Better Tech Driving Asian Cinema’s Worldwide Fame

In classical eras of film, there commonly existed a disconnect between the different regions of the world. The reasons for this disparity could be technical and cultural, but the outcome was the same. Asian cinema of the past was often relegated to international underappreciation. Today, this is no longer the case, with Parasite featuring heavily in the news when it won the Best Picture Oscar for example, and the future looks to carry this new standard as a permanent fixture in the filmmaking world. Looking at the technical side of this equation, we want to explore how systems and devices facilitated the age of cooperation and guaranteed a tighter bond going forward.

Production Streamlined

In an analog world, making changes to films could be a time-consuming and specialized task. Having to rely on dedicated and expensive machines could be problematic, where bottlenecks and inexperience could add complications to what could otherwise be a basic task. One of the most relevant examples of this difficulty came from the now-simple act of adding subtitles.

In older films, subtitles were used as a replacement for dubbing entire audio mixes in different languages, an even more costly pursuit. Early systems borrowed from the intertitles of soundless films, but since they were added after production was complete, they required a new printing of movies with extra elements added on top. Any mistakes here, in either translation or the printing process, could often not be fixed.

subtitleeditor” (CC BY 2.0) by xmodulo

Today, the creation of subtitles is easy with programs like Subtitle Edit or Jubler Subtitle Editor. These are free to use, and overlay the finished result over a film rather than baking it into film media. This means no recoding, no potential for loss of quality, and a simple way to fix mistakes. While the evolution of how subtitles work is just one part of the growing worldwide reach of Asian media, the rise of even amateur groups accomplishing this task show just how far this side of the industry has come.

Means of Delivery

On the other side of the equation is the greater ease of reach. In simple terms, the easier a form of entertainment is to access, the more people will engage, and this is a concept as old as time. Blackjack, for example, spread across the world in part because of how easy it was to play with just a pack of cards. This extended into the digital world with online casinos, and the ease of access to the blackjack strategy side of play further aided player adoption. Whether learning the rules or following Michael Shackleford’s famous advice, the doors are open.

In Asian cinema, it was the internet and streaming services that served to introduce the worldwide environment to what they’d otherwise miss. Whether looking on Netflix and Hulu for official and still licensed films or elsewhere for lost older movies, not having to visit small niche markets to find something new meant millions of new potential viewers.

netflix tv” (CC BY 2.0) by stockcatalog

With fewer barriers to entry for films and easier viewing for audiences, technology has led to an era of unprecedented international access. This access has helped grow audience appreciation, increasingly proving to producers that it’s worth investing in taking Asian media to overseas markets. In an age where there’s more to watch than ever before, we’re only just winding up.

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Chuck Norris’ 1992 coming of age actioner ‘Sidekicks’ coming soon in 4K UHD from Vinegar Syndrome

Sidekicks | 4K UHD + Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Sidekicks | 4K UHD + Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Later this month, Vinegar Syndrome is releasing a 4K UHD + Blu-ray for Sidekicks, a 1992 coming of age actioner directed by Aaron Norris (Braddock: Missing in Action III). The film stars  Chuck Norris (Code of Silence) and Jonathan Brandis (The Never Ending Story II: The Next Chapter).

Official details:

We’re pleased to at last announce our fifth VSU; a film that we have been targeting for quite a while and is the ideal candidate for our ‘Ultra’ line, Aaron Norris’ Sidekicks! Our edition features a brand new, VS created, 4K restoration, over two hours of newly produced video interviews, and plenty of other ass kicking extras! As usual, it will be packaged in VSU’s custom designed hard box featuring newly created art Continue reading

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What Are the Different Types of Vapes That Exist Today?

Are you new to vaping?

Vaping was first introduced in 2003 as an alternative to smoking. Vaping technology entered the US market in 2007 and has widely evolved since then. If you’re new to vaping, looking at the different types of vapes can be overwhelming.

But don’t feel discouraged! All users go through different experiences and spend a lot of time looking for the best device. Many of these users, who started vaping to quit smoking, will discover new types of vapes as their needs change.

This article covers the types of vapes available in the vaping industry today. Read on to discover which one is the perfect fit for you.

Cig-A-Like

As its name suggests, cig-a-like is a vape that resembles a real cigarette. This is the best option for users transitioning from smoking to vaping.
Like the traditional cigarette, a cig-a-like gives you a throat hit. However, it exposes you to less harmful chemicals.

The cig-a-like is one of the most affordable vapes available today! You can buy cig-a-likes for less than $10 in a corner store or a gas station.

Vape Pens

If you want a more stylish e-cigarette, get a vape pen. Unlike a cig-a-like, this device is long, cylindrical, and comes in different styles. To increase the battery power, vape pens come in larger than cig-a-like.

It features a refillable tank with a replaceable coil. You can fill the device with vape juice with the flavor you want.

However, keep in mind that this device requires some maintenance. You need to replace the coil every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the frequency of your usage.

Vape Mods

When it comes to power, the best vapes are mods. In the vaping industry, the device is famous for its advanced features. It includes automatic temperature limiting and custom power curves.

Apart from those features, this can hold many high-capacity battery cells. In addition, it offers greater firepower because it uses a sub-ohm coil. This coil allows more energy to flow because it’s less resistant.

As a result, a vape mod produces more vapor and big clouds.

Pod Mods

Pod mods are the latest electronic cigarettes on the market. Like a cig-a-like, this is a low-wattage device yet new and improved.

In a pod system, the vape keeps the juice in a removable plastic pod. When you opt for this type of vape, you can notice it appears bigger and stronger than other devices. Pod mods offer ease of use and satisfaction to their users.

Disposables

Disposables are a great option for users who don’t want the hassle of changing coils and cotton and refilling the juice tank.

A disposable vape has no buttons, and recharging is unnecessary. After using all the vape juice, you can discard it.

Disposable vapes have a salt-nic formula. This offers a more potent and smoother nicotine hit than a traditional cigarette. Click for more here!

Different Types of Vapes in the Market

If you’re getting into vaping for the first time, it’s always best to know your options. From cig-a-like vapes to disposables, here are the different types of vapes you can choose from!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, consider checking out our other blog posts for more great guides.

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Magnificent Warriors | Blu-ray (88 Films)

Magnificent Warriors | Blu-ray (88 Films)RELEASE DATE: February 21, 2023

On February 21, 2023, 88 Films will be releasing the Blu-ray (Region A) for Magnificent Warriors, a 1987 Hong Kong actioner directed by David Chung Chi-Man (Royal Warriors).

This Indiana Jones-style action film, about Chinese resistance after Japanese invasion in 1930’s, stars Michelle Yeoh (Wonder Seven), Richard Ng (Private Eyes), Derek Yee Tung Sing (Shaolin Intruders), Tetsuya Matsui (Lucky Stars Go Places), Hwang Jang Lee (Challenge of the Tiger), Chang Yi (The One-Armed Sowrdsman), Lo Meng (Human Lanterns) and Ku Feng (Bruce and the Iron Finger).

This title will soon be available at The Goodie Emporium, a U.S.-based online store that currently has many Import Shaw Brothers/Golden Harvest/martial arts Continue reading

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

Warriors of Future (2022) Review

"Warriors of Future" Theatrical Poster

“Warriors of Future” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ng Yuen-Fai
Cast: Louis Koo, Lau Ching Wan, Carina Lau, Nick Cheung, Philip Leung, Tse Kwan-ho, Janice Wu, Eddy Ko Hung, Sakurako Okubo, Wan Guopeng
Running Time: 99 min.

By Paul Bramhall

It may sound optimistic, but I’d like to think that years from now, fans of Hong Kong cinema will look back and say 2022 way the year the territory once more found its voice. The likes of Table for Six, Mama’s Affair, and Chilli Laugh Story have all brought in healthy box office returns amongst HK audiences, with the focus on more intimate, locally focused tales proving to be a winning recipe. However, standing tall over all these productions is a movie which couldn’t be more opposite in tone, scale, or any other form of cinematic measurement, because 2022 was also the year that finally saw Louis Koo’s long gesticulating passion project Warriors of Future hit the big screen (and for the rest of the world, Netflix).

With a filming schedule that began in 2017, and what felt like more teaser trailers and posters being released over the following 5 years than you could shake a stick at, currently only Juno Mak’s Sons of the Neon Night can hold a candle to how long audiences have had to wait for the finished product to arrive. Koo’s passion for the Hong Kong film industry and nurturing new talents within it is well known, and it was well reported that a goal of Warriors of Future was to prove Hong Kong could produce big budget blockbusters capable of competing with Hollywood.

Before even discussing the movie itself though, Koo’s persistence must be admired. While I’ve no doubt if he made the decision to film Warriors of Future in Mandarin and have the characters be a part of China’s military, the funding floodgates would have opened in the blink of an eye, but he unwaveringly decided to keep things local. So while the Mainland has cranked out its own sci-fi flicks over the last 5 years with the likes of Bleeding Steel, Shanghai Fortress, and The Wandering Earth, the good news is Warriors of Future comes with no such Mainland Melody Continue reading

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Super Dragon | aka Bruce Lee Superstar (1975) Review

"Superdragon" Theatrical Poster

“Superdragon” Theatrical Poster

AKA: Chinese Chien Chuan Kung Fu
Director: Lin Bing
Cast: Bruce Li (aka Ho Chung Tao, James Ho), Shan Mao, Paul Wei Ping Ao, Got Siu Bo, Tse Ling Ling, Lung Fei, Tai Leung, Woo Chau Ping, Yeh Hsiao-Yee
Running Time: 90 min.

By Ian Whittle

Bruce Li’s second attempt at a Bruce Lee bio-pic is a better kung fu movie than its predecessor, Bruce Lee: A Dragon Story, but is seriously lacking in the scandal and sleaze which made that picture considerably more interesting.

Instead, this is very much a work of fiction, playing almost as though it was a script inspired by Bruce until someone threw up their hands and decided they might as well be hanged for a sheep than a lamb, but ensured the supporting characters were changed enough that no-one got drawn and quartered for the whole damn flock.

Distributed internationally by wheeler-dealer Dick Randall, this film benefits from being dubbed in Rome, which makes a nice change of pace if nothing else, though as far as I’m concerned, it’s just not a kung fu movie without Ted Thomas and the “but still…” crowd!

And judging from the slow and stilted kung fu on offer here, it wouldn’t have been much of one anyway. Bruce Li has definetly come on leaps and bounds from his earlier film, now in better shape, clean shaven and starting to show off his tae kwon do kicks. And yet, the fighting remains uncoordinated and repetitive, the extras frequently missing their cues. It says something that the best fight Li has in the film is a scene where Bruce Lee and an old kung fu master debate Continue reading

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Big 4, The (2022) Review

"The Big 4" Netflix Poster

“The Big 4” Netflix Poster

Director: Timo Tjahjanto
Cast: Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Arie Kriting, Lutesha, Kristo Immanuel, Marthino Lio, Budi Ros, Michelle Tahalea, Kho Michael
Running Time: 141 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

In the early to mid-2010’s Welshman Gareth Evans put Indonesian action cinema on the map with The Raid and its sequel, and when he left it felt like there was an unspoken hope amongst action fans that the baton would be passed to the Mo Brothers to keep the momentum going. Comprising of Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel, the pair aren’t actually related, instead being Indonesian filmmakers who met while studying in Australia. Showing a clear love of horror and practical gore in their feature film debut Macabre, a theme which continued into their follow up with the grizzly thriller Killers, it was 2016’s Headshot that gave many their first taste of their talents. Featuring The Raid’s leading man Iko Uwais, Headshot combined their trademark gratuitous bloodshed with the distinctive silat style of action choreography, and the combination was a winning one.

As it happens Headshot was also the last time for Tjahjanto and Stamboel to direct together, and in subsequent years the pair have pursued their own solo projects. While Stamboel has returned to their horror roots, helming the likes of DreadOut in 2019 and a remake of the Indonesian horror classic The Queen of Black Magic in the same year, Tjahjanto on the other hand has continued to explore how to combine a love of gore with the action genre. Many would argue that his crowning achievement comes in the form of 2018’s The Night Comes for Us, a movie that for the longest time appeared like it was never going to be made, but proved to be worth the wait once it did finally arrive. A relentless 2-hour bloodbath, what little plot there is becomes a minor quibble thanks Continue reading

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How to Manage your Casino Account

When you play at online casinos, you have to create an account and learn how to manage your finances and impulses. If you are new to playing casino games like poker and you might throw this precaution into the wind because of the thrill the games bring or a win. That isn’t safe, and you are opening gateways for hackers and scammers. Managing a casino account involves:

  • Keeping track of your deposits, withdrawals, and overall account balance.
  • Setting limits on your play.
  • Monitoring your activity to ensure responsible gambling.
  • Ensuring you have the necessary documentation and verification in place to withdraw funds. 

Here are some steps you can take to manage your casino account effectively:

Know your rights 

Best-rated casinos, such as Captain Cooks сasino Canada, have a set of terms and conditions for new players. Read the casino’s terms and conditions and the laws in your area to make sure you know what your rights are as a player. If you’re having trouble with your account or your time at the casino, don’t be afraid to ask for help from customer service. It is advisable to read these terms and conditions:

  • To understand what experience the online casino gives and if it’s the best choice for you.
  • To ensure the casino is licensed and regulated.

Set a budget

The easiest way to ensure that you are in control of your gambling habits is by setting a budget and sticking to it. It’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend at the casino before you start playing. You have to determine how much you can afford to deposit and lose before you start playing. You won’t win every time, so to avoid more losses, only wager what you can afford to lose. This will help you avoid overspending and financial problems.

Choose a reliable payment method

What types of payment options does your casino of choice offer? There are many different payment methods available at online casinos, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Choose a payment method that is reliable and secure, and make sure to keep your account details and passwords safe. Check the withdrawal limits and the minimum deposits as well.

Use deposit limits

Only use part of your deposits to play. Most online casinos offer the option to set deposit limits, which allow you to control how much you can deposit into your account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This can help you stay within your budget and prevent overspending. Rather than increasing your betting stakes and risking your funds, ensure you withdraw some of your winnings and deposits.

Keep track of your transactions

Take advantage of the bonuses offered, like welcome bonuses. It’s important to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals, as well as any bonuses or promotions you have received. This will help you understand your account balance and ensure that you are aware of any fees or charges that may apply. 

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Watch the New 4K Restoration Trailer for Christophe Gans’ ‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ re-releasing in Theaters in January

"Brotherhood of the Wolf" Theatrical Poster

“Brotherhood of the Wolf” Theatrical Poster

Christophe Gans’ thriller Brotherhood of the Wolf is heading back in theaters in a New 4K Restoration from Rialto Pictures.

This 2002 cult classic stars Samuel Le Bihan (Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1), Vincent Cassel (Black Swan), Emilie Dequenne (Rosetta), Monica Bellucci (Spectre), Jérémie Rénier (Saint Laurent) and martial arts Mark Dacascos (Drive, The Driver)

When a mysterious beast ravages the countryside, two unlikely heroes are called in to fight the evil. And now, their battle against dark, unspeakable terror is even more gripping with a daring extended version of the film that showcases more of the breathtaking martial arts action and over four hours of in-depth bonus features.

Look for it in select theaters on January 20, 2023. Until then, watch the film’s New Continue reading

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Molly’s game review 

Molly’s Game Review

Meta: The journey of teenage skiing ambitions turned underground poker host. Molly’s Game is fast, exciting, and brilliant. With a star-studded cast, it is a must-watch.

Molly’s Game: Review

A true story of high stakes, drama, and deceit, Molly’s Game is one of the best films on TV about gambling we have ever seen. A Hollywood-packed cast makes this show as great as can be. It is the story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-level skier who ran one of the most exclusive poker games ever for over a decade. These high-stake games featured Hollywood stars, business moguls, sports personalities, and, unbeknown to Molly, Russian mobsters who eventually attract some unwanted guests. In the middle of the night, 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons arrested her, but despite the stories, Molly was not the villain the tabloids depicted her to be. However, her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey.

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker  

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, it shows a confident debut in the cinematic world. Although a writer and playwright for over two decades before this film was created, Sorkin had never stepped into the realm of direction. Previous works include Moneyball, A Few Good Men, The West Wing, Sportsnight, The Social Network, and The American President.

Finding the right cast was instrumental in making this film great, more so due to the added pressure of now sitting in the director’s chair. The choice of Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba was ideal as they translated Sorkin’s linguistic talents into a visual representation perfect for the big screen. For the most part, Sorkin delivers an entertaining and confident film way beyond his experience in the director’s chair, but it is safe to say that it is a little too long. Having the discipline of a tighter edit is something that Sorkin may not have wholly grasped during the making of Molly’s Game, but the over-stretched 30-minute ending could have been avoided. Something that Sorkin may look at in the future.

Sorkin uses the memoirs scribed by Molly Bloom as pre-credits with anecdotes and moments voiced by Chastain. This start gives a more than impressive rundown of how Molly went from Olympic skier to gambling host in a dramatic change of direction. The intensity of the opening sequence is a great indication of what is to come in the rest of the movie.  

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker 

Molly finds herself working at an underground poker game for a not-so-friendly employer. The main attraction to these underground poker games is a certain A-lister known as player X, played by Michael Cera. This star is a constant to bring in the deep-pocketed players with a chance to rub shoulders with a celebrity in an entirely new way. On Molly’s first night, she makes an outstanding $3000 in tips.

The movie’s plot is framed around the court case that occurred in 2014 with a try-hard FBI agent looking to get as much as she can from Molly in a chance to turn her hand towards the Russian mobsters and take her career to the next level. Molly’s journey to get to the moment of the trial is depicted through flashbacks surrounding her meetings with her defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey (Elba).

There are many similarities between the direction of Sorkin and his writing style, using an immense level of detail. The poker games are explained in extreme detail but quickly, making it hard for those who do not know much about the game of poker to follow. The resolution to Molly’s complex relationship with her demanding father also suffers from Sorkin’s acclaimed relationship for tidy, uplifting endings with strong uses of sentimentalism.

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker 

It’s Elba’s turn to show off his signature Sorkin speechification moment. Even though he delivers it with accomplishment, it’s a little disappointing that Molly’s Game validates this dynamic woman only through the words and judgment of men rather than through her self-actualization. For the first time sitting in the director’s chair, Sorkin has made an extremely enjoyable movie, which was likely helped by the years spent on set with the greatest directors in the industry while also being regarded as one of the best writers in the film world.

A fantastic movie for an experienced director, let alone a first-timer, Sorkin has delivered an elevated sense of immersion made all the more exciting, knowing that the story is based on actual events. The vast cast could have been a difficult hurdle to jump, but each character is depicted uniquely, showing many individual nuances and traits.

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Why are Old Movies Better than the Majority of Movies We Have Today?

https://pixabay.com/photos/columbus-ohio-ohio-theatre-theater-1936633/

Page Title: Why are Old Movies Better than the Majority of Movies We Have Today?

Meta Description: Old vs New: movie debate. Why are old movies better? Read on to find out.

Olden is Golden

How many times can we all say we’ve been in the position where we are snuggling on the couch, scrolling through Netflix, Hulu or Amazon, and have absolutely no idea what to watch? This happens far more than people can even keep track of, and usually, instead of trying something new, we go back to watching an old movie or a TV series from the 90s.

Why? Because we take comfort in older things, many people believe that movies from earlier years are much better than the ones we have today. Read on to find out why! 

What Makes the Old ‘Better?’

https://pixabay.com/photos/audrey-hepburn-60-s-icon-female-face-1235442/

1.       The style of acting

According to recent studies, it is suggested that modern movies can’t be compared to old movies. The reason for this is that old movies use a different acting system, a technique that was developed by Constantin. This technique is based on humans being able to summon emotional inspiration when acting in particular scenes. He introduced the concept of ‘Emotional Memory’ which means that when an actor is in a scene, they must use emotional memories from their past to relate to their character’s emotions. Acting in older movies had to be ‘more natural’ as there was less reliance on special effects.

https://pixabay.com/photos/darth-vader-star-wars-toy-1282288/

2.       Scenes are less rushed

Some people say they ‘fall asleep’ during older movies due to the slow pace. In reality, this is just because older movies tend not to rush things and provide much more explanation. Conversations were longer and usually filmed from the same angle, which is unsurprising why it might bore some millennials. Modern movies today are largely not focused on deeper conversations, many moviemakers instead choose to focus on the action behind a scene and the special effects and CGI that will catch viewers’ eyes more so than the dialogue.

According to previous studies, it is reported that older movies focused a lot more on character development and conversation. The moviemakers made these movies with the general assumption that people had the time to watch these longer films. Today, modern films are focused on actions that adapt to our everyday life. Editing techniques have stepped a level up, meaning that people can learn them quicker, producing more movies. Although the skills have been upscaled, it doesn’t always mean that these movies are worth watching! We can all relate to watching a new movie, then when coming out of the movie theatre wishing we’d saved the money not going.

3.       Different topics/subject focus

The major difference between old and modern movies is usually around the subject or main themes you can find in the films. Today, a younger audience with a shorter attention span wants movies to be more fast-paced for a thrill and overall stress reliever.

It is not impossible to find old movies that follow a similar fast-paced storyline, but many old movies focus more on love or war. With them, it was easier to become attached to a character’s story arc as there was a lot of time put into explaining their past and what led them to the moment you’re watching.

Previous research has also suggested that older movies introduced their viewers to different and ‘better’ worlds. After watching a movie, a viewer could take the lessons they learned and adapt them to their real-life situations with ease. If you think about it today, how many ‘modern’ movies are just remakes of older classics? There is less originality today in plot lines and new concepts. The future is uncertain of how these movies will develop or if they will continue this pattern of just recreating what’s already been done.

If we are truly being honest, it is correct to assume that without old movies leading the way, there would be no such thing as ‘modern movies.’ Some of the most respected movie directors, actors, and producers were all mentored by older-generation legends. These movies and people paved the way for the overall growth and success of the movie industry we know today. Modern directors today are struggling to make something new, something where people might actually learn something. Instead, they run back to rebranding older movies thanks to fancy new technology.

People don’t want this rebranded version, classics are classics for a reason. Instead, what modern viewers want is something unique.

 

 

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Kung Fu Master (2010) Review

“Kung Fu Master” DVD Cover

“Kung Fu Master” DVD Cover

Director: Dou Xiao
Cast: Yuen Biao, Jimmy Lin, Leung Kar Yan, Zhao Qiu Sheng, Chunhua Ji, Yang Lu, Yuan Wu
Running Time: 95 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Back in the mid-2000’s a US based distributor of Asian cinema called Tai Seng came upon an ingenious way to take advantage of the kung fu cinema resurgence. Applying a Godfrey Ho-esque approach, Tai Seng would take Chinese kung fu TV series starring familiar names, often over 40 episodes in length, and compress them into 2 – 3 hour ‘movies’. So it is we got the likes of Wu Jing in The Tai Chi Master, and Fan Siu Wong in Iron Fist. These patchwork productions always had a familiar feel – cheap looking photography, the vaguest outline of a story, practically zero characterisation, and a ridiculous amount of fight scenes. It could well be argued that it would have been easier to simply create a compilation of fight scenes from the series in question, however you have to admire the attempt to still present a plot over a few minutes that’s been distilled from literally hours of footage.

In 2010 Lionsgate decided to get in on the action as well. Taking the 2009 series A Legend of Shaolin Kung Fu II: Thirteen Cudgel Monks consisting of 46 episodes, after what I can only imagine was months in the editing room, a year later Kung Fu Master was released – which clocks in at just 95 minutes. Never mind about the first A Legend of Shaolin Kung Fu series, I’ll simply mention that the plot of the 2nd series involves 13 monks who were chosen to rescue Li Shimin, a real historical figure who at the time was the leader of the Tang Army, and would go onto be the first Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Played by Jimmy Lin (Butterfly and Sword, Flying Dagger), he’s actually hardly worth Continue reading

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‘The Bodyguard’-ploitation? Shout! Factory announces Blu-ray for Don “The Dragon” Wilson’s 1992 hit ‘Blackbelt’

Blackbelt | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Blackbelt | Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

Shout! Factory has officially announced a Blu-ray for Charles Philip Moore and Rick Jacobson’s cult martial arts film Black Belt, which may have served inspiration for the 1992 Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner hit film, The Bodyguard (or was it the other way around?)

Also made in 1992, Black Belt stars 11-time World Kickboxing Champion Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Showdown in Manila, Martial Arts Kid) and Matthias Hues (No Retreat, No Surrender II: Raging Thunder).

Rock star Shanna (Deirdre Imershein) needs protection from the ruthless and pathological killer John Sweet (Matthias Hues), who suffers from a mother fixation along with a penchant for brutal violence. Also in pursuit of Shanna is her corrupt business Continue reading

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Top Tips to Enjoy New & Exciting Games of Luck Like a Real Movie Star

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled way to enjoy your weekend, there’s nothing quite like playing the odds. From high-stakes casino games to classic gambling games, there’s something for everyone. Moreover, whether you’re a novice or an experienced gambler, there are plenty of ways to make your game-playing experience a real treat. With the right approach and a bit of luck, you can experience the thrills and excitement of playing like a real movie star. Everything from choosing the right casino to learning the best strategies and tips is covered in this article. With these helpful hints, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert in no time. 

Use Crypto Like A Bro!

Do you know what many celebs enjoy? Investing their enormous wealth into money-making opportunities. One of the most significant is via crypto (or briefly NFTs until everything fell apart). Consequently, if you want to gamble like a movie star, find a casino that accepts cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. In fact, crypto casino aggregator CryptoGambling.ca reports that traditional fiat-based casinos will soon face an uphill struggle to attract players as this form of gambling has become so popular. Crypto casinos offer a broad range of advantages over other options, including:

  • Enhanced security: It is no secret that crypto is a highly secure payment medium. As such, many people prefer using them over fiat because they ensure a higher level of security.
  • Fast and seamless transactions: While most traditional bank transactions take some time (longer if they have to be manually approved), cryptocurrencies enable quick payments.
  • Attractive bonuses: In some cases, a crypto casino might offer unique rewards for those depositing with their favorite tokens.
  • Large selection of games: With crypto casinos, you usually get access to the usual selection of games, but also those specific to crypto.
  • Anonymity: Although cryptocurrencies aren’t as private as many think, they are anonymous enough to make them worthwhile.

Choose The Right Game

Don’t just jump into any game you see; do your research and find one that matches your interests and skill level if you want to enjoy new and exciting games of luck like a real movie star. You should consider the house edge when playing a game to determine its chances of success, and the best games will also have a low house edge. Make sure you read the game rules in order to understand the game mechanics and any special features. By ensuring you have chosen correctly, you will be better positioned to have fun and likely improve your odds of winning (by playing more and averaging out over time).

Set A Budget And Stick To It

OK, so this tip isn’t particularly movie-star-like. After all, they have plenty of cash available that they never really need to budget themselves. However, for mere mortals, it is highly advisable to heed the following words. It’s easy to get carried away when playing these games, but it’s important to remember that you’re playing with real money. Decide on a budget that’s comfortable for you before you start playing. By establishing a budget before you start playing, you’ll be able to manage your money and make sure you’re not overspending. Additionally, it will allow you to focus on having fun rather than worrying about your finances.

Learn The Rules

Even celebrities learn how to play the game before committing (even if their skill makes them infamously odious). It is also recommended that you become familiar with the rules, regardless of how long you’ve played. Ensure you understand the game’s rules before you start playing, so you can avoid costly mistakes and maximize your enjoyment of the game. You can learn the rules and play the game by reading the instructions, watching tutorials, asking questions, and even hiring a professional to teach you. 

Take Your Time And Play Slowly

It may seem counterintuitive for games of chance to take your time and play slowly, but it’s crucial to remember that no two games are the same. Slower games require a different set of skills and strategies than faster-paced ones. You will better understand the game’s rules and strategy if you take your time and really get to know it before diving in. 

Use Reward Programs And Bonuses To Increase Your Chances Of Winning

Even the wealthiest stars enjoy taking advantage of various bonuses (especially loyalty and VIP ones). Reward programs and bonuses can be a vital part of enjoying the gambling experience. Bonuses can be found in many online casinos, with loyalty programs available for those who stick with a particular casino. Additionally, many casinos offer daily, weekly and monthly bonuses to entice you to stay with them and give you access to special promotions. 

There are many ways to enjoy having a flutter like a real movie star. From learning and using strategies to increase your chances of winning to finding the right casino bonus, you have all the tools to make your gaming experience even more rewarding.

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How to Find Reputable Online Gambling Sites: 6 Tips to Help You

Online gambling can be an extremely effective way of making money. Currently, millions of people all around the world are struggling to buy food, power their homes, and put fuel in their cars. Because of this, there has never been a better time to take up online gambling.

However, while it is indeed possible to make money from gambling, most people who gamble lose money. If you want to take it up, then you need to find the perfect site. The better the site is, the more likely you are to win.

Here’s how to find a reputable online gambling site:

Ranking Guides

One of the best ways of finding reputable online gambling sites is to read ranking guides. These guides provide information about the most reputable online casinos there are. The best thing about them is that they are rarely biased. When a blog or newspaper posts a ranking guide, its reputation is on the line. If they provide false or biased information, then it will reflect poorly on them. Therefore, such guides can usually be trusted. Make sure that you read each guide site’s reviews before taking their recommendations, though. Reviews will help you to figure out whether or not they can be trusted. If you are reading sponsored guides, then it is doubly important to read reviews, just so you can verify the guide’s recommendations.

Reading Reviews

You should also read a casino’s reviews before signing up for them. A casino’s reviews will tell you about its positives and negatives. It’ll also give you an idea of what the site’s users think of it. Remember, on-site reviews should be avoided. This is because on-site reviews are nearly always biased. Why would a casino want to post negative reviews about themselves on their own website, after all? You should only trust reviews posted in ranking guides and Google, and Trust Pilot reviews. Learn to spot the signs of fake reviews, as well. It is not uncommon for casinos to buy fake reviews.

Consider Security

Online security is something you need to take very seriously. Unfortunately, the internet’s overrun with cybercriminals. It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to target the users of online casinos. The main reason why cyber criminals make such an effort to go after casino users is that by hacking into their accounts, they can reroute transactions and make fraudulent purchases. The best way to protect yourself is to find a reliable casino to use, download a VPN, and use a firewall whenever you’re gaming. Make sure to set a hard-to-guess password and enable two-factor authentication, too.

Asking Around

In terms of actually finding a casino, if you have any friends who are gambling fanatics, then ask them for their advice. Alternatively, you can register for an internet forum dedicated to gambling, and ask the users there. Whenever you’re taking recommendations from people on the internet, you always need to conduct your own research too. It’s not uncommon for online recommendations to be biased. Always read a casino’s reviews, regardless of who recommended you to it. When using forums, try to use Reddit. Reddit is the internet’s largest forum and is a good place to ask gambling-related questions.

Game Selection

You need to find a casino that has a large game selection for you to choose from. The larger a casino’s game selection, the more choices you have. After all, why would you want to play in a casino where you don’t have a lot of choices? Playing the same games all of the time can get very boring. Having lots of games to choose from means you can play a new one every day. Make sure that the casino you choose has lots of games, and games with favorable odds (which tend more often than not to be high-denomination games).

Live Lounges

Finally, try to find a casino that offers live lounge gaming. Ideally, your chosen casino should host live poker. Live poker can be an effective way of making money. Unlike other casino games, you can actually improve your skills at poker through practice and study, and then use your skills to earn yourself more money. Always try to play against real people, so you can employ manipulation tactics, and ‘bluff’ them. You cannot really employ such tactics against machine algorithms, which is why you should avoid automated games.

There is no shortage of online casinos on the internet. However, not all are worth trying out. If you want to take online gambling up, then use this guide’s advice to find the casino that’s right for you. Remember to always read reviews, and take your online security very seriously.

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