Showing posts with label martial arts movie reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martial arts movie reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Movie Reviews: Jackie Chan in "Drunken Master" Best Martial Arts Films

Drunken Master DVD coverImage via WikipediaHere's a line I'd LIKE to hear: (from Jackie Chan's first Masterpiece "Drunken Master")...

"Wow, the old bitch is tough!"

This is, apparently, the film that started his comedic martial arts career. I was delighted to see that an "Old Woman" could kick his ass with kung fu (all-be-it choreographed). Check it out. As far as I'm concerned, this scene makes the movie.

The nice thing about martial arts (compared to most other sports) is that, if you remain active, you too will be able run circles around the 20 somethings when you're in your 50's. Believe me, it feels great... to have MORE energy, flexibility, and skill now... than I did at 20.


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Monday, October 10, 2011

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

Jackie Chan began his film career as a stuntma...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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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Best Martial Arts Films / Movie Review: "The Expendables" VIDEO

What a treat!

Oldies but still Goodies (like me!). All my favorites: from Jet Li to Dolph Lundgren (who knew he'd turn out to be such a great ACTOR?) and Sylvestor Stallone (famous for the "Rocky" series but "First Blood" was by far my favorite of his films). A modern day "Magnificent Seven" (which, of course, was a remake of Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai").

Oh, yeah, and Jason Statham... mmm. The best thing to come out of Britain since Princess Di. Plus... will it never end... the come-back kid, Mickey Roarke. My favorite of his was "9 1/2 Weeks".

The opening scene makes you wish that they were there for every modern pirate takeover. And the soundtrack is awesome, right on for the script.

And, OMG, Eric Roberts as the bad guy (from "Best of the Best", one of the greatest martial arts films of all time and who knew he was pigeon-toed?!). How fun. For you late bloomers, Eric is Julia's brother. But she hasn't made many movies lately either, so you 20-somethings probably don't even know who SHE is. Watch the classic "Pretty Woman".

Oh, are you kidding me? (I write as I go...) enter Bruce Willis (Die Hard) and Arnold Swartzenegger (Predator).


Favorite Lines: 
 (Mickey to Jason trying to convince him to get a tattoo on his head) "You got one of those perfectly shaped dome masculine heads."

"You lost weight?"... "Whatever weight I lost, you found, pal."

"What are your names, please?"... "Buddha and Pest".


"Why don't we have dinner?"... "When?"...  "In a thousand years!"... "Too soon."

Jet Li: "You don't ask, I don't tell."


Jet Li and Syllvestor Stallone: "When I get hurt, the hole is bigger... When I travel I have to go farther."... "Because you're smaller, right?"... "Yes."

I commend Jet Li for having the humility to take this role. God knows, he can be bigger than life in his own films.


Favorite Scene goes to Mickey Roarke: "If I'd a saved that woman... I might a saved what was left of my soul."

What I find most interesting about this movie (as it is most probably in real life), you have American mercenaries fighting against American mercenaries. I guess the price decides the side.

The Choreography: An Axe Kick to break the neck from behind. Nice.

This is a really GOOD MOVIE: Highly Recommended.







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Friday, September 2, 2011

Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Ritual

Coptic-Celtic-CrossImage via WikipediaNot your typical martial arts movie: The Ritual...

Linking horror and martial arts, karate girl outwits and out-spars criminals in "The Ritual".

I enjoyed the Celtic Mystic theme, so I'll go ahead and recommend it despite its "B" qualities... just because it's so unique to the genre.
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Friday, August 26, 2011

Best Martial Arts Films: Blood and Bone Review VIDEO

"Blood and Bone"... this is my new FAVORITE Martial Arts Film. OMG. I had thought it was all about Gina Carano... but Michael Jai White just blew me away. Who is this guy? Where has he been all my life? The flying punch with a scissor-kick, c'mon.

This was the best opening scene in a martial arts movie that I'd ever seen. The fight choreography, the skill... perfect form, perfect execution. As a practiced martial artist, myself, it was just gorgeous to watch. Nothing fake here.


Be prepared (spoiler):
They "tap out" but the guy breaks their arm anyway!

I can't believe it took me so  long to see this thing. WOW. I watched it. I watched 'The Special Features'. I watched it with commentary and then I watched it again.

Netflix isn't enough. I need to OWN this one.

This is real martial arts for real martial artists. In fact, the script was written by a 20 year veteran of the martial arts (an "Old Schooler" like me). Plus, the star, Michael Jai White, actually holds 7 Black Belts! Are you kidding me?! (I only hold 3.)

I am in awe. The choreography, the skill, the fricken ART of it all.

If you get the DVD, be sure to watch the Special Features and the movie, again, with Commentary. It will give you more insight into the 'Making of'... and incline you to give respect where respect is due.

 TRAILER BELOW.
Blood and Bone TRAILER:

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Movie Reviews: "The Last AirBender" Fantasy Martial Arts

Who likes Fantasy? I have to say it's 3rd on my list, behind Sci Fi and Horror but... it's still fun. Who can say what is beyond that wall at the end of the Universe? What was once thought insane (inane?) fantasy is now our science... flying, visiting other planets, even television. Let alone communicating instantly with someone on the other side of the world. Wow. Makes you think ANYTHING is possible.

 Just to keep my sanity, I like to say, "All GOOD things are possible."

This is a fun little flick. There is an interesting element of martial arts within all the "magic". Reminds me of Tai Chi. I don't have a lot of experience with Tai Chi but I consider it (as many do), not only one of the most lethal and practical martial arts, but also the most difficult to master... it takes a great deal of patience. Something most us possess little of.

It also looks like Kung Fu to me. But that is one style I have never practiced, let alone mastered.

Please, tell us what YOU see.

TRAILER "The Last Airbender":


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Friday, August 19, 2011

Krav Maga Women! HOT TOUGH Athletic (Fight Quest)

Whether you're just starting out in the martial arts and trying to figure out which style is best for you... or you're an "Old Timer" like me, this Discovery Channel show "Fight Quest" is a must-see.

Two American guys (MMA Fighter Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson) travel the world checking out different forms of martial arts and then they compete with the locals. It's good old fighting FUN!

This clip shows a female Krav Maga instructor ("Watch and Learn"):
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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Hammer w Adam Corolla

US Navy 030327-N-9693M-002 Lt. Cmdr. Philip Cr...Image via Wikipedia
My New Favorite Martial Arts Film is "The Hammer" with Adam Corolla.

It's serious. It's funny. It's fun!

Adam Corolla, of The Man Show, is absolutely outstanding as a serious actor. Surprise, surprise. But the script (probably Adam's interpretation of it) is light enough that you'll want to see this film again.

It's a boxing flick with the usual 'aging contender gets a second chance' theme. But there are enough twists to keep it interesting and amusing.

As an added bonus, I learned a new Speed Bag routine. Watch for it.

"The Hammer" comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Note: If you haven't figured it out yet, I don't review the big Hollywood IT NOW films. For me it's all about the ones you've probably never heard of - the offbeat but worthy. The ones you'd miss if I didn't tell you about 'em.

AND, if it sucks, I won't even waste your time with a review. Thanks for listening.

I saw this film on Netflix Instant Play.
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