Cult action director Isaac Florentine is back with ‘Hounds of War’ starring Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Mark Strange

"Hounds of War" Theatrical Poster

“Hounds of War” Theatrical Poster

Cult filmmaker Isaac Florentine (Seized, Acts of Vengeance) – known for consistently delivering the low budget thrillers such as U.S. Seals II, Ninja: Shadow of a Tear,  Close Range and Undisputed 2 – will soon unleash XYZ’s Hounds of War, his latest actioner starring Frank Grillo (Boss Level, Wolf Warrior 2).

The movie will follow a group of mercenaries who take on jobs that are considered impossible. After a mission goes wrong due to a shocking betrayal, only one of them is left alive to avenge his fallen brothers (via Deadline).

Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, Future Hunters), Rhona Mitra (Hard Target 2), Nicky Whelan (The Girl in the Window), Mark Strange (Ip Man 4: The Finale) and Joey Ansah (The Old Guard).

Action choreography Continue reading

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88 Films upholds their legacy with the Blu-ray for Ronny Yu and Brandon Lee’s 1986 revenge thriller ‘Legacy of Rage’

In September, 88 Films is releasing a Deluxe Blu-ray (Region B) for Legacy of Rage, a 1986 revenge thriller from noted Hong Kong director Ronny Yu (The Bride with the White Hair) and star, Brandon Lee (The Crow).

Ronny Yu is doing what he does best here, delivering a breath-taking, action-packed, fist-flying tale of vengeance which stars Brandon Lee. Hardworking Brandon Ma (Lee) is loving life with his girlfriend May (Regina Kent) but his drug dealing best friend Michael (Michael Wong) has sights on May and sets Brandon up for murder. Soon Brandon is on the hunt to save his girl and exact brutal revenge in this stylish flick which is packed with stunning fight Continue reading

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New Normal (2022) Review

"New Normal" Theatrical Poster

“New Normal” Theatrical Poster

Director: Jung Bum-Sik
Cast: Choi Ji-Woo, Lee Yu-Mi, Choi Min-Ho, Pyo Ji-Hoon, Jeong Dong-Won, Lee Moon-Sik
Running Time: 112 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Filmmaker Jong Beom-sik is one of those few director screenwriters in Korea whose name is almost exclusively tied to the horror genre. After making his debut alongside his brother Jeong Sik with 2007’s Epitaph, Beom-sik would go on to helm segments in both 2012’s Horror Stories and its 2013 follow-up Horror Stories 2, however is likely best known for the 2018 found footage flick Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. While he’s dabbled outside of horror before, notably writing the scripts for the likes of 2012’s Miss Conspirator and 2019’s Forbidden Dream, as well as directing and writing 2015’s Casa Amor, Exclusive for Ladies (a remake of Brazil’s Head Over Heels), it’s arguably the horror genre that fans have been awaiting his return to.

In 2022 that wait paid off, with Beom-sik returning with New Normal, the first feature to see him on both directing and writing duties since Gonjiam 4 years prior. The return to filmmaking in a post COVID-19 pandemic world sees a slightly different style from Beom-sik, one that pivots away from the more traditional scares he was associated with in the 2010’s, and sees his focus turn to the day-to-day horrors we face as part of society. It’s an effective transition, and one Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Railroad Tigers | Blu-ray | Only $13.99 – Expires soon!

Railroad Tigers | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Railroad Tigers | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Jackie Chan’s Railroad Tigers (read our review), a period actioner that reunites the legend with director Ding Sheng (Little Big Soldier, Police Story 2013) for a 3rd time.

In Railroad Tigers, a railroad worker (Chan) and his ragtag group of freedom fighters find themselves on the wrong side of the tracks when they decide to ambush a heavily armed military train filled with desperately needed provisions. Unarmed and outnumbered, they must fight back against an entire army using only their wits, in a series of a dazzling set pieces and action scenes rivaling anything seen on the big screen.

Railroad Tigers also stars Xu Fan (A World Without Thieves), Edison Continue reading

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Street Fighter II-sploitation? Watch Eureka’s New Trailer for Wong Jing’s 1993 all-star Hong Kong actioner ‘Future Cops’

Future Cops | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Future Cops | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On October 21, 2024, Eureka is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Future Cops, a 1993 all-star Hong Kong sci-fi actioner from director Wong Jing (Chasing the Dragon, City Hunter).

This edition will be an interesting release, as per the details that follow:

This release of Future Cops is presented from a studio supplied HD transfer that Eureka had no involvement in. Sadly the master is just below the level of quality that we would normally expect. Despite our persistent efforts, the studio would not allow us to restore the film. As this may be the last opportunity for this cult classic to get a physical media release in the UK, we have decided to proceed but on a very limited number. We don’t believe that the slight imperfections in the feature master will Continue reading

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Seven Samurai | 4K Ultra HD (BFI)

Seven Samurai | 4K Ultra HD (BFI)

Seven Samurai | 4K Ultra HD (BFI)

RELEASE DATE: October 21, 2024

On October 21, 2024, BFI (British Film Institute) will be releasing Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, one of the greatest films of all time. The film has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges’ acclaimed The Magnificent Seven.

When 16th-century farmers whose village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits ask an elderly, masterless samurai (Takashi Shimura) for help, offering nothing but food in return, he hesitantly agrees and assembles a band of warriors to defend and train the villagers. Boasting terrific performances (with Shimura and Toshiro Mifune – as a peasant masquerading as a samurai – particularly memorable), superb Continue reading

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

Celebrity Poker Tournaments Gain Popularity in South African Casinos

Source: Bazoom AI

Celebrity poker tournaments are captivating South Africa, drawing both local and international stars. These events have become a significant attraction for casino enthusiasts, with the added allure of celebrity sightings driving up attendance rates.

Poker has always been a popular pastime, but adding celebrities into the mix transforms it into an irresistible spectacle. South African casinos have recognized this trend, hosting high-stakes games featuring renowned personalities from various industries. This growing phenomenon not only enhances the profile of the casinos but also showcases the vibrant entertainment scene in South Africa.

Promotions like the Betway sign up have brought a fresh wave of excitement to South African casinos. By combining star power with high-stakes gaming, these events offer unparalleled entertainment value. Whether you’re a devoted poker fan or simply enjoy seeing your favorite celebrities in action, these tournaments provide an experience that’s hard to beat.

The Surge of Celebrity Poker Tournaments

The trend of celebrity poker tournaments is rapidly gaining momentum in South Africa. More casinos are seizing this opportunity to draw larger crowds by featuring celebrities in their poker events. It’s not just about the game anymore; it’s about the experience and the chance to see your favorite stars up close. For many fans and poker enthusiasts, participating in these events can feel like a dream come true.

These tournaments are often heavily promoted on social media, with celebrities themselves sharing updates and encouraging their followers to join or watch. This creates a buzz that extends far beyond the casino floor, reaching a global audience. The involvement of celebrities brings an added layer of excitement and glamour, making these events must-attend occasions for anyone interested in poker or celebrity culture.

One of the key factors driving the popularity of these tournaments is the diverse range of celebrities participating. From sports stars and actors to musicians and social media influencers, the variety of famous faces at the poker tables ensures broad appeal. This diversity not only attracts a wide audience but also creates interesting dynamics at the tables, as celebrities from different fields pit their poker skills against each other. The resulting mix of personalities and playing styles adds an extra layer of entertainment for spectators, making each tournament a unique and unpredictable event.

The Impact on South African Casinos

South African casinos are experiencing a notable increase in foot traffic and revenue due to these celebrity poker tournaments. The allure of potentially playing against or even just watching a famous face adds a unique appeal that standard poker games simply can’t match. Additionally, these events often receive extensive media coverage, further amplifying their reach and impact.

Furthermore, by hosting such high-profile events, casinos bolster their reputation as premier entertainment destinations. This not only attracts local patrons but also draws international visitors who are eager to be part of the action. In turn, this influx of guests boosts the local economy and highlights South Africa as a prime location for world-class gaming experiences.

The Importance of Celebrity Involvement

Celebrity involvement in poker tournaments brings several benefits. First and foremost, it increases visibility for the event and the hosting casino. Stars from various fields—sports, film, or music—draw their fanbases to these events, significantly broadening the audience. This cross-promotion is invaluable for casinos aiming to elevate their status.

Moreover, having celebrities participate adds credibility and excitement to the tournament. Fans are more likely to engage with an event if it features well-known personalities they admire. The presence of celebrities also ensures higher stakes and more intense competition, making for thrilling games that captivate both live audiences and viewers at home.

The Future of Celebrity Poker in South Africa

As more celebrities show interest in participating in poker tournaments, it’s likely that this trend will continue to grow. South African casinos are poised to become hotspots for these events, attracting a diverse array of participants and spectators alike. The ongoing success of these tournaments indicates a promising future for both the local gaming industry and its burgeoning celebrity culture.

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How Does Online Gaming Make People Feel Lonelier?

Online gaming has grown to become a pastime for millions across the globe. It provides an element of escapism, community, and adrenaline rush. However, a growing concern is that online gaming could be perpetrating loneliness. How does this phenomenon happen?

Surface-Level Connections

Most video games offer in-game multiplayer modes, chat options, and guilds that tend to provide a social component. Even with these tools available, however, the connections many players make have been superficial. The conversations are usually engineered by talking about just the game without a deeper sense of connection and emotional support.

Isolation from Real-World Interactions

Spending too much time in virtual worlds puts one at the risk of overlooking real-life relationships. Gamers who start giving more time to their virtual networking at the cost of face-to-face interactions are likely to miss out on socially significant encounters. This type of isolation can gradually make one feel lonely and disintegrate him or her from the physical world.

The Allure of Anonymity

One of the features of online gaming is anonymity, which allows players to open up easily and give out personal details. This might create a feeling of intimacy in some cases, but most of these relationships lack trust and authenticity compared to real-life friendships. 

 

It is this lack of accountability in the relationship that can put a gamer into feelings of betrayal and loneliness when online friends suddenly disappear or turn unexpectedly.

Escaping Reality

Many log on to online gaming as a means of escape from issues in the real world. In most cases, this relieves them momentarily but increases feelings of loneliness in the long run. When the game ends, the unresolved issues are still there and often feel more overwhelming than before.

 

The impact of online gaming on mental health is very critical in the creation of a balanced and fulfilling gaming experience. Read more for more insights and tips on how to maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.

Competitive Nature and Social Comparison

Competitive gaming worlds can foster feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Because players are constantly comparing their skills and successes to others, this places them under heavy pressure for good performance. This can be the cause of anxiety and feelings of failure, thus further alienating the people who do not feel they measure up.

Toxic Behavior and Cyberbullying

Moreover, online gaming can become quite anonymous, which again promotes the expression of other toxic behaviors and cyberbullying. The negative interactions in the form of harassment or exclusion from groups are very strongly related to the reduced mental health of a player. The constant bombardment with such negativity breeds isolation, loneliness, and, at times, suicide.

Lack of Physical Presence

Human interaction is not confined to mere verbal exchanges; facial expressions and body language are an integral part of communication in their own right. These are missing when one is gaming, and hence, it becomes very challenging to develop actual relationships. The absence of these factors can make a player feel misunderstood and lonely.

Time Zone Differences

Online gaming unites people all around the globe; these gamers reside in different time zones, which makes it hard to have constant interaction. Probably in most cases, players just can’t regularly find a group to play with—it’s a rather irregular and therefore unreliable social activity. This irregularity could be another reason that might increase the sense of loneliness even more.

Creating Balance and Real Connections

To have a life free of isolation from gaming, one needs moderation. Setting time limits and working on real-life relationships allows balance. Getting involved in other activities like sports or other hobbies will give different socialization activities.

Developing Offline Friendships

Encourage them to bring their online gaming friendships into the real world. Setting up meetups, hitting gaming conventions, or even catching up with other players in your area will cement those bonds. Real-life interactions bring a dimension and authenticity that elude online relationships.

Getting Help

Individuals who experience feelings of loneliness can contact professionals who deal in mental health for guidance on how to get out of the feeling. The therapists and counselors may provide the individual with means on how to alleviate such feelings and develop social skills. Online mental health forums and groups may provide knowledge and empathy.

Conclusion

While there are several advantages connected with online gaming, it can equally lead to loneliness. Balancing gaming against real-life relationships and activities will help to maintain a healthy social life and protect one from feelings of loneliness and isolation.

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Strap yourself in for fighters and fighter pilots! Here what’s streaming on Hi-YAH for the month of August…

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Releases for the month of August.

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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Ready for some Temu martial arts flicks? Watch the Trailer for Paramount’s ‘Tiger Style’ martial arts collection

Introducing the Tiger Style Ultimate Martial Arts Collection from Paramount Movies, which consists of Art of Eight Limbs, The Lockdown, Lady Scorpions and Kung Fu Games. In the films, you’ll recognize some of the action stars featured, such as Cynthia Rothrock (Raging Thunder), Mark Strange (Avengement), Jeff Fahey (The Lawnmower Man), Ron Smoorenburg (Who Am I?), Ludi Lin (Mortal Kombat) and Caity Lotz (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow).

Official press release states: From a producer of Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, The Tiger Style Ultimate Martial Arts Collection merges the raw intensity of classic grindhouse with modern storytelling. Witness unparalleled martial arts mastery across Continue reading

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‘Black Mask 2’ star Andy On versus ‘Riki-Oh’ himself Fan Siu Wong in the Newest Trailer for ‘Deadly Impact’

“Deadly Impact” Theatrical Poster

“Deadly Impact” Theatrical Poster

Veteran Hong Kong martial arts stars Andy On (Blind War, Black Mask 2: City of Masks) and Fan Siu Wong (VR Fighter, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, Attrition) light up the screen as opposing forces in Deadly Impact.

The film is directed by Ren Gaoliang (Lie Sha), who is perhaps best known for his cinematography work in the recent Jackie Chan/John Cena actioner Hidden Strike.

After a rocky start making his debut by replacing Jet Li for the 2002 sequel Black Mask 2: City of Masks, On really came to our attention co-starring alongside Jiang Luxia in 2010’s Bad Blood. Over the next 10 years he’d star in True Legend, Special ID, Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, Undercover Punch and Gun and the Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Raid Collection | Blu-ray | Only $11.70 – Expires soon!

The Raid Collection | Blu-ray (Sony)

The Raid Collection | Blu-ray (Sony)

Today’s Deal on Fire is for Gareth Evans’ The Raid Collection on Blu-ray, which contains both 2011’s The Raid and 2014’s The Raid 2.

In The Raid, an elite swat team moves in to take down the notorious drug lord that runs a drug-gang’s safe house, which is the home to some of the most terrifying and ruthless fighters in the city; In The Raid 2, the cop from the first film goes undercover to take down a network of powerful organized crime syndicates.

Cast members for The Raid Collection include: Iko Uwais (Triple Threat), Joe Taslim (The Night Comes for Us), Donny Alamsyah (Merantau), Yayan Ruhian (Yakuza Apocalypse), Arifin Putra (Macabre), Oka Antara (Killers), Tio Pakusadewo (Guardian), Alex Abbad Continue reading

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Jet Li and Stephen Chow dipped in vinegar! ‘My Father is a Hero’ and ‘Love on Delivery’ arriving on Blu-ray

My Father is a Hero and Love on Delivery from Vinegar Syndrome.

My Father is a Hero and Love on Delivery from Vinegar Syndrome.

Vinegar Syndrome has announced two new Hong Kong titles, both of which ship later this month:

The first, Corey Yuen’s 1994 My Father is a Hero (aka The Enforcer), starring Jet Li (League of Gods), Anita Mui (Drunken Master 2) and Tse Miu (Eye for an Eye: The Blind Swordsman).

In the film, an undercover cop struggling to provide for his son and ailing wife, must infiltrate a ruthless gang. But things turn sour when another cop blows his cover and he quickly finds himself battling for his life and the lives of his family.

The second, 1994’s Love on Delivery, starring Stephen Continue reading

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A World Without Thieves | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

A World Without Thieves | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

A World Without Thieves | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: September 3, 2024

On September 3, 2024, Shout! Factory is releasing the Blu-ray for A World Without Thieves, a 2004 thriller from director Feng Xiaogang (Legend of the Black Scorpion) and Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau (I Did It My Way).

Two grifters, Wang Bo and Wang Li, a couple who’ve been arguing, board a train in rural China. He wants to fleece a peasant, nicknamed Dumbo for his naiveté, who’s carrying 60,000 yuan and trusts everyone. She wants to protect the hick kid, an act of expiation brought on by prayer and a visit to a temple. Also on board are one of more sets of thieves, including a calculating boss and his femme fatale. The boss wants to recruit Wang Bo, and a series of contests ensue, with the potential of turning deadly. While Li guards Dumbo from Bo and the others, can she and Bo sort out their relationship? And can Dumbo’s Continue reading

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

Spend a ‘Weekend in Tapei’ with Luke Evans and Sung Kang! Watch the Trailer for an actioner from co-writer Luc Besson

"Weekend in Tapei" Theatrical Poster

“Weekend in Tapei” Theatrical Poster

Writer/director George Huang, who is perhaps best known for the 1994 cult satire film Swimming with Sharks, is teaming with Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, Blitz) for Weekend in Tapei, an actioner Huang co-wrote with Luc Besson (Lucy, Leon: The Professional).

The film also stars Sung Kang (Bullet to the Head), Gwei Lun-Mei (Black Coal, Thin Ice) and newcomer, Wyatt Yang.

The plot follows a “pit-bull” DEA agent working on job in Taipei, who encounters his old flame, a Taiwanese woman named Joey Kang. They haven’t seen each other for 15 years, but now they’re thrown into the action again during a weekend in Taipei (FS.net).

Weekend in Tapei hits theaters Continue reading

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