Driven to Kill (2009) Review

"Driven to Kill" Japanese DVD Cover

“Driven to Kill” Japanese DVD Cover

Director: Jeff King
Cast: Steven Seagal, Mike Dopud, Igor Zhizhikin, Robert Wisden, Inna Korobkina, Zak Santiago, Andrew Rasputin, Evgeniy Lazarev, Laura Mennell
Running Time: 98 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Before Steven Seagal was awarded the Order of Friendship from Vladimir Putin in 2023. Before he became the Special Representative for Russia & U.S. cultural links in 2018. Even before he attained Russian citizenship in 2016. Before all of that, there was 2009’s Driven to Kill, which sees Seagal playing former Russian mafia member turned crime fiction writer Ruslan (pen name: Jim Vincent). Expect intermittent attempts at a Russian accent, random outbursts in Russian (none of which apparently needed subtitles), and mumbly references to time spent in the gulag.

Seagal’s career was like an out-of-control train barely hanging onto the tracks during the 2000’s. After dipping into environmentally themed DTV actioners during the late 90’s, in the early years of the millennium he made a theatrical comeback by teaming up with hip-hop stars from the era. First there was DMX with Exit Wounds, then came Ja Rule in Half Past Dead. However the mid-2000’s was populated by some of the worst of the worst of Seagal’s career, with DTV titles like Out of Reach, The Foreigner, and its sequel Black Dawn defined by the heavy use of a body double (even for non-action scenes!) and being dubbed by a laughable sound-a-like. Thankfully Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Heroic Trio & Executioners | 4K UHD | Only $38.65 – Expires soon!

The Heroic Trio & Executioners | 4K UHD & Blu-ray (Criterion)

The Heroic Trio & Executioners | 4K UHD & Blu-ray (Criterion)

Today’s Deal on Fire is for Criterion Collection’s 4K UHD + Blu-ray for both Johnnie To’s 1993 female-centric Hong Kong actioner, The Heroic Trio, as well as its sequel, Heroic Trio 2: Executioners.

Collectively, the films star Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonMaster Z: The Ip Man Legacy), Anita Mui (My Father is a Hero, Miracles) and Maggie Cheung (Hero, In the Mood for Love).

Co-stars include Yen Shi Kwan (Fearless Hyena), Paul Chun Pui (The Trough), Damian Lau (Last Hurrah for Chivalry), Eddie Ko Hung (Burning Ambition), Anthony Wong (Ebola Syndrome), Kaneshiro Takeshi (House of Flying Daggers) and Lau Ching Wan (Call of Heroes).

Read the Continue reading

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Dark Force Entertainment announces Blu-ray for Wu Ma’s 1975 kung fu thriller ‘The Golden Triangle’ starring Lo Lieh

Golden Triangle | Blu-ray (Dark Force)

Golden Triangle | Blu-ray (Dark Force)

Later this year, Dark Force Entertainment will be releasing the Blu-ray for The Golden Triangle (not to be confused with the 1974 film of the same name), a 1975 kung fu thriller from director Wu Ma (The Handcuff).

Dark Force is presenting The Golden Triangle in a New 2K scan from the only known surviving 35mm print that is the most uncut version running 95 minutes. The film was shot on location in Thailand/Hong Kong and will be presented in its original scope aspect ratio.

Lo Lieh (The Dynamite Shaolin Heroes) plays a drug trafficker who escapes police and enters the Opium ring in the Golden triangle. A Thai army undercover drug agent infiltrates the ring in the deep Continue reading

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Hong Kong classics, Korean thrillers and fresh Chinese flicks: Here’s what’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of March!

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of March, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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Corey Yuen’s all-star actioner ‘So Close’ starring Shu Qi, Vicky Zhao Wei and Karen Mok is now on Blu-ray

So Close | Blu-ray (88 Films)

So Close | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Now available is 88 Films’ Blu-ray (Region B) for So Close, a 2002 martial arts film from Corey Yuen (No Retreat No Surrender 2) that stars Shu Qi (Visible Secret), Vicky Zhao Wei (Shaolin Soccer) and Karen Mok (King of Comedy).

A conflict of interest between two high-kicking assassin sisters is complicated as they’re pursued by the criminals who hired them and an equally high-kicking female cop. The film is known for its grand finale, featuring the blade work of none other than Yasuaki Kurata (Eastern Condors) – a fight classic, employing some ferocious, acrobatic, and intense choreography.

So Close also stars Ben Lam Kwok Bun (Flash Point), Song SeungHeon (2010’s A Better Tomorrow), Gam Hing Yin (Black Mask) and Henry Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Journey to the West | Blu-ray | Only $9.99 – Expires soon!

Journey to the West | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Journey to the West | Blu-ray & DVD (Magnolia)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, directed by Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle).

Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (read our review) stars Huang Bo (Mojin: The Lost Legend), Shu Qi (The Adventurers), Wen Zhang (League of Gods), Show Luo (The Mermaid) and Chrissie Chau (Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy).

In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Xuan Zang risks his all to conquer a water demon, a pig demon and the demon of all demons, Sun Wukong. Adhering to his firm belief in giving of one’s self for the greater cause, he embraces the demons as his disciples. However, in order Continue reading

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Top Features of the Best Music Streaming and Downloading App

The internet has improved the way people access music today. You can easily get it from wherever you are on your PC or mobile device. All you have to do is to simply visit any music streaming website or app. Then, stream or download any song you want.

But for seamless music streaming and download, you have to visit a reliable website or app. It should have great features that will enable you have smooth experiences. Fortunately, we have compiled them below for you.

1. Easy Installation

The best music streaming and downloading app should be easy to install. It shouldn’t have a complicated process that can become a nightmare for you. The app should be available in the popular play stores.

Well, this makes it easier for Android and Apple users to download and install it. The process should take a few minutes and not hours. Moreover, the app should be of reasonable size. You wouldn’t want it to take a big space on your device. So, look for a music streaming and downloading app like tubidy that is easy to download and install. It should also be of a smaller size.

2. Wide Variety of Music

There are different types of music in the entertainment industry. Some include band, rock and roll, country, and slow music among others. The app should have various music genres in its collection. Wondering why? To provide you with a wide selection of songs for your entertainment.

You don’t have to listen to the same songs all the time, as they may turn out boring. On top of that, the app must add new music to its libraries regularly. It keeps you up to date with the latest songs of various musicians.

3. Quick Music Downloads

Slow downloads can be disappointing where you have to wait for several minutes before the song is downloaded on your device. The best music streaming and downloading apps understand this and usually provide the fastest downloads. In fact, both audio and video music takes a few minutes to download.

Look for such music apps and get your songs from them. However, you should also ensure that you have a stable internet connection. It affects the download speed of the app. If your network is poor, you will experience slow downloads, but if it is good, expect fast downloads.

4. Mobile Compatibility

Another amazing thing about the best music streaming and downloading apps is that they are mobile compatible. You can use the app on your mobile devices like tablets and smartphones as on the desktop. What does this mean? You can download your favorite music on your handheld device like you do on the computer.

So, when looking for a music streaming and downloading app, consider one that is mobile compatible. It saves you from boredom when you are off the keyboard like while on the bus, or train. You just open it and access some great music.

Get the Best Music Streaming and Downloading App

Identify and download the best music streaming app like tubidy to improve your entertainment. Best of all, it provides free music downloads you can’t easily get else where.

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Making Waves: Why Owning a Pool in Knoxville Is Worth the Investment?

Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, is a city brimming with Southern charm, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. Imagine basking in the warm sun on a lazy summer afternoon, the sound of water gently lapping against the poolside and the refreshing splash as you dive into crystal-clear water. For many, this scenario might seem like a dream vacation, but what if you could experience it daily in the comfort of your backyard? This article dives into why investing in pools Knoxville TN, is worth making.

Enhanced Lifestyle:

Having a pool transforms your backyard into a personal oasis. It’s not just about swimming; it’s about creating a space for relaxation, entertainment, and exercise. Whether hosting a lively pool party or enjoying a quiet evening swim, a pool enhances your lifestyle by providing a focal point for outdoor activities and social gatherings.

Health Benefits:

Swimming isn’t just fun; it’s also an excellent form of exercise. Unlike high-impact activities, swimming is gentle on the joints while offering a full-body workout. Regular swimming sessions can help you stay fit and healthy without putting excessive strain on your body, from improving cardiovascular health to building muscle strength. Additionally, the buoyancy of water provides natural resistance, making swimming an effective way to burn calories and tone muscles.

Family Bonding:

A pool fosters family togetherness in a way that few other amenities can. It provides a setting where parents can connect with their children, impart swimming skills, engage in games, and build cherished memories. Instead of spending weekends indoors, a pool encourages outdoor activity and fosters a sense of togetherness. Whether it’s a game of Marco Polo or simply floating on inflatable rafts, a pool provides endless opportunities for family fun.

Increased Property Value:

While the initial cost of installing a pool may seem daunting, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits, including increased property value. A properly maintained pool can significantly increase the allure of your home, potentially making it more enticing to prospective buyers should you opt to sell later on. Particularly in warm climates, a pool is frequently viewed as an essential amenity, further elevating its value as a sought-after asset.

Year-Round Enjoyment:

One of the most significant advantages of owning a pool is enjoying it year-round. While summer may be the peak season for swimming, modern pool heating systems make it possible to extend the swimming season well into the cooler months. With the addition of a pool enclosure or heated pool, you can take a dip even when the weather outside is less than ideal, ensuring maximum enjoyment of your investment throughout the year.

Convenience and Privacy:

Public pools can be crowded, noisy, and lacking in privacy. With a private pool, you can swim without having to contend with crowds or restricted hours. Whether you prefer an early morning swim or a midnight dip under the stars, a private pool offers unparalleled convenience and privacy, allowing you to relax and unwind on your terms.

Summing it Up:

In conclusion, investing in pools in Knoxville, TN is more than just a luxury; it’s a worthwhile investment in your home and lifestyle. From enhancing your outdoor space to providing health benefits and family entertainment, a pool offers many advantages that make it well worth the initial cost. So why wait? Dive into the world of pool ownership and start making waves today!

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To Sir, With Love | aka Bloody Reunion (2006) Review

"Bloody Reunion" Theatrical Poster

“Bloody Reunion” Theatrical Poster

Director: Im Dae-woong
Cast: Oh Mi-Hee, Seo Young-Hee, Yeo Hyeon-Soo, Lee Ji-Hyun, Yoo Sul-Ah, Lee Dong-Kyu, Kim Eung-soo, Jang Sung-Won, Park Hyo-Joon, Lee Tae-Rim
Running Time: 93 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Pick any Asian horror from the early to mid-2000’s, and there’s a high chance you’ll encounter a long black-haired ghost, inevitably showing up to terrorise the cast and seek revenge for a past wrong. A trend that was started by Japanese director Hideo Nakata’s successful adaptation of Koji Suzuki’s novel Ringu, the 1998 production of the same name popularised the image for several years after. However in Hollywood movies like 2004’s Saw and 2005’s Hostel were bringing a different type of horror movie back to the table, eschewing silent dread for the more visceral thrills of gratuitous blood and gore, and in Asia the trend also caught on. Movies like Taiwan’s Invitation Only, Hong Kong’s Dream Home, and Indonesia’s Macabre all took the slasher flick template, and put their own spin on it with plenty of blood spilled for good measure.

Korea was certainly no different, and in 2006 they got in on the action with To Sir, With Love. Setting expectations straight out of the gate, the opening utilises rapid fire editing to show a mother giving birth to a deformed baby, jumping forward in time to show him as a child being raised in the basement of an isolated seaside house. When the plot starts in earnest its 16 years later, and a grizzled detective (Kim Eung-soo – Ransomed, A Violent Prosecutor) shows up at the same property to discover a gruesome scene involving several murder victims Continue reading

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Prison Walls: Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Prison Walls : Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Prison Walls : Abashiri Prison 1-3 | Blu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2024

On May 27, 2024, Eureka will be releasing a Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Prison Walls, a 2-disc set that will include 1965’s Abashiri Prison, Another Abashiri Prison Story, and Abashiri Prison: Saga of Homesickness.

Constructed in the late nineteenth century to house political prisoners, Japan’s infamous Abashiri Prison served as the inspiration for a popular and prolific run of yakuza movies released between 1965 and 1972. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the first three entries in this landmark series, directed by the “King of Cult” Teruo Ishii (Blind Woman’s Curse) and starring a titan of Japanese genre cinema, Ken Takakura (Golgo 13).

In Abashiri Prison, Takakura stars as Shinichi Tachibana, a yakuza sent to Abashiri as punishment for an attack on a rival gangster. He intends Continue reading

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The Valiant Ones | 4K UHD (Eureka)

The Valiant Ones | 4K UHD (Eureka)

The Valiant Ones | 4K UHD (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2024

On May 27, 2024, Eureka is releasing the 4K Ultra HD (UK/USA/CDN) Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Valiant Ones, a 1975 film by celebrated Taiwanese filmmaker King Hu, an undisputed master of the genre!

Shot back-to-back with The Fate of Lee Khan (but not released until two years later), it stands as a worthy follow-up to his earlier works Come Drink with MeDragon Inn and A Touch of Zen.

During the reign of the Jiajing Emperor (Chao Lei), China’s coastal regions have come under attack by wokou – Japanese pirates under the leadership of the infamous Hakatatsu (Sammo Hung). To combat this threat, the Emperor tasks a trusted general, Zhu Wan (Tu Kuang-chi), with assembling a group of skilled Continue reading

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A Queen’s Ransom | Blu-ray (Eureka)

A Queen’s Ransom | Blu-ray (Eureka)

A Queen’s Ransom | Blu-ray (Eureka)

RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2024

On May 27, 2024, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for A Queen’s Ransom (aka International Assassin), a 1976 all-star actioner from Ting Shan-hsi (The Ghost Hill).

Perhaps even God can’t save the Queen in Golden Harvest’s A Queen’s Ransom, an explosive action-thriller starring George Lazenby (The Man from Hong Kong), Angela Mao (Lady Whirlwind) and the legendary Jimmy Wang Yu (The One-Armed Swordsman).

As Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Hong Kong for a state visit, a band of skilled mercenaries plan her assassination. Contracted by an Irish Republican (Lazenby), the international group of hired killers includes a Japanese explosives expert (Chang Pei-shan), a Thai boxer (Bolo Yeung), a Filipino sniper (Peter Chan Lung) and a veteran Continue reading

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The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

The Crow | 4K UHD (Paramount)

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2024

On May 7, 2024, Paramount is releasing the 4K Ultra HD for The Crow, a 1994 thriller from director Alex Proyas (I, Robot) that stars Brandon Lee (Legacy of Rage, Rapid Fire) and Ernie Hudson (The Ghostbusters). The film is often overshadowed by the death of Lee, who was tragically wounded on set.

Based on a series of cult comic books by James O’Barr, The Crow stars Lee as Eric Draven, a rock guitarist who is killed, along with his fiancée, on the eve of their wedding and returns from the dead as “The Crow” to seek revenge.

The Crow also stars David Patrick Kelly (Warriors), Michael Wincott (Nope), Rochelle Davis (Revenge of the Devil Bat), Bai Ling (Maximum Impact), Jon Polito (Miller’s Crossing), Laurence Mason (True Romance), Tony Todd (Candyman), Michael Continue reading

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Won Jin ‘Scorpion King’ and Casanova Wong ‘Human Tornado’ collide in ‘Tiger’s Trigger’ arriving in March

"Tiger’s Trigger" Theatrical Poster

“Tiger’s Trigger” Theatrical Poster

A match made in kung fu movie heaven? Korean martial arts stars Casanova Wong (City Ninja, South Shaolin vs. North Shaolin) and Won Jin (The Suspect, Operation Scorpio) are teaming up for Lee Gang Wook’s Tiger’s Trigger, which is due for a domestic release in March this year.

Very little is known about the film, but one thing is definite: It’ll be the first time the two will share the screen as leads (set photo).

Won Jin marked himself as a legend of kung fu cinema when he appeared in Operation Scorpio. In the film, he showed amazing physical dexterity and flexibility with kicks that seemed to defy gravity – and let’s not forget his famous “scorpion stance”, hence his nickname “The Scorpion King”.

But for old school Continue reading

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Monstrous Corpse, A (1981) Review

"A Monstrous Corpse" Theatrical Poster

“A Monstrous Corpse” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kang Beomgu
Cast: Chiang Ming, Yu Gwang-ok, Hong Yun-jeong, Kim Wang-guk, Baek Song, Pauline Wong
Running Time: 85 min.

By Paul Bramhall 

As far as baffling remake choices go, the obscure Korean horror oddity A Monstrous Corpse from 1981 must surely be up there as one of the top contenders. A reimagining of the 1974 Italian and Spanish co-production Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, director Jorge Grau’s Lake District set tale of the undead predated the likes of George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and Lucio Fulci’s Zombie by a number of years. It would arguably be the latter productions which popularised the zombie genre, particularly in Europe, so it’s all the more interesting that director Kang Beomgu would choose the comparatively more sedate earlier outing as the source material for his own take on the genre.

From a purely historical perspective, A Monstrous Corpse is significant in that it proves the Korean film industry produced a zombie movie 35 years before Train to Busan was released, a title which became frequently referred to as the countries first attempt at the zombie genre. Is there a reason for A Monstrous Corpse to have faded into obscurity? It’s worth noting that Korean cinema from the 1980’s in general is still not as widely available as the decades the precede it, with the last few years seeing a steady stream of classics from the 1960’s and 1970’s be re-released for new audiences to discover. Korea spent much of the 80’s in the shadow of military dictator Continue reading

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