Watch the final trailer for ‘Expendables 3’!

"The Expendables 3" Theatrical Poster

“The Expendables 3” Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: The Expendables 2 earned slightly more money than its predecessor at the global box office, even if it wasn’t as successful in America. Sylvester Stallone is currently prepping the third installment of the action-adventure franchise that follows the exploits of Barney Ross, Lee Christmas, and their associates. The Expendables 3 is being directed by Patrick Hughes (Red Hill). The film is due for release on August 15th 2014.

Updates: Stallone has dropped a bombshell via Twitter – Bruce Willis is out of the cast, possibly due to “laziness” and “greed” (as Stallone hinted on Twitter).

After months of rumors, the official (or is it?) cast has finally been announced on this day (August 19th) of the film’s first production shoot in Bulgaria: The returning stars are Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews and Arnold Schwarzenegger. New members are Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Kellan Lutz, MMA’s Ronda Rousey, Glen Powell and boxing champion Victor Ortiz. To view a full press release, visit Film Combat Syndicate.

New photos from The Expendables 3 set, courtesy of expendablespremiere.com and Leo Camplone. | Teaser trailer. | Expendables Premiere has a pack of new photos featuring Mel Gibson.

All 16 character posters: (click on their names to view): Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Ronda Rousey, Kelsey Grammer, Victor Ortiz, Glen Powell and Kellan Lutz. | The 2nd teaser trailer.

So much for competing with The Raid. According to Collider, Sylvester Stallone confirmed Expendables 3 will be PG-13: “We want to reach as many people as possible… I think we owe it to the next generation,” said Stallone. | Expendables 3 teaser. | Newest trailer and check out the latest banner poster. | New poster is now available. | New TV Spot.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the final trailer!

Posted in News |

Furious Slaughter (1972) Review

"Furious Slaughter" International Theatrical Poster

“Furious Slaughter” International Theatrical Poster

AKA: Super Dragon
Director: Ding Sin Saai
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Sally Chen Sha Li, Tin Yau, Ma Kei, Lung Fei, Yee Yuen, Got Siu Bo, Lee Keung, Chai Hau Keung, Chang I Fei, Cheung Yee Kwai, Chui Lap
Running Time: 84 min.

By Matthew Le-feuvre

From many critics’ perspective, Jimmy Wang Yu has always been looked upon as an anomalous, yet significant presence in the Hong Kong film industry. However, for some he’s a plague – even a bourgeois interference constantly trying too capitalize on past glories. For others, he’s an assiduous personality, eager too please his wide legion of followers with daredevil stunts (The Man from Hong Kong/A Man Called Tiger) or lengthy fight arrangements (Beach of the War Gods) only a select few would endeavour. And still, people repudiate the fact that like his (former) contemporary Lo Lieh, Wang Yu was essentially one of the first martial arts actors to grace the jade screen, literally erupting with sword in hand, hacking away at larger-than-life villains and their dominion with flamboyant aplomb.

Indeed, copious amounts of blood, stained dresswear and a heroic exit were perquisite trademarks that thrilled audiences throughout the mid to late sixties until saturation inevitably took root, forcing Wang Yu to reinvent himself with the awesome trendsetter, The Chinese Boxer (1969): a personal project and a cult sensation often regarded as instigating the ‘art of unarmed combat’ mantle for Bruce Lee’s return to Hong Kong. Despite both a limited acting range and accompanying fighting skills, pomp or political intimations has never been Wang Yu’s forte or interest, even though originally groomed under the patriarchal guidance of Chang Cheh. Understandably, he wished for, and pursued his own expression of idealism, at the expense of Japanese culture.

Sadly, alleged personality clashes with the Shaw Brothers resulted in a contractual penalty when rival production, Golden Harvest, dangled a carte blanche contract in front of him. An intelligent and resourceful man, the former swimming champion accepted. The downside, nevertheless, was the condition of involuntary exile to Taiwan, a place, apparently, even the Shaws’ could not legally impose themselves. Either way, creative freedom, as well as supplemental expenditure from Raymond Chow, did retain merits Wang Yu was previously restricted from, given the Shaws’ totalitarian studio system whereby servitude was paramount before personal consideration.

Taiwan, doubly, did not impede Wang Yu from the additional luxury of manoeuvring between independent studios such as: First Films and latterly Lo Wei’s infamous Motion Picture Co. Ltd.; nor did it prevent him from writing, starring and directing The One-Armed Boxer (1971), an impressive tournament picture, obviously designed as an acrimonious final salute to his former employers by amalgamating elements from his two greatly revered contributions: The One-Armed Swordsman (1967) and the aforementioned Chinese Boxer.

Resoundingly effective in spite of its blatancy to weave escapist fantasy with cartoon violence, The One Armed Boxer stylishly became the template mold for future mono-limbed adventures that heavily relied on graphic visuals, than a cohesive storyline: for example, Master of the flying Guillotine, One-Armed Chivalry vs One-Armed Chivalry, One-Armed Swordsman vs the 9 Killers, One-Armed Swordsmen (reuniting with David Chiang) and Return of the Chinese Boxer – were all variations on a theme, often bloated, hackneyed and technically redundant. All, more or less, contained the same support cast in exactly the same roles – basically acting the same!

As for Wang Yu, his physical craft – usually choreographed by Liu Chia Liang or his younger brother, Lau kar Wing – increasingly transposed from slower balletic movements to the dynamic encapsulating, more breathtaking jump kicks and precarious realism – notably the utilization of close proximity implements: tables, stalls, chop sticks or axes became familiar props as much as commonplace vistas/cinematography of Taiwan’s rolling hills, beaches or quarry canyons. However, in some instances, Wang Yu’s performances sank to the level of caricature. This is to be expected, considering the enormous workload schedule he subjected himself too, and by present standards, would simply destroy the modern action man.

Astonishingly in 1972, Wang Yu starred in thirteen pictures, efficaciously ranging from historical epics (Chow Ken) to the pretentiously irrelevant (The Destroyer). Of these, Furious Slaughter was one of those rare treats, if one looks beyond the veneer of conventionality.

[In] directly influenced by Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo, Wang Yu, sporting a hat affectation, mysteriously arrives in a no-named town circa 1930’s, where everyone seems to have their own ambitious pursuits concerning capitalism: be it through exploitation, slave trading, gambling or prostitution.

After demonstrating his aerobic prowess on a thuggish rickshaw gang, Wang Yu; who reveals himself as ‘Ma Yuen Chen’ befriends ‘Fat Teddy,’ a subservient coward to the local gang leader, who spends the majority of (his) time in a self recriminatory drunken stupor. However, in his sobriety, inspired by Ma’s courageous actions, he recognizes a hidden strength within and decides to inform Ma on the heinous elements of the town.

Unimpressed, Ma deliberately and sardonically pivets, punches, chops and kicks his way through an echelon of minions, con-men and bodyguards (naturally Japanese); breaks the gambling house using tactics of assertive stoicism, liberates two women from enforced whoredom and daringly humiliates the chief crimelord, Chow Ping Pai. In retaliation, Boss Chow tries to manipulate Ma, which ultimately sets off a domino effect for a heart pounding, tense finale reminiscent of The Boxer from Shantung (1972).

Directed with electric panache, Ding Sin Saai (A Queen’s Ransom) shells out a panoply of visuals to suit Wang Yu’s likable persona. Cynicism is in constant abundance just as everyone is looking out for their own needs: money, face, reputation and power, even a little boy selling strawberries is not exempt from corruption. But it’s a two sided affair; motive is compulsory factor for survival, something Ma cannot always relate to, and at times is unsympathetic too those who may end up suffering worse because of his noble deeds. Question is: will Ma’s indomitable fighting spirit make a difference in an environment fueled by recycling brutality?

Verdict: Concealing important social issues, Furious Slaughter is a fast paced action classic that is both sublime and thought provoking. Often overlooked, this is Wang Yu’s finest hour – oozing coolness, determination and bravado against a myriad of impossibilities (An unnecessary sequel was produced the same year titled The Rebel Boxer, aka Ma Su Chen).

Matthew Le-feuvre’s Rating: 9/10

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

Deal on Fire! Predator 5-Movie Collection | Blu-ray | Only $19.99 – Expires soon!

"Predator" Bundle

"Predator" Bundle

Ready for a Predator overdose? Today’s Deal on Fire is for the Blu-ray Predator Bundle, which includes: 1987’s Predator: Ultimate Hunter Edition, 1990’s Predator 2, 2010’s Predators, 2004’s Alien vs. Predator and 2007’s Alien vs. Predator: Requiem.

At about $3.99 a disc, this bundle is out of this world! Don’t care for the AVP movies? Then use ’em as target practice or drink coasters!

Order the Predator Bundle from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Deal on Fire! Ninja Turtles Trilogy | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy, which contains 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 1991’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and 1993’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time.

In Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy, a quartet of mutated humanoid turtles – consisting of Raphael, Leonardo, Michaelangelo and Donatello – clash with an uprising criminal gang of ninjas.

Order the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Bruce Lee featured in ‘Batman: The Complete TV Series’ set

"The Green Hornet" Japanese Poster

"The Green Hornet" Japanese Poster

Discovering new Bruce Lee footage is virtually non-existent these days, but the next best thing would be finding semi-rare TV appearances. With that being said, Bruce Lee fans should take note of Warner’s upcoming Batman: The Complete TV Series (see photo), which will be hitting Blu-ray & DVD on November 11th.

Within its 120 episode listing are all three Batman/The Green Hornet crossover episodes – Batman’s Satisfaction (1967), A Piece of the Action (1967) and The Spell of Tut (1966) – starring Van Williams as The Green Hornet and Bruce Lee as Kato.

These episodes (not to mention the yet-to-be officially released The Green Hornet series) have been around from various sources (bootlegs, etc.), but their inclusion in the Batman: The Complete TV Series marks the first time they’ll be completely remastered in 1080p HD (1.33:1).

Batman: The Complete TV Series is a worthy addition to the growing library of other Bruce Lee-related titles featured in high definition, such as Shout! Factory’s Bruce Lee’s Legacy Collection and Warner’s Enter the Dragon. Hopefully, studios will finally release the rest of The Green Hornet (1966–1967) series, as well as Longstreet (1971), but definitely don’t hold your breath, as both may not be profitable enough for a proper release. For now, the Batman: The Complete TV Series is currently available for pre-order.

Posted in News |

Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Talk to the Dead | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2014

Pathfinder Entertainment presents the DVD for for Norio Tsuruta’s Talk to the Dead. From the Producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Waters comes a dark tale of tragedy revolving around Yuri and her troubled family. But it when Yuri discovers a mysterious mobile app that is rumored to enable its user to talk to the dead, things get deadly! What VHS tapes did for The Ring, mobile apps will do for Talk to the Dead! The film stars Kazuki Kato, Ayaka Komatsu and Chihiro Ohtsuka. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Talk to the Dead from Amazon.com today!

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

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Cult | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2014

Pathfinder Entertainment presents the DVD for Koji Shiraishi’s Cult. From the producer of The Ring, The Grudge and Dark Water, comes the chilling tale of pop idols who play themselves as they appear on a paranormal television show to investigate the exorcism of the Kaneda family. The supernatural events in the Kaneda household are recorded by the documentary team. A mysterious shaman seems to be the only hope of salvation not only for the family, but for the investigators as well. Cult stars Yaeko Kiyose, Ryosuke Miura, Mari Iriki, Yu Abiru and Mayuko Iwasa. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Cult from Amazon.com today!

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

M. Bison to be introduced in ‘Street Fighter: World Warrior’

"Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist" Japanese Poster

"Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist" Japanese Poster

Film Combat Syndicate (via Variety) reports that Joey Ansah (Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist) is returning to write and direct Street Fighter: World Warrior (aka Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist: Season 2), which continues where the 12-episode series left off.

“The scale of World Warrior is much larger, picking up where Assassin’s Fist left off… The Shadaloo criminal cartel will be introduced, led by the extremely dangerous M. Bison, which will naturally lead into the World Warrior tournament.” Ansah said. It’s also mentioned that Guile, Chun-li and Sagat will have significant roles.

Expect Street Fighter: World Warrior late 2015 or early 2016. Until then, the Blu-ray & DVD for Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist hits on October 28th.

Posted in News |

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Entertainment)

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

Travelers: Dimension Police | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: 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. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order Travelers: Dimension Police from Amazon.com today!

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

When Taekwondo strikes the ‘High School of Zombie’!

"The Kick" International Poster

"The Kick" International Poster

Love it or hate it, the zombie genre won’t die. Just recently, an Evil Dead series and a Last of Us film adaptation have been announced. Maggie and Life After Beth are just around the corner; and let’s not forget about World War Z II, which is in development. Of course, the film industry’s zombie fascination doesn’t stop at Hollywood…

In addition to Kim Seok-jung’s upcoming Zombie School, there’s another Korean zombie flick coming out in the similarly titled High School of Zombie. Korean Taekwondo Champion, Tae-Mi (The Kick) leads the cast as an ass-kickin’ school girl who puts the smack down on the undead.

Don’t miss the film’s trailer. – Thanks to Paul Bramhall

Posted in News |

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

The Crone | DVD (Pathfinder Home Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: 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. Watch the trailer.

Pre-order The Crone from Amazon.com today!

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

Cityonfire.com’s ‘Dragonwolf’ Blu-ray Giveaway! – WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Dragonwolf | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Dragonwolf | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Patrick Kazu Tang’s Dragonwolf to three lucky Cityonfire visitors.

To enter, simply add a comment to this post with your answer to the following question: In your opinion, what’s the most overrated martial arts movie of all time? Please explain. 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 Dragonwolf will be officially released on July 29, 2014, so we will announce the 3 winners on this date and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by July 28, 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: Ben, Chad H., and Bill N. You have been notified via email!

Posted in News | Tagged |

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2014

Lionsgate presents the DVD for the Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1, a 4-disc set that includes Episodes 1-18.

Robotech is widely acclaimed as a ground breaking series that changed the course of anime. Experience the power of the Robotech/Macross saga as never before with this action-filled collection that contains the landmark 1985 television broadcast version – along with the original and uncut episodes from the Japanese series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

Pre-order The Robotech: The Classic Collection Vol. 1 from Amazon.com today!

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

Lady General Hua Mulan (1964) Review

"Lady General Hua Mulan" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Lady General Hua Mulan” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Griffin Yueh Feng
Producer: Run Run Shaw
Cast: Ivy Ling Po, Chin Han, Chen Yan Yan, Cheung Kwong Chiu, Yeung Chi Hing, Wu Ma, Lee Kwan, Kok Lee Yan, Cheng Miu, Feng Yi, Han Ying Chieh
Running Time: 106 min.

By JJ Hatfield

When the Mongols banded together with other nomadic tribes, they invaded China, beginning with the outlying border towns. The edict went out from the Emperor, reaching every family in the land, to send forth one male – of fighting age – to protect the country from the marauding hordes. Master Hua intended to honor the call to duty; however, he was no longer a young man fit for battle. Concerned for his safety, his daughter, Mu-lan, convinces Master Hua that he need not sacrifice himself in order to uphold the family honor.

The story of Hua Mu-lan (or Mulan) – which originated as a brief poem from the 6th century Northern Wei Dynasty – was so stirring, it not only survived, but grew in length over generations; it was eventually written as a full book by the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The story of Mu-lan is an old and cherished one for the Chinese, but many people will recognize the name from the animated Disney film version or from one of the numerous other movies, plays, operas and books.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan smoothly melds traditional Huangmei Opera with the cinematic touch of the Shaw Brothers Studio. Huangmei Opera was developed in the mid-1800’s, in the tea-producing, Huangmei region of China. Initially created of folk songs, people would sing while collecting and preparing tea. The operas became incredibly popular, not only around Huangmei, but across China and beyond.

A 24-year-old Ivy Ling Po touched a nation when she starred in the The Love Eterne (1963), a film that helped bring Huangmei Opera to the big screen. Her brilliant performance in that film led to the title role in Lady General Hua Mu-lan.

Ling Po’s film career began at the age of 12, but even as a very young child, she was immersed in Huangmei Opera. Known for her beautiful voice and acting ability, she often dubbed the songs for other actresses in films and operas.

Ling Po has an incredible gift of connecting with audiences, and Lady General Hua Mu-lan is no exception. Her expressive face, fluid movements and fighting skills are superb. She demonstrates an excellent stage presence and is amazingly adept at portraying both male and female roles. Make no mistake, Lady General Hua Mu-lan suceeds because of Ling Po, which explains why she received the Best Actress award for her powerful role.

Yueh Feng (The Bells of Death) directed and co-wrote the lively script for Lady General Hua Mu-lan. He is quite experienced in the genre, directing for the Shaw Brothers for over a dozen years, and the Great Wall Company, before that.

As with many of the earlier Shaw movies involving war, there are numerous action choreographers, but none are specifically credited (Hong Kong Cinemagic lists Han Ying Chieh as one of them). It appears that in some of the big battle scenes, the actors/fighters on the periphery were not given much direction on what they were supposed to be doing. The lack of experience, or care, in lensing some of the scenes, is frustrating.

In China- and other countries in southeast Asia – it has been only in recent times that women were able to act in theater or operas. Lady General Hua Mu-lan is one of a very few Chinese stories that even suggests gender equity, which was extremely rare, especially in literature that has survived the ages. Although women in China have always fought to defend their family or land, never has a woman, posing as a male, risen to the rank of general.

Even if you think you know the story of Mu-lan, you haven’t experienced it like this before. This is a wonderful historic version, and as far as I am concerned, the best at portraying all of the primary characters, especially the title character.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan is more intense and darker than modern remakes, especially the wretched, mixed up mess of Disney’s cutesy cartoon, Mulan. The Disney version was a huge commercial success (it sold lots of dolls, DVDs, CDs, backpacks, school supplies and…), but it bears no resemblance to the original story, other than in name. This version is far superior and stays true to the original adventure of Mu-lan.

Lady General Hua Mu-lan is an excellent film that everyone will enjoy.

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , |

Deal on Fire! Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray | Only $9.96 – Expires soon!

Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Space Battleship Yamato | Blu-ray & DVD (Funimation)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Takashi Yamazaki’s Space Battleship Yamato, a live adaptation of the Space Battleship Yamato anime TV series by Yoshinobu Nishizaki.

The crew of the space battleship Yamato set out on a journey to the planet Iscandar to acquire a device that can heal the ravaged Earth. Starring Takuya Kimura, Meisa Kuroki, Toshirō Yanagiba, Naoto Ogata and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi.

Space Battleship Yamato debuted at number 1 on the Japanese box-office, ousting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Watch the trailer.

Order Space Battleship Yamato from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |