Hopeless (2023) Review

"Hopeless" Theatrical Poster

“Hopeless” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Chang-hoon
Cast: Hong Xa-bin, Kim Hyung-seo (Bibi), Song Joong-ki, Kim Jong-soo, Park Bo-Kyung 
Running Time: 125 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In Korean cinema it almost feels like a rite of passage for debut writer and directors to tackle the gritty social drama, usually focusing on those who live on the bottom rungs of Korean society, and with 2023’s Hopeless Kim Chang-hoon proves he’s not going to be one to buck the trend. In this case we get Hong Xa-bin, a rising star who, after supporting roles in the likes of 2019’s Tune in for Love and 2022’s Nobody’s Lover, would take the lead role twice in 2023, with Hopeless and So Long, See You Tomorrow marking him as a talent to look out for.

Here he plays a 17-year-old high school student who’s leading a tough life. While he dreams of immigrating to the Netherlands with his mother and starting afresh, his day-to-day reality is a world away. Living in a deadbeat town, at home he has to suffer the beatings from his alcoholic stepfather, and is forced to share a room with his stepsister, played by Kim Hyung-seo (more popularly known as singer-songwriter BIBI, who’s also featured in the likes of Whispering Corridors 6: The Humming and Phantom). When he takes revenge on a fellow student who’s been harassing Hyung-seo, he finds himself suspended and unable to come up with the compensation Continue reading

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The Champions | Blu-ray (Eureka)

The Champions | Blu-ray (Eureka)

The Champions | Blu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2024

On September 23, 2024, Eureka will be releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Champions a 1983 soccer-infused, action-comedy directed by Brandy Yuen (In the Line of Duty III) and starring Golden Harvest legend, Yuen Biao (Circus Kids).

Sports, action and comedy collide in Golden Harvest’s The Champions, the precursor to Shaolin Soccer from the first family of Hong Kong martial arts cinema: the inimitable Yuen Clan!

Lee Tong (Yuen Biao, Dreadnaught) is a young farmer who has grown up in an isolated rural community. When an indiscretion lands him in hot water, he leaves his home in the countryside and heads for the big city – where he meets Suen (Cheung Kwok-keung, Eastern Condors), a street footballer who recognises Tong’s talent Continue reading

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Intrigued this film is on 4K Ultra HD? Jackie Chan and Lo Wei’s 1977 kung fu classic ‘To Kill with Intrigue’ is now available

 To Kill with Intrigue | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

To Kill with Intrigue | 4K Ultra HD (88 Films)

Now shipping from Goodie Emporium is 88 Films 4K Ultra HD for To Kill with Intrigue, a 1977 kung fu film directed by Lo Wei (Fist of Fury) that stars Jackie Chan (Ride On).

The year was 1977 and kung-fu fighting was still blasting out of discotheques, the spectre of Bruce Lee continued to haunt Hong Kong cinema and a young Jackie Chan was fast on his way to superstardom.

To Kill with Intrigue is undoubtedly one of the martial arts legend’s finest moments – with confident direction from the legendary Lo Wei, who had given Bruce Lee his break with The Big Boss in 1971!

Shot in South Korea, when the country was still a curious entity to the West Continue reading

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The night comes for Bob Odenkirk! Acclaimed Indonesian action filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto to take on ‘Nobody 2’

"Nobody" Japanese Poster

“Nobody” Japanese Poster

Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto (The Big 4, The Night Comes for Us) – of the “Mo Brothers” directing duo (Killers, Headshot, Macabre) – is on board for Nobody 2, the sequel to 2021’s Nobody, which has Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) reprising his lead role.

Tjahjanto will direct from a script by Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody), Aaron Rabin (Jack Ryan), Odenkirk, and Umair Aleem (Kate). Kelly McCormick and David Leitch are returning to produce through 87North’s first look deal with Universal, as are Odenkirk, Marc Provissiero through Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment, and Braden Aftergood through Eighty Two Films (via Deadline).

The original film follows a former ‘auditor’ (Odenkirk) for the likes of the CIA and Continue reading

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Everybody be cool this is a hijack!!! Sony Pictures International is releasing Ha Jung-Woo thriller ‘Hijack 1971’ to U.S. theaters

"Hijack 1971" Theatrical Poster

“Hijack 1971” Theatrical Poster

On July 5, 2024, Sony Pictures International Productions’ will release Kim Sung-Han’s Hijack 1971, a film that depicts the extreme situation unfolding when a passenger plane is hijacked in the skies of South Korea in 1971.

The film stars Ha Jung-Woo (The Closet), Yeo Jin-Goo (Sad Movie), Sung Dong-Il (Project Wolf Hunting) and Chae Soo-Bin (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure)

Winter of 1971, Sokcho Airport Pilots Tae-in (Ha Jung-woo) and Gyu-sik (Sung Dong-il) are set to fly to Gimpo. Under the guidance of flight attendant Ok-soon (Chae Soo-bin), passengers are busy boarding. However, shortly after takeoff, a homemade bomb explodes, turning the cabin into chaos.

Yong-dae (Yeo Jin-goo), who Continue reading

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Black Belt Jones | Blu-ray (Warner Archives)

Black Belt Jones | Blu-ray (Warner Archives)

Black Belt Jones | Blu-ray (Warner Archives)

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2024

On August 27, 2024, Warner Archives is releasing the Blu-ray for Black Belt Jones, a 1974 martial arts film directed by Robert Clouse (Game of Death)

A former International Karate Champion, Jim Kelly made a blazing screen debut with Bruce Lee in the martial-arts landmark Enter the Dragon. Now as Black Belt Jones, Kelly’s fiery fighting expertise rips the screen apart in his first solo star turn, featuring Scatman Crothers (The Shining) and sultry Glory Hendry (Live and Let Die).

Pop Boyd (Crothers) owns a thriving karate school near downtown Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it sits on a piece of land upon which a local mob wants to build its own “civic center”. When the gangsters’ muscling of Pop leads to tragedy, Black Belt Continue reading

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

Best Early 2000s Movie Trends

Movie trends are constantly ebbing and flowing. That’s because trends are always tied to modern affairs, making them immediately relevant to audiences. On top of that, the best new trends usually showcase a new filming style, thematic take, or even filmmaking technology.

In other words, there are a few key ingredients that go into identifiable movie trends—usually a blend of breaking news and creative innovation. But these aren’t always easy to identify as they’re released. Hindsight is always 20-20, after all.

Now that we’re twenty years removed from the early 2000s, it’s easy to see what sorts of filmmaking trends were taking off at the time. The era will likely be remembered more for the emergence of reality television, but the world of film still generated more than a few unique blockbusters.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting trends from the early 2000s, in terms of theme, content, and filmmaking technology.

Casino Intrigue

It was a huge decade for the casino thanks to the Ocean’s franchise reboot and a myriad smaller hits. Much of this trend was built on the hype of online poker, which was taking off at the time. For example, 1998’s Rounders helped lay the foundation for all-out poker intrigue. The film focused on underground poker games played for high stakes.

Though the film focused on Texas Hold’em more than other popular variations, it introduced players to the highly intellectual and tactical world of poker. Today, millions of players compete online as long-time hobbyists—some of whom might have seen Rounders and similar hits. The movie also starred Matt Damon, who would go on to join that famous Ocean’s trilogy later on. Sometimes, movie trends are layered like this.

High Fantasy

Throughout the decades, casinos have come and gone from Hollywood screens. The same is true for high fantasy, which really took off in the early 2000s thanks to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This took a beloved and niche franchise and turned it into a global hit.

The same goes for Harry Potter. As the wizardry books were released, they were flipped into blockbuster films that sold out theaters around the world. Fantasy films hadn’t yet commanded a consistently high-performing series like that.

Don’t forget—the 2000s also heralded the era of James Cameron’s Avatar. Though the second installation only recently hit theaters, it was originally part of the early 2000s high fantasy hit catalog. More casual fantasy takes had always been popular, but this was an era when high fantasy, specifically, went mainstream.

Computer Generation

In terms of filmmaking techniques, the early 2000s saw a massive proliferation of computer generation… for good and for bad. Initially, computer generation was used largely for films that would have once been entirely animated. Think: Shrek, Finding Nemo, Monster, Inc., and The Polar Express.

But it also led to less-beloved incorporation into live-action films. While fantasy was taking off, the Star Wars sci-fi reboot was notably lackluster. Computer generation quickly led to the use of CGI, which gave life to characters like Jar-Jar Binks, really awful renditions of The Rock in The Mummy, and more shoddy work in The Matrix: Reloaded.

While computer generation helped put animated films on a new (and better) level, they almost unanimously threw audiences off when poor CGI was adapted for live-action films.

Series

You may have noticed from this list that the early 2000s was an era of trilogies. Whether this was due to writers taking greater licenses with their stories or studios looking to juice fans for all they could, it led to dozens of iconic releases and poorly executed failures.

As mentioned above, Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings franchises both took off. So did Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. But the most notable series has to be the reboot of just about every superhero ever written.

DC and Marvel kicked off new series for dozens of superheroes. Not all stuck the landing—but Marvel has notably been able to turn its Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man projects into blockbuster franchises that span an entire fictional universe. While audiences aren’t overly happy with the Marvel Universe these days, the brand dominated the 2010s box office.

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The Financial Rewards of Being a Life Insurance Broker

Today, people are seeking careers that offer not only job security but also substantial financial rewards. One such profession is that of a life insurance broker. Known for its lucrative earning potential, this career path attracts many due to its flexibility, growth opportunities, and the ability to make a significant impact on clients’ lives. The demand for life insurance services continues to rise, presenting a wealth of opportunities for brokers.

This article will delve into the financial benefits of being a life insurance broker. Additionally, it will explore MassMutual brokerage, a popular choice among professionals in this field. By examining these aspects, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the lucrative opportunities this career can offer.

Earning Potential of a Life Insurance Broker

A career as a life insurance broker is often associated with impressive earning potential. Brokers typically earn commissions on the policies they sell, with the amount varying depending on the type and size of the policy. This commission-based structure can lead to high earnings, especially for those who are skilled at building relationships and closing sales.

Beyond commissions, many life insurance brokers enjoy bonuses and incentives offered by their companies. These can include performance-based bonuses, contest rewards, and profit-sharing plans. Such incentives not only boost income but also motivate brokers to achieve higher sales targets.

Flexibility and Growth Opportunities

Life insurance brokers often enjoy a high degree of flexibility in their work schedules. This flexibility allows brokers to effectively balance their personal and professional lives. The ability to work from various locations and set one’s own hours is a significant advantage, making this career appealing to many.

Moreover, the career growth opportunities in this field are substantial. Brokers can advance to higher positions, such as sales managers or agency owners, which come with increased responsibilities and higher income potential. Continuous professional development through training and certifications further enhances a broker’s skills and marketability.

Financial Security and Job Satisfaction

The financial security offered by a career in life insurance is another significant benefit. With a steady stream of commissions and bonuses, brokers can achieve a stable and lucrative income. Additionally, many companies offer retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits that contribute to long-term financial stability.

Job satisfaction in this profession is often high, as brokers play a crucial role in helping clients secure their financial futures. The sense of fulfillment from assisting individuals and families in making important life decisions adds a meaningful dimension to this career beyond the monetary rewards.

Becoming a MassMutual Broker

MassMutual is a well-respected name in the life insurance industry, making it a popular choice for aspiring brokers. MassMutual brokerage involves a series of steps, including obtaining the necessary licenses and completing specialized training programs. MassMutual provides comprehensive support and resources to help brokers succeed, including marketing tools, ongoing education, and a robust support network.

MassMutual brokers benefit from the company’s strong reputation and extensive product portfolio, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, and investment options. This range of products allows brokers to meet diverse client needs, enhancing their ability to build lasting relationships and secure repeat business.

Choosing a career as a life insurance broker is more than just a path to financial prosperity; it’s a gateway to professional fulfillment and personal growth. The dynamic nature of this profession ensures that no two days are the same, providing continuous learning and development opportunities. Embrace the challenge and reap the rewards of being a life insurance broker – a profession where your success is only limited by your ambition and dedication.

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How to Avoid Scams When Choosing a Cryptocurrency Buying Platform

Cryptocurrency has revolutionised the way people invest and manage their finances. With its rise in popularity, however, has come an increase in scams and fraudulent platforms. Navigating the landscape of cryptocurrency safely is crucial for both new and experienced investors. Understanding how to identify and avoid scams can protect one’s investments and ensure a secure trading experience.

This guide will share various tips and strategies to help individuals recognise and steer clear of scams in the cryptocurrency market. Additionally, it has a brief section about Swyftx as a reliable and trusted cryptocurrency buying platform. From identifying red flags to choosing reputable platforms, this guide provides essential advice for anyone looking to invest in digital currencies.

Recognising Red Flags

Scammers often use sophisticated methods to lure unsuspecting investors. One of the first steps in avoiding scams is to recognise common red flags. These can include promises of guaranteed high returns, unsolicited offers, and unregulated platforms. High returns with little to no risk are a significant warning sign, as legitimate investments rarely offer such assurances. Be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails promoting cryptocurrency investments, as these are often phishing attempts designed to steal personal information.

Another red flag is the lack of transparency. Reliable platforms provide clear information about their operations, including details about the team, regulatory compliance, and security measures. If a platform lacks this transparency or provides vague details, it may be a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of the platform before making any investments.

Research the Platform

Conducting thorough research on a cryptocurrency buying platform is crucial. Start by checking if the platform is regulated and adheres to the laws and regulations of its operating country. Regulatory compliance is a good indicator of a platform’s legitimacy. Additionally, look for user reviews and testimonials. Genuine feedback from other investors can provide valuable insights into the platform’s reliability and trustworthiness.

Visit the platform’s website and explore its security features. Reliable platforms use advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, to protect users’ funds and personal information. A lack of robust security protocols is a red flag and may indicate a potential scam.

Verify the Team

Knowing the team behind a cryptocurrency platform can help in assessing its legitimacy. Legitimate platforms usually have a professional team with verifiable credentials and experience in the cryptocurrency or financial sector. Look for detailed profiles of the team members on the platform’s website. Cross-reference their information on professional networking sites like LinkedIn to confirm their identities and professional backgrounds.

If the platform does not provide information about its team or the provided information seems dubious, it is advisable to proceed with caution. Scammers often hide their identities to avoid accountability.

Swyftx stands out as a secure and reliable cryptocurrency buying platform. Known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support, it offers a safe environment for trading digital currencies. The platform uses advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and biometric login, to protect users’ accounts and funds. You can visit their official website to learn more about Swyftx.

Customer Support and Communication

Reliable cryptocurrency platforms offer robust customer support. Test the platform’s customer support by reaching out with questions or concerns. Prompt and professional responses are indicative of a trustworthy platform. In contrast, slow or unresponsive customer service may suggest potential issues.

Communication is critical when dealing with investments. Ensure the platform provides multiple communication channels, such as email, phone, and live chat. A lack of accessible communication options can be a warning sign of a fraudulent platform.

Avoiding scams in the cryptocurrency market requires vigilance and thorough research. Recognising red flags, verifying platform legitimacy, understanding the team behind the platform, and testing customer support are essential steps in ensuring a secure investment experience. By following these tips, investors can navigate the cryptocurrency market with confidence and security.

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Creepshow-sploitation? Well Go USA gives us multiple ‘Tastes of Horror’ exclusively on Digital on June 25th

"Tastes of Horror" Theatrical Poster

“Tastes of Horror” Theatrical Poster

Debuting exclusively on Digital on June 25 from Well Go USA is Tastes of Horror, a South Korean compilation of six short films directed by five of the most acclaimed directors of the genre in South Korea.

Tastes of Horror’s filmmakers include Ahn Sang-hoon (The Witness), Yoon Een-Kyoung (Lingering), Kim Yong-gyun (The Sword with No Name), Lim Dae-woong (Bloody Reunion) and Chae Yeo-jun (Shark: The Beginning).

Collectively, the film stars Chang Seung Yeon (Welcome to Bongtaeri), Oh Seung-hee (Ditto), Jang Ye-eun (The Show), Shin Eun-soo (Illang: The Wolf Brigade), Kim Ho-jung (Revivre), Kim Tae-hun (The Admiral: Roaring Currents), Jo Jae-yun (The Outlaws), Yoon Continue reading

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Been spendin’ most their lives livin’ in a gangsta’s paradise! ‘Hopeless’ to Digital on June 25th by Well Go USA

"Hopeless" Theatrical Poster

“Hopeless” Theatrical Poster

Debuting exclusively on Digital on June 25 from Well Go USA is Hopeless, a South Korean crime-thriller that marks the feature film debut from writer/director Kim Chang-hoon.

After spending his entire childhood in a town riddled with crime and violence, a teenage boy saves up his money in hopes of someday moving with his mother to start a new, happier life. But after he crosses paths with a local gangster intent on helping him, he is drawn into increasingly dangerous situations that will leave him questioning whether his attempts to escape his hellish reality will instead ensnare him in it—permanently.

Hopeless stars Hong Xa Bin (Escape), Song Joong-Ki (Space Sweepers), Bibi (Whispering Corridors 6: The Humming), Jeong Jae-Kwang (The Roundup) and Continue reading

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Netflix and KILL! Jessica Alba is going to kill, kill and kill again in ‘Trigger Warning’ streaming on Netflix on June 21st

"Trigger Warning" Netflix Poster

“Trigger Warning” Netflix Poster

Jessica Alba (Sin City) is doing the Kate, Maria, Killing Boksoon and Interceptor thing with Netflix’ upcoming thriller, Trigger Warning, which is being described as “a female-led cross between First Blood and John Wick“.

In the film, a skilled Special Forces commando (Alba) takes ownership of her father’s bar after he suddenly dies, and soon finds herself at odds with a violent gang running rampant in her hometown.

Stuntman Eric Brown – who is perhaps best known for his work on this 2024’s The Brothers Sun, 2022’s Day Shift, and 2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum – handles the film’s fight choreography.

Trigger Warning also Continue reading

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Sudden Death | 4K Ultra HD (Kino Lorber)

Sudden Death | 4K Ultra HD (Kino Lorber)

Sudden Death | 4K Ultra HD (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2024

On August 27, 2024, Kino Lorber will be releasing a 4K UHD Blu-ray for Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Sudden Death, which will be presented with a Brand New HDR Dolby Vision Master!

This 1995 actioner (fan-titled “Die Hard in a hockey arena”) is directed by Peter Hyams (Enemies Closer, Timecop) and also stars Powers Boothe (Rapid Fire) and Raymond J. Barry (Year of the Dragon).

A former fireman (Van Damme) takes on a group of terrorists (headed by Boothe) holding the Vice President and others hostage during the seventh game of the NHL Stanley Cup finals.

Sudden Death also stars Whittni Wright (I’ll Do Anything), Ross Malinger (Sleepless in Seattle), Dorian Continue reading

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

Get ready to cock your guns! John Woo’s English-language remake of ‘The Killer’ hits Peacock on August 23

"The Killer" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“The Killer” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo (Silent Night, Hand of Death) is currently prepping his own classic” English-language remake of his 1989 crime action classic The Killer, which is scheduled to make its its debut on August 23, exclusively on Peacock.

French actor Omar Sy (Jurassic World, Lupin), who is widely known for his award-winning role in 2011’s The Intouchables leads the film. Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones) will star opposite Sy.

Co-starring are Sam Worthington (Avatar), Diana Silvers (Glass), Saïd Taghmaoui (Three Kings), Hugo Diego Garcia (The Substance), Aurélia Agel (Black Widow), Grégory Montel (Upgraded) and Continue reading

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Life After Fighting (2024) Review

"Life After Fighting" Theatrical Poster

“Life After Fighting” Theatrical Poster

Director: Bren Foster
Cast: Bren Foster, Cassie Howarth, Annabelle Stephenson, Luke Ford, Eddie Arrazola, Ethan Browne, Ruby Busuttil, Denise Chan, Mike Duncan, Hakan Manav
Running Time: 125 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Let’s face it, Australia isn’t going to be the first country anyone thinks of when it comes to martial arts movies. Sure productions have been filmed there (Jackie Chan even has his own Australia trilogy thanks to First Strike, Mr. Nice Guy, and Bleeding Steel), we’ve had mythical kung-fu kangaroos in Ronny Yu’s Warriors of Virtue, and Australian director Brian Trenchard-Smith was famously responsible for unleashing Jimmy Wang Yu on down under shores in The Man from Hong Kong. However in terms of a true Australian production with a cast and crew of local talent, you have to go back to the era of Edward John Stazak playing Jason Blade in 1988’s Day of the Panther and Strike of the Panther double bill. So it’s long overdue that in 2024, Australian martial artist Bren Foster has stepped up to the table to star, direct, write, produce, and choreograph Life After Fighting.

While Foster’s name may not be immediately recognizable, largely thanks to a filmography that’s utilised his acting talent more than his propensity for martial arts, he has been given opportunities to let loose before. I’d be willing to bet anyone who saw the early 2010’s Keoni Waxman movies Maximum Conviction and Force of Execution would have walked away asking who Bren Foster was and what needed to be done to have him headline his own Continue reading

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