Finishing Blow Episode 91
It’s been a crazy week, but a lot of stuff to check out. Don’t miss a thing!
New Trailer for the Borderland
Gordon Liu Reported Missing (UPDATE!)
09th Mar2013
0 Comm
08th Mar2013
Supercop Review
Background info
Police Story 3, also known as Supercop, brought Jackie back into the shoes of Chan Ka-Kui. Chan stepped down from the director’s role, handing the reigns to Stanley Tong, but added a lot more to the film itself. With bigger-scale action and Michelle Yeoh showing off that women can be just as awesome, a lot was riding on this film. Was this Supercop strong enough to cross into the international market while pleasing older fans as well?
Story/Characters
While the other two stories weren’t as plot-heavy, the third entry added a little more in the writing department. There aren’t any real twists and turns, but the idea of Chan working undercover added another layer to the story that wasn’t present in the others. The story works well enough to get the ball rolling and leads to the later action sequences efficiently. It should also be noted that some versions of Supercop don’t have the tie-ins to the franchise because it was released as a standalone film, so you might not see as much when watching the US version, for example. (Fun fact: it’s also the first Chinese film to let Chan use his actual voice.)
The characters in Supercop are exactly what you expect. Jackie and Maggie Cheung reprise their roles while Michelle Yeoh and Yuen Wah play new additions. The interactions between Chan and Yeoh seem genuine and always have a comical conclusion. I felt like all of the characters were welcome additions, and it was great seeing the returning characters in their cameos as well.
Action/Choreography
When it comes to action, Supercop is one of the best. I say that talking about the total package, and not just the fighting. The fighting is very good and solid, but it’s the stunts that knock this movie out of the park. Seeing Jackie dangle off a rope ladder from a helicopter is still breathtaking to this day. Very few guys would even agree to do something like that, ever. Of course, don’t count Michelle out either. This fearless lady landed a motorcycle on a moving train, even though she had never driven one before. If you like the straightforward fight sequences, this movie won’t be as impressive, but action fans should have more than enough to smile about.
Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?
Compared to the other Police Story films, Supercop doesn’t rate as highly for me. Maybe it’s the bigger budget and explosions, but I like the smaller-scale stunts like the pole slide or fight in the fireworks factory from the other films. That being said, this is a very respectable addition to the franchise and doesn’t do anything really wrong. Chan and Yeoh work great together and there is enough to please junkies everywhere. I wish there was a little more fighting in it, but it’s still a fun film that everyone should watch.
Watch it
(Get the HK Version if you can, the US ones are the Dimension film cut ones.)
Police Story III DVD (HK Version)
Police Story III Blu-Ray (HK Version)
Supercop Two-Disc Ultimate Edition DVD (US Version)
16th Feb2013
Finishing Blow Episode 88
Another busy week, but totally worth it. Be sure to give the new podcast a listen!
Posters for Badges of Fury, Fist of Legend, and Trailer for Saving General Yang
Scott Adkins Heads Toward Distant Shores
Trailer for the Princess and the Seven Kung Fu Masters
Police Story 2013 Begins Editing
Man with the Iron Fists Review
13th Feb2013
Trailer for the Princess and the Seven Kung Fu Masters
You might think that a movie that has Sammo Hung and Yuen Wah in it is always an attention grabber, but that’s not always the case. Princess and the Seven Kung Fu Masters is a film by Wong Jing, and it’s a slapstick-comedy that will be great for some, but irritating for others. The movie is essentially a spoof of popular movies and ideas, which has been done time and time again in Chinese cinema.
Give the synopsis a read below:
During the early years of the Republic era, in the North-East region of China, the people are suffering from the power struggle among the local Warlords, bandits, and Japanese invaders. Warlord Lam (Sammo Hung), is not a leader of great vision, but stands firm in his own beliefs. The only paradise within the region is ‘Lucky Town’, the one place where no one dared to attack as it was protected by the seven kung fu masters who have resided there. When young patriots, Yan Fang (Rose Chan) who disguised herself as a man, and Howard Luo (Dennis To), infiltrate Tiger’s Den at night trying to steal the code book fail in their mission and tries to run, only Yan survives and is rescued by Cheryl. Mistaking Yan as a man, Cheryl falls for Yan. She then brings Yan to Lucky Town and begs the Seven Masters to cure Yan. Cheryl and the Seven Masters are then told of the secret plan by the Japanese, and together, they resolve to fight against Tiger Den and save Warlord Lam.
The synopsis doesn’t really sound that bad, but the trailer is really what bothers me. Give it a look and see how you feel:
Princess and Seven Kung Fu Masters Trailer
I really don’t know how I feel about this movie. Part of it might have to do with the fact that the film makes fun of the same movies the stars are in, or the humor just isn’t clicking with me. Even though there are a number of big names attached to this movie, I think I’m going to go ahead and wait to see how this one does.
22nd Dec2012
Finishing Blow Episode 80
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Scott Adkins on Green Street: Underground
Tony Jaa to Feature CGI and Wirework
Jackie Chan Becomes Expendable…and a Musical
3D Iceman Cometh Begins Filming
21st Dec2012
The Iceman Cometh Review
Background Info
Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah face off in this time-travelling martial arts film. The movie, directed by Clarence Fok, featured a number of staples for films of the era. Maggie Cheung played the female lead while smaller cameos were offered by Wong Jing and Cory Yuen. Would Yuen Biao be able to prove his talents after Dragons Forever, or should the Iceman have been left alone?
(Can’t find a trailer for this one and I don’t want to ruin the fights. Sorry guys.)
Story/Characters
The story to the Iceman Cometh is simple enough, at least for a film. There have been plenty of “fish out of water” stories that involve time travel, and it’s exactly what you’d expect. The main plot is easy to follow and helps frame the events that come, but a lot of the smaller details are left unexplained. How Yuen Wah’s character can drive vehicles and fire guns, for example, are just assumed as plausible.
The biggest issue I had with this film was with the characters; they are too inconsistent. One moment Yuen Wah is killing people and raping women, and the next he’s sparing someone’s life. The same is true for Yuen Biao and Maggie Cheung; their actions often negate what they have done previously, and it make it hard to relate to them. It really feels like the relationship between Biao and Cheung was forced, and don’t even get me started on that ending…
Action/Choreography
As many people know, this is Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah in their prime. The fight between the two is fast and intricate, even though other battles are sparse. Other than the initial fight and the final fight, there isn’t too much to anticipate. I did enjoy the fight that took place on a Jeep that’s suspended in the air, but they story could have had several “misunderstanding” fights with Biao’s character. In the end, the action doesn’t disappoint, you just have to wait for it.
Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?
The Iceman Cometh is a movie that you will enjoy as long as you don’t think about it. The characters are hard to relate to, but the action is solid and what you would expect. While the long runtime will be hard for those looking for fights that are sprinkled throughout the film, those that wait will be rewarded with a satisfying final confrontation. While the Iceman won’t impress everyone, it’s a great way to pass the time and remember how movies used to be back in the 80′s.
Watch it
19th Dec2012
3D Iceman Cometh Begins Filming
Although the 3D Iceman Cometh had a very rough beginning period, it seems like it has not been cancelled as initially thought. Donnie Yen will be playing the lead and will also be choreographing the action for the film. Other stars include Simon Yam, Eva Huang, and Wang Baoquiang.
The film is a remake of the 1989 film that starred Yuen Wah and Yuen Biao, except it will have more effects and larger-scale fights. While I welcome the fights, I’m curious how the 3D will work with the film. There haven’t really been any good 3D martial arts films, so I worry that it will be a waste of money.
I actually haven’t seen the original, but that’s going to change soon because I just got the film in the mail and hope to review it this week. For now, I’m curious how Yen will play the role and will keep you posted as I learn more.
20th Oct2012
Finishing Blow Episode 71
Crazy week this week, so the articles may be out of order. Feel free to click around and see what interests you!
New Trailer for Chinese Zodiac
New Man with Iron Fists Trailer and Tai Chi 0 Fight Clip
Jackie Gets Ready for Police Story 2013
More Media on Upcoming Films (Updated)
Tai Chi Hero Posters and Another Man with the Iron Fists Trailer
Also, here are the two other character trailers for Man with the Iron Fists!
Sorry for the mass of media, hope you guys enjoy!
19th Oct2012
Mr. Vampire Review
Background Info
The first story written by director Ricky Lau, Mr. Vampire was a film that combined supernatural horror elements with martial arts action. The filmed starred veteran Lam Ching-Ying as well as Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-hou. With Yuen Wah as the evil vampire, did Mr. Vampire have enough bite to satisfy the audience’s thirst?
Story/Characters
The story of Mr. Vampire is simple enough. A local priest is tasked with reburying a corpse when he discovers it to be a vampire. This main plot drives a lot of the actions that follow, but there are also some subplots that are added into the mix. While I felt like one of the “love stories” comes a little too late, it adds some interesting elements that make the finale that much more enjoyable. The story is easy enough for anyone to enjoy, regardless of their knowledge of Chinese supernatural beings, and has enough variety to keep from being boring.
The characters in the film are pretty much what you’d expect. Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-hou play the two apprentices that don’t always follow the rules, getting into more trouble than they should. While they may not be the most interesting characters, they are entertaining and believable enough for you to care about what goes on with them. Of course, Lam Ching-Ying steals the show as the priest, always in over his head, yet always focused on how to tackle the next big threat.
Action/Choreography
When you look at it from one angle, Mr. Vampire might not look like a “true” martial arts film. However, a closer examination will show you that the film is still very martial arts in nature. Yuen Wah plays a very powerful beast, and while he may not showcase any intricate choreography, the challenge of taking him down is an impressive one. The fights that do take place are creative and fit the story, making them enjoyable in their own right. Personally, I think that the fights were handled perfectly and that I wouldn’t change anything about them.
Own it, Watch it, Try it, or Skip it?
Mr. Vampire is a classic, and it’s easy to see why. With fun characters, fitting action, and a layered story, it’s got something that everyone can enjoy. Horror buffs might not be too impressed with the toned-down aspects of the film, but it’s an action film first and foremost. I loved this movie as a kid, and nostalgia is most likely affecting my decision, but I think that this is a must-have film that you will enjoy regardless of how long it’s been since you’ve seen it last.
Own it
