The eye of the tiger is no match for ‘The Tiger Mask’

"The Tiger Mask" Teaser Poster

"The Tiger Mask" Teaser Poster

The Tiger Mask is an upcoming live-action adapation of a Japanese manga series of the same name by Ikki Kajiwara. The series first appeared in the late 60s and by the early 70s, The Tiger Mask made its way onto TV, courtesy of Toei Animation.

According to Film Combat Syndicate, The Tiger Mask follows a highly feared and viciously skilled heel wrestler who changes his tune and chooses to become a symbol of heroism after a young boy approaches him and expresses that he wanted to be just as villainous as he was in the ring.

The Tiger Mask is directed by Ken Ochiai (Memory Sculptor) and stars Eiji Wentz, Natsuna and Sho Aikiwa. The film will premier at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal this July, then will have a theatrical run in November 2013. Until then, check out the teaser trailer.

Posted in News |

Gonin (1995) Review

"Gonin" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Gonin” Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: The Five
Director: Takashi Ishii
Cast: Koichi Sato, Masahiro Motoki, Jinpachi Nezu, Kippei Shiina, Naoto Takenaka
Running Time: 109 min.

By Equinox21

In 1995, stylish director, Takashi Ishii, brought us a great crime/yakuza piece called Gonin (The Five). It revolved around a disco owner convincing 4 other guys to go along with him in a planned heist of the local Yakuza thugs for over 100 million yen (something like $1,000,000 in cold, hard cash). The heist is successful, however, the Yakuza, obviously perturbed at the theft, send out 2 hit men (one of which is played by Beat Takeshi) to kill The Five.

This movie has a lot going for it. One thing that I loved was the delusions of many of the characters at various points throughout the movie. Whether it comes in the form of hallucinations or simply outright insanity, it makes this a far from normal gangster/theft/revenge movie. The style is yet another thing to behold; Lots of cutting quickly between coinciding events (and back and forth, and back again) and the simply out of this world characters. For example, there’s a guy who dresses as a flaming homosexual in order to attract rich men whom he can turn around and black-mail. In that persona, he’s quite over the top, yet, when he’s in his normal clothes, he acts quite normal (if a bit excitable). I can’t say this is the most stylish film I’ve ever seen, nor can I say that I was really blown away by it for the first third to a half, but it did end up being quite enjoyable.

I’m sure this is on every fan of Yakuza films’ list of to see movies, as well it should be. It’s a great addition to the genre. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, nor does it mock itself too greatly. It’s got the right mix of style, substance, seriousness and insanity.

Equinox21’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in Japanese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Andy Lau admits his new spy movie ‘Switch’ isn’t very good

"Switch" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Filming has begun on Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau’s latest action blockbuster, Switch. This is a highly anticipated Mandarin-language film to be shot in Dubai, the same location as Tom Cruise’s now famous hotel-climbing stunt in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, on a budget of about $20 million US dollars.

The producers are keen on recouping their investment so Switch will be later be dubbed in English and Arabic languages when released in those territories. Much like Tom Cruise’s latest blockbuster, this film will place an emphasis on spectacle: get ready for expensive cars and boats, over the top stunts, and a gorgeous view of Dubai. Switch is directed by Sun Jianjun and stars Andy Lau, Chiling Lin, and Jingchu Zhang.

As far as the plot is concerned, the story appears to revolve around the famous painting ‘Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains’ and will feature Andy Lau as a James Bond-like character. This is the first Chinese film to be shot internationally and select Hollywood talent will be working on the movie as well. A release date of October 1st is anticipated.

Updates: Film Business Asia reports that Andy Lau has recently been busy shooting the film. The budget is set at about $18 million. It’s likely that Media Asia Group will be looking to sell international rights to the film soon.

The first trailer for Switch has premiered at Cannes 2012. | Here’s a new teaser trailer, courtesy of Far East Films. The movie is looking action-packed! | Check out a new trailer for Switch. And don’t forget the first official poster is here, courtesy of Chinese Films. The film opens in China on November 2nd.

The film’s release in China has been postponed indefinitely. Apparently the soundtrack producer has come down with a “sudden disease” and is now hospitalized. This is actually the second lengthy post-production delay for Switch, as the film’s release was previously prolonged so it could be converted to 3D.

After a long delay, which included issues with the Chinese censors and the movie’s soundtrack, Switch will be hitting theaters soon. Here’s a new teaser trailer to celebrate. JayneStars has more info on the film. Director Jay Sun says: “…the movie is packed with action which includes suspenseful spy wars and a little love story thrown in.”

Why settle for James Bond when you could have Andy Lau? Check out the latest trailer for Switch. And don’t miss this snazzy new poster.

BREAKING NEWS: During a recent press conference for his upcoming thriller Blind Detective with director Johnnie To, star Andy Lau admitted that his spy movie Switch isn’t very good. The film has been received poorly by the public. Says Lau: “I sometimes think too highly of myself and tend to believe that whatever script have I have my hands on would end up being good.”

Posted in News |

Vampire | DVD (Lionsgate)

Vampire | DVD (Lionsgate)

Vampire | DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2013

Lionsgate presents the DVD For Vampire, directed by Shunji Iwai (All About Lily Chou-Chou). A vampire, who works as a teacher, searches for suicidal female students and seduces them prior to sucking their blood. Starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Yu Aoi, Kevin Zegers, Kristin Kreuk, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Amanda Plummer, Adelaide Clemens and Ryan Robbins. Watch the trailer.

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

The Unseen | Blu-ray & DVD (Scorpion Releasing)

The Unseen | Blu-ray & DVD (Scorpion Releasing)

The Unseen | Blu-ray & DVD (Scorpion Releasing)

RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2013

Scorpion Releasing presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1980’s The Unseen, directed by Danny Steinmann (Savage Streets). A trio of female reporters find themselves staying overnight in a house occupied by a hostile ‘being.’ Scorpion Releasing once again puts their remastered touch on this cult classic! Starring Barbara Bach (The Spy Who Loved Me), Sydney Lassick and Karen Lamm. Watch the trailer.

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

‘The Guillotines’ beheads onto Blu-ray & DVD on August 13

The Guillotines | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Guillotines | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Director Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) teams up with China’s hottest rising action stars for the explosive, martial arts-filled film The Guillotines, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 13th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

A secret brotherhood of assassins – the Guillotines – once favored by the Emperor, are now a force of terror and oppression under a new regime. Exiled to a remote village and hunted by a squad of fighters with firearms that challenge their cold steel, the Guillotines must now outwit and outfight enemies from both sides. The film stars Xiaoming Huang (Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster), Ethan Juan (Mongo), Zhang Wen (The Sorcerer and the White Snake), Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs), Yuchun Li (Flying Swords of Dragon Gate), and Boran Jing (The Bullet Vanishes). Watch the trailer.

Bonus Materials: “The Making of The Guillotines” Featurette, Interviews with Cast & Crew, Andrew Lau – Director, Dora Ng – Costume Designer, Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan, Shawn Yue, Boran Jing and Li Yuchun.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Well Go USA and MPRM Communications.

Posted in News |

The Contractor | DVD (Lionsgate)

The Contractor | DVD (Lionsgate) Danny Trejo Christina Cox

The Contractor | DVD (Lionsgate) Danny Trejo Christina Cox

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2013

Lionsgate presents the DVD for The Contractor, directed by Sean Olson (G.I. Joe: Battle for the Serpent Stone short). Friendly and easy going contractor, Javier (Danny Trejo) takes a job for Paul (Brad Rowe) and Elizabeth Chase (Christina Cox), but all is not as it seems. When the Chase’s perfect lives begin to crumble, they find Javier’s secret. When he sabotages Paul’s car, ruins the house’s plumbing and plants evidence framing Paul for an affair, Elizabeth must find the strength to stand on her own. Will she be able to save her family from The Contractor? Watch the trailer.

Stay tuned for pre-order information.

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

Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Warner) *Updated*

Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Warner)

Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection | Blu-ray (Warner)

On September 13th, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will provide plenty of blood-curdling thrills when Friday The 13th: The Complete Collection debuts on Blu-ray (pre-order at Amazon.com). For the first time, all twelve films will be packaged together, (with seven of them making Blu-ray debuts) as a result of a strategic distribution alliance between Paramount and Warner announced last fall. The set also includes a Friday The 13th Killer Extras Bonus DVD.

The must-own set will be presented in a collectible tin case with 11 hours of previously released special features and a 40-page soft cover book. The book is excerpted from Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday The 13th, a fan-favorite volume that’s viewed as the ultimate memoir of the series, and highlights some of the 200 interviews, 600 photos, storyboards, concept art and more. Also included is a brand new, official Camp Crystal Lake embroidered Counselor Patch.

Friday The 13th: The Complete Collection also includes digital versions of all 12 films with UltraViolet, allowing viewers to download and instantly stream the films to a wide range of devices from computers and compatible tablets to smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

Films in The Collection include: (*New to Blu-ray)

Disc 1 – Friday the 13th (1980)
Disc 2 – Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Disc 3 – Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D (1982)
Disc 4 – Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)*
Disc 5a – Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985)*
Disc 5b – Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)*
Disc 6a – Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)*
Disc 6b – Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)*
Disc 7a – Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)*
Disc 7b – Jason X (2002)*
Disc 8 – Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Disc 9 – Friday the 13th (2009) (Theatrical Version and “Killer Cut” Extended Version)
Disc 10 – Killer Bonus DVD Disc

Pre-order the Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection Blu-ray set today!

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Warner Bros.

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

Blue Movie | Blu-ray & DVD (Raro Video USA)

"Blue Movie" Theatrical Poster

"Blue Movie" Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: TBA 2013

Raro Video USA presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1978’s Blue Movie, directed by Italian cult director Alberto Cavallone (Man, Woman and Beast). A woman escapes from being raped only to find herself trapped by a sado-masochistic photographer who, among other nasty things, gets off on consuming fresh human excrement. This extremely rare movie will definitely get under your skin.

Stay tuned for pre-orders.

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

Deal on Fire! Death Wish 3 | Blu-ray | Only $5.86

"Death Wish 3" Blu-ray Cover

"Death Wish 3" Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for 1985’s Death Wish 3, directed by Michael Winner (Death Wish). This is Cannon Films at its finest! Charles Bronson returns as Paul Kersey, this time in New York battling a street gang that prey on the tenants of an old apartment building. Don’t forget, the price for Death Wish 2 and Death Wish 4 are also a steal!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Extended trailer for Neill Blomkamp’s ‘Elysium’

"Elysium" Theatrical Poster

"Elysium" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Neill Blomkamp, the visionary director behind District 9, is prepping a new high-concept science fiction film starring Matt Damon. In Elysium, the world of the future is divided along harsh class lines: the rich live in a pristine orbital space station while the poor are left to populate a ruined Earth.

Matt Damon plays a presumably normal Earthling who is sent on a daring mission that might just bring equality to a fractured world.

Elysium co-stars Jodi Foster, Wagner Moura, Sharlto Copley, William Fichtner, and Diego Luna. You can expect the film in theaters on March 1st, 2013.

Updates: While we wait for a trailer, Ain’t It Cool Newshas this bad-ass image of Matt Damon from the film. Collider has a new image of Matt Damon from Elysium. | Collider has the first image of Sharlto Copley as the Villain Kruger. | Collider has pack of new photos. | The first poster is here. | Watch the trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new extended trailer, courtesy of EW (via yahoo). Also check out the newest poster.

Posted in News |

The Witness | DVD (Alebrije – Gaiam)

"The Witness" Spanish Theatrical Poster

"The Witness" Spanish Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2013

Alebrije – Gaiam presents the DVD for The Witness (aka Witness: El Testigo), an exciting new flick dubbed as Puerto Rico’s first martial art movie! On what seemed to be a normal day, Chelo, unexpectedly witnesses a murder. In the midst of the chase by the perpetrators, the cops mistake him as the killer. He will be forced to fight for his life. Starring Jose A. Manuel, Gil Sanabria and Melissa Serrano Flores. Watch the trailer.

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

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage | Blu-ray & DVD (VCI Entertainment)

Bird With the Crystal Plumage | Blu-ray & DVD (VCI Entertainment)

Bird With the Crystal Plumage | Blu-ray & DVD (VCI Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2013

VCI Entertainment presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1970’s Bird With the Crystal Plumage, directed by Dario Argento (Phenomena). An American writer (Tony Musante) traveling in Rome is the only witness to an attempted murder by a sinister man in a raincoat and black leather gloves, though he is powerless to do anything to stop him. Digitally Restored from 1080p HD Transfer! Watch the trailer.

Stay tuned for pre-order information.

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

Creepshow 2 | Blu-ray (Image Entertainment)

"Creepshow 2" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Creepshow 2" Japanese Theatrical Poster

RELEASE DATE: September 3, 2013

Image Entertainment presents the Blu-ray for 1987’s Creepshow 2, directed by Michael Gornick (cinematographer of the George A. Romero original). This sequel brings three more bone-chilling tales that include a vengeful wooden Native American, a monstrous blob in a lake, and a hitchhiker who wants revenge and will not die. Featuring Lois Chiles, George Kennedy, Dorothy Lamour and Tom Savini. Watch the trailer.

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

The Shepherd: Border Patrol | DVD (Image Entertainment)

The Shepherd: Border Patrol | DVD (Image Entertainment)

The Shepherd: Border Patrol | DVD (Image Entertainment)

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2013

Image Entertainment presents the DVD (previously out of print) for The Shepherd: Border Patrol, directed by Isaac Florentine (Ninja 2). A texas cop (Jean-Claude Van Damme) battles ex-navy seals who are trying to traffic drugs from Mexico into the USA. Also featuring Scott Adkins, who appeared with Van Damme in The Expendables 2 and Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning. Watch the trailer.

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