Horror Movie Reviews: Dracula II: The Ascension

Jason Scott Lee (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)I thought I was so OVER vampire movies. Since 1983 and The Hunger, I'd pretty much seen 'em all. But... this one (suggested by Netflix) blew me away... a whole new twist. Very unexpected. I must say I enjoyed it a great deal.

The best part is that the NEW Van Helsing (aka Vampire Hunter) is a Church sanctioned Jason Scott Lee: most famous for his part as Bruce Lee in "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story".

He is (as always) extraordinary in his acts of dispension (ie. ridding the world of the vampire menace). SPOILER: He decapitates with an unusual blade... and a few extraordinary powers of his own.

I mentioned once before that I have this thing for Asian men (ever since my summer studying karate in Japan and discovering Masao Kusakari... a half American, half Asian actor). LOL. He was the star of a Japanese version of Starsky and Hutch (circa 1977). Whateverthehelll happened to that poster?

 

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Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Warrior's Way, 2009 (The Best Martial Arts Movies)

(Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

At first I was thinking, okay, "Cowboys and Aliens" so... now we have "Cowboys and Samarai". But then I remembered David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970's TV series: Kung Fu.

This movie brings back a bit more of the beloved essence of that series... not so much the martial arts, but the WISDOM of the martial arts.

Somewhere I have a (cassette!) tape of the Kung Fu aphorisms from the series (Kung Fu, 1972-1975).






Sad note. Apparently the series was actually Bruce Lee's idea but he was cut from acting the part because America just wasn't ready for an Asian TV Star at the time (so said the production company).

Anyway, I just loved this film!!! And do highly recommend it for so many more reasons other than just the Eastern "wisdom".

The aesthetically beautiful and extremely creative cinematography is outstanding. And the stylized modern synthesis of script and acting are amazing to behold. A Masterpiece of direction by Sngmoo Lee. A real work of art... not to be missed.

The title: The Warrior's Way is nothing new to the martial arts world. But this movie is: serious, artistically brutal, and humorous all at once. I especially liked that the main character's protege is a young woman.

Again, as I said, I just loved it. Long live "The Eastern Western"!
 
Oh, yeah, the main actor?  Dong-gun Jang. He's Asia's answer to Clint Eastwood... soft-spoken, hard-assed, and as COOL as it gets.

 

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Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Comedy "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist"

Image via WikipediaWho doesn't love Kung Pao Chicken?! Wish I had me some right now.

"Kung Pow: Enter the Fist"...

This one took me by surprise. I was laughing from the opening scene... "The Chosen One!". Very funny. Definitely a satire. Satire means CLICHE' and this is as cliche' as it gets (plus a few unexpected moments... like the "So cute!" scene). For those of you that have loved the dubbed Chinese martial arts genre for a while now, this one's a real kick. Get it?

Of course, this is a take on Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon", which makes it all the more fun.

I'm not a big fan of animated babies, but the sound effects associated with it make it hilarious. And then the chinese  baby grows up to be a white guy? LOL. Pure silliness. And the battle of the tongues. It gets a little stale through the middle but don't miss the Kung Fu Cow.

And the belated bark? OMG. I laughed so hard.


Favorite Lines:
"Your story makes my heart heavy and my prostate weak.""

"And then he killed the dog... I now officially know too much."

"I am a man of many needs. You will now receive the fist of fury." Fortunately, the little ones will receive this an an over-sight.

As martial artists, we have a tendency to take ourselves much too seriously anyway. So a little comedy relief is in order. I highly a suggest "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist". Why not have a fun Martial Arts Movie Night at your club? The kids, especially, will love it.

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Martial Arts Movie Reviews: "Champion" a Korean Boxing Film

Image via Wikipedia

First of all, let me just say that I have this thing for Asian men (don't tell my husband). It all started with Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon when I was 13 years old. It's what inspired me to start training in martial arts.

The leading actor in this film, playing Deuk-gu Kim (World Lightweight Boxing Champ of Korea), reminds me of Bruce Lee (he's gorgeous and talented both).

Well, enough of that. It also delights me, now, that we are an international culture and I get to see how others have lived their lives in foreign countries, the cultural differences (like beaten for losing AND beaten for winning? - you'll see what I mean. I think this movie is a treasure.

It's the usual "from rags to riches" story. But this time it's about a Korean boxer. Frankly, in my ignorance I thought boxing was just an American thing. Not so. Korea doesn't just produce Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido champions. No. It gives us World Champion Boxers (and, as I recall, some phenomenal Olympic athletes as well).

And I love this boxer's style: He doesn't give them time to think. It's just flurry, flurry, flurry.

Favorite Line:
"The winning team will get 20 roasted chicken!"


Favorite Scene:
The drunken exchange.

And The SONG.

I didn't fully read the intro, so I was a bit shocked by the ending. I recommend letting yourself be surprised too.

Sub-titled but worth it.

P.S. As a Karate-ka, I was never that crazy about boxing. It just seemed illogical to not use your legs too. And what about blocking? It is clearly more about taking a punch than blocking one.   

Still, you have to admire the sport and those who are bold and brave enough to practice it... the same holds true for MMA competitors. Props.

Urban Dictionary: props

www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=props - CachedSimilar

4. props. Slang term for "accolades", "proper respect", or "just dues". Popularized in the 1980s by rappers who shortened the term "propers" which was in ... 


TRAILER "Champion" (Korean):

►

 

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Kung Fu Volley Ball / Soccer / Kickball / Hacky Sack VIDEO "Sepak Takraw"

Hot new sport? It's been around since the 80's. Why haven't I heard of this before. I WANT TO PLAY. What amazing fun and fitness. Such agility is required. It'd be an amazing workout.

Check it out:

It's called "Sepak" Malay for (kick) and a Thai word "Takraw" which roughly translates to "ball" and it's popular all over Asia.

For the original article CLICK HERE.

 

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The Green Hornet... Is it really a remake worth revisiting? ...without Bruce Lee

I have to admit that I was a little concerned about the remake of the Green Hornet, as the original Green Hornet with Bruce Lee, was my inspiration for studying the the martial arts. But after watching the Trailer... my concerns were calmed. How could you go wrong with both Seth Rogen and Cameron Diaz. OMG. Looking forward to it now. Here is the scene from the original Green Hornet from the sixties, with Bruce Lee, that inspired me to a life long pursuit of the ART of combat:

Later: I apologize, I wasn't able to find that scene. I remember it so well, still, after all these years. He was in the Kato outfit and coming down some stairs and did a flying front kick to knock out a light fixture. Well, here is a close facsimile. It's still Bruce Lee knocking out a light fixture but not the exact scene I remember. If you can find it, please let me know.
And for the young people, a CLASSIC Bruce Lee sequence:

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