James Bond-sploitation meets Shaw Brothers? Eureka’s Blu-ray for ‘Super Spies and Secret Lies’ out next week!

 Super Spies and Secret Lies | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Super Spies and Secret Lies | Blu-ray (Eureka)

On November 18, 2024, Goodie Emporium will be releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for Super Spies and Secret Lies, which will include 1966’s The Golden Buddha, 1967’s Angel with the Iron Fists and 1969’s The Singing Thief.

Following the enormous international success of Dr. No and From Russia with Love, Bondmania swept the globe and initiated a cycle of Bondsploitation movies. Studios all over the world sought to capitalise on James Bond and the concept of the super-spy – including Hong Kong’s venerable Shaw Brothers, who began producing tales of intrigue, espionage, and grand theft in the mid-1960s. Eureka Classics presents three of their best in this special-edition set: The Golden BuddhaAngel with the Iron Fists and The Singing Thief.

In The Golden Buddha, businessman Paul (Paul Chang Chung, Police Story) finds Continue reading

Posted in News |

Film Safari Ghana (2024) Review

"Fim Safari Ghana" Theatrical Poster

“Fim Safari Ghana” Theatrical Poster

Director: Andrew Leavold
Cast: Andrew Leavold, Samuel K. Nkansah (aka Ninja), Joseph Osei, Emmanuel Afriyie 
Running Time: 86 min.

By Paul Bramhall

While in his native Australia Andrew Leavold may be known for many things – former cult video store owner, punk band frontman, Filipino cinema historian, sometime actor, and documentary filmmaker – internationally he’s likely to be remembered as the guy who directed 2013’s The Search for Weng Weng. A feature length documentary that chronicled Leavold’s 7-year odyssey to uncover the fate of the Philippines shortest action star, his audacity and enthusiasm to shed light on a corner of the Pinoy film industry that had been all but forgotten about was as endearing as it was revelatory. While we continue to wait for Leavold’s next passion project on Filipino cinema, a history of the bomba genre titled The Most Beautiful Creatures on the Skin of the Earth, it turns out another corner of the planet had caught his attention in recent years – Ghana.

Specifically, a director by the name of Samuel Nkansah, or as he’s more popularly known – Ninja. While Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry and Uganda’s infamous Wakaliwood studio may have been heard of by film aficionados with a taste for the more obscure (and were both part of Leavold’s own movie “mash-up”, Flying Baptists Over Nollywood), less is known about Ghana’s film output, or at least it was until Ninja came along. In the early 2010’s Ninja’s DIY approach to making out-there action movies caught the attention of Conan O’Brien, when the trailer Continue reading

Posted in All, Documentary, News, Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged |

Netflix ‘n KILL! Streaming giant awakens the English-language remake of Kim Jee-woon’s 2005 hit ‘A Bittersweet Life’

"A Bittersweet Life" Korean Theatrical Poster

“A Bittersweet Life” Korean Theatrical Poster

Back in 2012, it was reported that Albert Hughes, one half of the Hughes Brothers (Book of Eli), was tapped by Fox to do an English-language remake of Kim Jee-woon’s 2005 Korean film A Bittersweet Life.

In 2017, the studio shifted to Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2-3) helming the remake with Michael B. Jordan (Creed) attached to star. These plans, also fizzled.

Now, nearly 8 years later, the remake is back in motion, this time with Netflix and Chernin Entertainment steering the ship. Deadline reports that Kevin McMullin has been tapped to script a remake of A Bittersweet Life. The writer is perhaps best known for his short story Bomb, which 20th Century Fox is adapting into a Ridley Scott film. There is currently no director or stars attached Continue reading

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Casino Raiders | Blu-ray | Only $15.99 – Expires soon!

Casino Raiders | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Casino Raiders | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray (Region B) for Casino Raiders, an early entry in the Hong Kong gambling film cycle of the ‘80s and ‘90s that injects the genre with a dose of bloody mayhem courtesy of directors Jimmy Heung and Wong Jing.

Con-artist/gambler Crab (Andy Lau) gets out of prison and joins his childhood friend and partner Sam (Alan Tam) to work for a casino magnate to expose a group of Japanese card-players who have cheated their way to a fortune. The pair find themselves in the cross-hairs of the Yakuza, leading to a series of escalating acts of violence that test the bonds of loyalty to their limit. When their luck runs out, they make one final gamble: a game of poker with the highest of stakes.

Filled with surprises Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

The final ‘Mission Impossible’ we reckon? Watch the action-packed Teaser for ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’

"Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" Theatrical Poster

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” Theatrical Poster

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – the 8th entry in the long running Mission Impossible franchise – will be exploding to theaters on May 23, 2025.

Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible – Fallout) is back in the director’s chair, continuing from the events in 2023’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.

Originally meant to be titled Dead Reckoning Part Two, the film underwent significant changes following some disappointing box office results from its predecessor. The adjustments include not only the new title but also enhancements made to the storyline after the production delays stemming from industry-wide strikes (via PTG).

Don’t miss the New Continue reading

Posted in News |

Danger always strikes when everything seems fine! Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Seven Samurai’ now on 4K Ultra HD

Now available from Goodie Emporium is BFI’s (British Film Institute) 4K Ultra HD for 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 Continue reading

Posted in News, Top 4 Featured |

How Does Player Feedback Influence Game Development?

Image Source

Player feedback, by long odds, is today a major driving force that guides how today’s games are designed and developed. Video game creators and designers depend on such input to practically redesign, introduce fresh features, and resolve issues.

On the other hand, when games are supported by feedback, then they end up being more entertaining and fun and do well in meeting the expectations of players. Below, we discuss in detail the importance and impact of players’ feedback and how it heavily contributes to leveraging the burgeoning gaming industry.

Creating Games Players Love

Players’ feedback essentially matters to game developers because it provides them with an understanding of what their players consider or dislike. With such information, developers are able to make necessary adjustments to gameplay, graphics, controls, etc., thus achieving the needs and preferences of the target audience for the game.

This feedback loop enables the developers to help create a game that feels rewarding and engaging to play. For example, if players discuss new-level ideas, new characters, or features to include in their games, then developers can include them in subsequent updates or versions. 

Such an approach allows for the inclusion of as many necessary features as possible from the player base directly into each subsequent update.

Improving Game Mechanics and Balance

Another salient aspect of balancing game mechanics is the reception of players themselves. Most games, especially those that involve competition, require constant commentary to ensure players are balanced. Everyone can understand that feedback enables developers to determine what is too simple, too complex, or even too unfair.

Most illustrious gaming platforms, for example, 66lotterry.club, are invariably in need of players’ feedback so that they can improve the gaming process accordingly. By sharing players’ feedback, developers on this platform can easily improve the game’s fairness and gaming experience for all participating players. That said, you can feel more confident and excited to spin to win at 66lotteryy make good money and have the ultimate gaming experience! 

Faster Identification of Bugs and Glitches

  • Real-Time Reporting: Players who witness bugs in the app or website can submit the issue to its developers, and they will shortly fix the problem once and for all.
  • Reduced Downtime: Providing feedback on time saves time in problem-solving because users want the experience to be as seamless as possible.
  • Improved Updates: Information is received constantly, and consequently, each update is made with more effectiveness and fun for players.
  • Enhanced Testing: Players’ feedback serves an early testing of the game, where various nasty bugs, which escaped the initial testing and internal phases, can be easily encountered.

The Fun of Hosting a Loyal Gaming Community

If developers take time to reciprocate a player’s comments, it will enhance the relationship between the game and its community members. Participants appreciate it when they know their feedback is valuable, and when they do, the loyalty and engagement levels rise. This makes gaming a process that is feedback-driven in a way that creates a sense of customer camaraderie as gamers work together.

Conclusion

Players’ opinions cannot be overestimated in the development of games, as they affect everything ranging from design updates to changes to fix bugs. It is useful information that developers use to improve a game’s entertainment and make it less biased. 

Posted in News |

What Role Does AI Play in Shaping Online Games?

Image Source

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now increasingly integrated into the online gaming industry, and it is making games intelligent, realistic, and tailored to the unique tastes of individuals as never before. Whether designing strategic challengers or developing new narratives, AI is revolutionizing the game space in ways gamers failed to dream of a decade ago. Here, you will learn how AI facilitates the experience of online games and how it helps players at the present time. 

Improving the Game Play and Experience for Players

AI is improving gameplay by creating better, more realistic ‘NPCs’ (Non-Player Characters) within games. The AI NPCs continue from their prior encounters with players, thus creating a livelier and more riveting experience.

In general, there are lots of leading online gaming apps, for example, the basant club app, which  gives the user an opportunity to play various games for as little as a deposit to have an amazing feel of the whole betting system without having to use a lot of cash.

Such AI-optimized platforms provide multiple amazing games for people of different levels – a beginner and a professional. Irrespective of your gaming level, simply access basant-club.club to start playing various games according to your preferences and win money at times.

AI in the Design and Development of Games

AI technology enables game operators to create games that are dynamic in the sense that they can change according to players’ behaviors and preferences. Using data collected on players, one can apply smart algorithms in the gameplay to customize the experience for various players, and the game itself adapts to the player’s growth in sophistication.

Another benefit derived from AI applications is that they reduce development time through such things as level generators and character animation. This efficiency will let the developers concentrate on adding those value propositions that are crucial for users coming back to play.

AI-Driven Personalization in Online Games

  • Customized Experiences: AI analyzes player choices and can provide suitable suggestions based on them, including individual challenges, personalized rewards, and more.
  • Real-Time Adaptation: With the help of AI, it is possible to set the game to a certain rating and therefore allow every player to make the best of the game.
  • Player Analytics: AI gathers gamers’ information and enhances players’ gaming experiences while suggesting additional games or an additional level that is suitable to him or her or them or whichever players desire.

AI in Game Protection and Game Integrity

AI is also crucial for ensuring fair play and enhancing security on games that are played over the internet. Algorithms also work effectively in detecting cheaters, finding violations, and preventing cheating, thereby making the games more secure. To some extent, this application of AI contributes to the players’ trust knowing that fair gameplay is being kept tab on.

Final Thoughts

AI plays a critical role in the development of online games, including NPCs, and in improving the interaction with personalized content. AI is becoming increasingly integrated into online gaming, and as these systems expand, they will enhance the immersive options present in such gaming.

Posted in News |

Tai Chi Master, The (2022) Review

"Tai Chi Master" Theatrical Poster

“The Tai Chi Master” Poster

Director: Lin Zhenzhao
Cast: Wu Yue, Zhang Kai, Zhang Ming Can, Ada Liu, Zhang Chunzhong, Yu Hai, Lemon Li
Running Time: 90 min.

By Paul Bramhall

During the Chinese web-movie boom of the 2010’s many of them were regarded as cheap and disposable entertainment, often justifiably so, with most of them falling either into the category of cheap kung-fu flick, or even cheaper monster movie. However it’s not an industry which has stood still, and in the 2020’s the output has reached a certain level of respectability, so much so that the term ‘web-movie’ seems to have become obsolete, with the same movies now being referred to as China’s equivalent of direct-to-streaming. Not a significant upgrade, but an upgrade none the less! It’s the kung-fu flick which has led the charge, with new blood directors like Qin Pengfei, Huo Suiqiang and Bingjia Yang upping the ante of what can be done on a limited budget, populating their productions with recognisable names like Andy On, Xia Miao, Xing Yu, Tony Jaa, and Iko Uwais.

One director who’s successfully continued to crank out the heady mix of kung-fu flicks and monster movies that populated the 2010’s is Lin Zhenzhao, who’s lasting legacy will likely be the (so far) quadrilogy of Snake movies spanning 2018 – 2023 (and if you’re wondering, I recommend Snake 3: Dinosaur vs. Python). Zhenzhao was also responsible for reviving Vincent Zhao into the role of Wong Fei Hung in 2018’s Unity of Heroes, and in 2022 he gave Wu Yue Continue reading

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

We always thought they looked alike! Scott Adkins joins Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in Joe Carnahan’s thriller ‘RIP’

Martial arts star Scott Adkins (John Wick: Chapter 4, One More Shot, Ip Man 4: The Finale) is joining Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in RIP, an upcoming Netflix actioner from Joe Carnahan (Boss Level, Smokin’ Aces). Adkins will be playing the brother of Affleck’s Continue reading

Posted in News |

The Exorcist-sploitation! Hyun Moon-Sub’s ‘Devils Stay’ is arriving to theaters on December 666 from Well Go USA

"Devils Stay" Theatrical Poster

“Devils Stay” Theatrical Poster

On December 6, 2024, Well Go USA is releasing Devils Stay to U.S. theaters.  This 2024 thriller marks the feature-length debut from writer-director Hyun Moon-Sub, who is perhaps best known for penning the Nightmare High South Korean TV series.

Devils Stay stars Park Shin-Yang (The Uninvited), Lee Min-Ki (For the Emperor) and Lee Re (Peninsula).

In the film, a heart specialist doubts his daughter’s death after an exorcism, believing her heart still beats. Amid her three-day funeral, he and a priest clash over the truth, each trying to prove their stance and potentially save her life.

Watch Well Go USA’s New Continue reading

Posted in News |

Nomad and My Heart is That Eternal Rose | Blu-ray (Radiance)

RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2025

On February 25, 2025, Radiance Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for a double feature from director Patrick Tam Kar-Ming (The Sword) that includes 1982’s Nomad and 1989’s My Heart is That Eternal Rose.

An icon of the Hong Kong New Wave and mentor to Wong Kar-wai, Patrick Tam worked with icons including Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love), Leslie Cheung (Onc e A Thief), Kenny Bee (Armour of God) and others in these two inimitable Continue reading

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

Love Unto Waste | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Love Unto Waste | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Love Unto Waste | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: January 20, 2025

On January 20, 2025, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for for Rouge, a 1986 film directed by Stanley Kwan (Centre Stage) that stars Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (My Heart is that Eternal Rose), Chow Yun-Fat (The Head Hunter), Elaine Jin (Beijing Love Story) and Irene Wan Pik-Ha (Bloody Brotherhood).

In this 1986 masterpiece by acclaimed director Stanley Kwan, Love Unto Waste is a moody blend of romance, mystery, and urban tension. Tony Leung stars as a listless young man drifting through the glamorous yet hollow nightlife of 1980s Hong Kong. When his close friend is found murdered, Tony and his friends find themselves entangled in an emotional and psychological struggle to make sense of their shattered lives.

Chow Yun-Fat delivers Continue reading

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

Rouge | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Rouge | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Rouge | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: January 20, 2025

On January 20, 2025, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for Rouge, a 1987 film directed by Stanley Kwan (Centre Stage) and produced by Jackie Chan (Miracles).

Cantopop superstars Anita Mui (Drunken Master II) and Leslie Cheung (Double Tap) display their iconic androgynous magnetism as doomed lovers in this emblematic film of Hong Kong’s Second New Wave, directed by pioneering queer melodrama master Stanley Kwan.

Rouge bridges past and present in its tragic romance between a humble courtesan and the wayward scion of a wealthy family, who embrace death by suicide pact amid the opulent teahouses of 1930s Hong Kong. Fifty years later, she returns to the city-state to find him, drawing a young contemporary Continue reading

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

The Lady Assassin | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Lady Assassin | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Lady Assassin | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATAE: February 25, 2025

On February 25, 2025, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for The Lady Assassin, a 1983 Shaw Brothers martial arts actioner from director Tony Lou Chun-Ku (The Holy Virgin Versus the Evil Dead).

The film stars Anthony Lau (To Kill of Jaguar), Leanne Lau Suet-Wah (The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter), Max Mok Siu-Chung (Outlaw Brothers), Norman Tsui Siu-Keung (The Sword), Jason Pai Piao (Shaolin Intruders), Ku Feng (The Jade Raksha) and  Daisy Cheung King-Yu (The Drummer).

From Hong Kong’s legendary Shaw Brothers studio comes a blood-drenched story of ninjas, eunuchs and dark palace intrigue: the old emperor is on his last legs, and his most ambitious and amoral son plots to cheat his way to the throne. But taking Continue reading

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