was entirely shot there.

In a featurette on the DVD, director Murphy, who comes across as humorous and good natured, explains that he was trying to get a job in Hollywood, and finally after a couple of years, producer Lawrence Woolner agreed to meet him. At the time, zombie and kung fu movies were particularly popular, so Woolner had the idea to combine them both, and Murphy managed to convince him to get the green light and direct the feature, tentatively titled Kung Fu Zombies. As Murphy had shot a few movies in the Philippines before as an actor, he decided to go back there. Woolner had told him he needed to have some recognizable names attached to the production, so he managed to cast old school western star Cameron Mitchell as the ship’s captain, and as at the time Mitchell was in a relationship with actress Hope Holiday, they came as a package deal and she was cast as the manager of the ship.

Raw Force promises to deliver “zombies, cannibals, outrageous action, gore, and copious amounts of nudity,” and while it does deliver all of them in varying doses, for me it just missed out on lacking that special ingredient to push it into the higher echelons of the “so bad it’s good” genre. Raw Force is certainly bad, but it delivers its badness with an unaware charm which tends to bring more smiles than outright laughs. During the 85 minutes, we’re presented with more breasts than a nudist camp, a chef who fights off zombies using nunchucks, a thug whose choice of attire is a yellow plastic construction site helmet, and a group of zombies who are so inexperienced at acting that they self consciously look at the camera as they walk past it.

Which reminds me, I guess I should mention the zombies. It’s safe to say their acting is as bad as everyone else’s, and they only really appear for the final 20 minutes. Amusingly in one scene there are two zombies trying to attack one of the characters, and the zombie behind, clearly wanting the one in front to walk faster, keeps on pushing him in the back to propel him forward. Acting 101 this isn’t. If any of what’s been mentioned appeals to you, then chances are that there’s enjoyment to be had from Raw Force. As the movie comes to a close, the famous words “To Be Continued….” pop up on the screen, promising a second dose of cruise ship frolicking and disgraced martial arts zombies. However director Murphy, amongst much laughter, reveals that it was the producers who stuck that on there, and that there most definitely is no sequel. Depending on who you are, you’ll either be breathing a sigh of relief, or one of disappointment.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 6/10

Posted in Asian Related, Bruceploitation, News, Reviews |

From the director of ‘Blood and Bone’ comes ‘Black Salt’!

Posted on November 12, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Black Salt" Teaser Poster

"Black Salt" Teaser Poster

Writer/director Ben Ramsey – a talent predominantly known for penning Kirk Wong’s The Big Hit (1998) and directing Blood and Bone (2009) – is back with a new martial arts short titled Black Salt. Based on the indie comic book of the same name, the film stars Kinyumba Mutakabbir as an Interpol agent who is out to save mankind from a global threat!

Black Salt also stars James Lew (The Perfect Weapon), Michelle Lee (Mortal Kombat: Legacy), Arnold Chon (Cradle 2 the Grave), Panuvat Anthony Nanakornpanom (Warrior), Sheena Chou (Slumber Party Slaughter) and fight choreography by Ron Yuan (Black Dynamite). Don’t miss the trailer!

Updates: Watch the 2nd trailer, thanks to Film Combat Syndicate.

Posted in News |

Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Posted on November 9, 2014 by JJ Bona
Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series | DVD | Shout! Factory

Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series | DVD | Shout! Factory

RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2015

Shout! Factory presents the Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series. Produced by Toei and Bandai, Super Sentai Zyuranger aired in Japan on February 21, 1992 to February 12, 1993, with a total of 50 episodes. It was the first Sentai series to be adapted into an American TV show; in this case, the extremely popular Power Rangers series!

For the first time, Shout! Factory is delivering the entire Super Sentai Zyuranger series in its original Japanese language, uncut and subtitled, in this 10-disc DVD set! The series stars Yūta Mochizuki, Aohisa Takayasu, Hideki Fujiwara, Takumi Hashimoto, Reiko Chiba and Shiro Izumi. Watch the TV show’s original opening.

Pre-order Super Sentai Zyuranger: The Complete Series from Amazon.com today!

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

Kung Fu Grindhouse Theatre | DVD (World Wide Multi Media)

Posted on November 9, 2014 by JJ Bona
The Kung Fu Grindhouse Theatre | DVD (World Wide Multi Media)

The Kung Fu Grindhouse Theatre | DVD (World Wide Multi Media)

RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2015

World Wide Multi Media presents the DVD for Kung Fu Grindhouse Theatre, which includes two untitled films.

In the 1st, an escaped convict is out to claim the Sword of Destiny for his own, in order to wield its power, he must defeat the 3 Blind Mice and the beautiful sirens: Dynamite and Butterfly!

In the 2nd, a female Ninja is banished when she opposes the execution of an innocent Ninja. She seeks revenge, but must first battle her way through the ninja’s hierarchy of assassins!

Pre-order Kung Fu Grindhouse Theatre from Amazon.com today!

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

As the Light Goes Out (2014) Review

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Kelly Warner
"As the Light Goes Out" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“As the Light Goes Out” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Derek Kwok
Cast: Nicholas Tse, Shawn Yue, Simon Yam, Hu Jun, Patrick Tam, Liu Kai Chi, Andy On, Bai Bing
Running Time: 116 min.

By Kyle Warner

There seems to be a shared belief among most filmgoers that firefighter dramas have nothing new to say or do. And while it’s true that As the Light Goes Out does occasionally tread on some familiar ground, it also proves that there are still new ideas for the fireman genre. Derek Kwok’s dreamlike visual style makes As the Light Goes Out a firefighter film unlike any other.

On one hot and steamy Christmas Eve, a Hong Kong firehouse responds to a warehouse inferno. They put out the flames, but their commander Sam (Nicholas Tse) is worried about the natural gas pipes nearby the structure. He’s about to order his men to secure the area when his superior, Yip (Andy On), arrives on scene and tells them not to bother. They’re expecting a visit from the higher-ups and Yip wants his men back at the firehouse to make a good impression.

Of course, the job left unfinished comes back to bite them. The fire reignites and it reaches the natural gas pipes, which lead to the city’s power station, eventually causing a massive blackout on one of the hottest nights of the year. Now Sam and his crew must rush to the power station where the fire rages and attempt to restore order to the city in darkness.

Director Derek Kwok (Gallants) infuses the movie with incredible visuals and a moody atmosphere. The debris and smoke swirls are abstract and the music is often eerie, lending the film an almost supernatural ambiance. The film opens with talk about how breathing in black smoke can lead to hallucinations and death. Occasionally, in the smokiest parts of the film, it’s like the characters are walking through a dreamscape while choking on death. It’s a frightening scenario, but it’s also kind of beautiful in a visual sense.

As the Light Goes Out also has a larger scope than most firefighter dramas. The stakes are high and the city itself feels the impact of the fires, not just those trapped in the building. It’s a big, loud film with some awesome sets and action sequences.

The script could’ve used a bit of work, though. While I responded to the band of brothers’ sacrifice and heroics, I felt the film tried too hard to add more and more drama where it wasn’t needed. One guy’s breaking up with his girlfriend on Christmas Eve, another guy’s dealing with a struggling marriage, and another man is haunted by memories of the son he couldn’t save from a fire. Most the drama between the leads originates from the film’s prologue. Something goes wrong on a call and a review board interrogates Yip, Sam, and the film’s other lead, Chill (Shawn Yue). It’s clear that somebody needs to take the fall for the screw up, so Chill tells the review board he was the one responsible for the mission going off course. A year later and it’s still a source of tension in the firehouse. A bit of conflict between our heroes is all well and good, but we get it in the form of an infodump so early on in the film. It never really connects with the viewer. Instead it stunts the drama, making the conflict between the characters feel more like a distraction than anything else.

Still, the actors do their best to make the strained character relations work. Nicholas Tse is great in a restrained performance as Sam, a man just trying to do the right thing. Shawn Yue is good as the conflicted Chill. Simon Yam plays an aging hero who feels challenged by the Mainland China import Ocean (Hu Jun). Yam’s great, playing the tough guy who’s well past his prime. But it’s Hu Jun who makes the biggest impression, bringing a steely resolve to a character that might’ve been difficult to believe in with a less capable actor. Jun’s Ocean may be the ultimate firefighter, what with his photographic memory of building blueprints, superman strength, and lone wolf survival skills. It’s a big character but Jun’s excellent in the role. Sadly, one can’t throw many compliments Andy On’s way, who fails to bring Yip to life. Andy On also frequently switches from Cantonese to English in the middle of multiple scenes, which I found distracting.

We also get an amusing cameo from Jackie Chan early in the film. He appears in a firefighter recruitment video with his Police Story theme song playing in the background. Jackie says, “The Fire Department needs you!” and the TV spot ends, leading one of the firemen to question the logic of casting Jackie Chan in the recruitment vid. “But isn’t Jackie Chan from Police Story?” It’s a brief but entertaining moment in an otherwise dark and somber film.

Though the character dynamics do not connect the way one might’ve wished, there’s enough beneath the surface to make the film work as more than just ‘style over substance.’ But make no mistake, the reason to see the movie is because of its visual flourishes.

When you get right down to it, As the Light Goes Out is just a cool movie. It doesn’t break any new ground (though, one can see the director was trying), it doesn’t have the deepest story or characters, and it may not unseat Backdraft or Hong Kong’s own Lifeline as the most popular firefighter film. But it’s an impressively made movie, full of suspense, cool special effects, and fast-paced action. I really liked it.

Kyle Warner’s Rating: 7/10

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

cityonfire x dresshead cocktail lace overlay dress

Posted on November 6, 2014 by oneleaf

cityonfire x dresshead cocktail lace overlay dress – long trumpet sleeves / sparkling shimmery bodice / wraparound dress
This cityonfire x http://www.dresshead.com/c/lace-dresses/ cocktail lace overlay dress features a wraparound curved hem, a lining that feels silky against your skin, hand embellished beaded bodice, and lightweight woven polyester. It will fit true to size, and make you feel like a model as you strut your stuff on the dance floor. It is the perfect dress for a wedding, engagement party, or any high society occasion. Wear with a pair of strappy heels for an overall glamourous look. You will feel every eye upon you when you enter any room wearing this cityonfire x dresshead cocktail lace overlay dress. The measurements for the small (s or uk 4) sizes are: the bust is 78 centimeters; the waist is 60 centimeters, and the hips are 83.5 centimeters.

Posted in News |

Brian De Palma and Al Pacino reunite for some ‘Retribution’!

Posted on November 6, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Scarface" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Scarface" Japanese Theatrical Poster

If you’re a fan of 1983’s Scarface and 1994’s Carlito’s Way, and you’ve been longing for another Brian De Palma/Al Pacino team up, then we have some exciting news for you.

The two are reuniting for a movie titled Retribution. According to The Playlist, it’s “Loosely based on the 2003 Belgian thriller The Memory of A Killer, which follows a cop and a hitman who work together to stop a child prostitution ring.”

Retribution may not be that return to gangster film for the duo, but its theme definitely fits De Palma’s knack for suspenseful “Hitchcockian” thrillers. And of course, Pacino at his side is a great thing.

As always, we’ll keep you in the loop as we hear more!

Posted in News |

Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Jimmy Wang Yu and The Expendables are coming home for Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 6, 2014 by JJ Bona
Jimmy Wang Yu 4-Film Collection | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Jimmy Wang Yu 4-Film Collection | DVD (Shout! Factory)

It’s almost that time of year again – where we sit down to eat with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.

It’s a time for gratitude. It’s a time for celebration. It’s a time for peace. It’s a time for reflection. It’s also a time for to check out this month’s latest roll of new Blu-ray & DVD releases – handpicked by cityonfire.com!

The month of November brings Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Jimmy Wang Yu, The Expendables, a Samurai Cop, a Giant Turtle, some Nazi Zombies, a group of Firefighters, an Interdimensional Police Force, a North Korean Spy and a whole lot more…

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles, we’re hoping you’ll click on our Amazon.com links to show your support towards cityonfire.com.

Bruce Lee Premiere Collection: November 11, 2014

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray set for the Bruce Lee Premiere Collection, which includes the following four films: The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way Of the Dragon (1972) and Game of Death (1978). Also included are extra features for each individual title. Please note: This new set includes only the films mentioned above. If you’re interested in the collector’s book, the documentaries and the Bonus Feature DVD, the Bruce Lee: The Legacy Collection is still available.

The Gamera Collection: November 11, 2014

Experience The Gamera Collection on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment. This boxed set includes the follow titles: Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967), Gamera vs. Viras (1968), Gamera vs. Guiron (1969), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971), Gamera: Super Monster (1980), Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996) and Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)

Iceman: November 11, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Law Wing Cheong’s Iceman, starring International martial arts icon Donnie Yen (Special ID). A remake of the 1989 film Iceman Cometh, Yen plays a Ming era warrior who, along with his three traitorous childhood friends, are accidentally buried and kept frozen in time. 400 years later, they are defrosted and continue their battle in modern times where they left off. Iceman also stars Eva Huang (Kung Fu Hustle), Wang Baoqiang (Lost in Thailand) and Simon Yam (The Thieves). Watch the trailer.

Batman – The Complete TV Series: November 11, 2014

Warner presents the Batman: The Complete TV Series (1966–1968) on Blu-ray & DVD (see photo). Wealthy entrepreneur Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and his ward Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) lead a double life: they are actually the crime fighting duo Batman and Robin. A secret Batpole in the Wayne mansion leads to the Batcave, where Police Commissioner Gordon often calls the Bat-duo with the latest emergency threatening Gotham City! Also included are the Batman/The Green Hornet cross-over episodes, featuring Bruce Lee and Van Williams (details here).

Covert Operation: November 11, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for Covert Operation (aka The Borderland). Gabriel (played by 5-time World Karate Champion, Seydina Balde), a bounty hunter trapped in Asia, is promised his freedom in return for one final rescue mission. However, his mission takes a turn for the worst when he’s trapped between the border of China and North Korea. Covert Operation arrives from French director Mathieu Weschler and stars Seydina Balde (Danny The Dog, stunt performer in Casino Royale) in the lead role.

The Crone: November 18, 2014

Pathfinder Home Entertainment presents the DVD for Eisuke Naito’s The Crone. From the Producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Water comes the macabre tale of three paranormal TV show hostesses Ayane, Nanami and Mayuko. These three girls are put to the test of ultimate fear when they challenge each other to visit an abandoned nursing home in the mountains. Determined to defeat each other, the girls stubbornly remain in the chilling location no matter what happens. The Crone stars Honoka Miki, Akiko Hoshino and Shiori Kitayama.

Travelers: Dimension Police: November 18, 2014

Pathfinder presents the DVD for Koichi Sakamoto’s Travelers: Dimension Police. From the director of Power Rangers, comes a sexy, aunthentic action movie, no questions asked. Actress/singer Nao Nagasawa, and actress/model Ayumi Kinoshita, star in a story of a beautiful female cop working for an interdimensional police force. She serendipitously crosses paths with her former partner-turned-enemy. They are forced to confront each other and their past, while investigating an multidimensional terrorist agency.

The Jimmy Wang Yu 4-Film Collection: November 18, 2014

Shout! Factory presents the DVD set for The Jimmy Wang Yu 4-Film Collection. This 4 film, 2 disc set includes One-Armed Boxer (1972), The Tattooed Dragon (1973), Beach of the War Gods (1973) and Man Called Tiger (1973). The Jimmy Wang Yu 4-Film Collection also features James Tien (Fist of Fury), Lung Fei (Master of the Flying Guillotine), Sylvia Chang (Slaughter in San Francisco), Feng Tien (A Better Tomorrow) and Maria Yi (The Big Boss).

As The Lights Go Out: November 18, 2014

Well Go USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for As The Lights Go Out, an action-packed suspense drama written and directed by by Derek Kwok (Gallants). As The Lights Go Out stars Nicholas Tse (The Stool Pigeon), Shawn Yue (Legend of the Fist), Simon Yam (Iceman 3D), Hu Jun (Firestorm), William Chan (Triad), Bai Bing (The Viral Factor), Andy On (Special ID) and a cameo by the legendary Jackie Chan (CZ12).

The Expendables 3: November 25, 2014

Lionsgate presents the Blu-ray The Expendables 3, which will include the never-before-seen unrated edition of the film – featuring more action, more explosions, more fights – and a higher body count – everything fans have come to love in the franchise! Extras: Documentary; Featurettes: “New Blood: Stacked and Jacked” and “The Total Action Package”; Extended Scene; Gag Reel; Unrated Edition (131 minutes); and the Theatrical Version (126 minutes).

Samurai Cop: November 25, 2014

Cinema Epoch presents the Blu-ray for 1991’s Samurai Cop. Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazer) and Joe Marshall (Matt Hannon) team up to take on the Yakuza in this 1991 cult classic. Watch the trailer. Directed by the late Amir Shervan (Killing American Style), Samurai Cop found a whole new audience during its midnight theatrical circuit and film festival re-release.

Shock Waves: November 25, 2014

Blue Underground presents the Blu-ray for 1977’s Shock Waves, direct by Ken Wiederhorn (Return of the Living Dead II). In World War II, the Nazi High Command ordered its scientists to create a top secret race of indestructible zombie storm troopers. No member of this horrific SS unit was ever captured by the Allied Forces and, somewhere off the coast of Florida, they have survived. Shock Waves (aka Almost Human or Death Corps) stars Peter Cushing, Brooke Adams and John Carradine.

Looking for new import releases?
If you’re looking for a new import release, please visit DDDhouse.com. The trusted retailer carries new and upcoming releases that are not yet available in North America.

Posted in News |

The Scorpion King 4 | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

Posted on November 5, 2014 by JJ Bona
"The Scorpion King 4" Blu-ray Cover

"The Scorpion King 4" Blu-ray Cover

RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2015

Universal Presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power, starring Victor Webster as Mathayus.

The Scorpion King 4 features a medley of  real-life fighters: Roy “Big Country” Nelson, Royce Gracie, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, and Eve Torres. The film also stars Rutger Hauer, Michael Biehn, Barry Bostwick, Lou Ferrigno, Ellen Hollman, M. Emmet Walsh, and Will Kemp. Don’t miss the trailer.

Pre-order The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power from Amazon.com today!

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

The Guest | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

Posted on November 4, 2014 by JJ Bona
The Guest | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

The Guest | Blu-ray & DVD (Universal)

RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2015

Universal presents the Blu-ray & DVD for The Guest, directed by Adam Wingard (You’re Next) and starring Dan Stevens, Sheila Kelley and Maika Monroe.

A soldier (Stevens) introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.

See for yourself why The Guest has received critical acclaim by both critics and audiences everywhere. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Guest from Amazon.com today!

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

Cityonfire.com’s ‘As the Light Goes Out’ Blu-ray Giveaway! – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Posted on November 4, 2014 by JJ Bona
"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

"As The Lights Go Out" Blu-ray Cover

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of As the Light Goes Out to three lucky Cityonfire visitors.

To enter, simply add a comment to this post and describe, in your own words, this clip (yes, you read that right). We will be selecting a winner at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, you must ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for As the Light Goes Out will be officially released on November 18, 2014. We will announce the 3 winners on that day and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by November 17, 2014 to qualify. U.S. residents only please. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors. Winners must respond with their mailing address within 48 hours, otherwise you will automatically be disqualified. No exceptions. Contest is subject to change without notice.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Matt (Mattbmbowling), Alan T. and Dirty Gills! You have all been notified via email!

Posted in News | Tagged |

Nicolas Cage’s China-based ‘Outcast’ to re-arrive early 2015

Posted on November 4, 2014 by JJ Bona
"Outcast 3D" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Outcast 3D" Chinese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: A mysterious warrior teams up with the daughter and son of a deposed Chinese Emperor to defeat their cruel Uncle, who seeks their deaths.

Outcast stars Nicolas Cage (Face/Off, Bangkok Dangerous), Hayden Christensen (Jumper, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith). Yifei Liu (The Forbidden Kingdom, The Assassins), Andy On (Special ID), Ron Smoorenburg (Who Am I?), Jawed El-Berni (Ninja: Shadow of a Tear), the Dasz Brothers (Iceman), Alaa Safi (Chinese Zodiac) and Fernando Chien (Bunraku).

The Holding’s James Dormer will be writing the script and stuntman Nick Powell (who worked on a number of titles including The Bourne Identity and Resident Evil: Retribution), will be directing for the first time.

Updates: Shooting for Outcast has wrapped up in China. THR has an interesting video interview with Nicolas Cage, where he not only talks about Outcast, but he also criticizes Hollywood’s lack of opportunities for male Asian actors. He mentions names like Bruce Lee, Tony Leung, John Woo and Chow Yun Fat. | New poster for Outcast.

Producer Jeremy Bolt (Pompeii) states there might be a sequel, considering its strong performance by “buyers” in the film market. Bolt also says that a worldwide release is planned, including “the US and China, in September and October this year.” – Thanks to Collider. | First trailer. | Second trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Outcast will finally be released in China and North America in January and February of 2015, respectively. This news comes about a month after China mysteriously cancelled its premiere last September. Update courtesy of Film Combat Syndicate.

Posted in News |

Revenge of the Green Dragons | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Posted on November 4, 2014 by JJ Bona
Revenge of the Green Dragons | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Revenge of the Green Dragons | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2015

Lionsgate presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Revenge of the Green Dragons, an action-drama about Chinese gangs in New York, directed by Hong Kong filmmakers Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) and Andrew Loo (It Had To Be You!); and produced by Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street).

Revenge of the Green Dragons stars Justin Chon (21 & Over), Kevin Wu (YouTube’s KevJumba), Harry Shum Jr. (Glee), Ron Yuan (Girl from the Naked Eye), and Eugenia Yuan (daughter of Come Drink With Me’s Cheng Pei-Pei), Jon Kit Lee (The Corruptor) and Ray Liotta (Goodfellas). Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Revenge of the Green Dragons from Amazon.com today!

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

Kung Fu Jungle | aka Kung Fu Killer (2014) Review

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Paul Bramhall
"Kung Fu Jungle" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Kung Fu Jungle” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Teddy Chen
Cast: Donnie Yen, Bai Bing, Charlie Young, Wang Baoqiang, David Chiang, Alex Fong, Zhang Lan Xin, Stephen Tung Wei, Chin Kar Lok, Xing Yu, William Chan, Raymond Chow, Nicky Li, Deep Ng, Yuen Bun, Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
Running Time: 100 min.

By Paul Bramhall

After initially being called Last of the Best, and then Kung Fu Killer, Donnie Yen’s fourth and final starring role of 2014 arrives in the form of Kung Fu Jungle. Ironically, both of the movies initial titles are more representative of what it’s about than the final choice, but as Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name?” Most kung fu cinema fans will be familiar with the 1997 Seasonal Films HK-US co-production Bloodmoon, in which Gary Daniels plays a cop on the tail of Darren Shahlavi, a serial killer going around challenging martial artists to death duels. While Bloodmoon was a simple kung fu flick with no higher ambitions, Kung Fu Jungle takes the same idea, and tries to incorporate extra meaning into it by adding in the concepts of martial arts philosophy and principals.

Yen always shines brightest when he’s working with a director who knows his stuff, and here he’s once again paired with Teddy Chen, who he collaborated with on 2009’s Bodyguards and Assassins. The pair make a good team, and Yen’s performance somewhat echoes that of his role in Wu Xia in that his character is one who’s turned away from fighting, rather than the hot headed roles he’s most famous for in his career.

In Kung Fu Jungle, he plays a prisoner who’s been jailed due to accidentally beating an opponent to death. When the news gets to him of a martial artist he once knew being murdered in mysterious circumstances, Yen insists that he knows who the killer is and that the police, led by Charlie Young, should let him out so that he can help to find the culprit. It should come as no surprise that before long, they agree to do just that, however what may come as a surprise is exactly how closely Yen sticks to only helping them out.

Kung Fu Jungle arguably marks the first time when he noticeably takes himself out of the action spotlight with, save for a couple of brief skirmishes, the only real fight he plays a significant part in being the finale, but we’ll get to that later. With Yen taking a sideline on the action front, it’s left to the kung fu serial killer to deliver what most of the audience for this type of movie will be checking in for – the fights. Thankfully this role is played by Wang Bao Qiang, here facing off against Yen for the second time in the same year after they both starred in Iceman 3D together.

Bao Qiang trained in the Shaolin Temple as it was his dream to be a kung fu movie star, and after his career has seen him starring in mostly non-martial arts roles, it seems that 2014 is the year that his dream is finally coming true.  His murderous rampage has him taking on kung fu masters using whatever martial arts they’re proficient in, which translates to a brief but intense kicking showdown with Xing Yu, a weapons duel with Fan Siu Wong, and of course a showdown with Yen himself. With his character having a handicap of being born with one leg shorter than the other and a tragic past, Bao Qiang plays an effectively menacing antagonist to Yen’s peace seeking prisoner, and the two roles play off each other well.

While the fight scenes do employ some wire work, it’s mostly used to accentuate falls rather than being used for any gravity defying kicks, and as a result its use is never particularly jarring. For the audience that like their fight scenes grounded, the good news is there’s nothing here that comes close to the absurdity of the fights in say, Legendary Assassin, for example. While Yen gained wide acclaim for successfully merging the flow of Hong Kong choreography with the grappling style of modern MMA for movies like Sha Po Lang (aka Kill Zone) and Flash Point, many felt that his work in Special ID moved too much towards the MMA style – a style which is particularly difficult to translate into something that looks exciting onscreen. For the final duel in Kung Fu Jungle, he fully rectifies this, ending the movie with a bang thanks to an impressively lengthy duel with Bao Qiang on a busy highway which throws in everything from fists, feet, grappling, and weapons. It’s so good that even a small dose of dodgy CGI doesn’t detract from the impact.

In many ways Kung Fu Jungle plays like a tribute to not just the Hong Kong movie industry of old, but also the current Hong Kong talent making movies now. Scattered throughout its run time is an almost endless list of cameos from talent both old and new: from Raymond Chow to Bruce Law (suitably playing a truck driver!); Derek Kwok to Andrew Lau; even Jackie Chan and Lau Kar Leung make appearances, albeit on the TV screen. Cameo spotting hasn’t been this much fun since Twin Dragons. Plenty of choreographers are in the mix as well: from old school hands like Yuen Bun and Stephen Tung Wei; to new school faces like Chin Kar Lok and Nicky Li, and I’ve no doubt they all contributed to the action along with Yen who acted as the principal action director.

Of course in true to form style for a Hong Kong movie, there’s also some unintentional goofiness on display that reminds us not to take anything too seriously. One scene has Bao Qiang using his phone in the middle of a steaming hot sauna, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world; another has us believe that the whole cast and crew of a film set would run away in order for two guys to fight each other to the death. My personal favorite moment came when Charlie Young asks Yen if he knows why the killer is committing the murders, and Yen responds back with a perfect poker face, “Because he’s a kung fu maniac!”

However, mixed in with these are enough homage’s to old school kung fu movies that the sum of all its parts equal to a highly enjoyable experience. Chen successfully transplants old kung fu movie tropes, such as Jimmy Wang Yu’s skin toughening technique in movies like Chinese Boxer, into a modern day setting, and the way in which it’s done can’t help but bring a smile to the face. Kung Fu Jungle is a smart movie, one which knows enough about the audience it needs to appeal to, as well as the audience that it wants to appeal to, and it’s a balancing act that not many recent movies have been able to pull off.

Things get effectively meta in the final moments, with Yen’s character delivering a coda that’s not only reminiscent of many of the Shaw Brothers wuxia pian movies, but by extension also seems to reflect his own beliefs of where he’s at in his career. It’s an excellent close to what comes close to being an excellent movie, thankfully washing away the memory of his cringe worthy jumping for joy moments that closed out Special ID at the beginning of 2014. It’ll be interesting to see the type of reviews Kung Fu Jungle receives a few years later when it can be looked at in the greater context of Yen’s filmography, but for now, the movie delivers a worthy high note for both his career and for Hong Kong cinema in a period when they’re few and far between.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 8/10

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