Director; Su-chang Kong
Starring; Woo-seong Kam
Genre; Horror/ thriller
Year; 2004
Release; UK Tartan Asia Extreme
Little Korean horror flick. A bunch of Korean soldiers, during the 2nd Vietnam war, are sent to find the source of mysterious radio transmissions, apparently sent by a unit that vanished 6 months previously. Another film that shows a lot of promise, but falls short of the mark. It never really builds any atmosphere, and just when it might do, the story cuts away. At the point in the film where things should start to come together, it just descends into a confusing mess. You know roughly whats going on, you just don't know why. The ending seems to happen for no apparent reason. Not really scarey enough to be a horror, not enough thrills to be a thriller.
Monday 8 September 2008
Heroic Duo
Director; Benny Chan
Starring; Ekin Cheng, Leon Lai
Genre; Action/ Drama
Year; 2003
Release; UK Tartan Asia Extreme
HK made thriller, made during the decline of such things. Everything starts off with such promise. It's quite clever, and rather slickly made. It all looks good, and plays out quite well, untill you get to the end. Then it all goes wrong, becoming everything that was wrong with HK thrillers of this period. It's ok, and perfectly watchable, but, it's all a case of same old same old towards the end. Shame.
Starring; Ekin Cheng, Leon Lai
Genre; Action/ Drama
Year; 2003
Release; UK Tartan Asia Extreme
HK made thriller, made during the decline of such things. Everything starts off with such promise. It's quite clever, and rather slickly made. It all looks good, and plays out quite well, untill you get to the end. Then it all goes wrong, becoming everything that was wrong with HK thrillers of this period. It's ok, and perfectly watchable, but, it's all a case of same old same old towards the end. Shame.
Friday 5 September 2008
Initial D
Director; Wai-keung Lau
Starring; Jay Chou, Edison Chen, Anthony Wong
Genre; Action, Car
Year; 2005
Release; UK Contender
Live action version of a popular Manga and Anime series. Centred in the world of street racing, more specifically, the drifting style. Comparisons wih F&F3; Tokyo Drift are inevitable, so here goes. Tokyo drift is an overplayed, overhyped, nonsensical pile of shit. Initial D is somewhat better than that. Ok, the story is rather cheesey, but so is most Manga (unless it's utterly incomprehensible). It's the action, and the style, that this stuff is about, and here it scores quite well. The drifting scenes are unfaked, they really are hanging the back out on mountain roads, this gives the driving scenes a certain edge.
Although this is filmed in Japan (the birthplace of drifting as a competetive race style, and the story setting), it was made by Chinese, and the cast is chinese too. It's a decent enough film, for a bit of fun.
Starring; Jay Chou, Edison Chen, Anthony Wong
Genre; Action, Car
Year; 2005
Release; UK Contender
Live action version of a popular Manga and Anime series. Centred in the world of street racing, more specifically, the drifting style. Comparisons wih F&F3; Tokyo Drift are inevitable, so here goes. Tokyo drift is an overplayed, overhyped, nonsensical pile of shit. Initial D is somewhat better than that. Ok, the story is rather cheesey, but so is most Manga (unless it's utterly incomprehensible). It's the action, and the style, that this stuff is about, and here it scores quite well. The drifting scenes are unfaked, they really are hanging the back out on mountain roads, this gives the driving scenes a certain edge.
Although this is filmed in Japan (the birthplace of drifting as a competetive race style, and the story setting), it was made by Chinese, and the cast is chinese too. It's a decent enough film, for a bit of fun.
Saturday 16 August 2008
Godzilla vs. Mothra: Battle For Earth
Director: Takao Okawara
Starring: Tetsuya Bessho, Satomi Kobyashi
Genre: Kaiju (monster)
Year: 1992
Release: HK Universe
Since the series has been rebooted, we need a new Mothra now. None too-dissimilar from the origins of the original, due to deforestation, a storm, caused by a comet hitting the earth, caused a huge landslide on remote pacific island, Infant Island. This exposes a giant egg. The company that owns said island, decides to bring it to Japan, as an attraction, and blackmails an Indiana-Jones ripoff archaeologist (In jail in Thailand, for indy-type pillaging) to bring it back. Also along for the ride, is some doris, who happens to be his ex-wife, co-incindently. The comet also woke up Godzilla, and Battra, a kind of evil Mothra. Handily, the Cosmos twins are on hand, to explain all this, and look devilishly cute in their little pink dresses. The egg is being towed across the sea, when 'zilla appears, egg hatches, and there's a quick fight with larvae state mothra. The upshot of all this is, Mothra and Battra have a fight, Godzilla shows up, in order to save earth from him, the 2 flyers team up, and, with the aid of a ferris wheel, fuck g-man back into the sea, from whence he came. Battra gets wasted in the process, but it turns out that he was waiting to save earth from a giant comet that is going to hit, so Mothra heads off to do it.
A good one this, there's a mix of kids stuff, and more adult-orientated stuff going on here. Mothra is, as ever, the good guy, the only one I can think of who's never been a baddy (heel?). Battra is unclear, as he fights Mothra. G-Man is himself, and fights everything. Some nice visuals going on here too. All in, well worth it.
Starring: Tetsuya Bessho, Satomi Kobyashi
Genre: Kaiju (monster)
Year: 1992
Release: HK Universe
Since the series has been rebooted, we need a new Mothra now. None too-dissimilar from the origins of the original, due to deforestation, a storm, caused by a comet hitting the earth, caused a huge landslide on remote pacific island, Infant Island. This exposes a giant egg. The company that owns said island, decides to bring it to Japan, as an attraction, and blackmails an Indiana-Jones ripoff archaeologist (In jail in Thailand, for indy-type pillaging) to bring it back. Also along for the ride, is some doris, who happens to be his ex-wife, co-incindently. The comet also woke up Godzilla, and Battra, a kind of evil Mothra. Handily, the Cosmos twins are on hand, to explain all this, and look devilishly cute in their little pink dresses. The egg is being towed across the sea, when 'zilla appears, egg hatches, and there's a quick fight with larvae state mothra. The upshot of all this is, Mothra and Battra have a fight, Godzilla shows up, in order to save earth from him, the 2 flyers team up, and, with the aid of a ferris wheel, fuck g-man back into the sea, from whence he came. Battra gets wasted in the process, but it turns out that he was waiting to save earth from a giant comet that is going to hit, so Mothra heads off to do it.
A good one this, there's a mix of kids stuff, and more adult-orientated stuff going on here. Mothra is, as ever, the good guy, the only one I can think of who's never been a baddy (heel?). Battra is unclear, as he fights Mothra. G-Man is himself, and fights everything. Some nice visuals going on here too. All in, well worth it.
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
Director: Kazuki Omori
Starring: Kosuki Toyohari, Anna Nakagawa, Megumi Odaka
Genre: Kaiju (monster)
Year: 1991
Release: HK, Universe
3rd film in the 'Hensai' period of Godzilla flicks. The series rebooted in 1985, so here we have the big grey guy, fighting Ghidorah, with a new story behind them. Ghidorah is no longer a space monster, as was previously, this story has it being created by people from earths future. The story is convoluted, to say the least, but it goes something along these lines. In 1944, a batallion of Japanese soldiers are about to get defeated, on some remote Pacific island. A T-Rex appears, and saves them. No-one bothers to explain how it's survived for millions of years, on a small island, undetected, but there you go. Rexy does the biz, but gets a pasting by The Yank ships. In 1954, Yankland lets off an H-bomb, on the Bikini atoll. The island that rexy is on is nearby, and the radiation mutates him, creating duh duh duuuuuuuuhhhh, Godzilla. Now, cut to 1992. Some dudes, from the future, show up, claiming that Japan is totally destroyed in their time, they want to stop Godzilla before he gets a chance. They grab some folks from 92, head on back to 1944, and teleport rexy away, stopping the creation of Godzilla in the first place. Only, and here's where it really gets twisty, they leave behind 3 Dorats (cutesy winged things, from the future). These 3 get the blast instead, creating King Ghidorah. Ghidorah is under the future dudes control, and promptly starts laying waste to Japan. Japan had gotten too big, in the future, and controlled everything, these guy want to stop it from ever happening. Now, in order to fight Ghidorah, a weapon is needed, something capable of taking it on. How about a giant, radioactivly mutated T-Rex? Knowing how Godzilla was created, they send a nuclear sub to where future dudes teleported rexy, in order to irradiate him. Only, he's already mutated when they get there, (his creation is inevitable, see?), by other nuclear material, so, with the extra from the sub, he becomes even bigger than he did originally (uh-oh). Cue big scrap with Ghidorah. Thanks to one of their kind defecting, and some help, future dudes lose control of Ghidorah, and Godzilla gives him a pasting, chucking him in the sea. Thats Japan saved then, but, oh noes, now Godzilla is on the rampage. Future dudes are now dead, except for one, the defecter, so she heads to the future, finds Ghidorah, ressurects it, using cyborg technology, from the future, and comes back to stop Godzilla.
Aaaaaaaaaand breath.
The story is absolutly full of holes and paradoxes. Plus, outright baffeling moments, like why do future dudes bother with 1992, why not just go back to 44? Why does the one who defects even go? she must have known the intent for Ghidorah, and what they were up to, she released the Dorats, ffs. Anyway, despite the bonkers storyline (even by godzilla standards), this is still great fun. G-man is a badass all the way in this period, he doesn't fight Ghidorah to save humans, he fights it 'cos he's a tough nut who loves a scrap. During his rampage after, he meets face to face with a soldier from the island he saved. Giving a little nod of recognition, he then blasts him, full force. G-man is baaaaaad. Fun little way to while away 100-odd minutes.
Starring: Kosuki Toyohari, Anna Nakagawa, Megumi Odaka
Genre: Kaiju (monster)
Year: 1991
Release: HK, Universe
3rd film in the 'Hensai' period of Godzilla flicks. The series rebooted in 1985, so here we have the big grey guy, fighting Ghidorah, with a new story behind them. Ghidorah is no longer a space monster, as was previously, this story has it being created by people from earths future. The story is convoluted, to say the least, but it goes something along these lines. In 1944, a batallion of Japanese soldiers are about to get defeated, on some remote Pacific island. A T-Rex appears, and saves them. No-one bothers to explain how it's survived for millions of years, on a small island, undetected, but there you go. Rexy does the biz, but gets a pasting by The Yank ships. In 1954, Yankland lets off an H-bomb, on the Bikini atoll. The island that rexy is on is nearby, and the radiation mutates him, creating duh duh duuuuuuuuhhhh, Godzilla. Now, cut to 1992. Some dudes, from the future, show up, claiming that Japan is totally destroyed in their time, they want to stop Godzilla before he gets a chance. They grab some folks from 92, head on back to 1944, and teleport rexy away, stopping the creation of Godzilla in the first place. Only, and here's where it really gets twisty, they leave behind 3 Dorats (cutesy winged things, from the future). These 3 get the blast instead, creating King Ghidorah. Ghidorah is under the future dudes control, and promptly starts laying waste to Japan. Japan had gotten too big, in the future, and controlled everything, these guy want to stop it from ever happening. Now, in order to fight Ghidorah, a weapon is needed, something capable of taking it on. How about a giant, radioactivly mutated T-Rex? Knowing how Godzilla was created, they send a nuclear sub to where future dudes teleported rexy, in order to irradiate him. Only, he's already mutated when they get there, (his creation is inevitable, see?), by other nuclear material, so, with the extra from the sub, he becomes even bigger than he did originally (uh-oh). Cue big scrap with Ghidorah. Thanks to one of their kind defecting, and some help, future dudes lose control of Ghidorah, and Godzilla gives him a pasting, chucking him in the sea. Thats Japan saved then, but, oh noes, now Godzilla is on the rampage. Future dudes are now dead, except for one, the defecter, so she heads to the future, finds Ghidorah, ressurects it, using cyborg technology, from the future, and comes back to stop Godzilla.
Aaaaaaaaaand breath.
The story is absolutly full of holes and paradoxes. Plus, outright baffeling moments, like why do future dudes bother with 1992, why not just go back to 44? Why does the one who defects even go? she must have known the intent for Ghidorah, and what they were up to, she released the Dorats, ffs. Anyway, despite the bonkers storyline (even by godzilla standards), this is still great fun. G-man is a badass all the way in this period, he doesn't fight Ghidorah to save humans, he fights it 'cos he's a tough nut who loves a scrap. During his rampage after, he meets face to face with a soldier from the island he saved. Giving a little nod of recognition, he then blasts him, full force. G-man is baaaaaad. Fun little way to while away 100-odd minutes.
Tuesday 12 August 2008
The Princess Bride
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring; Carey Elwes; Mandy Pantakin, Andre The Giant, Robin Wright Penn
Genre; Comedy, adventure
Year; 1987
Release; UK Cable
Often overlooked, and somewhat underrated, this is a fun little satire. Full of subtle humour, but not many huge laughs. Excellent fun, and can be watched with the family. The little swipes at swashbuckling films are great.
Starring; Carey Elwes; Mandy Pantakin, Andre The Giant, Robin Wright Penn
Genre; Comedy, adventure
Year; 1987
Release; UK Cable
Often overlooked, and somewhat underrated, this is a fun little satire. Full of subtle humour, but not many huge laughs. Excellent fun, and can be watched with the family. The little swipes at swashbuckling films are great.
Sunday 10 August 2008
Blade Runner: Final Cut
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer
Genre: Sci-Fi
Year: 1982
Release: UK Ultimate Collectors tin box
Ridley Scott's vision of a future that's cluttered, somewhat decayed, and seemingly permanently dark and wet, is a thing of beauty indeed. The whole environment looks jury-rigged, and created on the fly. Only very loosely based on Philip K Dick's novel, Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep, this is mainly the vision of Scott. In case you don't know, a group of latest generation, Nexus 6, 'replicants' (they're not androids, as such), have escaped, and are loose on Earth. Ford is the Blade Runner, cops who specialise in hunting them, called out of retirement, to catch them. Very philosophical in it's approach, this film is very dark, and full of deep, meaningful (and very quoteable) snippets and monlogues. Hauer gives the performance of his career, as the leader of the group. Ford is great as Decker, slightly vunerable, and not the invincible supercop that let this kind of film down so often. This version, the Final Cut, is the second re-do, of the film that more or less invented the Directors Cut. The DC is better than the theatrical release, imho. This is, basically, just the DC, with the violence cuts re-instated, and a load of continuity errors fixed. This release, however, has all 3, plus workprints, so, even if you're one of those weirdo's that prefer the theatrical release, it's in there.
Required viewing.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer
Genre: Sci-Fi
Year: 1982
Release: UK Ultimate Collectors tin box
Ridley Scott's vision of a future that's cluttered, somewhat decayed, and seemingly permanently dark and wet, is a thing of beauty indeed. The whole environment looks jury-rigged, and created on the fly. Only very loosely based on Philip K Dick's novel, Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep, this is mainly the vision of Scott. In case you don't know, a group of latest generation, Nexus 6, 'replicants' (they're not androids, as such), have escaped, and are loose on Earth. Ford is the Blade Runner, cops who specialise in hunting them, called out of retirement, to catch them. Very philosophical in it's approach, this film is very dark, and full of deep, meaningful (and very quoteable) snippets and monlogues. Hauer gives the performance of his career, as the leader of the group. Ford is great as Decker, slightly vunerable, and not the invincible supercop that let this kind of film down so often. This version, the Final Cut, is the second re-do, of the film that more or less invented the Directors Cut. The DC is better than the theatrical release, imho. This is, basically, just the DC, with the violence cuts re-instated, and a load of continuity errors fixed. This release, however, has all 3, plus workprints, so, even if you're one of those weirdo's that prefer the theatrical release, it's in there.
Required viewing.
Thursday 7 August 2008
Life
Director; Ted Demme
Starring; Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence
Genre; Drama/ Comedy
Year; 1999
Release; UK Cable
Hmmmmm, this is odd. Eddie (3 good films and a voiceover) Murphy, and Martin (why am I famous?) Lawrence, team up in this comedy drama. Starting in 1932, the pair head on South, to pick up a truckload of hooch, get framed for murder, and sentanced to life imprisonment. Basically the film is about their life, on some kind of prison farm type deely. It's not really funny, it's rather cliche'd, rips off every other prison movie made, the ending is crap, and not a great deal really goes on.
Why do I like it? I caught it starting on cable, and couldn't drag myself away, and I'd seen it before.
Maybe it's Murphy, he is good at being Murphy, but I think that's the films major problem. The basic story is ok, and there's potential here. If Murphy could stop being Murphy and act ( he can, you know, it shows in small bursts), this could have been a really good film. It's certainly not Lawrence, never could get on with that git. I can't explain it, it's the best thing Murphy has done since Beverley Hills Cop, but that's not hard, as everything else (barring the Donkey voiceovers in Shrek, but they're Murphy being Murphy again) is turgid shite.
I know I have a passion for shit films, but thats stuff like Godzilla and chop socky. I should hate this, and I don't. It has something, what I don't know, but something.
Starring; Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence
Genre; Drama/ Comedy
Year; 1999
Release; UK Cable
Hmmmmm, this is odd. Eddie (3 good films and a voiceover) Murphy, and Martin (why am I famous?) Lawrence, team up in this comedy drama. Starting in 1932, the pair head on South, to pick up a truckload of hooch, get framed for murder, and sentanced to life imprisonment. Basically the film is about their life, on some kind of prison farm type deely. It's not really funny, it's rather cliche'd, rips off every other prison movie made, the ending is crap, and not a great deal really goes on.
Why do I like it? I caught it starting on cable, and couldn't drag myself away, and I'd seen it before.
Maybe it's Murphy, he is good at being Murphy, but I think that's the films major problem. The basic story is ok, and there's potential here. If Murphy could stop being Murphy and act ( he can, you know, it shows in small bursts), this could have been a really good film. It's certainly not Lawrence, never could get on with that git. I can't explain it, it's the best thing Murphy has done since Beverley Hills Cop, but that's not hard, as everything else (barring the Donkey voiceovers in Shrek, but they're Murphy being Murphy again) is turgid shite.
I know I have a passion for shit films, but thats stuff like Godzilla and chop socky. I should hate this, and I don't. It has something, what I don't know, but something.
I Am Legend
Director; Francis Lawrence
Starring; Will Smith
Genre; Thriller
Year; 2007
Release; UK Warner (Blu Ray)
I'm no great fan of Mr Smith, so the prospect of a film consisting mostly of him was a worrying thing. Lets get this straight, I only watched this for a couple of reasons. One, I had a bad back, and couldn't be arsed to occupy myself in any meaningful way. Two, I have recently bought both a PS3, and a Sony Bravia HD LCD TV. This film was bundled, on Blu Ray, with the PS3, and is the only BR film I have. I wanted to see how the whole thing looked, on my posh telly. Great picture. Pity about the boring film. Not the first time this story has been filmed, but by far the most pointless attempt at it. The best thing I can say is at least Smith tried to play someone else, for once, and not just himself. They do attempt to tackle the psycological issues the situation would raise. But fail, badly. Huge sections of nothing much happens, followed by brief running, failing to catch deer, then nothing for some more. The effects of a decaying NY are good enough, but lack atmosphere, it's all just so sterile. Watch Omega Man instead, or Last Man On Earth, or even I Am Omega (cheap ripoff, brought to you by legendary auteurs Asylum, ripoff masters who also made Snakes On A Train, among others), is better than this. Actually, that's by far Asylums best film, and is a pretty decent take on the subject, although you have to make allowances for fuck all budget.
Starring; Will Smith
Genre; Thriller
Year; 2007
Release; UK Warner (Blu Ray)
I'm no great fan of Mr Smith, so the prospect of a film consisting mostly of him was a worrying thing. Lets get this straight, I only watched this for a couple of reasons. One, I had a bad back, and couldn't be arsed to occupy myself in any meaningful way. Two, I have recently bought both a PS3, and a Sony Bravia HD LCD TV. This film was bundled, on Blu Ray, with the PS3, and is the only BR film I have. I wanted to see how the whole thing looked, on my posh telly. Great picture. Pity about the boring film. Not the first time this story has been filmed, but by far the most pointless attempt at it. The best thing I can say is at least Smith tried to play someone else, for once, and not just himself. They do attempt to tackle the psycological issues the situation would raise. But fail, badly. Huge sections of nothing much happens, followed by brief running, failing to catch deer, then nothing for some more. The effects of a decaying NY are good enough, but lack atmosphere, it's all just so sterile. Watch Omega Man instead, or Last Man On Earth, or even I Am Omega (cheap ripoff, brought to you by legendary auteurs Asylum, ripoff masters who also made Snakes On A Train, among others), is better than this. Actually, that's by far Asylums best film, and is a pretty decent take on the subject, although you have to make allowances for fuck all budget.
Die Hard 4.0
Director; Len Wiseman
Starring; Bruce Willis
Genre; Action
Year; 2007
Release; UK Cable
I like the first 3 Die Hard films, great examples of how no brainer action films should be done. So I approached this with a certain expectation. Damn did I get let down. Watered down, for a lower rating, this lacks everything that made the earlier films so much fun. They even trim MClaines catchphrase down, what the fuck is that about? That Tim Elephant bloke is unconvincing and unscarey, and has seemingly had a charisma bypass. Maybe he should watch Alan Rickman in the first one, that's how to play the badguy. Interesting to see Kevin Smith in a film he didn't make, although he's playing a Star Wars obsessed nerd, so it's hardly a stretch for him. With the wet action, and missing swearing, it's just boring.
Starring; Bruce Willis
Genre; Action
Year; 2007
Release; UK Cable
I like the first 3 Die Hard films, great examples of how no brainer action films should be done. So I approached this with a certain expectation. Damn did I get let down. Watered down, for a lower rating, this lacks everything that made the earlier films so much fun. They even trim MClaines catchphrase down, what the fuck is that about? That Tim Elephant bloke is unconvincing and unscarey, and has seemingly had a charisma bypass. Maybe he should watch Alan Rickman in the first one, that's how to play the badguy. Interesting to see Kevin Smith in a film he didn't make, although he's playing a Star Wars obsessed nerd, so it's hardly a stretch for him. With the wet action, and missing swearing, it's just boring.
Sunday 27 July 2008
Heart Of The Dragon
Starring; Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung
Director; Sammo Hung
Genre; Drama/ Action
Year; 1985
Release; U.K. HKL
A quick comment. No reviews of late, as I bought a PS3, and my film-watching has dropped to zero. Have seen this though.
Well, it's Jackie and Sammo again, in another Sammo-directed action fest. Only it isn't. Trying something a bit different this time. Jackie is a cop (suprise), who is trying to balance a succesfull career, with looking after his mentally retarded brother (Hung), and also an overwhelming desire to sail. Add to this the complication of his girlfriend, and Chans life is somewhat difficult. This film, however, suffers from the same problems as Chans other attempts to try something different (Miracles, Gorgeous, Thunderbolt). Namely 2 things.
First, being as it's Chan, they crowbar in fight scenes, where they really don't fit. There's only one in this, and, while its a decent one (against the inevitable James Tien led gang, with Dick Wei and Phillip Ko heading the fighting), it has no real place in this film. The scene is made to fit a little better than in, say, Gorgeous, but ultimatley should not be there. However, it is notable that during the fight, Chan actually kills a couple of guys, quite graphically. Not usual for him.
Second, Chan really, really cannot act. No, he can't. Outside his usual role, which is the same guy in every film (different name, job, background, same guy), he's out of his depth. Never more evident than here, where he needs to explore the depths of emotion, it's just beyond him. Hung does ok, but it's not that hard to be a kid.
It's ok, not good, but not crap. I got it for a fiver in HMV, it's worth that, to fill up a Chan collection.
Director; Sammo Hung
Genre; Drama/ Action
Year; 1985
Release; U.K. HKL
A quick comment. No reviews of late, as I bought a PS3, and my film-watching has dropped to zero. Have seen this though.
Well, it's Jackie and Sammo again, in another Sammo-directed action fest. Only it isn't. Trying something a bit different this time. Jackie is a cop (suprise), who is trying to balance a succesfull career, with looking after his mentally retarded brother (Hung), and also an overwhelming desire to sail. Add to this the complication of his girlfriend, and Chans life is somewhat difficult. This film, however, suffers from the same problems as Chans other attempts to try something different (Miracles, Gorgeous, Thunderbolt). Namely 2 things.
First, being as it's Chan, they crowbar in fight scenes, where they really don't fit. There's only one in this, and, while its a decent one (against the inevitable James Tien led gang, with Dick Wei and Phillip Ko heading the fighting), it has no real place in this film. The scene is made to fit a little better than in, say, Gorgeous, but ultimatley should not be there. However, it is notable that during the fight, Chan actually kills a couple of guys, quite graphically. Not usual for him.
Second, Chan really, really cannot act. No, he can't. Outside his usual role, which is the same guy in every film (different name, job, background, same guy), he's out of his depth. Never more evident than here, where he needs to explore the depths of emotion, it's just beyond him. Hung does ok, but it's not that hard to be a kid.
It's ok, not good, but not crap. I got it for a fiver in HMV, it's worth that, to fill up a Chan collection.
Thursday 29 May 2008
The One-Armed Boxer vs. Flying Guillotene a.k.a. Master Of The Flying Guillotene
Director: Wong Yu
Starring; Wong Yu
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1975
Release; US
The sequal to The One-Armed Boxer. This time the master of the 2 Tibetian Lama Monks, who were dispatched in the first film, comes looking for his revenge. Centered around a martial-arts contest, the master has help, each a competitor. There's a Japanese guy, a Thai boxer and an Indian Yogi, sound familier? yes, just like the first film. However, the master, despite being blind, is armed with the fabled flying Guillotene. A device that is thrown over the head of someone, knives then come out and decapitates the poor recipient. A subject featured in quite a few films, the device is supposedly true. Well, there was supposed to be some kind of device that could decapitate at a distance, knocking around sometime in the Ming dynasty. No drawings, plans or descriptions exist though, so it's all guesswork. The movie versions are all basically similar. However they always seem very cumbersome and slow to me, you'd need the guy not to be aware that you were throwing it at them. However, who needs accuracy in chop socky movies?
More fun than the first, and, the different styles actually seem different during the fighting too, unlike the first one. Good fun, and well worth it.
Starring; Wong Yu
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1975
Release; US
The sequal to The One-Armed Boxer. This time the master of the 2 Tibetian Lama Monks, who were dispatched in the first film, comes looking for his revenge. Centered around a martial-arts contest, the master has help, each a competitor. There's a Japanese guy, a Thai boxer and an Indian Yogi, sound familier? yes, just like the first film. However, the master, despite being blind, is armed with the fabled flying Guillotene. A device that is thrown over the head of someone, knives then come out and decapitates the poor recipient. A subject featured in quite a few films, the device is supposedly true. Well, there was supposed to be some kind of device that could decapitate at a distance, knocking around sometime in the Ming dynasty. No drawings, plans or descriptions exist though, so it's all guesswork. The movie versions are all basically similar. However they always seem very cumbersome and slow to me, you'd need the guy not to be aware that you were throwing it at them. However, who needs accuracy in chop socky movies?
More fun than the first, and, the different styles actually seem different during the fighting too, unlike the first one. Good fun, and well worth it.
Saturday 24 May 2008
Kung Fu Cult Master
Director; Wong Jing
Starring; Jet Li, Chingmy Yau, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1993
Release; HK Mei Ah
More of my, less than, favourite genre of MA movies, Wu Xio. Lots of flying around and wire work, as you'd expect. Looks good too. The story, however, makes no real sense at all. This may be down to the English translation though, delving into 'Engrish' in places, I doubt very much their accuracy to the original script. On the upside, Chingmy Yau is dazzeling, as always. I think I got the basic gist of it, and it's ok as these things go.
Starring; Jet Li, Chingmy Yau, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1993
Release; HK Mei Ah
More of my, less than, favourite genre of MA movies, Wu Xio. Lots of flying around and wire work, as you'd expect. Looks good too. The story, however, makes no real sense at all. This may be down to the English translation though, delving into 'Engrish' in places, I doubt very much their accuracy to the original script. On the upside, Chingmy Yau is dazzeling, as always. I think I got the basic gist of it, and it's ok as these things go.
Tuesday 20 May 2008
War
Director; Philip G Atwell
Starring; Jet Li, Jason Statham
Genre; Action
Year; 2007
Release; UK Cable tv
I'm not a great fan of western made action movies. The action is often dull, predictable, lifeless and generally not very exciting. This is no exception. Statham is just some bald cockney twat, trying to blag his way as an action hero. The film just strolls through the various scenes, never really gripping you with a particularly good fight scene, or breathtaking stunt. Too many 'stylish' quick cuts and 'swooshy' sound effects. Li is utterly wasted in turgid crap like this. The only worthwhile thing about it was when you think he's a ruthless, stone-cold hitman, but, you know that it's gonna be some sort of crap cover story. And how crap does it turn out to be! This film does nothing but demonstrate all that is wrong with western action movies. Made me want to put on Once Upon A Time In China, just to remind myself how awesome Li can be.
Starring; Jet Li, Jason Statham
Genre; Action
Year; 2007
Release; UK Cable tv
I'm not a great fan of western made action movies. The action is often dull, predictable, lifeless and generally not very exciting. This is no exception. Statham is just some bald cockney twat, trying to blag his way as an action hero. The film just strolls through the various scenes, never really gripping you with a particularly good fight scene, or breathtaking stunt. Too many 'stylish' quick cuts and 'swooshy' sound effects. Li is utterly wasted in turgid crap like this. The only worthwhile thing about it was when you think he's a ruthless, stone-cold hitman, but, you know that it's gonna be some sort of crap cover story. And how crap does it turn out to be! This film does nothing but demonstrate all that is wrong with western action movies. Made me want to put on Once Upon A Time In China, just to remind myself how awesome Li can be.
Musashi Miyamoto Trilogy
Director; Hiroshi Inagaki
Starring; Toshiro Mifune
Genre; Samurai Drama
Year; 1954, 1955, 1956
Release; Korea YDM Vagabond Collection
Know largely, in the west at least, for his collaborations with legendary auteur Akira Kurosawa, Mifune here works under Inagaki. These are a trilogy of films depicting the tales of Japanese folk hero, Musashi Miyamoto. Fabled for his skill with a Katana, in 17th century feudal Japan, the tales do have an air of the embelleshment about them. However, who gives a rats arse about how true it all is? the tales are exciting, and that's what really matters. This first part tells the story of how he went from a wild, young, reckless and uncontrolled youth, and became a Samurai. The second deals with his wandering, learning to become a worthy samurai. The third film deals with the buildup to a big duel, with a highly skilled rival. Typical of Japanese samurai films of this era, the story plods along at a reasonable rate, with the film giving a certain air of calm (they all do this, especially the work of Kurosawa). The fight scenes are as far from later chop socky as you could get, really. Short sharp bursts of power, no swinging and flailing around. While the films do fall a little short of the greatness of the Kurosawa classics, that does not by any means mean they are bad films. Those films are on another level, these are mearly great movies. Definately to be seen. Incidently, I got my films from Korea, and they were packed in the wrong order, having virtually no English on the packaging, I could hardley tell which was which. So I watched them out of order.
Starring; Toshiro Mifune
Genre; Samurai Drama
Year; 1954, 1955, 1956
Release; Korea YDM Vagabond Collection
Know largely, in the west at least, for his collaborations with legendary auteur Akira Kurosawa, Mifune here works under Inagaki. These are a trilogy of films depicting the tales of Japanese folk hero, Musashi Miyamoto. Fabled for his skill with a Katana, in 17th century feudal Japan, the tales do have an air of the embelleshment about them. However, who gives a rats arse about how true it all is? the tales are exciting, and that's what really matters. This first part tells the story of how he went from a wild, young, reckless and uncontrolled youth, and became a Samurai. The second deals with his wandering, learning to become a worthy samurai. The third film deals with the buildup to a big duel, with a highly skilled rival. Typical of Japanese samurai films of this era, the story plods along at a reasonable rate, with the film giving a certain air of calm (they all do this, especially the work of Kurosawa). The fight scenes are as far from later chop socky as you could get, really. Short sharp bursts of power, no swinging and flailing around. While the films do fall a little short of the greatness of the Kurosawa classics, that does not by any means mean they are bad films. Those films are on another level, these are mearly great movies. Definately to be seen. Incidently, I got my films from Korea, and they were packed in the wrong order, having virtually no English on the packaging, I could hardley tell which was which. So I watched them out of order.
Killzone a.k.a. SPL
Director; Yip Wai Shun
Starring; Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, Simon Yam
Genre; Action/ Martial Arts/ Thriller
Year; 2005
Release; US Dragon Dynasty
Typically stylish, modern cop thriller from HK. Last minute changes added the martial arts scenes, after Donnie Yen was signed up. TBH, they could have left them out, it would be a cool cop thriller. Instead, you have a cool cop thriller, with kung fu. Sammo can still move, despite being in his mid fifties, although he looks menacing in this, a very rare bad guy role. Yam shows his class, as ever. All in, a worthy way to while away some time.
Starring; Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, Simon Yam
Genre; Action/ Martial Arts/ Thriller
Year; 2005
Release; US Dragon Dynasty
Typically stylish, modern cop thriller from HK. Last minute changes added the martial arts scenes, after Donnie Yen was signed up. TBH, they could have left them out, it would be a cool cop thriller. Instead, you have a cool cop thriller, with kung fu. Sammo can still move, despite being in his mid fifties, although he looks menacing in this, a very rare bad guy role. Yam shows his class, as ever. All in, a worthy way to while away some time.
Monday 19 May 2008
The One-Armed Boxer
Director; Wong Yu
Starring; Wong Yu
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1971
Release; US Bonzai
Ok, first off, I'm being uber-geeky and using the correct spelling of the director/ star. Wong Yu, more commonly known as Wang Yu (a very early misspell that just got repeated), or Jimmy Wang Yu. Now, the film. It has absolutly nothing at all to do with the earlier Shaw Brothers classic, The One-Armed Swordsman, also starring Wong Yu. This is a Golden Harvest film, made shortly after Raymond Chow left Shaw Bro's and set up on his own. Here, our intrepid but unlucky hero is involved in a typical 'honour of our school' type story. There are also many forms of MA on show here, as the story brings together fighters from all over Asia. Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, Tibet (those pesky Lamas again) and, bizzarely, and Indian who uses Yoga as a fighting style. This film is early in the genre of martial arts movies, and it shows. The various fighters are blacked up in the most comical way. The Yogis moves are accomplished with obvious stop-motion. Worse though, are the fights. Wong Yu is very skilled in real martial arts, but, for me, he never quite cut it on the screen. Too jerky and obviously choreographed, his kicks and punches lack any conviction or power, you just never get the impression he'd hurt anyone. This, however, was a fault with many cheap, 70's chop socky films, especially the early ones. The different fighters too, although perform katas in a convincing way, all look the same while fighting, you'd never know they were using vastly different styles. Oh, and the way Yu loses his arm? Give over!
Don't get me wrong though, this is a decent enough film, and a significant one in helping define the genre in those early days. I prefer the sequal though, Master Of The Flying Guillotene, it's more fun.
Starring; Wong Yu
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1971
Release; US Bonzai
Ok, first off, I'm being uber-geeky and using the correct spelling of the director/ star. Wong Yu, more commonly known as Wang Yu (a very early misspell that just got repeated), or Jimmy Wang Yu. Now, the film. It has absolutly nothing at all to do with the earlier Shaw Brothers classic, The One-Armed Swordsman, also starring Wong Yu. This is a Golden Harvest film, made shortly after Raymond Chow left Shaw Bro's and set up on his own. Here, our intrepid but unlucky hero is involved in a typical 'honour of our school' type story. There are also many forms of MA on show here, as the story brings together fighters from all over Asia. Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, Tibet (those pesky Lamas again) and, bizzarely, and Indian who uses Yoga as a fighting style. This film is early in the genre of martial arts movies, and it shows. The various fighters are blacked up in the most comical way. The Yogis moves are accomplished with obvious stop-motion. Worse though, are the fights. Wong Yu is very skilled in real martial arts, but, for me, he never quite cut it on the screen. Too jerky and obviously choreographed, his kicks and punches lack any conviction or power, you just never get the impression he'd hurt anyone. This, however, was a fault with many cheap, 70's chop socky films, especially the early ones. The different fighters too, although perform katas in a convincing way, all look the same while fighting, you'd never know they were using vastly different styles. Oh, and the way Yu loses his arm? Give over!
Don't get me wrong though, this is a decent enough film, and a significant one in helping define the genre in those early days. I prefer the sequal though, Master Of The Flying Guillotene, it's more fun.
Django
Director; Sergio Corbucci
Starring; Franco Nero
Genre; Western
Year; 1966
Release; Korea Neo Sense
One of the best spaghetti westerns made (not the best, but very high up there). Nero does well in the title role, as the coffin dragging stranger. The story is a little reminiscent of Yojimbo/ AFOD, but it's told well. A really good example of the genre, and not to be missed.
Starring; Franco Nero
Genre; Western
Year; 1966
Release; Korea Neo Sense
One of the best spaghetti westerns made (not the best, but very high up there). Nero does well in the title role, as the coffin dragging stranger. The story is a little reminiscent of Yojimbo/ AFOD, but it's told well. A really good example of the genre, and not to be missed.
Saturday 10 May 2008
Django Kill If You Live, Shoot!
Director; Guilio Questi
Starring; Thomas Milan
Genre; Western
Year; 1973
Release; UK Argent Films
One of the many, many Django rip-offs. This film has the square root of fuck all to do with the official films. Having said that, it's an intriguing film in its own right. Basically it's Yojimbo again, but somewhat twisted. Very surreal in places, and quite bloody in it's uncut form. Well worth finding out, for something a little different.
Starring; Thomas Milan
Genre; Western
Year; 1973
Release; UK Argent Films
One of the many, many Django rip-offs. This film has the square root of fuck all to do with the official films. Having said that, it's an intriguing film in its own right. Basically it's Yojimbo again, but somewhat twisted. Very surreal in places, and quite bloody in it's uncut form. Well worth finding out, for something a little different.
The Owl vs. Bumbo
Director; Sammo Hung
Starring; Sammo Hung
Genre; Comedy, martial arts
Year; 1983
Release; HK Fortune Star
A fairly lightweight comedy about former crooks being blackmailed into helping delinquents. Ok enough, it has its moments, some of the fights are pretty good, but it's not really that kind of movie. Michelle Yeoh turns up in a very early role, no action for her here, just a role as a teacher. A passable enough film.
Starring; Sammo Hung
Genre; Comedy, martial arts
Year; 1983
Release; HK Fortune Star
A fairly lightweight comedy about former crooks being blackmailed into helping delinquents. Ok enough, it has its moments, some of the fights are pretty good, but it's not really that kind of movie. Michelle Yeoh turns up in a very early role, no action for her here, just a role as a teacher. A passable enough film.
Wednesday 7 May 2008
Police Story 2
Director; Jackie Chan
Starring; Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1988
Release; UK HK Legends
Inevitably, a sequal had to come. Fortunatly, Chan kept hold of all the reins, to make that rarest of things in the film world. A sequal than can hold it's own against the original. This time Chan has 2 sets of foes to contend with, the original lot are still pestering him, but they are secondary really, to the new, and main ones. More great action and stunt sequences, and a great fight with Benny Tai (a guy from his stuntteam). There also a nod to the battleing babes sub-genre, with 3 hard kicking policewomen. Not content with with twatting himself and his stuntcrew up, he manages to crack Cheungs skull too, pay attention to the last 10 minutes, you never see her face as she couldn't finish the movie (it's actually Crystal Kwok, who has a small part in the film anyway).
Superb film, and a great and worthy sequal. Watch back to back with part 1 for a great double-feature viewing.
Starring; Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1988
Release; UK HK Legends
Inevitably, a sequal had to come. Fortunatly, Chan kept hold of all the reins, to make that rarest of things in the film world. A sequal than can hold it's own against the original. This time Chan has 2 sets of foes to contend with, the original lot are still pestering him, but they are secondary really, to the new, and main ones. More great action and stunt sequences, and a great fight with Benny Tai (a guy from his stuntteam). There also a nod to the battleing babes sub-genre, with 3 hard kicking policewomen. Not content with with twatting himself and his stuntcrew up, he manages to crack Cheungs skull too, pay attention to the last 10 minutes, you never see her face as she couldn't finish the movie (it's actually Crystal Kwok, who has a small part in the film anyway).
Superb film, and a great and worthy sequal. Watch back to back with part 1 for a great double-feature viewing.
Police Sory
Director; Jackie Chan
Starring; Jackie Chan; Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1985
Release; UK HK Legends
Ok folks, this is pretty much it, everything you see made in HK after this, owes something to it (action wise anyway), as does western cinema. Pissed off with attempts to break into the west, and being hamstrung by restrictive conditions, resulting in the pitiful Battle Creek Brawl and the damn awfulness of The Protector, Chan fucked off home, to make something he had complete control over. And this is it. The action is insane, right from the off. From the cars destroying the hillside shanty town, to the bus chase, to the various smaller fights, to the climax in the mall, the action, stunts and fightwork are nothing short of incredible. Many of Chan's stuntteam (his own crew that he uses, he was one and stays true to his roots by running his own crew) wound up in hospital, as did Chan himself. Chan can no longer get insurance in HK after this, and you can see why. The mall fight is an example of how Chan dreams up fight scenarios in unusual places, then fits the film around them. He may have a scenario worked out months, or years, before he has a film to put it in. The weak point is the storyline. Rudimentary, cheesey and a little naieve, it's obviously only there to tie the action scenes together. Cheung is as lovely as ever though, and Lin looks cute too.
Absolutely essential viewing, for anyone with the remotest enjoyment of action films. Watch it dubbed, if you really have to and cant cope with subtitles, just watch it.
Starring; Jackie Chan; Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1985
Release; UK HK Legends
Ok folks, this is pretty much it, everything you see made in HK after this, owes something to it (action wise anyway), as does western cinema. Pissed off with attempts to break into the west, and being hamstrung by restrictive conditions, resulting in the pitiful Battle Creek Brawl and the damn awfulness of The Protector, Chan fucked off home, to make something he had complete control over. And this is it. The action is insane, right from the off. From the cars destroying the hillside shanty town, to the bus chase, to the various smaller fights, to the climax in the mall, the action, stunts and fightwork are nothing short of incredible. Many of Chan's stuntteam (his own crew that he uses, he was one and stays true to his roots by running his own crew) wound up in hospital, as did Chan himself. Chan can no longer get insurance in HK after this, and you can see why. The mall fight is an example of how Chan dreams up fight scenarios in unusual places, then fits the film around them. He may have a scenario worked out months, or years, before he has a film to put it in. The weak point is the storyline. Rudimentary, cheesey and a little naieve, it's obviously only there to tie the action scenes together. Cheung is as lovely as ever though, and Lin looks cute too.
Absolutely essential viewing, for anyone with the remotest enjoyment of action films. Watch it dubbed, if you really have to and cant cope with subtitles, just watch it.
The Killers
Director; Don Siegal
Starring; Lee Marvin, Clu Gallagher, Angie Dickenson, Ronald Reagen, John Casseavettes
Genre; Thriller
Year; 1964
Release; UK Cable tv
Nifty little thriller this. Made originally as part of a TV series, but deemed too strong, so released as a film. Based, very very loosley (ok, so it takes very little really) on an Earnest Hemingway short, this is quite a cute little story. Some pointers to how thing have changed, since the early 60's too. In one scene, a guy (Casseavettes) lies comatose in hospital, after having crashed his racecar and got a bit toasted. He wakes up, now, what does his friend, who has been keeping a bedside vigil do? fetch a doctor/ nurse? press the alarm button? no, he lights a cigarette and immediatly gives it to the patient! "Great, you're alive! Here, get cancer" Marvin is Marvin, and that makes this super-cool. Well worth seeking out on cable.
Starring; Lee Marvin, Clu Gallagher, Angie Dickenson, Ronald Reagen, John Casseavettes
Genre; Thriller
Year; 1964
Release; UK Cable tv
Nifty little thriller this. Made originally as part of a TV series, but deemed too strong, so released as a film. Based, very very loosley (ok, so it takes very little really) on an Earnest Hemingway short, this is quite a cute little story. Some pointers to how thing have changed, since the early 60's too. In one scene, a guy (Casseavettes) lies comatose in hospital, after having crashed his racecar and got a bit toasted. He wakes up, now, what does his friend, who has been keeping a bedside vigil do? fetch a doctor/ nurse? press the alarm button? no, he lights a cigarette and immediatly gives it to the patient! "Great, you're alive! Here, get cancer" Marvin is Marvin, and that makes this super-cool. Well worth seeking out on cable.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple
Director; Godfrey Ho
Starring; Hwang Jang-Lee, Dragon Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1983
Release; UK Delta
Cheap, churned out by the dozen chop socky nonsense. Dragon Lee is reasonable enough, Hwang Jang-Lee phones it in. Very meh!. I'm not convinced Ho directed it, I'm sure this was made in South Korea, ah well, who cares?
Starring; Hwang Jang-Lee, Dragon Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1983
Release; UK Delta
Cheap, churned out by the dozen chop socky nonsense. Dragon Lee is reasonable enough, Hwang Jang-Lee phones it in. Very meh!. I'm not convinced Ho directed it, I'm sure this was made in South Korea, ah well, who cares?
Magnificent Warriors
Director; David Chung
Starring; Michelle Yeoh, Richard Ng
Genre; Action, martial arts
Year; 1987
Release; UK HK Legends
Set in a fictional area of Japanese occupied territory, during ww2, this romp has a feel of Indiana Jones about it, although theres no relic hunting, it has a similar feel to watching it. Superb action, some good fights, and, for once, Ng doesn't irritate the hell out of me. Something worth noting, because of the setting, Yeoh is minus the caked on make-up, and full-can-of -hairspray look that plagued her other films at this time. She never suited that look, and here, more natural looking, she's a real cutie (you can apply the same to Cynthia Rothrock too, she looks better in later films, minus the 80's crap), Yeoh never looked better than she does here. Speaking of cuties, this film features a certain Chindy Lau, a little darling who, sadley, seems to have had only a short lived career, shame. Cracking actioner this, with an obviously bigger than average budget. Essential viewing for any fan.
Starring; Michelle Yeoh, Richard Ng
Genre; Action, martial arts
Year; 1987
Release; UK HK Legends
Set in a fictional area of Japanese occupied territory, during ww2, this romp has a feel of Indiana Jones about it, although theres no relic hunting, it has a similar feel to watching it. Superb action, some good fights, and, for once, Ng doesn't irritate the hell out of me. Something worth noting, because of the setting, Yeoh is minus the caked on make-up, and full-can-of -hairspray look that plagued her other films at this time. She never suited that look, and here, more natural looking, she's a real cutie (you can apply the same to Cynthia Rothrock too, she looks better in later films, minus the 80's crap), Yeoh never looked better than she does here. Speaking of cuties, this film features a certain Chindy Lau, a little darling who, sadley, seems to have had only a short lived career, shame. Cracking actioner this, with an obviously bigger than average budget. Essential viewing for any fan.
Saturday 3 May 2008
Moon Warriors
Director; Sammo Hung
Starring; Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung
Genre; Wu-xio
Year; 1993
Release; UK HK Legends
First off, wu-xio (wushu, fantasy swordplay, whatever) is not my favourite genre. It has to be a good one for me to like it. Fortunatly, this is one. Mui was one of my favourite asian actress' (before she was cruelly taken from us, prematurely), and here she does well, as does the great Maggie Cheung. Lau is his usual self, slightly overdoing it as he usually does in this genre. Beautiful visuals, as you'd expect from this type of film, done well. An enjoyable piece of fantasy, although they can fuck off with the Free Willy shit (Flee Wirry?)
Starring; Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung
Genre; Wu-xio
Year; 1993
Release; UK HK Legends
First off, wu-xio (wushu, fantasy swordplay, whatever) is not my favourite genre. It has to be a good one for me to like it. Fortunatly, this is one. Mui was one of my favourite asian actress' (before she was cruelly taken from us, prematurely), and here she does well, as does the great Maggie Cheung. Lau is his usual self, slightly overdoing it as he usually does in this genre. Beautiful visuals, as you'd expect from this type of film, done well. An enjoyable piece of fantasy, although they can fuck off with the Free Willy shit (Flee Wirry?)
Death Rides A Horse
Director; Giulio Petroni
Starring; Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law
Genre; Western
Year; 1967
Release; UK MGM
A spaghetti western of the highest order. Cleef was born to play roles like this, and does so with aplomb. Law is a bit of a let down, to be honest. His attempts at being steely eyed and menacing just comes across as wooden and flat. A slight twist on the usual storyline, strong writing, and solid performances from the rest of the cast, especially Cleef, more than make up for Laws shortcomings. It's not quite on a par with Once Upon A Time In The West, but it's certainly much better than the usual. Excellent film.
Starring; Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law
Genre; Western
Year; 1967
Release; UK MGM
A spaghetti western of the highest order. Cleef was born to play roles like this, and does so with aplomb. Law is a bit of a let down, to be honest. His attempts at being steely eyed and menacing just comes across as wooden and flat. A slight twist on the usual storyline, strong writing, and solid performances from the rest of the cast, especially Cleef, more than make up for Laws shortcomings. It's not quite on a par with Once Upon A Time In The West, but it's certainly much better than the usual. Excellent film.
Millionares Express
Directed; Sammo Hung
Starring; Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, pretty much everybody else
Genre; action, comedy, martial arts, western, oh i give up, all of em
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends
Genre spanning extravaganza. Parts action, comedy, drama, espionage, western etc. A huge ensemble cast, including pretty much everyone who happened to be in HK in 1986 and working in films! The only guy conspicuous by his absence is Jackie Chan, everyone else involved in kung fu films seems to appear here. Hung and Biao are the main stars, the rest are support, although the HKL edition I got pushes Cynthia Rothrock with equal billing, but she has only a small role, no more than any of the others. The enormous cast is, if anything, the films main problem. With so many characters, there is little character development, so little sympathy is felt for anyone. However, its fun to see so many big names in one place, and everyone gets at least one fight scene. The action here is something that has to be seen to be believed. Biaos side-somersault, off the roof of a 2 story house is awesome, as are many others. The story is a bit slow, with so many characters to deal with, but the action makes up for it.
An attempt at a huge extravaganza, that falls just slightly short of the mark, but is very worthwhile nonetheless.
Starring; Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, pretty much everybody else
Genre; action, comedy, martial arts, western, oh i give up, all of em
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends
Genre spanning extravaganza. Parts action, comedy, drama, espionage, western etc. A huge ensemble cast, including pretty much everyone who happened to be in HK in 1986 and working in films! The only guy conspicuous by his absence is Jackie Chan, everyone else involved in kung fu films seems to appear here. Hung and Biao are the main stars, the rest are support, although the HKL edition I got pushes Cynthia Rothrock with equal billing, but she has only a small role, no more than any of the others. The enormous cast is, if anything, the films main problem. With so many characters, there is little character development, so little sympathy is felt for anyone. However, its fun to see so many big names in one place, and everyone gets at least one fight scene. The action here is something that has to be seen to be believed. Biaos side-somersault, off the roof of a 2 story house is awesome, as are many others. The story is a bit slow, with so many characters to deal with, but the action makes up for it.
An attempt at a huge extravaganza, that falls just slightly short of the mark, but is very worthwhile nonetheless.
Friday 2 May 2008
Chinese Hercules
Director; Choy Tak
Starring; Bolo Yeung
Genre; Martial arts
Year; 1972
Release; US Brentwood (boxset)
Nothing special about this at all really. The title is one of many, obviously aimed at Bolo's presence, although he is not the star. He does have a fairly big role though. Standard 70's kung fu fare, I got it as part of a very cheap 10 film set, as such its worth seeing, but not worth going out of your way for.
Starring; Bolo Yeung
Genre; Martial arts
Year; 1972
Release; US Brentwood (boxset)
Nothing special about this at all really. The title is one of many, obviously aimed at Bolo's presence, although he is not the star. He does have a fairly big role though. Standard 70's kung fu fare, I got it as part of a very cheap 10 film set, as such its worth seeing, but not worth going out of your way for.
Bloodfight
Director; Shuji Goto
Starring; Yasuaki Kurata, Bolo Yeung, Simon Yam
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1989
Release; UK Prism Leisure (boxset)
Bit of a mixed bag this one. Made in HK, by a Japanese crew, this is, basically, a ripoff of Bloodsport. It even has Bolo Yeung playing, what appears to be, the same character. Same name, same tattoos, same attitude. However, it does have a few plus points, in its favour. Simon Yam is a great actor, and this role is a bit different for him. The tournament fighters are an eclectic mix of oddballs, notably an Indian guy who is about 7 feet tall and a large sumo dude. Add to that Kurata plays a guy called Ryu, I wonder if the writer was a Streetfighter fan? Also appearing is a certain Stuart Smith, formerly of the Godfrey Ho school of really crap Ninjas. He's a worse overactor than Tom Cruise. Some decent fight scenes, and a cute plot twist make this worthwhile if you like cheap chop socky. Oh, and it was made in English too, and is a little hard to understand at times, as most of the actors don't speak it very well.
Starring; Yasuaki Kurata, Bolo Yeung, Simon Yam
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1989
Release; UK Prism Leisure (boxset)
Bit of a mixed bag this one. Made in HK, by a Japanese crew, this is, basically, a ripoff of Bloodsport. It even has Bolo Yeung playing, what appears to be, the same character. Same name, same tattoos, same attitude. However, it does have a few plus points, in its favour. Simon Yam is a great actor, and this role is a bit different for him. The tournament fighters are an eclectic mix of oddballs, notably an Indian guy who is about 7 feet tall and a large sumo dude. Add to that Kurata plays a guy called Ryu, I wonder if the writer was a Streetfighter fan? Also appearing is a certain Stuart Smith, formerly of the Godfrey Ho school of really crap Ninjas. He's a worse overactor than Tom Cruise. Some decent fight scenes, and a cute plot twist make this worthwhile if you like cheap chop socky. Oh, and it was made in English too, and is a little hard to understand at times, as most of the actors don't speak it very well.
Thursday 1 May 2008
Grindhouse; Death Proof & Planet Terror
Year; 2007
Release; US (BL)
Tarantino and Rodriguez teamed up, to produce a tribute to cheap, sleazy movies. Done as a double feature, and called Grindhouse, after the name given to the cinemas that used to show these films as double, or multi-features. Made as a complete thing, complete with fake trailers for other movies, that don't actually exist (yet anyway, the trailer for a fake film called Machete, with Danny Trejo, caused such a stir that Rodriguez is now making it). A nice idea, but the appeal of Grindhouse is limited, as is the idea of the double feature. This limited the box office success, as no-one wants to sit through 2 films in one sitting, unless you are into it. Released here in the UK as seperate films, as very few here even know what a grindhouse is, let alone want to re-create the experience.
Death Proof.
Director; Quentin Tarantino
Starring; Kurt Russel
Genre; Action, road
Tarantinos film concerns 'Stuntman Mike' (Russel), an ageing stuntman. Mike drives around in an old muscle car, but it's a 'stunt car', that's been 'Death Proofed' (hence the title), by means of strengthening and reinforcing. His reason for driving such a thing is that he likes to kill young women, and uses the car to do so, by crashing into theirs. Typically Tarantino, with lots of his little trademarks (bare feet, talking in a diner, endless references to other movies etc etc) The first half of the film has an aged film stock effect, this disappears halfway through. The reason for this is the film is supposed to mimick 2 films, a film and it's sequal, being spliced together to make one movie. This happens in the world of cheap sleazy movies (Shogun Assassin is a famous one). Lots of talking between the action, and only breif moments of actual gore, and enjoyable little tribute to the world of grindhouse. Fans of muscle cars in general, and Mopar in particular, may wince during the final reel. Put simply, muscle cars and hot chicks, whats not to like?
Planet Terror
Director; Robert Rodriguez
Starring; Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez
Genre; Horror, action
Rodriguezs turn sees a biological weapon being unleashed upon the public, turning the infected into flesh eating zombies. A splatterfest from the getgo really. Gallons of blood, and lots of effects, some really good. The effect of McGowans missing leg couldnt have been done better if they had Heather McCartney playing the role. Lots more references to old movies. Rodriguez sticks to the worn film effect, and even has the film disintergrate and the reel missing (did he have to do it there?), so the story suddenly jumps forward. Huge fun, this entry into the pairing.
On the whole a nice idea, but never really going to take off. Great, no-brainer films though, either seperate or together. Highly reccomended.
Release; US (BL)
Tarantino and Rodriguez teamed up, to produce a tribute to cheap, sleazy movies. Done as a double feature, and called Grindhouse, after the name given to the cinemas that used to show these films as double, or multi-features. Made as a complete thing, complete with fake trailers for other movies, that don't actually exist (yet anyway, the trailer for a fake film called Machete, with Danny Trejo, caused such a stir that Rodriguez is now making it). A nice idea, but the appeal of Grindhouse is limited, as is the idea of the double feature. This limited the box office success, as no-one wants to sit through 2 films in one sitting, unless you are into it. Released here in the UK as seperate films, as very few here even know what a grindhouse is, let alone want to re-create the experience.
Death Proof.
Director; Quentin Tarantino
Starring; Kurt Russel
Genre; Action, road
Tarantinos film concerns 'Stuntman Mike' (Russel), an ageing stuntman. Mike drives around in an old muscle car, but it's a 'stunt car', that's been 'Death Proofed' (hence the title), by means of strengthening and reinforcing. His reason for driving such a thing is that he likes to kill young women, and uses the car to do so, by crashing into theirs. Typically Tarantino, with lots of his little trademarks (bare feet, talking in a diner, endless references to other movies etc etc) The first half of the film has an aged film stock effect, this disappears halfway through. The reason for this is the film is supposed to mimick 2 films, a film and it's sequal, being spliced together to make one movie. This happens in the world of cheap sleazy movies (Shogun Assassin is a famous one). Lots of talking between the action, and only breif moments of actual gore, and enjoyable little tribute to the world of grindhouse. Fans of muscle cars in general, and Mopar in particular, may wince during the final reel. Put simply, muscle cars and hot chicks, whats not to like?
Planet Terror
Director; Robert Rodriguez
Starring; Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez
Genre; Horror, action
Rodriguezs turn sees a biological weapon being unleashed upon the public, turning the infected into flesh eating zombies. A splatterfest from the getgo really. Gallons of blood, and lots of effects, some really good. The effect of McGowans missing leg couldnt have been done better if they had Heather McCartney playing the role. Lots more references to old movies. Rodriguez sticks to the worn film effect, and even has the film disintergrate and the reel missing (did he have to do it there?), so the story suddenly jumps forward. Huge fun, this entry into the pairing.
On the whole a nice idea, but never really going to take off. Great, no-brainer films though, either seperate or together. Highly reccomended.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
In The Line Of Duty (4)
Director; Yuen Woo Ping
Starring; Cynthia Khan, Donnie Yen
Genre; Action/ martial arts
Year; 1989
Release; UK HK Legends
The title is a little confusing, like many HK films, it has several. Actually the 4th is a very loose series, all are widely known under varying titles. Here in the UK this has no number, but has 4 elsewhere. It's from the same series as Yes Madam. Anyway, this is from the heyday of HK action flicks, the 80's (ok and the 90's), and it's a real gem. The fights are intense, and hard hitting. Cynthia Khan is cuter than Michelle Yeoh (who she replaces) and doe sthe movie stuff just as well. Yen is very young, and has something to prove, which shows in his awesome performance. Great stuff and well worth a watch.
Starring; Cynthia Khan, Donnie Yen
Genre; Action/ martial arts
Year; 1989
Release; UK HK Legends
The title is a little confusing, like many HK films, it has several. Actually the 4th is a very loose series, all are widely known under varying titles. Here in the UK this has no number, but has 4 elsewhere. It's from the same series as Yes Madam. Anyway, this is from the heyday of HK action flicks, the 80's (ok and the 90's), and it's a real gem. The fights are intense, and hard hitting. Cynthia Khan is cuter than Michelle Yeoh (who she replaces) and doe sthe movie stuff just as well. Yen is very young, and has something to prove, which shows in his awesome performance. Great stuff and well worth a watch.
Monday 28 April 2008
Ghidorah the Three Headed Monster
Director; Ishiro Honda
Starring; Akiko Wakabyashi
Genre; Monster
Year; 1964
Release; US Sony BFG Toho Masters Collection
This fim marks a turning point in the career of the big guy, Godzilla was, in his previous 4 outings, the bad guy. He starts as such here too, Toho bring in Rodan too, who had already appeared independantly in her own movie. The film starts with Godzilla and Rodan fighting, in a prolonged battle. Ghidorah makes it's first appearence, and, after much persuasion from Mothra, Godzilla and Rodan join forces with the larvae state Moth to fight Ghidorah. Godzilla would remain a good guy untill the 1985 series reboot. Having seen both versions, the original Japanese is the better one (show me a time when it isn't). A fun romp for men in rubber suits, and well worth seeing if a bit of Kaiju is your bag. Akiko, playing the princess, is a real cutie too..............
Starring; Akiko Wakabyashi
Genre; Monster
Year; 1964
Release; US Sony BFG Toho Masters Collection
This fim marks a turning point in the career of the big guy, Godzilla was, in his previous 4 outings, the bad guy. He starts as such here too, Toho bring in Rodan too, who had already appeared independantly in her own movie. The film starts with Godzilla and Rodan fighting, in a prolonged battle. Ghidorah makes it's first appearence, and, after much persuasion from Mothra, Godzilla and Rodan join forces with the larvae state Moth to fight Ghidorah. Godzilla would remain a good guy untill the 1985 series reboot. Having seen both versions, the original Japanese is the better one (show me a time when it isn't). A fun romp for men in rubber suits, and well worth seeing if a bit of Kaiju is your bag. Akiko, playing the princess, is a real cutie too..............
Rumble in Hing Kong a.k.a. Young Tiger a.k.a. Police Woman
Director; Mu Zhu
Starring; Jackie Chan, Charlie Chin
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1973
Release; UK Prism Leisure (boxset)
Disgraceful cash-in attempt. An early Chan film, where he has a small role, as a bad guy. He is NOT the star of this pic, despite what is touted on the cover. The 'Rumble' title has been added to cash in on the much later Bronx film. Thing is, the Police Woman title is also misleading, there is one, but she aint the main character either. The taxi driver, played by a young Charlie Chin is, maybe he's meant to be the young tiger, fuck knows. This is one awful movie anyway, despite the lack of Chan, which I knew before I saw it, it's just a bad film anyway. TBH, if it wasent for Chans presence, keeping a certain marketability for the film, this would probably be in the public domain now, or, worse still, it's just the sort of crap that a certain Godfrey Ho liked to turn into 'Ninja films' in the 80's. Only for Chan completists.
Starring; Jackie Chan, Charlie Chin
Genre; Action, Martial Arts
Year; 1973
Release; UK Prism Leisure (boxset)
Disgraceful cash-in attempt. An early Chan film, where he has a small role, as a bad guy. He is NOT the star of this pic, despite what is touted on the cover. The 'Rumble' title has been added to cash in on the much later Bronx film. Thing is, the Police Woman title is also misleading, there is one, but she aint the main character either. The taxi driver, played by a young Charlie Chin is, maybe he's meant to be the young tiger, fuck knows. This is one awful movie anyway, despite the lack of Chan, which I knew before I saw it, it's just a bad film anyway. TBH, if it wasent for Chans presence, keeping a certain marketability for the film, this would probably be in the public domain now, or, worse still, it's just the sort of crap that a certain Godfrey Ho liked to turn into 'Ninja films' in the 80's. Only for Chan completists.
Saturday 26 April 2008
Godzilla: Final Wars
Director; Ryuhei Kitamura
Starring; Masahiro Matsuoka
Genre; Monster
Year; 2004
Release; US Sony
To mark the 50th anniversary of the original Godzilla, Toho announced the final film. Heard that before, and theye already said maybe not in the future, just for now. They roll them all out here, a bigger list of monsters even than Destroy All Monsters ( a previous 'final' film). Heck, they even give a shot to the crap yank version, although he gets a pasting in about 20 seconds (deservedly so). The story is pretty lame though, and theres too much of it, not enough monsters. This was supposed to be the grand finale, we want to see monsters, and lots of em. Not emos, playing Matrix with their mates. The monster fights are too short, the human segments too long. Cool to see Kane Kosugi acting again (son of 80's uber-ninja, Sho Kosugi), but, overall, disappointing. Not as good as it could have, or should have, been. Still, if you're into Godzilla, or kaiju, then you gotta have it.
Starring; Masahiro Matsuoka
Genre; Monster
Year; 2004
Release; US Sony
To mark the 50th anniversary of the original Godzilla, Toho announced the final film. Heard that before, and theye already said maybe not in the future, just for now. They roll them all out here, a bigger list of monsters even than Destroy All Monsters ( a previous 'final' film). Heck, they even give a shot to the crap yank version, although he gets a pasting in about 20 seconds (deservedly so). The story is pretty lame though, and theres too much of it, not enough monsters. This was supposed to be the grand finale, we want to see monsters, and lots of em. Not emos, playing Matrix with their mates. The monster fights are too short, the human segments too long. Cool to see Kane Kosugi acting again (son of 80's uber-ninja, Sho Kosugi), but, overall, disappointing. Not as good as it could have, or should have, been. Still, if you're into Godzilla, or kaiju, then you gotta have it.
The Return Of Godzilla
Director; Koji Hashimoto
Starring; Ken Tanaka
Genre; Monster
Year; 1984
Release; HK Universe
Toho ressurrected the big guy in 1985, after a 7 year haitus, and gave the series a reboot. A direct sequal to the 1954 original, all the intervening films are ignored. Back as the bad guy again, where he should be, to terrorise Tokyo once more. Great kaiju film, in this, the original Japanese version, can't help but feel sad at the end. Get the original, non Raymond Burr one, it's much better.
Starring; Ken Tanaka
Genre; Monster
Year; 1984
Release; HK Universe
Toho ressurrected the big guy in 1985, after a 7 year haitus, and gave the series a reboot. A direct sequal to the 1954 original, all the intervening films are ignored. Back as the bad guy again, where he should be, to terrorise Tokyo once more. Great kaiju film, in this, the original Japanese version, can't help but feel sad at the end. Get the original, non Raymond Burr one, it's much better.
Godzilla Raids Again
Director; Motoyoshi Oda
Starring; Hiroshi Koizumi
Genre; Monster
Year; 1955
Release; US, Sony BMG Toho Masters Collection
Godzilla died at the end of the first one, so how is he back? There's more than one, that's how. First of many sequals, the big grey dude goes up against Anguirus. And enjoyable enough romp, but still dark, creepy and menacing, in the vein of the original, rather than the campy fun that was to come in the 60's. A worthy sequal, but then, I have only seen the orignial, subtitled Japanese version, not the American one.
Starring; Hiroshi Koizumi
Genre; Monster
Year; 1955
Release; US, Sony BMG Toho Masters Collection
Godzilla died at the end of the first one, so how is he back? There's more than one, that's how. First of many sequals, the big grey dude goes up against Anguirus. And enjoyable enough romp, but still dark, creepy and menacing, in the vein of the original, rather than the campy fun that was to come in the 60's. A worthy sequal, but then, I have only seen the orignial, subtitled Japanese version, not the American one.
Hapkido
Director; Huang Feng
Starring; Angela Mao, Carter Wong, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1972
Release; UK HK Legends
Very like Fist of Fury in essence, and released the same year. This is a rather racist film, the Japanese here are very one dimensional, all are evil, nasty bastards. FOF was a little more sympathetic. PC bollocks aside though, this is a great film. Wong and Hung do well, both in early roles (Hung aint that fat either), Mao is the star though, and kicks arse. I have a restored version, and if you look carefully you can see Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao, as extras/stuntmen.
Starring; Angela Mao, Carter Wong, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1972
Release; UK HK Legends
Very like Fist of Fury in essence, and released the same year. This is a rather racist film, the Japanese here are very one dimensional, all are evil, nasty bastards. FOF was a little more sympathetic. PC bollocks aside though, this is a great film. Wong and Hung do well, both in early roles (Hung aint that fat either), Mao is the star though, and kicks arse. I have a restored version, and if you look carefully you can see Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao, as extras/stuntmen.
Close Encounters Of The Spooky Kind
Director; Sammo Hung
Starring; Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts Horror Comedy
Year; 1981
Release; UK HK Legends
A cross-genre effort from the worlds most energetic fat guy. Hung stars, directs and choreographs this (again). A cool film, the effects aint bad, considering the time and place it was made, and the money they had. The comedy is strange, for an asian film, as it's not fucking purile infantile annoying crap (they don't do comedy well, just action comedy), and its actually funny, in parts. Paved the way for things like Mr Vampire, and other such things. Really rather good.
Starring; Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts Horror Comedy
Year; 1981
Release; UK HK Legends
A cross-genre effort from the worlds most energetic fat guy. Hung stars, directs and choreographs this (again). A cool film, the effects aint bad, considering the time and place it was made, and the money they had. The comedy is strange, for an asian film, as it's not fucking purile infantile annoying crap (they don't do comedy well, just action comedy), and its actually funny, in parts. Paved the way for things like Mr Vampire, and other such things. Really rather good.
Shaolin vs. Lama
Director; Tsao Nam Lee
Starring; Alexander Lou, Kuo Chung Ching
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1983
Release; UK RBF
Pretty damn decent traditional kung fu flick. Better than the usual stuff, but not by much. If you like a bit of chop socky this is a must have. More involved than usual storyline, good fights, good little film.
Starring; Alexander Lou, Kuo Chung Ching
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1983
Release; UK RBF
Pretty damn decent traditional kung fu flick. Better than the usual stuff, but not by much. If you like a bit of chop socky this is a must have. More involved than usual storyline, good fights, good little film.
Police Assasins, a.k.a. Yes Madam
Director; Cory Yuen
Starring; Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends (boxset)
It's the girls turn to step into the limelight this time. Yeoh plays a tough HK policewoman, who has to, reluctantly, team up with an English Scotland Yard special agent, Rothrock. Some good fights and stunts, during the main body of the film make this an entertaining watch, however, the final scene is amazing. Great stunts, and the fights pack a real punch, worth seeing for the final scene alone. Oh, and the clothes/hair/make-up, this was made in '86 and is VERY 1986......
Starring; Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends (boxset)
It's the girls turn to step into the limelight this time. Yeoh plays a tough HK policewoman, who has to, reluctantly, team up with an English Scotland Yard special agent, Rothrock. Some good fights and stunts, during the main body of the film make this an entertaining watch, however, the final scene is amazing. Great stunts, and the fights pack a real punch, worth seeing for the final scene alone. Oh, and the clothes/hair/make-up, this was made in '86 and is VERY 1986......
Knockabout
Director; Sammo Hung
Starring; Yeun Biao, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1979
Release; UK HK Legends
A first major role for Biao (the version I saw says 'introducing', but he'd done a fair bit of bit part and extra work beforehand). Directed by Hung, as you'd expect the action scenes are fast and furious, the stunts excellent. Biao shows his great acrobatic skills, and all in all, a superb entry in the genre. A must see for fans of kung fu cinema.
Starring; Yeun Biao, Sammo Hung
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1979
Release; UK HK Legends
A first major role for Biao (the version I saw says 'introducing', but he'd done a fair bit of bit part and extra work beforehand). Directed by Hung, as you'd expect the action scenes are fast and furious, the stunts excellent. Biao shows his great acrobatic skills, and all in all, a superb entry in the genre. A must see for fans of kung fu cinema.
The Peacock King
Director; Nam Nai Choi
Starring; Yeun Biao
Genre; Action Horror
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends
Strange film this, attempting to combine horror with martial arts. There are better attempts at this. Biao is under used, and although Gordon Liu appears, he does little really. Only for completests really, not worth seeing for any special reason
Starring; Yeun Biao
Genre; Action Horror
Year; 1986
Release; UK HK Legends
Strange film this, attempting to combine horror with martial arts. There are better attempts at this. Biao is under used, and although Gordon Liu appears, he does little really. Only for completests really, not worth seeing for any special reason
Thursday 24 April 2008
Enter The Ninja
Director; Menahem Golam
Starring; Franco Nero, Susan George, Sho Kosugi
Genre; Ninjacrap
Year; 1981
Release; UK M.I.A.
Golam-Globus jumps aboard the Ninja bandwagon. Perennial spaghetti westerner Nero exchanges rawhide and a six-shooter for a Ninja costume and Katana. George provides the eye-candy, as Nero's best mates wife. Showing that Ninja are in fact, low characters, he gives her one, while his mate is flaked out drunk, nice move, hero. Impressively poorly researched too, Kosugi rants about his ancestors being Samurai, and Nero's acceptance into Ninjahood is a disgrace. I got news for you kid, it's you who is the disgrace, Ninja were dispised by everyone, especially Samurai. Nero is totally untrained in martial arts, so although he is doubled in the suited scenes, he has to do a few moves in plain clothes, with no double. Elvis kicks are the best way to describe it ( a phrase coined by a mate)
Well worth seeing though, its not a bad film, its a good film, with a few bad points.
Starring; Franco Nero, Susan George, Sho Kosugi
Genre; Ninjacrap
Year; 1981
Release; UK M.I.A.
Golam-Globus jumps aboard the Ninja bandwagon. Perennial spaghetti westerner Nero exchanges rawhide and a six-shooter for a Ninja costume and Katana. George provides the eye-candy, as Nero's best mates wife. Showing that Ninja are in fact, low characters, he gives her one, while his mate is flaked out drunk, nice move, hero. Impressively poorly researched too, Kosugi rants about his ancestors being Samurai, and Nero's acceptance into Ninjahood is a disgrace. I got news for you kid, it's you who is the disgrace, Ninja were dispised by everyone, especially Samurai. Nero is totally untrained in martial arts, so although he is doubled in the suited scenes, he has to do a few moves in plain clothes, with no double. Elvis kicks are the best way to describe it ( a phrase coined by a mate)
Well worth seeing though, its not a bad film, its a good film, with a few bad points.
The New Big Boss
Director; Donnie Yen
Starring; Donnie Yen
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1997
Release; UK Soulblade
Donnie Yen stars in, directs, and choreographs the action in this. No bad thing, as he knows what he's about. Entertaining stuff, although the flashback-within-flashback stuff can get confusing, it's not too hard to figure out. Great film, and fuck all to do with the Bruce Lee classic.
Starring; Donnie Yen
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1997
Release; UK Soulblade
Donnie Yen stars in, directs, and choreographs the action in this. No bad thing, as he knows what he's about. Entertaining stuff, although the flashback-within-flashback stuff can get confusing, it's not too hard to figure out. Great film, and fuck all to do with the Bruce Lee classic.
Dragon Tiger Gate
Director; Yip Wai-Shun
Starring; Donnie Yen, Nicolas Tse
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 2006
Release; UK Cineasia
Impressive modern kung fu malarky. Yen is criminally overlooked, here in the west. Only genre fans, such as myself, seem aware of him, yet the guy is awesome. The fight scenes are great, with some hard hits. Tse is good as the other brother. Classic kung fu legend, Kuan Tai Chen puts in a good turn too, as the aged boss.
Starring; Donnie Yen, Nicolas Tse
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 2006
Release; UK Cineasia
Impressive modern kung fu malarky. Yen is criminally overlooked, here in the west. Only genre fans, such as myself, seem aware of him, yet the guy is awesome. The fight scenes are great, with some hard hits. Tse is good as the other brother. Classic kung fu legend, Kuan Tai Chen puts in a good turn too, as the aged boss.
The Impossible Kid
Director; Eddie Nicart
Starring; Weng-Weng
Genre; Action
Year; 1982
Release; Cheapo 50 pack, public domain
Ok, this is an extremely low budget, Phillipine made spy thriller. How can this even be watchable, never mind come reccomended as being seen by everyone? By having the lead role played a 2'9" tall guy, that's how!
This film is utter nuts, the fun-size hero goes around beating up bad guys, and the women all fall for him. No one hardley mentions he's waist height, and would really get drop-kicked into the Pacific. It's a sequal too, I found this in a cheapo pack of 50 martial arts movies (they're all public domain anyway, so are free to reproduce).
You gotta see this.......
Starring; Weng-Weng
Genre; Action
Year; 1982
Release; Cheapo 50 pack, public domain
Ok, this is an extremely low budget, Phillipine made spy thriller. How can this even be watchable, never mind come reccomended as being seen by everyone? By having the lead role played a 2'9" tall guy, that's how!
This film is utter nuts, the fun-size hero goes around beating up bad guys, and the women all fall for him. No one hardley mentions he's waist height, and would really get drop-kicked into the Pacific. It's a sequal too, I found this in a cheapo pack of 50 martial arts movies (they're all public domain anyway, so are free to reproduce).
You gotta see this.......
Ninja Strikes Back
Director; Joseph Kong
Starring; Bruce Le, Hwang Jang Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1982
Release; UK Film 2000
Not very convincing Bruce Lee imitator Bruce Le stars in this fairly run of the mill outing. Set in modern day Rome, this film offers little really, other than to raise the question 'do copywright laws exist in this world?' Harold 'Oddjob' Sakata appears in this, and every time he does, a few bars of the Bond theme are played. He even throws a metal rimmed bowler hat, at one stage. Other than the questionable ethics, which are to be expected as Joseph Kong is one of Godfrey Ho's many pseydenyms, this film offers little. Only worth seeing for Hwang Jang Lee really.
Starring; Bruce Le, Hwang Jang Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1982
Release; UK Film 2000
Not very convincing Bruce Lee imitator Bruce Le stars in this fairly run of the mill outing. Set in modern day Rome, this film offers little really, other than to raise the question 'do copywright laws exist in this world?' Harold 'Oddjob' Sakata appears in this, and every time he does, a few bars of the Bond theme are played. He even throws a metal rimmed bowler hat, at one stage. Other than the questionable ethics, which are to be expected as Joseph Kong is one of Godfrey Ho's many pseydenyms, this film offers little. Only worth seeing for Hwang Jang Lee really.
Full Contact
Director; Ringo Lam
Starring; Chow Yun Fat, Simon Yam, Anthony Wong
Genre; Action.
Year; 1992
Release; UK HK Legends, Magazine cover
Decent little actioner. Fat is a bouncer, who gets double crossed and goes after revenge. Yam does a good turn as the gay bad guy. Not the best from anyone concerned really, but a solid enough action film.
Starring; Chow Yun Fat, Simon Yam, Anthony Wong
Genre; Action.
Year; 1992
Release; UK HK Legends, Magazine cover
Decent little actioner. Fat is a bouncer, who gets double crossed and goes after revenge. Yam does a good turn as the gay bad guy. Not the best from anyone concerned really, but a solid enough action film.
Revenge of the Drunken Master
Director; Godfrey Ho
Starring; Johnny Chan, Eagle Han
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1984
Release; UK IVL
Abso-fucking-lutely god awful. Master of the rip-off Ho strikes again. This time we have some twat calling himself Johnny Chan, in a film that has fuck all to do with Drunken Master. Utter bollocks, not even a decent fight scene to save it.
Starring; Johnny Chan, Eagle Han
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1984
Release; UK IVL
Abso-fucking-lutely god awful. Master of the rip-off Ho strikes again. This time we have some twat calling himself Johnny Chan, in a film that has fuck all to do with Drunken Master. Utter bollocks, not even a decent fight scene to save it.
Eagle vs. Silver Fox
Director: Godfrey Ho
Starring: Hwang Jang Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1980
Release; IVL
Decent little chop socky flick. Made bearable by some good fight scenes. Bootmaster Lee is always worth watching.
Starring: Hwang Jang Lee
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1980
Release; IVL
Decent little chop socky flick. Made bearable by some good fight scenes. Bootmaster Lee is always worth watching.
Saturday 5 April 2008
Godfrey Ho Ninjacrap
Director; Godfrey Ho (or whatever he was calling himself that week)
Stars; Richard Harrison (usually), anyone else who happened to be nearby
Genre; Ninjacrap
Year; About 1984-1989
Release; Usually UK, IVL
An all-encompassing review. Mr Ho made several Ninja films during the 80's. Sort of. What he actually did was film lots of, very very bad, Ninja footage, featuring Western actors. He also got hold of the rights to a lot of bad asian films (often Thai or Phillipino) that were old, unfinished, unreleased etc. Taking the new footage, he cut it into the old fims, then, he redubbed the whole mess, to try and make some sense out of it. Using the same stocks of new footage, across a number of original films, he was able to release a lot of films for very little money. All the films are, basically the same. Utterly unfathomable messes. The Ninja stuff is awful, the western actors are obviously doubled, during the fights, and the fights are over by touching the other guy with the sword. You can tell they are Ninja too, they usually have it written on their headband. Harrison, who appears in many (although not always with his knowledge), is too old, and often wears a camo Ninja suit. Laughable, terrible to the extreme, these films are compulsive viewing.
Stars; Richard Harrison (usually), anyone else who happened to be nearby
Genre; Ninjacrap
Year; About 1984-1989
Release; Usually UK, IVL
An all-encompassing review. Mr Ho made several Ninja films during the 80's. Sort of. What he actually did was film lots of, very very bad, Ninja footage, featuring Western actors. He also got hold of the rights to a lot of bad asian films (often Thai or Phillipino) that were old, unfinished, unreleased etc. Taking the new footage, he cut it into the old fims, then, he redubbed the whole mess, to try and make some sense out of it. Using the same stocks of new footage, across a number of original films, he was able to release a lot of films for very little money. All the films are, basically the same. Utterly unfathomable messes. The Ninja stuff is awful, the western actors are obviously doubled, during the fights, and the fights are over by touching the other guy with the sword. You can tell they are Ninja too, they usually have it written on their headband. Harrison, who appears in many (although not always with his knowledge), is too old, and often wears a camo Ninja suit. Laughable, terrible to the extreme, these films are compulsive viewing.
Ninja In The Dragons Den
Director; Corey Yeun
Starring; Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jang Lee Hwang.
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1982
Release; U.K. HK Legends, magazine cover
Largely overlooked, and forgotten. This is an absolute gem of chop socky flick.
Made in Hong Kong, cashing in the Ninja craze of the early 80's. A little advanced, in actually bringing in an established Japanese martial arts star, Sonny Chiba protoge Sanada. Chinese films of the era usually cast Chinese in Japanese roles, as relations were still very frosty. It's hard to review without mentioning the very similarly themed Zatoichi Meets The One-Armed Swordsman, and earlier, Japanese made co-optive effort. They share the themes of the two main protagonists being unable to understand one another, and consequently, fighting without realising they are basically on the same side. Unlike the Zatoichi film though, here they do manage to realise their mistakes, and team up to fight the bootmaster himself, Jang Lee Hwang, in a truely international finale (Lee is Korean). Typically poor production values are a slight distraction, but these films are not about that. They are about good entertainment, and this is a great way to spend 90-odd minutes.
Starring; Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jang Lee Hwang.
Genre; Martial Arts
Year; 1982
Release; U.K. HK Legends, magazine cover
Largely overlooked, and forgotten. This is an absolute gem of chop socky flick.
Made in Hong Kong, cashing in the Ninja craze of the early 80's. A little advanced, in actually bringing in an established Japanese martial arts star, Sonny Chiba protoge Sanada. Chinese films of the era usually cast Chinese in Japanese roles, as relations were still very frosty. It's hard to review without mentioning the very similarly themed Zatoichi Meets The One-Armed Swordsman, and earlier, Japanese made co-optive effort. They share the themes of the two main protagonists being unable to understand one another, and consequently, fighting without realising they are basically on the same side. Unlike the Zatoichi film though, here they do manage to realise their mistakes, and team up to fight the bootmaster himself, Jang Lee Hwang, in a truely international finale (Lee is Korean). Typically poor production values are a slight distraction, but these films are not about that. They are about good entertainment, and this is a great way to spend 90-odd minutes.
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