Thursday, October 10, 2013

State of Emergency



A Great Zombie Flick that Deserves Attention...
I have to confess: when I first saw the DVD cover for this film, I thought it was going to be a comedy. I'm not sure why, but the expression of the character on the cover gave me the impression that he was in a funny situation. Thus, my expectations weren't very high when I started watching it. But wow...I'm glad I did give it a chance; STATE OF EMERGENCY is a top-notch zombie flick that delivers on many levels.

I had never heard of STATE OF EMERGENCY before I got the press release, but I would wager that horror fans will definitely be hearing about this one soon. While it does not really bring anything new to the table, it is a taut, thrilling survival story that will have you squirming in your seat and hiding your eyes.

One major aspect of this film that jumped out at me is the way it looks. I saw in the closing credits that it was shot on a Red One camera, and you can certainly tell; the picture is crystal clear and the quality of the imagery is...

Better than expected
After reading the 4 star reviews I figured I'd give this flick at shot. I have to say it was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. The zombies are kind of a mix between the 28 days later drones and the walking dead monsters. They did have a bit of intelligence to them, which definitely lended to the spookiness of them. This isn't exactly a gore fest film. Obviously our heroes do some zombie slaying, but there isn't the mass amounts of blood and guts as in most zombie movies. Instead, the film-maker focuses on the survivors and how they deal. I did like the fact the characters didn't clammer around making all the ridiculous mistakes that most do. They took steps that it seemed like actual people might take in the situation. All in all, it's not the absolute best of the genre, but it's worth a watch.

I Liked It (but I'm Not Sure Why)
Other reviewers said that this movie moved slowly, and they were right. For some reason, though, the movie still worked for me. I guess I was expecting another pseudo-zombie gore-fest, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this movie did not fall into that category. It was slow but interesting with a couple of decent scares; not brilliantly acted but engaging. If you're not sure what you're in the mood to watch, give this a try. If nothing else, it will help you fall asleep.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

G-Dog [HD]



Both Harrowing And Uplifting: An Important Documentary About Gang Life, Potential Rehabilitation, And A True Humanitarian
Sometimes it is the subject of a documentary film, as opposed to its execution, that make it a can't miss proposition. The centerpiece of the new feature by documentarian Freida Lee Mock (Oscar winner for 1994's "Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision") is such an inspiring and fascinating man that you'll simply want to invest in "G-Dog." I don't mean to undervalue the filmmaker's achievements in any way or imply that this isn't a well constructed project, it was just that I was completely captivated by Father Greg Boyle and his efforts to rehabilitate the East Los Angeles gang culture one member at a time. Whether called Father Greg, Father G, or simply G-Dog, Boyle has dedicated his life to working with at-risk kids and offering them compassion, surprising candor, and essential training to pursue a different lifestyle. In an era of apathy and failing social and educational structure, Boyle has built a virtual empire (Homeboy Industries) by doing good deeds. And it's a great...

You have to see this movie!
You will laugh and be moved to tears and wish you could go right out to Homeboy Industries and be some sort of help. Support this awesome man doing the job we are all called to do. You need to also look at Homeboy Industries on line. Supporting Homeboy supports all of us and allows us to share in the kinship!

It's great to see what the determination of one person can do
Father Greg Boyle is an inspiration to all who have had the good fortune to make his acquaintance. He is the living the gospel message, serving a group of people most of us would rather not even think about. G-Dog is the story of what can be accomplished if we set aside our prejudice and instead look for the humanity that resides in us all. You cannot watch this movie and not be touched by the love that is shared and the possibilities for goodness that exist in everyone's life. Thank God for gracing us with people like G-Dog.

Click to Editorial Reviews

White Vengeance



(3.5 stars) A beautiful film, a complex film and unfortunately, confusing at times...
A beautiful, violent Chinese historical film that features a loose adaptation of "The Feast at Hong Gate" written and directed by Daniel Lee ("14 Blades", "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection oft he Dragon", "Black Mask") and featuring an all-star cast with Leon Lai ("Fallen Angels", "Seven Swords", "Comrades: Almost a Love Story"), Feng Shaofeng, Liu Yifei ("Forbidden Kingdom"), Zhang Hanyu, Anthony Wong ("Infernal Affairs" films, "Exiled", "Hard Boiled"), Jordan Chan ("Help!!!", "Skyline Cruisers", "Spy Dad"), Andy On, Xiu Qing and Jia Qing.

The film was nominated for four Hong Kong Film Awards including "Best Art Direction" and "Best Costume & Make Up Design" and was released on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Well Go USA.

"White Vengance" is a film that is loosely based on the Feast at Hong Gate and the fall of the Qin Dynasty.

VIDEO:

"White Vengeance" is presented in 1080p High Definition (16:9 Widescreen). The film looks absolutely beautiful in...

Sequel to Three Kingdoms, not Red Cliff, so be warned
This movie has the look and feel of Three Kingdoms, moody and dark, not the wit and verve of Red Cliff, so many viewers might be disappointed if they are expecting the latter. Having said that, we get outstanding performances from Leon Lai and Anthony Wong.
The three kingdoms fought each other so extensively that a new dynasty, the Qin (Chin, as in China) have taken over, but their power at this stage is by no means assured. We have repression on the one side and a vision of freedom on the other. But is it really practical, or will men be men and obey their own wills, regardless of what god wants. That is the question posed in the main 'banquet' scene and resonates throughout the rest of the film.
The fight scenes, when we get them, are excellent, and the rest of the extensive supporting cast is like a who's who of Chinese cinema in the past 20 years if you can wrack your brain to recognize all of them.
Unfortunately, you will be wracking your brain for a lot of other...

Complex political Film
This film requires a working knowledge of Chinese history , it is very complex and will require a second or even third viewing to understand the political manoeuvrings. Not a movie to pass the time with .It requires concentration ,not for the Fast & The Furious crowd. Exceptional transfer on BluRay

Click to Editorial Reviews

My Way [HD]



Did You Know The Body of a Korean Soldier Was Discovered On D-Day?
South Koreans have a way with film. In the last decade, they've had a particularly good run at presenting war stories, some from the World War II era and many others exploring the Korean War. I've had the good fortune of seeing several of them - each one perhaps a bit better than the last - and now I can add MY WAY to the burgeoning list of accomplishments. It's a big budget critical success that opens your eyes to the plight of people who find themselves equally at odds with themselves as they do the greater world around them.

At a time when Japan ruled a smaller Korea, Kim Jung-shik (played by Jang Dong-Gun) and Japanese aristocrat Tatsuo Hasegawa (Joe Odagiri) find themselves as bitter young rivals to the upcoming Olympics. When Kim and his fellow residents rebel against the Japanese authorities after stripping the young man of a chance to represent his country, they're all conscripted into the Japanese army. Their fates collide again as Kim's regiment is assigned...

SHIRI, TAE GUK GI, and now MY WAY. Amazing director!
Riveting. Brutal. Epic. All of the above. Director Kang Je-gyu sure knows how to make films that are heartbreaking. Based on the true story of an Asian man found on the beaches at Normandy during World War II, somehow the main character ends up being forced to fight for the Japanese, the Russians, and the Germans over the course of the film. There are at least five different languages spoken in this film: Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and German. And then the credits roll with a wonderful song from Italy's own Andrea Bocelli. Truly a multinational picture. Contains amazing scenery and a jaw-dropping, climactic recreation of the Normandy invasion. Just don't watch it if you're squeamish. Very, very graphic in places. But so powerful.

friendship and war
A epic production about two friends who grow up together ,but a horrible tragedy while they were young tore them apart, the acting in this film was very compelling ,the meat of the film is the spectacular war scenes , very realistic and harsh, there are few similarities with this film and the film "the brotherhood of war" which came a few years prior to this one ,both films told a very human story around the brutal reality of war.A likeable movie but very long.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Miss Sadie Thompson [HD]



Overblown interpretation of basically good story
This 1953 film stars Rita Hayworth in a loosely adapted version of a Somerset Maugham story. It takes place on a American occupied Pacific Island where the marines, and especially Aldo Ray, are all quite smitten with Miss Sadie Thompson, a tough and sexy lady who loves to party and who is forced to spend some time there because her ship is quarantined. Jose Ferrer, cast in the role of an angry and dour preacher quarantined there too, manages to arrange for her to be deported. He has his own weaknesses, however, which are revealed as the story progresses. The inevitable tragic conclusion has a typical Hollywood ending, but the basic theme is there.

Ms. Hayworth sure looks pretty. She has flaming red hair and wears brightly colored clothes and every movement of her body draws the eye. As she can't sing, though, she lip synchs through several non-memorable musical numbers and her acting abilities vary from scene to scene. Occasionally, the actress in her shines through, but...

Blue Pacific Blues
With the haunting song "Blue Pacific Blues" in the background the beautiful Rita Hayworth portrays a loose woman running from her past in the south sea islands soon after WWII. Aldo Ray, a young Charles Bronson, and Jose Ferrer play out the drama of religion vs love, lust, and loneliness. This is a must-see movie for the person who fantasizes about the lure of the tropics and has a romantic familiarity with the war in the Pacific.

Why isn't it on DVD?
Miss Sadie Thompson

This movie is well worth watching, if only for Rita Hayworth's fabulous, "The Heat is On" dance number. But I don't understand why it's not available on DVD, given that "Trouble in Texas," "Charlie Chan in Egypt" and a few of her other, early, and not as interesting films, are. I'd also like to see "Tonight and Every Night" on DVD as well. That film has some great dance sequences. Given how little Rita was allowed to produce in her best years, at least Sony/Columbia Pictures ought to produce the better ones in current technology. My own view is that Rita Hayworth's talent went far beyond the glam image, both in acting and dancing, and should be recognized as such. I read the book "Being Rita Hayworth," which was an interesting analysis of Hollywood and actors such as Rita's efforts to forge an identity and claim the value of their work, despite all the hype and iconography.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Wild In The Streets



Wild in the streets film ?
It was very interesting watching the crew make this film, it was amusing actually being in it, it was great watching a preview in Ashbourne, but why can't we buy the film in the UK, it's rediculous that you can buy it on amazon in the USA but not where it was actually filmed, thanks

On my bucket list!
I had never heard of Shrovetide before watching this but it's now on my bucket list. Well explained documentary and account of that year's match. Sean Bean does a fantastic job narrating.

OMG
This is a must see for sports fans and communities alike !!!!
you will be surprised at how a game can truly keep a town together.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Kill 'Em All [HD]



Kill 'Em All
Gordon Liu (Chia Hui Liu) is a veteran and legendary Kung Fu master, whose career has included some 102 films as an actor. You have probably seen him on Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" movies. He is back in the exciting "Kill `Em All," a film with a second title that goes "I'm going to hell when I die." And let me tell you, this is one quite riveting ride that you will truly enjoy - martial arts at its best.

The story takes place in Bangkok, and it opens with four professional assassins - three men, one woman --, each one independently performing hits on different targets. Once their missions are completed and they are relaxing, they are in turn kidnapped and taken to an undisclosed location. When they wake up, they find out that they and other four are inside the "killing chamber," where "hit men are taken to die." Very soon they hear the voice of Snakehead (Liu), who informs them that they would be fighting with each other to death, with the last remaining one allowed to...

Gordon Lui
Gordon Lui legendary martial artist/actor proves he can still hold his own in this film. I like the concept, it's similiar to Saw I but with a twist a MMA action.

Tim man is..........THE MAN!
I found this movie recently on netflix while looking for an action movie, and was surprised that it was pretty good. The acting was kind of poor but i was solely in it for the fight scenes and not too much more. There are a lot of them and you really get to see everyone's style of fighting instead of just say only kung fu style. I have seen a few of the people in the film before but have never seen THE KID ( actor Tim Man ) and was glad he was in this. He's a BEAST! I would love to see him and Tony Jaa in a movie together side by side as lead roles. The action in that movie would be insane. Think about it! The Ong Bak movies along with the Protector are some of my favorite movies simply because they are so action packed, which is what i look for mostly because alot of the times the story line is weak. All in all if you want some action give it a shot.

Click to Editorial Reviews