Well, I was hoping that at this time I'd be posting a review of what I saw on the big screen today, which was the newest Paranormal Activity movie. However, soon after I got back from spending some time in the city of Lakeland (where I saw it) I heard the news about there being a shooting and killing in the Florida town of Wesley Chapel. It was at a place I have never been to but have heard of before. That sort of news is sad and depressing (the joint is only about a 60 mile drive from where I live) and it gave me less motivation to do any sort of reviews tonight.
So, tomorrow I'll do an extremely rare thing: TWO posts. In the afternoon I'll talk about the theatre shooting and in the evening I'll talk about PA: The Marked Ones.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Executioners From Shaolin
Executioners From Shaolin (Hong Xi Guan)(1977)
Runtime: 101 minutes
Directed by: Chia-Liang Liu
Starring: Kuan Tai Chen, Lily Li, Lieh Lo, Yue Wong, Chia-Hui Liu
From: Shaw Brothers
This was the Shaw Brothers Studio film I picked out to watch after the passing away of Sir Run Run Shaw; mainly it is because it was one of four movies in a DVD set I got real cheap from the mostly used DVD/Blu-Ray movie store known as MovieStop, which is a tremendous place to find films for a sweet price. I have heard this is a pretty famous film among the many that they did. Tarantino loved it so much that he borrowed the character of Pai Mei (the villain who is noteworthy for his skills and his white hair) from this for Kill Bill Vol. 2, who is played by another person from this movie as Lieh Lo (who played him here) passed away before the Tarantino film was filmed.
To copy the plot description from the IMDb: “A couple unite - she is fluent in the crane style of kung fu, he in tiger style. They have a son, but the boy's father is killed by the evil eunuch Pai Mei. Disguised as a girl, his mom trains him in crane style while he secretly learns tiger style from his father's training manual.” This is true although it simplifies things. The first part of the story covers how the boy's father wants revenge against Pai Mei for killing his master. Dad meets up with his wife to be and soon they have a kid, named Wending. When Wending is 10, his dad fights Pai Mei but does poorly; however he finds out that you have to strike his vital points between 1 and 3 PM. Why, I am not sure but go with it. Then, you see Wending as an adult and it's finally time for dad to get revenge... only it goes awry and it's time for the son to fight.
This was quite entertaining and I am glad I finally watched it after wanting to for a few days. Things are choreographed so well. There are great fighting scenes, creative stuff involving various props, and definitely some wackiness. The groom has to literally try to spread the bride's legs apart to consummate the marriage, which he has problems with. His buddies want to listen to them have sex. Like I said, wacky. That helps add some levity to what is a serious story about family and revenge.
I don't know if it was an issue with this version of the movie or if it's in all versions, but it ends rather abruptly and that was disappointing. Other than that, I enjoyed this movie as besides the action and the story, all the sets look very nice and the actual locations they filmed at were pretty. If you enjoy the genre then you should check this out.
I will return Monday night.
Runtime: 101 minutes
Directed by: Chia-Liang Liu
Starring: Kuan Tai Chen, Lily Li, Lieh Lo, Yue Wong, Chia-Hui Liu
From: Shaw Brothers
This was the Shaw Brothers Studio film I picked out to watch after the passing away of Sir Run Run Shaw; mainly it is because it was one of four movies in a DVD set I got real cheap from the mostly used DVD/Blu-Ray movie store known as MovieStop, which is a tremendous place to find films for a sweet price. I have heard this is a pretty famous film among the many that they did. Tarantino loved it so much that he borrowed the character of Pai Mei (the villain who is noteworthy for his skills and his white hair) from this for Kill Bill Vol. 2, who is played by another person from this movie as Lieh Lo (who played him here) passed away before the Tarantino film was filmed.
To copy the plot description from the IMDb: “A couple unite - she is fluent in the crane style of kung fu, he in tiger style. They have a son, but the boy's father is killed by the evil eunuch Pai Mei. Disguised as a girl, his mom trains him in crane style while he secretly learns tiger style from his father's training manual.” This is true although it simplifies things. The first part of the story covers how the boy's father wants revenge against Pai Mei for killing his master. Dad meets up with his wife to be and soon they have a kid, named Wending. When Wending is 10, his dad fights Pai Mei but does poorly; however he finds out that you have to strike his vital points between 1 and 3 PM. Why, I am not sure but go with it. Then, you see Wending as an adult and it's finally time for dad to get revenge... only it goes awry and it's time for the son to fight.
This was quite entertaining and I am glad I finally watched it after wanting to for a few days. Things are choreographed so well. There are great fighting scenes, creative stuff involving various props, and definitely some wackiness. The groom has to literally try to spread the bride's legs apart to consummate the marriage, which he has problems with. His buddies want to listen to them have sex. Like I said, wacky. That helps add some levity to what is a serious story about family and revenge.
I don't know if it was an issue with this version of the movie or if it's in all versions, but it ends rather abruptly and that was disappointing. Other than that, I enjoyed this movie as besides the action and the story, all the sets look very nice and the actual locations they filmed at were pretty. If you enjoy the genre then you should check this out.
I will return Monday night.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
RIP Sir Run Run Shaw
Well, I was hoping to also include a review with this, but:
* Today I got my first eye exam in over 10 years. I have real sensitive eyes so that whole experience wasn't the most pleasant ordeal and having my eyes dilated... I still don't feel 100% from it. I can see alright but I have a headache and maybe I shouldn't be looking at a small bright screen tonight. Looking at a computer screen is probably bad enough.
* I had to assist someone with some things and that ate up some time.
I will be back tomorrow night with something. I am really hoping it's finally a review but who knows with how this year has gone so far.
For awhile I was thinking it was about time to watch another Shaw Brothers film. Unfortunately it took the leader of the studio Sir Run Run Shaw dying at the age of 106 (or 107; I've heard both) a few days ago to finally make me do so. For me, the easiest thing to do to note his career is to point everyone to Time Magazine's article about the great man here, which talks about how influential the studio was, how it began and eventually became a big deal... along with the other ways that Shaw impacted the world, including running a TV station and giving much money to philanthropy causes. It sounds like he had a long eventful life and what a mark he left on the film-making world, especially in Asia.
* Today I got my first eye exam in over 10 years. I have real sensitive eyes so that whole experience wasn't the most pleasant ordeal and having my eyes dilated... I still don't feel 100% from it. I can see alright but I have a headache and maybe I shouldn't be looking at a small bright screen tonight. Looking at a computer screen is probably bad enough.
* I had to assist someone with some things and that ate up some time.
I will be back tomorrow night with something. I am really hoping it's finally a review but who knows with how this year has gone so far.
For awhile I was thinking it was about time to watch another Shaw Brothers film. Unfortunately it took the leader of the studio Sir Run Run Shaw dying at the age of 106 (or 107; I've heard both) a few days ago to finally make me do so. For me, the easiest thing to do to note his career is to point everyone to Time Magazine's article about the great man here, which talks about how influential the studio was, how it began and eventually became a big deal... along with the other ways that Shaw impacted the world, including running a TV station and giving much money to philanthropy causes. It sounds like he had a long eventful life and what a mark he left on the film-making world, especially in Asia.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Oh, My Schedule...
Unfortunately my schedule for this week has been busier than expected and while I will also be busy tomorrow, I still plan on returning tomorrow night to say some words about the recently departed Sir Run Run Shaw and unless something goes awry, after I say those words I will review a Shaw Brothers movie.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Shoot First, Die Later
Shoot First, Die Later (Il Poliziotto E Marcio) (1974)
Runtime: 94 minutes
Directed by: Fernando Di Leo
Starring: Luc Merenda, Richard Conte, Delia Boccardo, Raymond Pellegrin, Gianni Santuccio
From: Cinemaster S.R.L.
Here is a movie I wasn't planning on watching until I found out early yesterday evening that it would be airing late in the night on TCM Underground. Yes, it's still around and it moved from Friday to Saturday night awhile ago. As it happened to be a poliziotteschi movie I hadn't seen before, of course I had to check it out that night. To steal the plot description from a random person on Letterboxd:
“Luc Merenda gives the performance of his career as a highly regarded police detective who is taking syndicate money in exchange for departmental favors. His father, a simple man, also works for the department but on a lower rung; he isn't jealous of his son, but rather proud of him, little knowing that he's a crooked cop. A series of events leads the young detective to ask his father for a favor (he wants a certain police report that is desired by the syndicate) and it doesn't take long for the detective's father to realize his son is on the take... which leads to numerous complications.” Yes, this is all accurate.
This isn't the wildest craziest or sleaziest movie I've seen in this genre. Di Leo's other contributions to the genre more fit that mark. On the other hand, there ARE sleazy moments, such as a woman being brutally beaten up, a flaming gay transvestite who looked a lot like Bruno Mars, no kidding. There's also some great ass-kicking and otherwise badass moments, including a great knee to the face and an awesome pimp slap literally delivered to a pimp.
However, this is still something I enjoyed. There's some nice violence, some quality car chases, and some shocking moments. One in particular would make PETA and their followers REALLY angry; or really, any pet lover would not be happy by the ruthlessness of it.
The main thing: this a serious story about a corrupt cop and what happens when his straight-arrow policeman dad discovers his son followed his footsteps but in the wrong way. That moment when the dad puts it all together... a powerful and quality scene and all their scenes together are done real well. This is yet another successful poliziotteschi motion picture. I love all those movies but this is right in the middle of the pack in the quality sub-genre, in my eyes. It does stand out as it's different and yet still ticks enough boxes to qualify for what fans want to see.
I'll be back Wednesday afternoon.
Runtime: 94 minutes
Directed by: Fernando Di Leo
Starring: Luc Merenda, Richard Conte, Delia Boccardo, Raymond Pellegrin, Gianni Santuccio
From: Cinemaster S.R.L.
Here is a movie I wasn't planning on watching until I found out early yesterday evening that it would be airing late in the night on TCM Underground. Yes, it's still around and it moved from Friday to Saturday night awhile ago. As it happened to be a poliziotteschi movie I hadn't seen before, of course I had to check it out that night. To steal the plot description from a random person on Letterboxd:
“Luc Merenda gives the performance of his career as a highly regarded police detective who is taking syndicate money in exchange for departmental favors. His father, a simple man, also works for the department but on a lower rung; he isn't jealous of his son, but rather proud of him, little knowing that he's a crooked cop. A series of events leads the young detective to ask his father for a favor (he wants a certain police report that is desired by the syndicate) and it doesn't take long for the detective's father to realize his son is on the take... which leads to numerous complications.” Yes, this is all accurate.
This isn't the wildest craziest or sleaziest movie I've seen in this genre. Di Leo's other contributions to the genre more fit that mark. On the other hand, there ARE sleazy moments, such as a woman being brutally beaten up, a flaming gay transvestite who looked a lot like Bruno Mars, no kidding. There's also some great ass-kicking and otherwise badass moments, including a great knee to the face and an awesome pimp slap literally delivered to a pimp.
However, this is still something I enjoyed. There's some nice violence, some quality car chases, and some shocking moments. One in particular would make PETA and their followers REALLY angry; or really, any pet lover would not be happy by the ruthlessness of it.
The main thing: this a serious story about a corrupt cop and what happens when his straight-arrow policeman dad discovers his son followed his footsteps but in the wrong way. That moment when the dad puts it all together... a powerful and quality scene and all their scenes together are done real well. This is yet another successful poliziotteschi motion picture. I love all those movies but this is right in the middle of the pack in the quality sub-genre, in my eyes. It does stand out as it's different and yet still ticks enough boxes to qualify for what fans want to see.
I'll be back Wednesday afternoon.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
JCVD
JCVD (2008)
Runtime: 97 minutes
Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Francois Damiens, Zinedine Soualem, Karim Belkhadra
From: Several different companies, including Gaumont
Here is a movie that ever since I first saw it on the big screen in the mainly arthouse theatre in the Orlando-area known as the Enzian I have hated, which goes against what many fans (especially action fans) and critics say, which is that it's great. I don't get it then why so many love it and after I watched it again late last night on Showtime Extreme...
To steal the plot from the IMDb: “Between his tax problems and his legal battle with his wife for the custody of his daughter, these are hard times for the action movie star who finds that even Steven Seagal has pinched a role from him! In JCVD, Jean-Claude Van Damme returns to the country of his birth to seek the peace and tranquility he can no longer enjoy in the United States.” That's part of it. The main part of the story is that Van Damme gets caught in a hostage situation at a local bank and he's made out by the loathsome (in the worst way) robbers to be the mastermind behind it.
Turns out, I may hate the movie even more now than I did before! It starts off fine as you see a low-budget scene being filmed with Van Damme and bizarrely, it's over the R&B song Hard Times, by Baby Huey, a massive 400 pound plus singer who had a great voice but sadly died real young due to a drug overdose. The song is great but I don't know if it fit the scene. It went downhill from there.
You notice that for some reason the film's cinematography is a real washed-out colorless experience. I have no idea why this was done but it did not make the movie pleasing to watch. Everything has a gold sheen over it, and why would you do that for what's supposed to be a “realistic” look at Jean-Claude's life? The same goes for the jittery almost constantly moving camera, which I did not remember (but looking at a messageboard thread from the time, I DID note it) but now, it was bad. Then, you got a lot of misery as you get to see Van Damme in “real life” having a shitty life. Sure, in the past he DID have a shitty life; the biggest thing was he had a REAL bad drug problem in the late 90's which is why he vanished from the theatrical world and he did years of direct to video and DVD films, and his late 90's movies are either real strange or real awful. But, the way it's done is not entertaining at all; it's just there and not amusing aside from a few lines.
But what ruins it for me is where the crux of the movie takes place, in his home country of Belgium and he unwittingly is a part of the bank robbery. These villains... totally unappealing characters. They are villains in the worst way (and they are semi-competent at best, nearly constantly arguing with each other), to the point that you just want to turn the movie off. And yet real life Van Damme couldn't even try to take out one of those buffoons? They are more aggravating and obnoxious than threatening; then again the cops believe rather easily that Van Damme was the mastermind behind it. I don't get that.
Note that this isn't really an action movie at all. Rather, it's Van Damme being all contemplative and being all whiny and brooding about his life and how it is being middle-aged and blah blah blah... I know, many people apparently think it's hilarious that JCVD would be in an arthouse movie or that his performance wasn't bad. There's that but the story sucks, there's a lot of inconsistent stuff, the plot is a mess structure wise, the pacing is the opposite of good... and yet even though many people on Letterboxd note these issues, they still praise the movie! I do NOT get that at all.
I was hoping that people would look down on this now once the novelty wore off, but apparently not. Sure, one of the villains looking like Severus Snape from the Harry Potter movies makes me laugh, but overall... screw this movie, to put it cleanly. It's ugly all around, from the tone to all the characters non-stop arguing and bickering with each other, Jean-Claude actually trying to follow the orders of those idiot crooks
Even a big bizarre surreal monologue Jean-Claude has at the end of the movie that everyone thinks is awesome... eh, no. It's more rambling nonsense than anything else. Again, why most people think this is awesome is a gigantic mystery to me. I just think it's arthouse Euro-douchy BS.
I'll be back tomorrow night as I discovered there's a movie on late tonight which I'll be watching.
Runtime: 97 minutes
Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Francois Damiens, Zinedine Soualem, Karim Belkhadra
From: Several different companies, including Gaumont
Here is a movie that ever since I first saw it on the big screen in the mainly arthouse theatre in the Orlando-area known as the Enzian I have hated, which goes against what many fans (especially action fans) and critics say, which is that it's great. I don't get it then why so many love it and after I watched it again late last night on Showtime Extreme...
To steal the plot from the IMDb: “Between his tax problems and his legal battle with his wife for the custody of his daughter, these are hard times for the action movie star who finds that even Steven Seagal has pinched a role from him! In JCVD, Jean-Claude Van Damme returns to the country of his birth to seek the peace and tranquility he can no longer enjoy in the United States.” That's part of it. The main part of the story is that Van Damme gets caught in a hostage situation at a local bank and he's made out by the loathsome (in the worst way) robbers to be the mastermind behind it.
Turns out, I may hate the movie even more now than I did before! It starts off fine as you see a low-budget scene being filmed with Van Damme and bizarrely, it's over the R&B song Hard Times, by Baby Huey, a massive 400 pound plus singer who had a great voice but sadly died real young due to a drug overdose. The song is great but I don't know if it fit the scene. It went downhill from there.
You notice that for some reason the film's cinematography is a real washed-out colorless experience. I have no idea why this was done but it did not make the movie pleasing to watch. Everything has a gold sheen over it, and why would you do that for what's supposed to be a “realistic” look at Jean-Claude's life? The same goes for the jittery almost constantly moving camera, which I did not remember (but looking at a messageboard thread from the time, I DID note it) but now, it was bad. Then, you got a lot of misery as you get to see Van Damme in “real life” having a shitty life. Sure, in the past he DID have a shitty life; the biggest thing was he had a REAL bad drug problem in the late 90's which is why he vanished from the theatrical world and he did years of direct to video and DVD films, and his late 90's movies are either real strange or real awful. But, the way it's done is not entertaining at all; it's just there and not amusing aside from a few lines.
But what ruins it for me is where the crux of the movie takes place, in his home country of Belgium and he unwittingly is a part of the bank robbery. These villains... totally unappealing characters. They are villains in the worst way (and they are semi-competent at best, nearly constantly arguing with each other), to the point that you just want to turn the movie off. And yet real life Van Damme couldn't even try to take out one of those buffoons? They are more aggravating and obnoxious than threatening; then again the cops believe rather easily that Van Damme was the mastermind behind it. I don't get that.
Note that this isn't really an action movie at all. Rather, it's Van Damme being all contemplative and being all whiny and brooding about his life and how it is being middle-aged and blah blah blah... I know, many people apparently think it's hilarious that JCVD would be in an arthouse movie or that his performance wasn't bad. There's that but the story sucks, there's a lot of inconsistent stuff, the plot is a mess structure wise, the pacing is the opposite of good... and yet even though many people on Letterboxd note these issues, they still praise the movie! I do NOT get that at all.
I was hoping that people would look down on this now once the novelty wore off, but apparently not. Sure, one of the villains looking like Severus Snape from the Harry Potter movies makes me laugh, but overall... screw this movie, to put it cleanly. It's ugly all around, from the tone to all the characters non-stop arguing and bickering with each other, Jean-Claude actually trying to follow the orders of those idiot crooks
Even a big bizarre surreal monologue Jean-Claude has at the end of the movie that everyone thinks is awesome... eh, no. It's more rambling nonsense than anything else. Again, why most people think this is awesome is a gigantic mystery to me. I just think it's arthouse Euro-douchy BS.
I'll be back tomorrow night as I discovered there's a movie on late tonight which I'll be watching.
Friday, January 3, 2014
An Announcement (But A Good One)
No review (there will be one tomorrow night, I promise) but I'd like to announce tonight that something I'll be doing for the Letterboxd site is that I'll be putting all the Asian films I see into one list. It'll likely have a simple title, like "Asian Films 2014" or "The Asian Films Project" or something along those lines. I hope that motivates me to watch more Korean cinema, which I've seen praised yet I've seen precious little of. I'll also see motion pictures from other countries in the area, likely the "Pacific Rim countries" or whatever you want to call that area.
What I'll watch next for tomorrow night will be from Europe instead of Asia but I promise it won't be long before I get started with the task of adding entries to to the list. In case you forgot, my Letterboxd page can be found here.
What I'll watch next for tomorrow night will be from Europe instead of Asia but I promise it won't be long before I get started with the task of adding entries to to the list. In case you forgot, my Letterboxd page can be found here.
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