Shadow Master (2022) Review

"Shadow Master" Theatrical Poster

“Shadow Master” Theatrical Poster

Director: Pearry Teo
Cast: D.Y. Sao, Layton Matthews, Brian Le, Craig Ng, Anna Harr, Eric Gay Jr., Luciana Faulhaber, Morgan M. Younge, Dylan Walton, Dezzaray Stephens
Running Time: 90 min.

By Paul Bramhall

It’s difficult to believe it’s been almost 20 years since director Prachya Pinkaew unleashed Ong Bak onto the world in 2003, heralding what at the time was seen as a new era of action with Thailand at the fore. Of course, leading man Tony Jaa was an equal if not more important part of Ong Bak’s success, with Pinkaew returning to the director’s chair for subsequent Jaa vehicles Tom Yum Goong in 2005, and following a falling out, its lamentable sequel Tom Yum Goong 2 in 2013. The sequel is worth mentioning since it represented the final nail in the coffin for audience’s excitement when it came to Thailand’s action output, and with it, once commonplace discussions like what kind of crazy action Thailand would crank out next also dwindled away to nothing.

I mention this, since 2022’s Shadow Master feels like it harks back to that mid to late 00’s era, apparently oblivious to the fact that nobody cares anymore about brutal elbows to the head or flying knees to the torso. It becomes apparent as to why when, in the opening seconds, the credit “Prachya Pinkaew presents…” appears onscreen, milking his name recognition in an executive producer role for all it’s worth. But in all fairness, who can blame him? For those who got sick of seeing Tony Jaa running around after buddha’s heads or missing elephants (twice!) and started asking what it would be like to see him do something a little different, Shadow Master looks and feels like it could have been that movie. Perhaps somewhat ironically, the movie itself isn’t actually a Thai Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Skin Trade | Only $10.25 – Expires soon!

Skin Trade | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Skin Trade | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Ekachai Uekrongtham’s Skin Trade (read our review), starring Tony Jaa (Paradox) and Dolph Lundgren (Black Water).

With nothing but vengeance to live for, detective Nick Cassidy (Lundgren) ransacks his way through the Bangkok underworld in pursuit of Viktor Dragovic, the human trafficker who attempted to kill his family. As the crossfire grows more deadly, FBI Agent Eddie Reed is sent to bring Nick home, while Thai detective Tony Vitayakui (Jaa) questions the motives and methods that have brought Nick across the globe. Through dire circumstances, detectives Cassidy and Vitayakui must come together to destroy Dragovic’s human trafficking network.

Skin Trade also stars Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Michael Jai White (Accident Man), Celina Jade Continue reading

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Jean-Claude Van Damme teams up with ‘Hellraiser III’ and ‘Waxwork’ cult director Anthony Hickox for ‘Silent Kill’

"Welcome to the Jungle" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Welcome to the Jungle” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Martial arts superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme (Welcome to the Jungle, Until Death, Black Water) is set to star in Silent Kill, an upcoming actioner directed and written by cult director Anthony Hickox (Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, Waxwork) for Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment.

Silent Kill will follow four mercenaries who find a hidden treasure in the Congo. They bury it and agree to meet back at the same spot in three years and split the fortune evenly, but things take a different turn (via Deadline).

In addition to starring, Van Damme is producing along with Joram Moreka (Ghostly Revenge). Co-stars include NFL star-turned-actor Vernon Davis (Gasoline Alley), Rafael Amaya (The Lord of Skies) and Madalina Anea (Watcher).

Production for for Silent Kill is set Continue reading

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Watch the Trailer for Ranjeet S. Marwa’s ‘Dig Me No Grave’ starring Warren Hicks, James Jay Bryhan and Mark Strange

"Dig Me No Grave" Theatrical Poster

“Dig Me No Grave” Theatrical Poster

Writer/director Ranjeet S. Marwa (Godforsaken, Exiled: The Chosen Ones) returns with Dig Me No Grave, an upcoming action-thriller that stars Warren Hicks (Exiled: The Chosen Ones), James Jay Bryhan (Exiled: The Chosen Ones) and Mark Strange (Ip Man 4: The Finale).

Based on the multi-award winning script by Gary A. Piazza, Dig Me No Grave takes no prisoners in this high-octane thrill ride that keeps its audiences on the edge of their seats.

When ageing hunter Scott (Hicks) goes out alone for his last kill, he tangles with a 900lbs grizzly bear and traps himself under its dying carcass for days on end. When he awakes, he soon realises that he is being held captive by a man set out for revenge (Bryhan). Scott’s best friend Fred (Strange) embarks on a journey to find and rescue Scott Continue reading

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Sammo Hung, Anne Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Woo-ping, Johnnie To, Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark’s love letter to Hong Kong film ‘Septet’ arrives on Blu-ray from DDDhouse in November

"Septet: The Story of Hong Kong" Teaser Poster

“Septet: The Story of Hong Kong” Teaser Poster

Some of the best filmmakers Hong Kong has to offer – Sammo Hung, Anne Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Woo-ping, Johnnie To, Ringo Lam and Tsui Hark – have teamed up for Septet: The Story of Hong Kong (formerly Eight & a Half), an eight-part anthology film about the history of Hong Kong, which spans from the 1940s to present time.

The title of the film was changed from Eight & a Half to Septet (“a group of seven people playing music or singing together”) due to John Woo’s departure from the project for reasons unknown.

With names like Johnnie To (Accident), Tsui Hark (The Taking of Tiger Mountain), Ringo Lam (City on Fire), Sammo Hung (Wheels on Meals) and Yuen Woo-ping (True Legend) in the mix, we can only imagine the magic Continue reading

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Yes, Madam! | Bu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: December 12, 2022

On December 12, 2022, Eureka will be releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Yes, Madam! (aka Police Assassins), a 1985 Hong Kong actioner directed by Corey Yuen (My Father is a Hero).

This all-star great stars Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Cynthia Rothrock (Showdown in Manila), John Sham (Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars), Meng Hoi (Blonde Fury), Tsui Hark (The Bodyguard), James Tien (The Tattooed Dragon), Dick Wei (Horrible High Heels) and Tai Bo (Dragon Lord).

Originally released as Police Assassins in the UK, Yes, Madam! was the first starring role for both Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock, who stunned audiences with their incredible athleticism Continue reading

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Hapkido and Lady Whirlwind | Blu-ray (Arrow)

RELEASE DATE: January 17, 2023

In January 17, 2023, Arrow is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A) for 1972’s Hapkido and Lady Whirlwind, collectively directed by Huang Feng (Stoner) and starring Angela Mao (A Queen’s Ransom), Sammo Hung (Incredible Kung Fu Master), Carter Wong (The Skyhawk), Wang In Sik (Fist of Unicorn) and Bruce Leung (Bruce and the Iron Finger).

Note: An alternative slipcase, featuring original artwork, will be available exclusively through Arrow’s official website.

Official details:

Angela Mao and director Huang Feng (The Shaolin Plot) were a superstar pairing that produced an incredible series of top tier kung fu classics including Deadly China DollWhen Taekwondo Strikes and the two films presented here – Hapkido and Continue reading

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Pom Pom and Hot Hot (1992) Review

"Pom Pom and Hot Hot" Theatrical Poster

“Pom Pom and Hot Hot” Theatrical Poster

Director: Joe Cheung Tung Cho
Cast: Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Stephen Tung Wei, Rachel Lee Lai Chun, Alfred Cheung Kin Tin, Austin Wai Tin Chi, Lam Ching Ying, Bonnie Fu Yuk Jing, Ricky Cheung Kwok Leung, Guy Lai Ying Chau, John Ching Tung
Running Time: 90 min.

By Henry McKeand

The early heroic bloodshed films from John Woo and his contemporaries were, above all, Heaven-or-Hell morality tales. These are stories of violent men who fight desperately to hold onto their moral codes and free themselves from fate, hence the word “heroic.” The “bloodshed” occurs because the characters need to escape their tragic destinies. This is what so many Hollywood “Gun Fu” movies failed to understand–the doves and dives and dying only mean something if there are themes of redemption and brotherhood behind it all. In this era of Hollywood action, the earnest reckoning with sin in something like The Killer feels downright alien. In fact, the West was never comfortable with recognizing Woo’s two-handed shootouts for what they really were: cathartic visual metaphors where every bullet was an extension of both the body and the spirit.

How does this take us to Pom Pom and Hot Hot, a largely forgotten Hong Kong action comedy from 1992? Directed by Joe Cheung Tung-Cho, the film centers around characters who are completely uninterested with the basic consequences of violence, let alone the fabric of their mortal souls. The two lead cops, played by Jacky Cheung and Stephen Tung Wai, are happy-go-lucky vessels for broad comedy and buddy movie hijinks. They never seem particularly worried about the ruthless villains, even when their lives are threatened. The movie itself weightlessly moves Continue reading

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Maniac Driver | Blu-ray (Diabolik)

Maniac Driver | Blu-ray (Diabolik)

Maniac Driver | Blu-ray (Diabolik)

RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2022

On December 13, 2022, Diabolik is releasing the Blu-ray for Maniac Driver (read our review), a 2020 Japanese thriller directed by Kurando Mitsutake (Gun Woman, Karate Kill).

A deranged taxi driver appears to be randomly stalking and killing various young women on the streets of Tokyo. His descent into madness follows a personal tragedy that has since left him in search of a worthy victim to satisfy his own bloodlust and possible death… But is anything as it seems?

Framed by a vibrant retro 80’s soundtrack and flashy psychedelic colors, Japan’s top adult stars (Saryu Usui, Iori Kogawa, Ai Sayama, among others) are portrayed as lascivious victims Continue reading

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88 Films’ Deluxe Limited Edition release of ‘Righting Wrongs’ – featuring the exclusive ultimate cut – now shipping!

Righting Wrongs | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now available from 88 Films is the Deluxe Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray (Region B) for Righting Wrongs (aka Above the Law), a 1986 Hong Kong film directed by Corey Yuen (No Retreat, No Surrender II) and starring Yuen Biao (Circus Kids) and Cynthia Rothrock (Shanghai Express).

The film also stars Melvin Wong (Run and Kill), Wu Ma (Showdown at the Cotton Mill), Fan Siu Wong (Attrition), James Tien (The Tattooed Dragon), Karen Sheperd (The Shinobi Ninja), Roy Chiao (The Protector) and Peter Cunningham (No Retreat, No Surrender).

Yuen Biao is a prosecutor who doesn’t like it when criminals slip through the cracks in the justice system. Cynthia Rothrock is a cop Continue reading

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Impetigore (2019) Review

"Impetigore" Theatrical Poster

“Impetigore” Theatrical Poster

Director: Joko Anwar
Cast: Tara Basro, Ario Bayu, Marissa Anita, Christine Hakim, Asmara Abigail, Zidni Hakim, Afrian Aris, Kiki Narendra, Faradina Mufti, Abdulrahman Arief
Running Time: 107 min.

By Henry McKeand

Modern supernatural horror films seem to be split into two camps. In one camp are haunted house rollercoaster rides designed to pack in as many jump scares as possible. Think The Conjuring or most films produced by James Wan. In the other camp are the “metaphor first” horrors that emphasize slow burns and use ghosts as thinly disguised representations of emotional distress and social ills. Many of the recent films in this camp have been described, both positively and negatively, as “trauma horror.” There have been great films to come out of both camps. Some, such as this year’s Smile, combine the immediate shocks of the first with the allegorical focus of the second.

But there’s another kind of ghostly narrative that seems to have fallen in popularity: the supernatural mystery. These films focus on characters trying to uncover the truth behind curses and possessions. The Innocents, The Changeling, and Don’t Look Now fit in this category. These are movies that are too plot-focused to work as non-stop scare fests and too literal to function Continue reading

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Best Horror Movies of the 20s 

It seems as if the public are being treated to more and more great movies as of late. Thanks to streaming services, you are going to be able to watch fantastic blockbuster films from the comfort of your own home. Not to mention that nearly every week, there is a brand new film that attracts the interest of millions of people. So it is a really good time to be a film fan, and make sure that you are subscribing to the streaming services that appeal to you the most. 

Of course, different film fans have different preferences when it comes to genres. Some people love comedies, while others would prefer to watch a romantic movie. Whatever your choice of genre is, make sure you are seeing all of the great films in that category. For example, if you are someone who loves horror movies, in the last couple of years, you have already been treated to some great releases. If you feel like you missed out on some of these, then make sure you are checking out these best horror films of the 20s. 

Army of the Dead 

When it was announced that Dave Bautista would star in an action-packed zombie horror movie, it is safe to say the fans got excited. Netflix was behind the Army of the Dead release. The film was centered around a zombie apocalypse in Las Vegas, and had some truly amazing scenes. Not to mention that the casino setting was enough to make you want to check out live dealer online casino in the US. The film was fun, scary, and thrilling, which is exactly what you would want from a movie with this description. Due to the film being a heist film and a horror, there are additional stakes. You can almost think of it as Ocean’s Eleven meets Zombieland. 

Smile 

There was a lot of excitement in 2022 when the Smile promotions started. First of all, the trailer made the film look terrifying. Which, if that wasn’t enough for you, when handing in hand with the creepy promotion of the film. Paid actors were seen in the background of sports and news broadcasts, smiling as depicted in the film. This unique marketing style was perfect for the movie and its unusual plotline. The film was done well in terms of scaring audiences and keeping them on the edge of their seats from start to finish. 

The Black Phone 

I think it is safe to say horror fans are going to get excited whenever Ethan Hawke gets involved. His previous horror role, in Sinister, was one of the best of modern releases. However, he was able to replicate this in an amazing performance in The Black Phone. This time, Hawke played a sinister and evil villain, who kidnaps children. His performance was enough to send shivers down the spines of audience members. Not to mention the fast pacing made the movie go by in a flash. 

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Saban Films to release Pearry Reginald Teo’s martial arts film ‘Shadow Master’ to select theaters and digital in November

"Shadow Master" Theatrical Poster

“Shadow Master” Theatrical Poster

On November 7, 2022, Saban Films is releasing Shadow Master (read our review), to select theaters and On Demand and Digital. This upcoming martial arts film is directed by Pearry Reginald Teo (Fast Vengeance)

Shadow Master stars D.Y. Sao (known for his appearance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, as well as his stunt work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Layton Matthews (Fast Vengeance), Brian Le (The Paper Tigers), Craig Ng (The Devil’s Fortune) and Anna Harr (Hot Seat).

Slain during a ferocious fight and reborn with supernatural powers, one man stands between demonic forces bent on hastening the Apocalypse and a ragtag group of apartment dwellers protecting their Continue reading

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Why You Should Try Free Slot Machine Games

Free slots are a great way for new players to get a feel for the game before investing any real money. If you’re someone who likes to test out games before playing them for real, or if you just don’t have a lot of cash to spare, you might be hesitant about trying free slots online. However, there are many reasons why trying them is a great idea! Here are some benefits of trying free slots first instead of real money ones:

  • You can practice without losing any real money

When you’re playing for real money at ZodiacCasino, you’re putting your hard-earned cash on the line. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress as you play, which can be a real buzzkill. With free slots, you’ll be able to practise without risking any of your cash. This will allow you to approach the game without feeling any pressure, so you can truly enjoy the experience and put your best foot forward when you play for real money.

  • You’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you play for real

You might think that, since you’re not putting any money on the line, you don’t have to pay as much attention to the details of the game. This is not the case! While you don’t want to be too careful and play too slowly, you do want to pay attention to all the details of the game so you can learn to play these games. You’ll be able to look for things like the average payouts, the graphics and sound quality, the ease of use of the site, and more so—you can find the games that are the most fun for you.

  • Free games are just as much fun as real money games

While you may not be able to win money at all, you can still have a great time playing slots. There are plenty of games to choose from, and you can find a wide variety of themes and features that you may enjoy. You can even try out different types of games, like video slots and classic slots so you can find a style of game you really enjoy.

  • You’ll be able to find your favourite slot games without wasting any money

One of the best reasons to try free slots is that you can find your favourite games without wasting any money. You can also use this time to find your favourite themes and features so when you play for real you know exactly what kind of games you want to try.

The bottom line

Free slots are a great way to try slots before you play for real money. There are many reasons to try free slots instead of playing slots for real money: you can practice without losing anything, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you play for real, you can find your favourite slot games, and you don’t have to risk any of your hard-earned money until you’re absolutely certain that slots are right for you.

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Exte: Hair Extensions | Blu-ray (Media Blasters)

Exte: Hair Extensions | Blu-ray (Media Blasters)

Exte: Hair Extensions | Blu-ray (Media Blasters)

RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2022

On November 22, 2022, Media Blasters is releasing the Blu-ray Exte: Hair Extensions, a 2007 Japanese horror film from acclaimed director Sion Sono (Prisoners of the Ghostland, Love Exposure).

Exte: Hair Extensions stars Chiaki Kuriyama (Kill Bill Vol. 1, Battle Royale), Ren Osugi (Outrage: Coda), Tsugumi (Why Don’t You Play in Hell?), Megumi Sato (After the Flowers) and Eri Machimoto (Together).

When people are murdered and harvested for their hair, it arouses the interest of Yamazaki, a local morgue attendant with a hair fetish. Discovering that the strange hair continues to grow, Yamazaki peddles his ebony locks to local salons for use as hair extensions. Meanwhile, Yuko (Chiaki Kuriyama), a hair stylist Continue reading

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