Review In the Line of Duty: Blaze of Glory (TV Movie 1997): Only worth it because of Bruce Campbell!

genre: crime, heist, action

Normally, I don't even bother with TV movies like this. I mean, usually, they are a poor adaptation of the true events and very biased. But, one of the leads is Bruce Campbell. How can you not pay attention when he is involved?

And like I predicted, he certainly elevates the viewing experience. Despite him being bogged down by other factors. For whatever reason, Lori Loughlin is first billed. Sure, she was huge when Full House was around. But her being a bigger star than Bruce Campbell? That is insanity. He himself doesn't seem to mind her character to be the brains of the operation, even when she clearly is unstable and unhinged. This story is based on the true story of Jeffrey and Jill Erickson. Not going to lie, I don't care. For me, it's more compelling what motivates characters to commit crimes like these and especially why they keep doing them even when they don't have to. This film implies, they were doing it for the rush. Then later they were doing it to keep up with their lifestyle. Yet, Jill was not feeling so great about doing them, even when I suspect these heists were her idea. Bruce gives as much depth as he can to Jeffrey. He obviously cares a lot about Jill. But, like any husband, wants to please his wife as much as possible. 

Bruce is very serious and shows that he certainly is capable of good acting when he forsakes the campiness. However, it's unfortunate that he is not given the opportunity to do more than he is capable of.

Again, I really don't understand why Lori Loughlin is awarded such prominence. Apart from her looks she is an average actress. This is demonstrated in On Call (2025). She is decent. But nothing more.

Overall, this film is only worth it because of Bruce Campbell. But this is not a tile I can recommend.

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Review Hero a.k.a. Ma Yong Zhen 1997: Corey Yuen does Heroic Bloodshed!

genre: action, heroic bloodshed, drama

Hero is an unusual heavy drama for someone like Corey Yuen unless I am overlooking some titles made by him. This is probably because this is a remake of The Boxer from Shantung a.k.a. Ma Yong Zhen (1972), A Shaw Brothers production. It did take a while for me to get into the groove of the film but once it did, I was invested.

In essence, this is a basic rags-to-riches story where things go badly since the main character, Ma Wing Jing (played by Takeshi Kaneshiro) wants it too fast. In a city, Shanghai where almost every individual has the same ambition, you can count on, that if you would ever succeed in a higher position, you will get kicked down faster than you can say amen. Funnily enough, it is at this moment where events started to click for me. Up until this time, I was struggling to follow the story, since it was far too complex and fast-paced for its own good. I only kept watching for the action, which is stellar but far too short for my taste. 

Although, the film redeems itself with a big action sequence involving a horse and a hundred bad guys. Thankfully, I can concur that this horse didn't get hurt or killed in the process. But phew, it was very close. Then there is the action sequence in the finale. Beautiful and surprising! Corey Yuen goes fully John Woo here and it's marvellous. A real shame, that the film gets bogged down by the story that gets engulfed in melodrama too much. When done right, I can appreciate it. Here it felt forced and in my opinion was too much of a distraction from the action. Still, Yuen Biao, while demonstrating his extraordinary martial arts skills also shows off some good acting on his part.

I have to say, it's pretty impressive for Kaneshiro to do as much as he can action wise. He is not a stuntman, nor is he a martial artist. Pretty sure, Corey Yeun pushed him to do most of his own stunts. And it definitely pays off. Overall, this is not the best Corey Yuen has done. But it certainly will be worth your while for the action sequences I discussed.

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Review A Working Man (2025): Insanely bad!

genre: action, crime

Full review / rant is coming soon. A Working Man will be a very confusing viewing experience. That's not a good thing if simplicity used to be one of the great elements in a Jason Statham action flick! It might take a while though for my full review to come. I honestly am not feeling it. I really don't understand how they released this as it is. 

Please watch / listen to our thoughts on A Working Man.

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Review G20 (2025): Not trash but decent!

genre: die hard clones, action, thriller

Disparu (a YouTuber) has quite a few videos where he is blatantly negative about films. While I do think the quality of films have declined severely, some of the supposed trashy films are decent to good. Just from his tone, I can see he is being dishonest to please his audience. And well, of course in general you should please people. But not being truthful is a strange practice if you ask me. is it really a surprise #filmthreat  and #nerdrotic share the same view as Disparu. Btw, these are reviewers who have very predictable views on certain films. They are often quick to point out how unrealistic it all is. But at the same time if a film they like is ridiculous, they will ignore those arguments. How convenient. These reviewers are very biased and dishonest. And I am having a hard time to believe they actually love films. Have they even seen the other Die Hard clones? There are some real bad ones out there.

I am a film fan ever since I laid my eyes on TV. Many years later I still am. Although, I must admit that sometimes I miss the old days when I would go to a video rental shop and browse to actual videotapes / DVD's to find the titles I want to watch. Now there is an overload of films. But are they all good? Nope. Still, some are, and just because they feature things you don't like doesn't mean the whole film is trash. 

Like in this case. #g20  is a decent to good title. One of the better Die Hard Clones (). Sure it can't be compared to the original. But it offers a nice viewing experience after a hard day's work. If I had my way, streaming service like #netflix and #amazonprime would offer more titles like these. I really miss the direct to video B action flicks which you could watch whenever you felt like them. 

Please watch / listen to our thoughts in the video underneath.

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Review Saigon a.k.a. Off Limits (1988): Perfect to view late at night!

genre: thriller, crime, action

A serial killer is on the prowl in Saigon during, The Vietnam War. Since they suspect the killer to be an American soldier, two CID (Criminal Investigation Division) officers are involved. Played by Willem Dafoe and Gregory Hines.

The two CID officers are hot on the trail, but then continually are being sabotaged. There is a reason for this, which I won't reveal. In essence, Saigon is a murder mystery. If this were set in the States, this might not have been memorable. But because it's set in Vietnam, it gives an extra dimension to the film. It's not explicitly stated, but it could very well be that the film is trying to convey the insanity of war, or how supposedly decent soldiers can lose it. This is definitely the case when Scott Glenn makes an appearance.

Since the murder victims are hookers, there is a strong sexual element to events. Even in connection to a French nun (Amanda Peet) who aids hookers. Willem Dafoe's character is immediately smitten and even more determined to catch the killer they are hunting. I am not entirely sure if this was necessary, but it does add to the viewing experience. The acting is top-notch. Everybody know what they are in for and how they are supposed to play their roles. I like how almost every player on the screen could be bad.

It's not that hard to predict who the killer is, but kudos for the film leaving you in the dark until the finale. This one is certainly perfect to view late at night!

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Review Panda Plan (2024): It's silly!

genre: comedy, martial arts, action

Most people seem to dislike Panda Plan. And while I understand the sentiment, I think you have to keep in mind that Jackie Chan is not a spring chicken any more. Also, one have to realize the intended audience is different from usual.

It is very obvious that this film is intended for children. One could argue, that something meant for children should also appeal to adults. In my experience, this is never the case. Sure, a lot of filmmakers remedy this with adding stuff for both adults and children. Panda Plan, however, goes full into silliness. It's something you have to be in the mood for. Still, the cuteness of the CGI panda is undeniable. It won me over the second it was on the screen. 

Normally, I wouldn't comment on the acting but in this case, it was terrible. I am aware that it is asked of the actors to be very expressive and cartoonish. Somehow, they went overboard and failed to come across natural. This is coming from someone who is used to this especially in Jackie Chan films. But I realize, this being a children's movie, the kids won't be bothered by this.

Please watch / listen to our thoughts in the video underneath.

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Review / Rant In the Lost Lands (2025): Don't bother!

genre: fantasy, action

You would think that Paul W. S. Anderson, George R.R. Martin, Milla Jovovich and Dave Batista would be a magical combo. Think again, this film is absolutely atrocious. I started out optimistic and positive, and towards the end I was fuming with anger. Kind of like in my video review here. #millajovovich #batista #inthelostlands #filmreviews #adventure #werewolf 

Please watch / listen to our thoughts in the review.

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Review Dark Nuns a.k.a. The Priests 2 a.k.a. Geomeun sunyeodeul (2025): Solid!

genre: horror, drama

Sequel / Spin-off from The Priests. This one might not be as scary as the original, it certainly makes that up with intense acting and expanding the lore. If you like Korean exorcist films, this is one we can wholeheartedly recommend! #thepriests #darknuns #filmreviews #horrormovies #horror #exorcism 

Please watch / listen to our thoughts in the video.

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Review Breathing Fire a.k.a. Bloodbrother - The Fighter, the Winner (1991): The martial arts is great. Everthing else should be taken with a grain of salt.

genre: martial arts, action, drama

Apparently, this is a remake of The Flash Legs a.k.a. Tài Gìk Baat Bo a.k.a. The Ultimate Eight Feet a.k.a. Shaolin Deadly Kicks, which is a 1977 Hong Kong martial arts action film directed by Ma Wu and starring Tao-liang Tan and Lo Lieh.  Tao-liang was running a martial arts school and was the mentor of Ke Huy Quan. He, executive produced Breathing Fire and served as the writer. This explains the story and how Ke Huy Quan was attached to this production. 

In a large part, this American martial arts film, feels like a Hong Kong film, where the plot and acting take a backseat to the action. Therefore, the action is truly top-notch. I read somewhere that the whole film crew was Taiwanese. This would explain the film looking more like a Hong Kong film than an American one. And like I said, at the cost of the acting. But even compared to the acting in old Kung fu films, the acting in this film is pretty bad. There could be a couple of reasons for this. Most of the actors aren't really actors but martial artists. Another reason could be that they were asked to be very expressive with their faces, and they simply didn't have what it takes to act in that way. Ke Huy Quan actually stands out being the most competent. He really understands what is expected of him. I must say that Ed Neil also does quite well for someone who had no prior experience as an actor. Jerry Trimble is disappointing. He is clearly a talented martial artist, but as an actor he completely fails. Yet, 4 years later, he would appear in Heat. Granted not a big role. But big enough to get noticed and the opportunity to work with the greatest actors in the world. That is pretty impressive!

Where the film truly fails is in the direction department. I have a good idea what they were going for, only what they were trying to accomplish was enough for three films. Yet they crammed it in a 80-minute film. Of course, this is going to impact the film big time. I am sure that most people will state that this film is awful, but simply is a misunderstanding of what the film is supposed to be. And that is a martial arts flick where the combat matters more than everything else. There are some stand out moments I do need to mention. Bolo Yeung in drag, Ke Huy Quan fighting multiple dwarfs, a black dude (friend of the two brothers) has two break dancing sequences. The first time so that he can finish painting the wall they were supposed to. And the second time, to distract the bad guys. This second time, though, this dude is truly on another level. His dancing is so good. What his name, T.J. Storm.

Overall, a good martial arts flick with excellent action and everything else should be taken with a grain of salt.

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Review Wanita Ahli Neraka (2024): Decent horror title!

genre: horror, drama

The title didn't come with an English one. Google translates the title as the following: Hell Master Woman. To give you some kind of idea.

This film is about a young woman named Farah who gets married to Wahab, a local politician. She herself volunteered since she was under the impression this was the right path to follow, and it would make her happier. And for a little bit this does seem to be the case. Until she starts noticing weird things going on around her. She herself is being haunted by ghosts and demons. At first, she thinks she is imagining things. Then when Wahab, is not as supportive and understanding as before she increasingly gets frightened of him. He also is constantly reminding her of her duties as a Muslim wife. Implying he basically can do anything to her, and she can't complain about it. I can't tell you how disgusting this thought process is. But having seen real life examples where some women did get discarded as simple properties, there is no denying there is some truth to this practice. Incredibly infuriating, especially since he himself is not even a true Muslim. He worships something else entirely different.

The foster family do their best to reach out and help. But they, too, believe to be bound by old customs and ways. Until their grievances become too unbearable. Farah struggles throughout the film since she is a true believer. Although at one point she starts to fight back. I think this film is teaching people not to get involved with con artists who will abuse religious elements in their favour. Just because they have the rights, don't mean they are right. Let me put it this way. I am pretty sure that God has not intended for innocent women to be possessed by demons and have those demons abuse her mind and body like she is nothing. If you are witness to a woman being thrown around by some evil entity, you won't be punished for interfering. If I am mistaken, and you are going to be punished, then maybe you should think about it and not follow that religion any more. Farah was the most innocent and loyal followers. If it's OK for evil to do with her whatever they want, what chance will other people have?

The most despicable of all is that let's say black magic is used for something most people want. More power and more wealth. You would think people would be more creative and imaginative. All at the cost of Farah, who genuinely is a good person. I thought there was a good atmosphere and decent buildup of tension and dread. But I wonder how long people like me would tolerate this kind of abuse and injustice. I don't think that long. Especially if demons are involved. 

Overall, I wasn't expecting much but found myself getting angry since I didn't want Farah and her family to be hurt by the man named Wahab. He in my opinion is not a man but a weasel. And even that should be considered an insult to weasels. So yes, this is a title I would like to recommend.

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