Joey King and Veronica Ngo kick ass in a New fight clip for Hulu’s ‘The Princess’ from ‘Furie’ director Le-Van Kiet

"The Princess" Theatrical Poster

“The Princess” Theatrical Poster

Vietnamese filmmaker Le-Van Kiet (The Requin), who is perhaps best known for helming 2012’s House in the Alley and 2019’s Furie, both of which were headlined by martial arts star Veronica Ngo (The Rebel), is getting ready to unleash his 2nd English-language debut feature, The Princess.

The upcoming film stars Joey King (The Conjuring), Ivo Arakov (Full Love), Martin Taskov (The Devil’s Light) – and last, but not least – Le-Van Kiet’s frequent collaborator, Veronica Ngo (Clash).

When a strong-willed princess (King) refuses to wed the cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must save the kingdom.

To Western audiences, Ngo is mostly Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! The Monkey King: Reborn | Blu-ray | Only $4.99 – Expires soon!

The Monkey King: Reborn | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Monkey King: Reborn | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for the all-new anime action-adventure fantasy The Monkey King: Reborn.

Playing off the three hugely popular Monkey King live action films, The Monkey King: Reborn follows the short-tempered trickster after he is insulted while visiting a temple with his master Tang Monk. Outraged, he destroys a magical tree and accidentally releases the ancient King of Demons, who kidnaps Tang Monk as revenge for his long imprisonment. Now, Monkey King and his fellow disciples must rescue their master within three days, before the demon king regains his full power and unleashes his armies to destroy the earth.

Directed by Wang Yun Fei (4-film Yugo & Lala franchise), The Monkey King: Reborn features an all-new English dub for this Continue reading

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Paid in Blood | aka Tomb of the River (2021) Review

"Paid in Blood" Hi-YAH! Poster

“Paid in Blood” Hi-YAH! Poster

Director: Yoon Young-Bin
Cast: Yu Oh-Seong, Jang Hyuk, Park Sung-Geun, Oh Dae-Hwan, Lee Hyun-Kyun, Shin Seung-Hwan, Song Young-Kyu, Kim Jun-Bae, Lee Chae-Young, Han Sun-Hwa 
Running Time: 119 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 2021’s Paid in Blood everything that’s old feels new again, a Korean gangster flick that harkens back to the late 90’s/early 2000’s heyday, a time when Korea practically made the gangster movie a genre of its own. Of course no amount of hacking, slashing, and getting beaten by steel pipes or planks of wood can last forever, and in more recent years the gangster genre has fallen on hard times in the Korean film industry. A result of a country whose cinematic output has become much more commercialised that it was just 20 years ago, the grit that attracted many to the likes of A Bittersweet Life and A Dirty Carnival has now been covered with a sheen of gloss, and does anyone really clock in for a glossy gangster movie?

First time director Yoon Young-bin seems to be aware of this, so has dialled back the sheen for a tale of backstabbing (often literally) and bloodthirsty ambition. A native of Gangneung, Young-bin chooses his hometown for his debut to play out in, a city that’s famous for its coffee and hosted a number of the games during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics (both of which are referenced). The story itself takes place in 2017, 6 months before the Olympics are due to start, and involves the power struggle for ownership of a newly commissioned resort. Encompassing Continue reading

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How Chinese culture has permeated into the world of iGaming

There is no denying that the casino scene has an increasingly Chinese flavor. Chinese-themed slot and table games are now par for the course in the iGaming industry. It’s little wonder that the western world has embraced Chinese-inspired games given the volumes of tourists that venture from east to west. Many casino operators and sites look to provide casino games that reach out to Chinese visitors and make them feel at home.

It wasn’t until the back end of the 20th century when Asian culture was broadly recognized in the western entertainment industry. Chinese movies were eventually popularized and credited in the 1980s and 1990s, winning several international awards in the process. Whether it’s Chunjie or ninja-themed, Chinese entertainment has successfully transcended the western world and it’s also infiltrated the iGaming scene.

Below we’ll explore three of the leading video slots and table games found in the leading land-based and online casinos that ooze Chinese influences.

Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow is a Chinese domino game that’s said to have originated in the 12th century. Chinese domino tiles have been reclaimed from the 12th to 14th centuries, which differ somewhat from those during the Qing Dynasty, as they were black rather than white. This trick-taking game is still enjoyed today by people in southern, central and northern China.

In 1985, a casino owner named Sam Torosian devised a poker game variant inspired by Pai Gow. The game was played using a 52-card deck of playing cards instead of conventional Pai Gow dominoes. The object of the game is for players to create five- and two-card poker hands that beat the dealer’s best “front” and “back” hands.

Mahjong Ways 2

The tile-based game of Mahjong dates back to the 1800s. Originating in China, this domino-style game became a western hit in the 20th century. In China, it helped create a sense of community and belonging. People would convene to play Mahjong in social areas at tables tailor-made for this abstract strategy game.

Mahjong Ways 2 is a celebration of this Chinese pop culture classic. The sequel of the original Mahjong Ways slot, Mahjong Ways 2 features Mahjong tiles that appear as symbols on all five reels. During any winning spin, the gold-plated Mahjong tiles convert into ‘Wild’ symbols, which can help to multiply the size of any wins. As five-reel slots go, this game does have rather less than the industry average for paylines. If you’re unfamiliar with the dynamics of slot gaming, it’s useful to find a slot-game provider and check the website for the typical average of paylines for five-reel slot gameplay. This one states anything from 25-50 paylines is the norm, even if the entire spectrum spans from 9-100 paylines.

Shen Long Mi Bao

Like Mahjong Ways 2, Shen Long Mi Bao is another video slot that has experiential Chinese elements within it. From the moment this game loads, you’ll see an impressive golden dragon that looks incredibly fierce, with bright red eyes. This is the game’s wild symbol. In Chinese culture, a dragon is seen as a source of power or good luck. The dragon is also one of the most popular years of a Chinese New Year, which brings the Chunjie theme into play.

The base game symbols within Shen Long Mi Bao also feature Chinese-inspired gems, including more dragon-based jewelry and a golden shield that remains a common celebration of the story of medieval Asia – from its artistic roots through to its religious beliefs.

Associations with Chinese culture in iGaming help to make the world feel a smaller place, giving gamers a chance to feel and experience a culture and traditions that may be new to them.

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An Easy Guide To Choosing An Online Casino

Every kind of business is going online nowadays, and casinos are no different. Online casinos allow their players to place bets on a wide variety of games from the comfort of their own homes. There are thousands of online casinos online, and this presents a bit of a challenge when trying to find a reputable and safe one. So as not to get overwhelmed by the sea of available options, here are some things to look out for if you want to have a fun and safe gambling experience. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/bYtIpXnzsQM

Review Their Reputation

It is unfortunately pretty commonplace for illegitimate casinos to not have over winnings to players, totally scamming them. Even so, this is not something that one should just accept as fact. The research you do before putting your money into an online casino really matters. Look at reviews and ask around on online forums. Do not forget to check the accounts of the people who only have positive things to say about a certain casino, as they might be bots or individuals with a vested interest in the entity. 

Make Sure It’s Licensed

A license gives great credibility to a casino. It means that the casino has met certain standards and guidelines in order to operate in a certain country. This ensures that betting games really are randomized and that they’re more likely to let you cash out. Also, when dealing with a licensed casino, you are able to contact a regulator in case the casino is in breach of any of those guidelines. 

It Has a Wide Variety of Games 

In order to maximize your chances of winning some money, it is best to focus on getting good at a select few games. If you have prior experience with gambling, you know it is important to use that expertise to your advantage and not let it go to waste. Although it seems like most pay-and-play casinos have a wide selection of games, you should double-check to make sure that your favorite game is on there too. You can try out something new once in a while too, but it’s good to have a signature game to come back to. 

It Has Good Customer Support

The importance of a good customer support system can not be overstated when it comes to online casinos. You might run into a problem with the website or just need some clarification on the terms and conditions. Having your concerns addressed in a timely manner will be a huge weight off your shoulders and will make you feel more comfortable in dealing with that specific casino.

https://unsplash.com/photos/Q59HmzK38eQ

Online casinos are a fun and convenient way to try your luck at some games. There is a myriad of online casinos nowadays, but so many shut down and start up on a monthly basis. That’s why you should be keen on examining certain important factors before settling on your online casino of choice. You should also make sure that your fun isn’t marred by subpar security or fraudulent websites. 

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Watch the New Trailer for the South Korean thriller ‘Paid in Blood’ – hitting Hi-YAH! on June 17 then on Digital on July 26

"Paid in Blood" Hi-YAH! Poster

“Paid in Blood” Hi-YAH! Poster

On June 17th, South Korean thriller Paid in Blood (read our review), will debut exclusively on the martial arts action streaming service Hi-YAH! before hitting Digital only on July 26th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Directed by Yoon Young-Bin, Paid in Blood (aka Tomb of the River) stars Yoo Oh Sung (Friend), Jang Hyuk (The Swordsman), Oh Dae Hwan (RV: Resurrected Victims) and Park Sung Keun (The Man Standing Next).

Read the official details below:

PLANO, TEXAS (June 9, 2022) – PAID IN BLOOD, which according to HanCinema “pays homage to the Korean crime thrillers of the two previous Continue reading

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A Complete Guide for a Beginner Crypto Investor

Did you know that nearly fifty million Americans say that they plan to buy crypto for the first time within the next year?

Even though the value of many cryptocurrencies is down in 2022, experts say that they are here to stay and will only become more important in the future. This is why it’s such a good idea to start investing in cryptocurrencies as quickly as you can.

The problem that many people face is that they don’t know what it takes to become a crypto investor. To help you out, we’ve written a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

Know What You’re Getting Into Before Making a Your First Crypto Investment 

No matter what kind of investment you choose to make, it’s essential that you get your facts straight before making any decisions. This is an especially important thing to do with cryptocurrencies because they are so new and because there are so many of them.

The most popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Dogecoin. Each of these coins has its strengths and its weaknesses.

Bitcoin is by far the most well-known coin, which is why it is so easy to use to perform transactions. You can find out more about the benefits of using a Bitcoin ATM here.

Remember that Cryptocurrencies Can Be Volatile 

It’s possible for cryptocurrencies to drop in value within a matter of minutes. On the other hand, their values can also quickly skyrocket.

This is why you should keep track of every crypto investment that you make. By doing this, you’ll be ready to make quick trading decisions when you need to.

Crypto Investing: Never Invest More than You’re Able to Lose 

If you are not able to lose the money that you invest, you shouldn’t be investing it. Therefore, make sure that you have the money that you need to be stored in a savings account so that it will be there when you need it. Make a promise to yourself that you won’t use any of this money for making investments.

Don’t Try to Predict the Future by Looking to the Past  

One of the most common mistakes made by those who are investing in crypto for the first time is assuming that just because a certain cryptocurrency grew in value in the past, it will continue to do so in the future.

Instead, you should try to make investment decisions that are based on what is likely to bring future returns. You can find this out by doing as much research as possible about cryptocurrencies that you’re thinking about purchasing.

Become a Crypto Investor Today 

If you’ve been wondering how to become a crypto investor, keep in mind how important it is to do plenty of research before getting started. You should also know that the values of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile.

If you are interested in finding out more about cryptocurrencies, make sure to check out our blog.

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Types of Online Slot Games

Did you know that the average professional gambler can make $50,500 a year?

Online slot games can be fun, but they can also help you learn about the gambling industry. Knowing about slot machines will enrich your gambling experience. You won’t feel blindsided if you’re lucky enough to win.

Slot machines have been popular for years, and they have a lot of different concepts. Online slots are slightly more complex and can teach much about the game.

Slots are one of the most popular casino games and can be found in casinos all over the world. They are also one of the most accessible games and don’t require special skills or strategies to win. There are many different online slot games, each with unique features and rules.

Keep reading to learn more!

Five-Reel Slots

The most common type of online slot is the five-reel slot. These slots have five vertical reels that spin independently and have a variety of symbols on them.

Players must line up matching symbols to win. Five-reel slots usually have more complex patterns and may also have bonus features that can be triggered by lining up special symbols.

Three-Reel Slots

Three-reel slots are the simplest type of online slots game. There are only three reels and usually only one pay line.

Players simply need to line up three matching symbols to win. These slots are typically less expensive to play and have smaller jackpots.

Progressive Slots

Progressive slots are a type of online slots game where the jackpot grows more significant as more people play.

A portion of each bet is added to the jackpot, which can eventually become quite large. These slots are usually more expensive to play but can offer huge payouts.

Online Slot Games: Bonus Slots

Bonus slots are online slots games that offer players the chance to win extra prizes. These slots usually have special bonus symbols that, when lined up, trigger a bonus game.

Bonus games can be anything from a simple game of chance to a more complex puzzle. These slots are usually more expensive to play but can offer great payouts.

Video Slots

Many online casinos, such as www.zetbet.com, offer video slots. You can play these online slot machines using your computer or mobile device. You can find video slots at most online casinos, and they are a great way to enjoy slots without having to travel to a casino.

Most video slots have exciting themes and features. You can find slots based on popular movies, TV shows, video games, and more. Many video slots also offer great bonus features that can help you win more money.

If you enjoy playing slots, video slots are a great option. They are easy to play, and new and exciting titles are constantly released.

Chicken Dinner!

There are many other online slot games, each with unique features. These are just a few of the most common types of slots you’ll find online.

With so many options available, there is sure to be a game that is perfect for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start spinning and winning today!

For more online casino articles, check out our blog!

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Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) Review

"Prisoners of the Ghostland" Theatrical Poster

“Prisoners of the Ghostland” Theatrical Poster

Director: Sion Sono
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, Ed Skrein, Tak Sakaguchi, Bill Moseley, Nick Cassavetes, Yuzuka Nakaya, Young Dais, Koto Lorena, Jai West, Cici Zhou
Running Time: 103 min.

By Henry McKeand

When talking or writing about Nicolas Cage, the word “extreme” inevitably comes up. In some ways, it has defined his career, leading to a perhaps unfair reputation as an overactor. This reputation, coupled with memes and viral videos and a glut of direct-to-video sludge necessitated by his own poor financial planning, led to Cage becoming a punchline for legions of uninspired internet humorists. Recently, thanks to roles in films such as Mandy, Color Out of Space, and Pig, Cage has rebounded from this career low point. Even his most gonzo performances are being reappraised by those who once wrote him off as a one-note has-been. Recently, his celebrity image and brand of extreme, expressionistic acting, which he calls “Nouveau Shamanic,” were reclaimed by the self-referential The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, in which he played a version of himself. It seems that Cage has found power in leaning into the joke. 

For those (this writer included) who view him as one of the greatest film stars of all time, this is mostly a good thing, but the Cage renaissance is not without its caveats. Because, by embracing his wide-eyed Wicker Man image, Cage runs the risk of losing a piece of what once made his career so special: down-to-Earth likeability. His admirers often talk about his electric work in Bringing Out the Dead and Wild at Heart, but his greatest trick was always his ability to dial it back Continue reading

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Golden Harvest classic, Korean thriller, Tony Jaa and Scott Adkins: Here’s what’s on Hi-YAH for the month of June!

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

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

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

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White Storm 2: Drug Lords, The (2019) Review

"The White Storm 2: Drug Lords" Theatrical Poster

“The White Storm 2: Drug Lords” Theatrical Poster

Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Michael Miu, Karena Lam, Kent Cheng, Gordon Lam, Chrissie Chau, Cherrie Ying, Michelle Wai, MC Jin (Jin Au-Yeung), Ben Yuen 
Running Time: 100 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 2013 the late Benny Chan unleashed The White Storm, one of the most divisive Hong Kong action movies in recent memory. While some hailed it is a glorious throwback to the heroic bloodshed era, others called it an unwatchable mess. I fell squarely into the latter category, finding its mix of saccharine nostalgia, laughable character motivations, implausible back from the dead plot twists, and derivative action scenes to be a truly heinous concoction of awful cinema. So the announcement of a sequel shouldn’t have been something to be thrilled about, however the news that it would be a Tiger Cage style thematic follow-up, focusing on a completely new plot and set of characters, was enough to pique my interest.

For the follow-up, sub-titled Drug Lords, Benny Chan stepped away from the director’s chair (and indeed the production all together) and handed over the reins to Herman Yau. While Yau will likely remain most well-known for the infamous Cat III flicks he made with Anthony Wong in the 1990’s like The Untold Story and Ebola Syndrome, over the subsequent 25 years he’s proven to be as diverse as he is talented. In the late 00’s and early 10’s he dabbled in the kung-fu genre, helming the non-Donnie Yen Ip Man entries The Legend is Born – Ip Man and Ip Man: The Final Fight in 2010 and 2013 respectively, as well as the Qiu Jin biopic The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake in 2011. It would be 2017’s Shock Wave though that gave us our first taste of Herman Yau the big budget action Continue reading

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Tips on Forging a Career as a Police Officer

Many people want to get into a career that is respected, where the work is diverse and interesting, and the pay and other benefits are excellent. Well, if this sounds like you, a career as a police officer could be the ideal choice for you. If you want to get into the police force, there are certain steps that can help you to achieve your career goal. Of course, you need to be committed and dedicated, but the rewards you can enjoy in this type of career make it well worth the effort.

When you become a fully-fledged police officer, you can look forward to a career where you get to help others and serve your local community. This is a respected job, and it comes with many perks such as excellent pay, lots of progression opportunities, a great retirement scheme for your future, and much more. By creating a plan of action to work toward this type of career, you can boost your chances of success and look forward to a bright and exciting future. In this article, we will find out more about this.

What You Can Do to Increase Your Chances of Success

There are a few steps that you can take if you want to increase your chances of success when it comes to becoming a police offer. Some of these are:

Do a Relevant Degree

One thing to keep in mind is that the police force provides training to potential new recruits, and this involved intensive training and an entrance exam. It is important to be focused and dedicated so that you ace the exam and do well in the training if you want to make it as a police officer. However, you can also boost your chances further by doing a relevant degree such as law enforcement. This will expand your knowledge and give you an edge over the competition.  

Get Some Experience

Another thing that you can do is to try and get some experience, and one of the things you can do is to contact your local police department to see if they can help. Some departments will let interested candidates shadow a serving police officer every so often, or you could even spend a day at the station to see what goes on. Either way, the experience will give you an idea of what to expect, and it gives you something to put on your resume.

Create a Good Resume

Talking of resumes, it is important to create a solid and impressive one to boost your chances of success and demonstrate your suitability for the police force. You can find cover letter templates and resume examples to help you with this if you go online. You can then impress those who make important decisions regarding recruitment and selection.

These are some of the steps that can help you when it comes to getting into the police force and forging a successful career.

 

 

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Kiltro (2006) Review

"Kiltro" Theatrical Poster

“Kiltro” Theatrical Poster

Director: Ernesto Díaz Espinoza
Cast: Marko Zaror, Caterina Jadresic, Miguel Angel De Luca, Daniela Lhorente, Luis Alarcón, Alejandro Castillo, Man Soo Yoon, Roberto Avendano
Running Time: 93 min.

By Henry McKeand

At first glance, Marko Zaror is what you expect from an action star. A tall, intimidating martial artist from Chile with an intense screen presence, he was first introduced to most action fans as the villainous Dolor in the minor DTV classic Undisputed III. Zaror’s role as Dolor required him to ratchet up the scariness factor, as did later performances in films such as Machete Kills and Savage Dog, and it was immediately clear that he could have a career as a Hollywood heavy. Here was a man born to play the psycho and lose fights to more established names.

But there’s more to Zaror than meets the eye. That intense screen presence that made him an instant favorite in Undisputed III wasn’t just the result of a training regimen and unique bone structure—there’s a raw, vulnerable edge to his performances that lingers just under the surface. To this day, no American filmmakers have been able to harness Zaror’s leading man energy, but there’s one director from his native Chile who has always understood his star potential.

Ernesto Díaz Espinoza is a clear fan of bone-crunching genre cinema that pushes bodies to their limit. In Zaror, he found his muse—a rough yet magnetic actor capable of performing virtually any stunt a young screenwriter could dream of. But while Espinoza clearly relished at the opportunity to work with a physical performer of Zaror’s caliber, he wasn’t content simply creating a piece of mindless, macho spectacle. Instead, the films he ended up making with Zaror feel Continue reading

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A Force of One | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

A Force of One | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

A Force of One | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2022

On August 2, 2022, Kino Lorber is releasing the Blu-ray for A Force of One, a 1979 actioner directed by Paul Aaron (Deadly Force) and starring martial arts legend, Chuck Norris (Slaughter in San Francisco, Code of Silence, Way of the Dragon).

From the writer of The French Connection comes a martial arts battle of vengeance and honor. He hears the silence. He sees the darkness. He’s the only one who can stop the killing. One by one, a squad of undercover narcotics agents is being eliminated by a mysterious assassin. Those felled are left virtually unmarked, except for one cruel death mark—the work of a lethal martial artist. To help discover the identity of the karate killer, the police enlist the aid of Matt Logan (Chuck Norris), who’s training to defend his title against Jerry Sparks (kickboxer Bill “Superfoot” Wallace). Amanda Rust (Jennifer O’Neill), a key member of the undercover team, is the first to put the pieces together. Can she warn Logan before he steps into Continue reading

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Good Guys Wear Black | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Good Guys Wear Black | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

Good Guys Wear Black | Blu-ray (Kino Lorber)

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2022

On August 2, 2022, Kino Lorber is releasing the Blu-ray for Good Guys Wear Black, a 1978 actioner directed by Ted Post (Magnum Force, Hang ‘Em High) and starring martial arts legend, Chuck Norris (Slaughter in San Francisco, Code of Silence, Way of the Dragon).

In Good Guys Wear Black, an ex-US Army commando (Norris) must find the reason why his comrades from his unit are being systematically murdered before he is next.

The film also stars Anne Archer (Fatal Attraction), James Franciscus (Longstreet), Lloyd Haynes (Dynasty), Dana Continue reading

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