Era of Vampires, The (2002) Review

"The Era of Vampires" DVD Cover

“The Era of Vampires” DVD Cover

AKA: Vampire Hunters
Director: Wellson Chin
Cast: Michael Chow Man Kin, Danny Chan Kwok Kwan, Ken Cheung Chi Yiu, Lam Suet, Anya, Horace Lee Wai Sing, Yu Rong Guang, Lee Lik Chi, Wong Yat Fei, Ji Chun Hua, Lee Kin Yan, Chen Kuan Tai, Shut Mei Yee
Running Time: 107 min. 

By Paul Bramhall 

In 2002 it had been 10 years since the last entry in the popular Mr. Vampire franchise, with the suitably titled Mr. Vampire 1992, an underwhelming effort that arguably should have been the final nail in the coffin for the hopping vampire genre that the original kicked off in 1985 (it wasn’t, with a few dregs still filtering through over the next couple of years). Considering producer and scriptwriter Tsui Hark’s success from that same era – reviving the kung fu genre with the Once Upon a Time in China series, and reimagining the wuxia flick into kinetic wire work fuelled extravaganzas – it likely made sense to see if he had the same Midas touch when it came to hopping vampires. So it was in 2002 the undead returned in The Era of the Vampires.

What audiences they returned for makes The Era of the Vampires an interesting curiosity. It would take 20 years for it to be released in Hong Kong, finally arriving on Blu-ray and DVD in 2022, with the most accessible way of viewing it until this point being in a shortened version called Vampire Hunters distributed in the U.S. by Columbia Tri-Star. Reducing the 107-minute runtime down to 89, chances are they were hoping to bank in on the popularity that John Carpenter’s 1998 feature Vampires saw on home video (also released by Columbia Tri-Star), and it’s not outside Continue reading

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Isaac Florentine’s actioner ‘Hellfire’ wraps up with Stephen Lang, Harvey Keitel, Dolph Lundgren and Johnny Yong Bosch

"Bridge of Dragons" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Bridge of Dragons” Japanese 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 – has just wrapped Hellfire, an upcoming actioner starring Stephen Lang (Avatar), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs), Dolph Lundgren (Section 8) and Johnny Yong Bosch (Death Grip).

The film – written by Richard Lowry (who wrote Florentine’s Seized) – is about a drifter (Lang) with a mysterious past who arrives in a small town and finds the residents in the grip of a ruthless crime boss and realizes he has to help them (via Deadline).

Also be on the lookout for Florentine’s soon-to-be-released film, Hounds of War, which stars Continue reading

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On the Run | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2022

88 Films’ Deluxe Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray (Region B) for On the Run is now shipping from U.S. retailer Goodie Emporium.

This highly-anticipated release is a 1988 Hong Kong thriller directed by Alfred Cheung (Her Fatal Ways), and starring Yuen Biao (Zu: Warriors from Magic Mountain) and Pat Ha Man Jing (The Woman Knight of the Mirror Lake).

On the Run also features Charlie Chin (Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars), Lo Lieh (The Face Behind the Mask), Yuen Wah (Police Story 3: Supercop) and Philip Ko Fei (Dragon Blood).

On the Run is perhaps known best for providing Yuen Biao with his finest performance to date. His portrayal as the troubled moralistic cop is dead on, combining both superb restraint and expressive emotions. Ah Biao’s female counterpart, Pat Ha, gives Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Memories of the Sword | Blu-ray | Only $7.74 – Expires soon!

Memories of the Sword | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Memories of the Sword | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Park Heung-Sik’s Memories of the Sword (read our review) starring Byung-hun Lee (I Saw the Devil).

As the greed of a corrupt Monarchy threatens to destroy the Goryeo Dynasty, three warriors lead a revolt to overthrow the empire and save its people. But when betrayal costs the life of a swordsman, a plot for justice is set into motion.

Memories of the Sword also stars Jeon Do-Yeon (No Blood No Tears), Kim Go-Eun (Coin Locker Girl), Lee Joon-Ho (Cold Eyes), Lee Kyoung-Young (Kundo), Kim Tae-Woo (Quick), Bae Soo-Bin (Fly High) and Kim Soo-Ahn (The Chosen).

Order Memories of the Sword from Amazon.com today! Continue reading

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Vinegar Syndrome to release Blu-ray for Ringo Lam’s 1994 martial arts film ‘Burning Paradise’

Burning Paradise | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Burning Paradise | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Vinegar Syndrome will be releasing a Blu-ray for Burning Paradise (aka Rape of the Red Temple), a 1994 martial arts film from Hong Kong filmmaker Ringo Lam (City on Fire, Maximum RiskSky on Fire) and producer Tsui Hark (The Blade, Once Upon a Time in China V).

Burning Paradise will be Newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative. It can be pre-ordered as part of their Black Friday Sale (Nov 25-28) deal.

Burning Paradise stars Willie Chi (Drunken Master III), Carman Lee (Too Many Ways to Be Number One), Wong Kam Kong (Tiger Cage 3) and John Ching Tung (Return to a Better Tomorrow).

Director Ringo Lam ventures away from modern realism to direct this cynical, claustrophobic Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Rumble in the Bronx | Blu-ray | Only $8.59 – Expires soon!

Rumble in the Bronx | Blu-ray (Warner)

Rumble in the Bronx | Blu-ray (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Jackie Chan’s Rumble in the Bronx, a 1995 actioner directed by Stanley Tong (Kung Fu Yoga, Vanguard, Police Story 4: First Strike, Police Story 3: Supercop).

Remember the pitch? “To millions of action fans around the world he’s a living legend. If you’ve never seen him before, you’ve never seen action. He’s Jackie Chan and for years he has done something no other action star would dare dream. He’s performed all of his own stunts.”

A young man (Jackie Chan) visiting and helping his uncle (Bill Tung) in New York City finds himself forced to fight a street gang (headed by the late Marc Akerstream) and the mob with his martial art Continue reading

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Preman: Silent Fury | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Preman: Silent Fury | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Preman: Silent Fury | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2022

On September 27, 2022, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray & DVD for Randolph Zaini’s Preman: Silent Fury. This Indonesian martial arts thriller stars Khiva Iskak (Gundala), Kiki Narendra (Gundala, Ghost Writer 2), and Muzakki Ramhan (Gundala).

A deaf gangster with a traumatic past must fight his way out of his small Indonesian village after his young son witnesses a horrible murder, pitting the man against the mob outfit that employed him.

Preman: Silent Fury was nominated for eight awards at the 2021 Festival Film Indonesia, including Best Film, Best Actor (Khiva Iskak), Best Supporting Actor (Kiki Narendra & Muzakki Ramhan), and Best Director & Best Original Screenplay (Randolph Zaini). In Continue reading

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

Responsible Home Defense

Did you know home defense is a leading cause of gun injuries?

Responsible ownership and usage of firearms are important steps to take if you plan on having one in your home. You will want to find the right gun and proper ways to store and use it.

Keep reading to learn more tips to keep safe in your home.

Create a Plan

When it comes to responsible home defense, the first step is to create a plan. This plan should consider the layout of your home, the location of windows and doors, and the best way to defend your family in the event of an intruder.

It should also consider what you will do in the event of a fire or other emergency. Once you have a plan in place, it is important to practice it regularly so that everyone in your family knows what to do and how to react in an emergency.

Get To Know Your Local Laws

In order to be a responsible home defender, you must first know your local laws. Familiarize yourself with the laws regarding the use of deadly force, as well as the laws governing the ownership and use of firearms.

Make sure you understand when you are allowed to use force and when you are not. Keep in mind that the use of force is always a last resort. Use whatever non-lethal means are at your disposal to de-escalate the situation before resorting to using force.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you must use force, make sure you use only the amount of force necessary and that you do not continue to use force after the threat has been neutralized.

Choose the Right Weapon for You

Home defense is a serious responsibility. Choosing the right weapon is a key part of being prepared.

There are many factors to consider when making this decision. The type of home, the layout, the number of people in the household, and the level of training all play a role.

The most important factor is the threat. You need to be able to identify the type of threat you are likely to face. This will determine the type of weapon you need.

There are many options like these available online so do your research and make the best choice for you and your family.

Train Regularly

One of the most important aspects of responsible home defense is training regularly. This means not only becoming proficient with firearms and self defense techniques but also keeping up with your conditioning and practicing regularly.

It is important to have a plan and know your capabilities in order to best defend yourself and your loved ones. Home defense is a serious business and should not be taken lightly.

If you are not ready and able to defend yourself, then you are putting yourself and your family at risk. Training regularly is the best way to be prepared for whatever situation may arise.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

When it comes to responsible home defense, being prepared for the unexpected is a must.

There are many things that can happen in and around your home that you may not be prepared for but having a plan in place and being aware of your surroundings can help you be ready for anything.

It is important to have a safe place to go in case of an emergency and to know how to get there if you need to evacuate. Having a designated meeting place for your family is also crucial in case you are separated during an emergency.

It is also a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers handy, as well as a first aid kit. In the event that you are forced to defend your home, it is important to think about your safety and the safety of your family first and foremost.

Remember that you have the right to protect yourself and your property, but always use caution and never use more force than is absolutely necessary.

Storing Your Weapons Responsibly

Any gun owner has a responsibility to learn how to store their weapons safely and responsibly in order to have proper protection for themselves, their families, and their homes.

Responsible gun owners should take the time to learn about different storage options and choose the one that best fits their lifestyle and needs.

There are a variety of storage options available, from gun safes and lock boxes to trigger locks and cable locks. Gun owners should also be aware of the different laws and regulations regarding gun storage in their state or municipality.

By taking the time to learn about responsible gun storage, gun owners can help keep their families and homes safe.

Training for Home Defense

The most responsible way to train for home defense is to be as prepared as possible. This includes knowing how to use your firearm, being aware of your surroundings, and having a plan.

There are many resources available to help you learn and plan for home defense. The most important thing is to be proactive and takes responsibility for your own safety.

The Importance of a Home Defense Plan

It is important to have a home defense plan in place in case of an emergency. This plan should be created with the input of everyone in the household. It should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

The goal is to have a plan that everyone is familiar with and comfortable with so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

In addition to having a plan, it is also important to be responsible when it comes to home defense. This means keeping all firearms properly stored and secured, and only using them when absolutely necessary.

It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and be able to identify potential threats. By being responsible and prepared, you can help keep your family safe in the event of an emergency.

The Pros and Cons of Home Defense

There are pros and cons to everything, even responsible home defense.

It is important to be aware of both the good and the bad before making a decision. On the one hand, having a plan and taking responsibility for your own safety can give you a great sense of empowerment.

You are in control of your own destiny and can make decisions that could save your life. On the other hand, however, being responsible for your own safety can also be a great burden.

It can be difficult to constantly be on the lookout for danger and to be prepared to defend yourself at a moment’s notice.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take responsibility for your own safety is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally for Home Defense

When it comes to home defense, being responsible means being prepared mentally and emotionally for the possibility of having to use deadly force. This means being honest with yourself about the gravity of the situation and the possible consequences.

It means being able to make tough decisions and act quickly and decisively in a life-or-death situation.

It also means being able to live with the aftermath, whether it’s the physical and emotional toll on yourself and your family, or the legal and financial repercussions.

But above all, being responsible means being prepared to do whatever it takes to keep your family safe.

Home Defense and the Family

A well-planned and executed home defense plan can mean the difference between life and death for you and your family during a break-in. It is important to be familiar with the layout of your home and have a clear escape route in mind in the event of an intruder.

In addition to having a plan, it is also important to be responsible in your home defense. This means being aware of your surroundings, knowing who is in your home at all times, and keeping your family safe.

Learning Home Defense Now

If you are looking for ways to keep your family safe, responsible home defense is a great option. There are many things to consider when creating a safe home defense plan, but the most important thing is to be prepared.

Having a plan in place will give you the confidence you need to defend your home and your family.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more related content.

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What Is The Best Way To Make Money At An Online Casino?

The development of information technology, as well as the prevalence of covid19 induced quarantine, has brought forth the art of online gambling.

However, some people are still intimidated by the concept and wonder how they will navigate their way through online gambling.

We are here to tell you that online casinos are no rocket science, and making money through them is a piece of cake.

Many websites, such as Bonusetu, offer different incentives as online casinos. Their popularity has truly taken a leap forward in recent years.

Your casino preference:

Three main types of online casinos exist. These types include a flash version, mobile casino, and software for installation on PC. It is best if you choose early on which type of casino you want to work with.

For beginners, the software installation type is the best as it is easiest to navigate. However, you can also go for the mobile version and still manage to do your practice runs. Your casino preference sets out your comfort zone, so be careful with it.

Legitimacy:

Always check for the authenticity of a platform before using it. There are some legitimate scamming platforms out there. The best way to do so is to check ratings and read reviews.

This will give you a good insight as to what difficulties people might have faced while operating the online casino and what you should and should not avoid.

In addition to reading reviews on the platform itself, also read reviews on independent websites so you can double-check the claim. This will give you a good idea of who you should and should not trust.

Bonuses:

The best and easiest way to earn at a casino is through a bonus. Different online casinos offer different bonuses. 

Some offer a registration bonus, while others offer a loyalty bonus. It is wise to use these bonuses to further invest in games and, in turn, earn more money. 

However, always read the conditions that a casino sets for a bonus. The condition may not be extreme, but it may also not be the best option for you. Treat carefully.

Choose your games carefully:

The thing which is ultimately going to be a game changer for you is how you play. The game you choose, your skill set, and your environment, all play a huge factor in your winnings.

Figure out where your strengths and weaknesses lie and use them to your advantage. Play the games that make you excited and happy.

You have a greater chance of winning something in a game you love rather than winning nothing at something you chose for the higher profits.

Go for casinos where the skill set is taken into account during opposing games. This will allow you to enhance your skill as well as increase your chances of winning.

Lastly!

There is no one way to win. The way you win and earn the best depends entirely on you and the choices you make. Your choices and decisions impact the amount you earn. The way you invest and save determines how much farther your earnings can go.

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Section 8 (2022) Review

"Section 8" Theatrical Poster

“Section 8” Theatrical Poster

Director: Christian Sesma
Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins, Robert LaSardo, Maurice Compte, Geoffrey Blake, Tracy Perez
Running Time: 98 min.

By Paul Bramhall

The world of the Hollywood DTV movie has become an increasingly eclectic one in recent years. The home ground for talented action performers like Scott Adkins and Frank Grillo to take on starring roles, the way the action B-movie has thrived in the DTV world has also seen an increasing number of TV actors that were once the hot topic of yesteryear enter the fray. Remember Chad Michael Murray, the main guy from One Tree Hill? Chances are the answer is no, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a frequent Bruce Willis co-star in a plethora of his more recent DTV flicks. How about Desperate Housewives heartthrob Jesse Metcalfe? Still no, don’t worry, he’s also jumped on the Bruce Willis co-star bandwagon, not to mention the disastrous sequel Escape Plan 2: Hades. The latest member to join the ranks of Murray and Metcalfe in the world of DTV action is Australian actor Ryan Kwanten with 2022’s Section 8.

Once a mainstay of Australian soap opera Home & Away, Kwanten’s biggest claim to fame remains his role in the US crime drama True Blood which ran from 2008 to 2014. Since then he’s featured alongside Nicolas Cage in his 2019 DTV staple Kill Chain, and in 2022 he also headlined the Hong Kong shot Australian sci-fi flick Expired. Much like his peers, the production company appears to understand that promoting Kwanten as an action star is a tough sell, so the cast is filled out with the usual roster of B-movie action stalwarts who pop up for varying amounts of screentime (none of which amounts to more than 10 minutes). 80’s action star Dolph Lundgren is present Continue reading

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New Trailer for Park Chan-wook’s anticipated mystery thriller ‘Decision to Leave’ starring Tang Wei and Park Hye-il

"Decision to Leave" Theatrical Poster

“Decision to Leave” Theatrical Poster

Visionary director Park Chan-wook’s (Thirst, Old BoySympathy for Mr. Vengeance) anticipated film, Decision to Leave (read our review), will see a theatrical release in the U.S. on October 14th, followed by an exclusive Mubi streaming release.

The upcoming mystery/thriller is penned by Jeong Seo-kyeong, who also worked with the director on Thirst, I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK and The Handmaiden.

Decision to Leave charts the aftermath of a man falling from a mountain peak to his death. The detective in charge of the investigation, Hae-joon, comes to meet the dead man’s wife Seo-rae. When she becomes a suspect, Hae-joon finds himself slowly developing an interest in her. (via Deadline).

Decision to Leave stars Continue reading

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Martial arts screen icon Cynthia Rothrock teams up with Tatiana Neva in ‘Prey of Wrath’

"Prey of Wrath" Theatrical Poster

“Prey of Wrath” Theatrical Poster

Martial arts action screen icon Cynthia Rothrock (The Blonde Fury, No Retreat No Surrender II, Righting Wrongs) returns in New GenerAsian Pictures’ Prey of Wrath, which has just completed production from directors Benny Tjandra (Blonde Squad) and Doug Tochioka (producer of Another Way to Die). 

In the upcoming action film, Rothrock stars alongside Tatiana Neva (Rush Hour TV series, The Mindy Project), Gray Michael Sallies (Die Fighting), Louis DeStefano (A Wiseguy Christmas), Leonard Zhang (Amityville Cop) and Lovie Johnson (The Sins).

Prey of Wrath (aka Lady Spetsnaz) involves an elite special forces operative who is sent by Russian Intelligence to hunt down former teammates who have hijacked nuclear warheads.

We expect a Trailer and release date Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Rush Hour Trilogy | Blu-ray | Only $11.99 – Expires soon!

Rush Hour: Trilogy | Blu-ray (Warner)

Rush Hour: Trilogy | Blu-ray (Warner)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray set for Warner Bros’ Rush Hour Trilogy.

This set includes Rush Hour 1-3, plus a bonus disc with a brand new featurette documentary titled Brett & Jackie: A Look Back at Rush Hour. Additionally, this 4-disc collector’s set will feature custom illustrations by the stylish Mondo group.

The Rush Hour Trilogy also stars Tom Wilkinson, Tzi Ma, Chris Penn, George Cheung, Roger Fan, John Lone, Ziyi Zhang, Roselyn Sanchez, Kenneth Tsang, Maggie Q, Max von Sydow, Hiroyuki Sanada, Yuki Kudo, Noémie Lenoir, Jingchu Zhang, Roman Polanski and many others. Continue reading

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First image of martial arts star Scott Adkins in Christian Sesma’s upcoming revenge thriller ‘War Paint’

Scott Adkins in War Paint.

Scott Adkins in War Paint.

Martial arts star Scott Adkins (Avengement, Ip Man 4, Castle Falls, Boyka: Undisputed IV) is reuniting with director Christian Sesma for War Paint, an upcoming revenge thriller where Adkins will play not one, but two roles. Adkins previously worked with the Vigilante Diaries and Take Back director for the soon-to-be released actioner, Section Eight (read our recent review for it).

War Paint is written by Ian Graham and frequent Adkins/Sesma collaborator, Chad Law (Black Water), who penned 2015’s Close Range, 2016’s Jarhead 3: The Siege and the aforementioned Section Eight.

Here’s what you can expect from the plot of War Paint: When a Hollywood action star is murdered (Adkins), his identical twin (Adkins) takes on the likeness Continue reading

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My Wife Is a Gangster 3 (2006) Review

My Wife Is a Gangster 3

My Wife Is a Gangster 3

Director: Jo Jin Gyu
Cast: Shu Qi, Lee Beom-Soo, Hyun Young, Oh Ji-Ho, Choi Min-Soo, Jo Hee-Bong, Ti Lung, Lee Ki-Yong, Ken Lo, Kim Byung-Choon, Kim Yang-Woo, Ji Dae-Han
Running Time: 114 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

During the early – mid 2000’s Korean cinema felt like it was re-discovering itself, with some of its most popular titles earning the period the moniker of the Korean Wave, as the peninsulas output began to gain recognition internationally. What’s less discussed is Korea’s own love of what they refer to as the Hong Kong Wave of the previous decade, when Hong Kong stars like Joey Wong, Chow Yun Fat, and Jackie Chan where hugely popular draws for Korean audiences. As a result, the emergence of Korean cinema on the world stage saw plenty of cross pollination in the early years of the millennium. Kim Hee-sun and Choi Min-soo starred alongside Jackie Chan in 2005’s The Myth, while Ahn Sung-ki would feature alongside Andy Lau and Fan Bingbing in 2006’s Battle of Wits to name just a couple.

This cross pollination worked both ways, with Hong Kong stars also starting to show up in Korean productions. Cecilia Cheung featured in 2001’s Failan opposite Choi Min-sik, while Musa from the same year saw Yu Rong-Guang and Zhang Ziyi share the screen with the likes of Jung Woo-sung and Joo Jin-mo. At the end of the 2003 sequel My Wife Is a Gangster 2 Zhang Ziyi clocked in another appearance on Korean screens, an entertaining cameo that hinted Continue reading

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