5 comments about Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health - The Eight (8) Pieces of Brocade (YMAA) DVD.

1. I probably own four or five books on the 8 Pieces of Brocade, a Qigong exercise that at first does not appear to be complex or difficult to learn. After reading the various books on this exercise I felt that I had a pretty good grasp of how to do the exercises and what to expect. Watching this DVD was very enlightening and corrected some misconceptions I had about the exercises. The book by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming is excellent, but as suggested by the author, using the DVD and the book together is a very effective technique for obtaining accurate and effective results while doing this form.
   
   The DVD offers both the Sitting and Standing versions of the 8 Pieces of Brocade exercise. Dr. Yang starts off the DVD with a history of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, which was created approximately one thousand years ago.
   The 8 Pieces of Brocade is presented in two main sections, the sitting version and the standing version. First shown is an analysis of the steps in the sitting version.
   
   Throughout this analysis the DVD uses multiple angle shots to display the front, sides and rear of Dr. Yang as he demonstrates each of the movements. Additionally, the added benefit of sound helps the student to realize for example how hard to tap the teeth, or when to breath in and out. Even the tapping of the fingers on the back of the skull during one of the exercises helps the student to do the movement correctly by listening to the sound that is made when Dr. Yang demonstrates the movement.
   
   Following a very detailed and clear presentation during the analysis of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, the form is then shown in its entirety. With the convenient chapter markers available on the DVD, the student can easily follow along whatever section they choose. The movement to DVD for the YMAA products has made learning much easier by allowing this convenient and instant access to any part of the material.
   
   After the analysis of the sitting form of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, the DVD then presents the analysis of the standing form of the 8 Pieces of Brocade, followed by a continuous demonstration of the form.
   
   The student is then treated to a lecture by Dr. Yang on the 8 Pieces of Brocade. This lecture is approximately 50 minutes and has a wealth of information about the form. Clever use of animation helps to illustrate the flow of chi that occurs while doing the form.
   
   In my opinion, the way to learn martial arts successfully is to employ the following tools:
   
   Instruction from a teacher
   
   Studying printed material
   
   Visualization in your mind
   
   Self practice and study while doing the forms
   
   Writing a journal to record what is learned or taught during each lesson
   Watching videos of the teacher
   
   Filming yourself and comparing it to the image you had in your mind of how you were doing the form
   
   Socialize and share your knowledge with other students and work on the principles together
   
   Try teaching one of the concepts, moves, techniques or applications to a person who has no knowledge of Taijiquan. In the process you will easily learn as much as the person you are trying to teach.
   
   This DVD is one of the above mentioned tools, and a wonderful addition for the serious student to learn and practice properly the 8 Pieces of Brocade.



2. I started this exercise for 1.5 months and see some result,since I'm overweight,it's not a weight loss(for now) but my neck & back aches were gone and more energy. I started with the same repetitions as in DVD (6)then build up to 9 and now 12 will be 24 as Dr. Yang said soon. The exercise need quiet time to do.



3. I've been doing Qiqonq for many years and have tried a number of books, DVD's and tapes. This one incorporates the key elements in a very easy to understand and follow program. I would recommend reading other books that go into more depth about the principles of Qiqonq than the book that comes with this DVD.



4. I've been doing this routine for about ten years. It's a great well-rounded routine that you can do a little or a lot.
   
   I've done it so much it's part of me and I can almost do it in my sleep.
   
   I usually do 5 to 10 minutes, but I've had a doctor take me off my blood pressure medicine completely after a few weeks of regular half-hour sessions.
   
   The teacher is a martial artist. But middle-aged types (like me) can do this just fine.



5. I have ordered many things from YMAA. Their DVD's are very descriptive and clear. In this DVD, there is a lecture and a demo of each individual movement and a demo of the complete form. You can't go wrong with this. Everything is individually chaptered so you can go right where you want. Thanks. YMAA, Brooksy

5 comments about Mortal Kombat.

1. Mortal Kombat is a great adventure movie, that takes time with the character development as it provides humor and "hell, yeah" moments.
   
   It's amazing to me the difference a director makes, comparing this movie to the sequel is like comparing water and dirt, they're just so different.
   
   MK1 is an amazing adaptation of the game despite the lack of bloody finishing moves, that made the game famous. Many of the game's characters are featured, while others are just hinted at, but the effects and signature move re-creations are great.
   
   It is sad that the sequel was so cheesy, because this film really set a realistic mood with great costumes and sets that just didn't carry over into the second one.
   
   Buy this movie, it's cheap and an enjoyable watch.



2. I am not going to say this is the greatest movie ever made, but it is definately in the top 5 in the history of motion pictures. Humans fight monsters and sorcerors to save their beloved Earth. What could be more captivating?
   
   The acting in this movie is top notch. Sonja Blade is a thesbian of the highest calibur and could easily act in any movie, but that Lord Rayden that she decided to bring all her actressing skills to a boiling point as she mixed drama, action, and romance all into one role. Clearly an Academy Award winning performance.
   
   Johny Cage played his part so well, I went to the video store to try and locate an actual Johny Cage movie. His hilarious roll-on-the-florr humor will have tears falling from your eyes as you try to catch your breath, he is so funny. And he went through the entire movie without ever getting a single hair out of place, including his fight with Goro!
   
   Reptile, Scorpion, and Zub-Zero were the masked ninjas that brought even more depth to this already exhilerating film. With ice particles, killer spears, and body snatching at their dispose, how can our heros ever hope to win!! This is a must see film for any fan of Mortal Kombat, Kung Fu, or Bruce Lee.
   
   Move over Citizen Kane it is time for MOOOORTAL KOMBAT!!! to take the driver's seat.



3. 3/5 Stars
   
   "Let Mortal Kombat begin!" Quotes like that are what this movie (and the video games in which it is based) is going to be remembered for. I decent action film based on the successful Mortal Kombat fighting games the movie is focused on, you guessed it, "Kombatants" punching each other around trying to win an inter dimensional tournament to save the world from the evil Emperor. About as scary as playing a game of Space Invaders, but you don't go to see a movie like Mortal Kombat and expect anything more then the title implies. Plenty of action and a plot so simple that there is no brain required to watch this film.
   
   The plot centers on three Kombatants who the thunder God - Lord Raydon - believes will decide the fate of the earth. During the course of the tournament they face a series of warriors possessing supernatural powers who are commanded by the Emperor's evil sorcerer Shang Tsung. As the tournament goes on the face stronger opponents, including the red-eyed Kano, the ninja attire wearing Sub-Zero and Scorpion, the four-armed champion Goro, before they take on Shang Tsung himself.
   
   A short film, barely going over ninety minutes Mortal Kombat certainly does what it intended to do and with a fair level of success. The constant action and laughable dialogue will no doubt entertain teenagers and just make for a fun late-night movie for casual viewing.



4. As a fan of the video game I had very high expectations for this movie.
   Yes, it's based on a video game.
   Yes, it's horribly corny and poorly acted.
   Yes, the script is just so so.
   IT'S NOT GONE WITH THE WIND PEOPLE!!!!!!!
   It's not trying to be either.
   Is it fun? YES!!!
   A fun popcorn, check your brain at the door movie.
   Lighten up for five seconds and try to enjoy it.
   Scorpion and Subzero and even Reptile absolutely rule.
   The fight scenes are well done and the FX for its time was very good.
   Recommended!!!!



5. As a Mortal Kombat fan I couldn't ask for a better movie. Locations, characters, moves are just like the game. And this package comes with a decent plot, too. Only downside is the lack of gore in fatalities but in order to get a PG-13 rating they had to tone the fatalities down, but no complaints, they still look good.
   
   I loved it, I own it and I watched it maybe 20 times and still enjoy it.

5 comments about Marked for Death.

1. Another movie from my early years, when this movie first came out it was the talk of the town. Rastas from jamaica were the bad guys in this film led by screwface. im from the caribbean so the bad accents played by some of the so called rastas was actually funny to me but other than that its what you expect from a steven segal movie. Its still a collectors item



2. Ha, this is it. This is the movie where Steven Seagal got chocked out by Gene LeBell. Seagal was being his usual jerk and Gene LeBell stood up to him and put him to sleep. Seagal complained he wasn't ready, and Gene did it again. I love it.



3. Another great movie for Steven Seagal. I like that he exposes all in this fantasic film



4. The only Seagal movie I give five stars to.
   Marked is the basic Seagal movie.
   Guns, check.
   Drugs, check.
   Unnecessary nudity, check.
   Unnecessary violence, check.
   Foul language, check.
   For some strange reason, I actually like this movie.
   Its fun, it's funny, it's got enough action for ten movies.
   The Jamaican stereotypes are pathetic but if you can overlook that and all the other minor annoyances, Marked for Death is a great action movie, and it's a great way to kill an evening.
   Recommended!!!



5. This is probably the second most violent Seagal Movie I've seen so far (the first being Out For Justice). The Aikido fight scenes and the shootouts are extremely violent; much more then the previous Seagal entries. Not just the violence but the drug content is more noticeable here than it was in Above the Law and Hard to Kill.
   
   Seagal this time plays John Hatcher, a cop that has seen to much violence in his day, and is eager to retire after seeing his partner get brutally murdered in an assignment. Hatcher takes a leave and goes to live with his sister and niece. While there Hatcher begins to notice that there is drug dealing in the area by Jamaicans and Columbians. A feud later occurs between both dealers; Hatcher gets too close and kills many of the Jamaican drug dealers. Now the Leader of the Jamaican drug gang (Screw face) wants to eliminate Hatcher out of the way. He and his family are now Marked For Death, hence the name of the movie.
   
   The fight scenes in this movie are arguably the best I've seen; unfortunately the story isn't that original. But the fight sequences are quite graphic, specifically the last scene with Seagal fighting Screw face...Gosh its quite strong to watch that scene, even by today's standards its pretty violent. This is Seagal while he was still in shape and not as cocky as his future films. The acting is good from Seagal's part, so is the Aikido fights, the story as I said could have been a bit smarter, but hey we watch Seagal for the action not much for the plot. Definitely worth owning by any Seagal fan.
   
   MY PERSONAL RATING: 4 ½ OUT OF 5

5 comments about Kung Pow - Enter The Fist (The Chosen Edition).

1. This is my favorite movie of all times!! I have seen it over and over again and it still makes me laugh. Me and my sister know the movie by heart. You will either love or hate the movie. And if you hate this you are wack because the subtitles are hilarious. All the randomness of it like "taco bell", "radioshack", and best of all "Betty" is great!Also all the facial expressions are freakin hilarious.



2. This movie is so goofy, yet it's still watchable! Even the deleted scenes are goofy! This is what I put in the DVD player when I have no Netflix, and I just want to watch something hilarious.



3. Really Really funny ! Some scenes could go a little faster - but is a primo movie.



4. This may be funny for the regular fan of comedies but for kung fu fans, this hits a totally new level of funny. Personally, I don't think I would've enjoyed this movie nearly as much if I hadn't been watching kung-fu for so long. But not just kung-fu, bad kung-fu. I only own the good stuff but I've seen enough bad ones to get alot of the jokes going on in this movie. Basically, this movie almost killed me. I laughed so hard for so long, I almost couldn't breath. I hadn't seen anything so funny in a long time and it's been almost as long since.
   
   Suprisingly though, I didn't see this in the movie theater. I remember the previews for it and thought it was just going to be stupid. I was dead wrong. I ended up renting it shortly after it came out on video and still didn't expect much. Not long into it, I was in tears. My girlfriend thought I had lost my mind as she had never seen me lose it like that. I agree as it's rare that anything can crack me up like this movie did. Coincidentally, the next movie on my list that has such an effect on me is 'Ace Ventura:When Nature Calls', which is also directed by Steve Oedekerk who stars in and directs 'Kung Pow'. Although Jim Carrey was fantastic in the last 'Ace', I think the teaming of the 2 made it comedy magic.
   
   The funniest things about this film are that Oedekerk really knows and gets kung-fu films. He knows exactly what's funny about them. The things that all kung-fu movie watchers chuckle at when watching a particularly bad one. Even the better ones have some, what?, moments in them that can only be explained as bad writing or bad translation. Here, Oedekerk focuses on those and makes them the focus of almost all the characters dialog and personalities. I guess as most any spoof goes, you have to know the original material for it to hit on that deeper level and 'Kung Pow' is an absolute bullseye shot at kung-fu.
   
   For me, one of the better aspects about Oedekerks' films is that they're basically clean. He doesn't indulge in cussing to make dialog funnier or gratuitous nudity for cheap thrills like today's comedies. No, he just sticks close to the source of silliness and doesn't get side tracked. Kung Pow never tries to be serious or anything other than an 81 min. joke. Because of that, this movie totally succeeds.
   
   The audio and video aren't really worth mentioning here as it's not the type of movie that you'll care as long as it works and it does. The picture is clean, colorful and bright and the audio is clear and discernable on all levels. You'll be having so much fun, you'll forget to check anyways. Personally, I don't think I could watch it just to check the sources. Other than that, the graphics and edits are cheesy but perfect here for what it's doing. Even though it looks fake, the cow is hilarious!!! The dubbing over the old film footage is also crazy funny. It reminds me of an old show called 'Putting on the Hits', where actors would improv voice overs for old films. It used to crack me up and it works here too as the majority of the movie is an old kung-fu movie dubbed with new dialog.
   
   I'm not sure how well this movie will do for people who don't watch kung-fu but I can positively guarantee that it'll have the fans in stitches. So for the casual fan of comedies, give it a rent. For the kung-fu fan, buy it now and watch it immediately. If you don't laugh, check your pulse cause your probably dead.



5. I have seen this movie about 25 times and its still funny every time.
   My kids love it and were crushed that number 2 never came out.
   It's great for boys, they find it hysterical.

5 comments about D.O.A. - Dead or Alive.

1. This is a fun film - something Bond can't do these day. Bootilicious babes who can kick a** in tiny bikinis - imaging merging Ursula Andress with Michelle Yeoh and a couple of hunky hunks - that's DOA.
   
   Not Academy Award material-lah but just fun.
   P/S Corey Yuen should direct a Bond flim. It would be a as bootilicious as Dr No and Thunderball. I miss the Pussy Galore in films today.



2. This is one of the best movie based on a video game! I have no idea why people are being negative about? How offer comes a decent movie made for the loyal fun of a video game?
   
   Yes, there is not much of a story, but hey, who cares! Just go with it! Don't overthink thing.
   
   For those who just want a fun thrill ride with some hot babes, then definitely pick this up!



3. I got this knowing this was a light-story,martial arts,made from game movie like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. I put these all in the same category as while they don't have the greatest actors or story lines the fight scenes were pretty good. I also feel they kept the characters how they are in the game for the most part intact thats not to say there are not some differences with the game/movie characters. I think the one thing most hilarious in the movie was Eric Roberts as the main villain this is one role I just couldn't see him doing well. You well obviously get your dose of T&A shots not in the nude though mostly skimpy clothing or underwear. The extras aren't much just a trailer of the movie and a little behind the scenes video of how they made the movie. So if you liked the mortal kombat movies or the street fighter movie just choice won't be a bad selection for you...



4. DVD was entertaining and special effects and stunts were done well. Babes were hot and kicked a** which is always fun and an acknowledgement that women can be attractive and also accomplished. Looking forward to seeing a sequel for this flick. Would have been improved with the addition of more sizzling Asian babes. Also, I appreciated the quick filling of this order by Amazon.



5. Just like all the other reviewers say, the story is NOT going to win any oscars.
   
   
   The first 15 minutes or so had me thinking the movie would suck because the fighting/intro to the characters seemed really cheesy to me. There were also a couple other teeth-gratingly cheesy moments in this movie to boot.
   
   
   As the movie went on, the action actually started to really impress me and it lost that cheesy feeling it gave me near the beginning. I also really liked the women (of course) in the movie to, with my favorite fight being the one between Helena and Christie.
   
   
   So yea, if you want a movie with good combat and gorgeous women check DOA out.

5 comments about Tai Chi for Health: Yang Long Form.

1. First, I want to answer those who said they were confused by the video. Tai Chi,like other martial arts is not something that you can or should attempt to learn on your own from a video. You need a teacher. You will never fully learn the art unless you have a teacher. There are no exceptions.
   
   Having said that, this DVD is an excellent supplement to class training. Yes, it can be a bit confusing if you're constantly looking at Terry, but then since the Tai Chi form is constantly changing directions, this confusion would be difficult to eliminate. A bird's eye view would have been most helpful, and had the DVD had such a view, I would have given it five star.
   
   So, do not watch Terry, since you can't anyway without distorting your movments, but rather just listen carefully to what he's saying, which is very clear and nicely done. This in combination with regular class attendance will advance your art quickly.



2. I bought this to help me with a T'ai Chi class I have been taking. The warm up will really get you warmed up. It is great. The on screen instructor, Terence Dunn does a terrific job of breaking each step down into easily understandable parts.
   I realize that the creators of all exercise videos have a thing about the instructor facing the audience. The only problem is it is much easier to learn if the instructor is facing away from you and moving the same parts in the same direction. Then you don't have to turn thigns around in your mind while trying to figure out where your arms and legs need to go. Other than that one small problem, the fact that each step repeats automatically until you hit the play button to advance it is a great help, allowing you as many repetitions as necessary for you to fully understand the movement.
   The only real problem I have is that I take a class in Yang long form, and this video has subtle differences in movements and sequence that may cause me to do the wrong thing during class. Of course I manage to do that anyway, so I can't really fault the video. All things considered I think it was a good purchase and I have already recommended it to many friends.



3. Many years ago I bought the VHS version of Terry Dunn's Tai Chi for Health. As noted by other reviewers, the DVD is the same as the VHS; not an update, or even a remaster. Still, I figured that the DVD would be more convenient to learn from. I was wrong. The DVD has the basic lessons divided into small sections of roughly 30-45 seconds that repeat until you hit "Next". This means you have to do the form with a remote in your hand. Also, there is no way to start at the beginning, and go thru, eg. 5 sections, and then repeat that. At least with the VHS, I can do this. Although the video quality is good, I cannot recommend this DVD, especially if you already have the VHS. Too bad, as Terry Dunn is a good video teacher; I would recommend the VHS, if you can stand the quality.



4. I throughly enjoy the learning technique's provided here on this video. Having had the chance years ago to practice with Terry Dunn him self, I found this relaxing to be retaught some skills from the same teacher.



5. Great teaching tool. I am taking a Tai Chi class and like being able to review what was taught. helps me keep my form better...

5 comments about Flash Point.

1. Short and Simple. If you love cop drama, and mma it's a great new movie for any martial arts fan.Amazing fighting scence. It's like watching a real life street fighting.



2. My expectations were quite high for this one, as I had heard from several people that it is definetly a great martial arts action film. I also see a lot of comparisons to the previously released "SPL aka Kill Zone" and rightfully so, since Flashpoint has both the same director (Wilson Yip) and the same action star (Donnie Yen). Though I find Flashpoint not quite up to par overall with SPL, that's still saying quite a bit, since SPL seems to be the film to beat these days. But what Flashpoint may lack in overall tone, it more than makes up for with breathtakingly superb fight action, Donnie Yen style.
   
   Now when I say Donnie Yen style, it's cool and it's MMA (mixed martial arts). Well, at least he's always trying to act cool (as many reviewers will point out about Yen) and I guess it works, but its never necessary. Yen is so skillfull with his choreogrpahy and skill that that's plenty cool enough for me. Flashpoint is praised for its incredible fight action, but it will have to wait about an hour into the film for it to begin, When it does, it is intense and never lets up. The final 30 minutes of the film is the huge climax. Tensions and emoitons are at the highest (I want to say almost comparable to SPL at this point, and ironically the stories are somewhat similar as far as Yen's character is concerned). The tension can be felt in the fights, as the past hour of the film all comes together in what is to be a spectacular finish. There is a decent shootout that occurs throughout fields of grass before we see the big one on one between Donnie Yen and our main villain - Collin Chou (Matrix Sequals, Forbidden Kingdom). The fight lasts 8 minutes and is almost unlike anything I have seen. Even Yen and Chou stated that this fight was the most difficult and accomplished of their careers thus far. It is fast, furious, and complete with a few slow motion kicks and punches that all felt perfectly placed - you can almost feel the raw power behind a Donnie Yen knockout.
   
   As good as the climax of Flashpoint may be, its the first hour that keeps it from being a perfect film. Though the story is interesting and worth watching to feel the true impact of the exciting conclusion, its still a slow ride that has almost no action to keep things moving. The characters, plot, script etc also don't have quite the effect of that in SPL, and the villain Collin Chou was basically an average villain without any unique qualities (until the last 30 minutes of the film!)
   
   Despite the slow hour of the film, I can't stress enough how much it is still worth it when that last 30 minutes comes around. I'm not sure we'll see a fight quite like that again anytime soon. It is definelty worth buying this dvd and you will want to watch it several times as I already have. 4.5 Overall for exceptional martial arts action.
   
   Acting - 3.5
   Action - 5
   Characters - 3.5
   Dubbing - 3.5
   Story - 3.5
   Overall: 4.5



3. I loved it, lots of action decent story and oh yeah lots of action..did I say that already?? Oh well!. I also recommend Full Circle its also loaded with action and pretty good story!



4. i thought it was.
   
   Flash Point addresses the mistake made in SPL (overly melodramatic in several scenes, usually the ones wherein Simon Yam is forced to mask his acting skills by standing with a tense upper body. C'mon, Simon Yam is a better actor than this! They should have gave him something better to work with) and instead presents a well-rounded script with better editing.
   
   the fight scenes were good beyond belief, and many reviewers already have that well-covered.
   
   if you don't think Simon Yam has range, watch him in 2001's Full Time Killer, then compare that to 2006's Exiled.



5. It's Dragon Dynasty, so the quality of picture and sound and extras are all top notch. Simple as that.
   
   This is not a movie that wants you to watch it because it has an incredible story or deep and fascinating characters or incredible plot twists. No, this is a movie that wants you to watch it because it wants you to be entertained by the awesomeness of its action sequences.
   
   It's true, the movie does lack action in the front-half. But, the story is good enough that it's not painful to sit through. It certainly isn't boring. Straightforward, sure. And the characters aren't unique. But it's not bad at all.
   
   The bottom line is that when the action comes, it comes with a vengeance. Donnie Yen has flirted with incorporating the MMA/UFC-style into his movies. And in this one, he brings it strong, alongside his always-flawless Kung Fu skills. The bad guy in this movie is the guy who played Seraph, the guardian of the Oracle in the 2nd and 3rd Matrix films, the only guy with some real Kung Fu talent. So when he and Donnie get it on, it's as good as you've ever seen it. The gunfights are great, the fist fights are even better.
   
   If you're looking for a top-notch martial arts film or you're trying to find one of those "HK action movies" that you've heard so much about, this is definitely one of the ones to see. No two ways about it.

5 comments about Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Edition).

1. Kung Fu (or Kung Fu Hustle as I understand the title is open to debate) is a terrifically fun movie to watch. The comedy is not quite so prevalent as in Shaolin Soccer and there is a darker side to this movie with more violence, but it is so thoroughly engaging and entertaining that I could watch it over and over and over.
   Stephen Chow brings the goods; the insane kung fu, the Looney Tunes moments, the hilarious characters, and the warm back story of Chow's character and his childhood introduction to a deaf mute girl, and wraps it up in this non-stop action packed darkly comedic delight.
   How movies like this go unnoticed while tripe like Rush Hour gets made ad nauseum is a mystery to me, but if you enjoy this genre, you will love this movie. Highly recommended.



2. (1) This one is a martial arts parody film co-written, co-produced, directed by and starring Stephen Chow.
   
   (2) The plot centers around a poor Hong_kong semi-slum locality which defies surrendering to the opressive axe gang who are known for their looting and oppression.
   
   (3) The Land Lord and land lady of this locality are superior kung-fu fighters which we come to know later on in the film
   
   (4) Stephen Chow plays an axe-member wannabe. He wants to be part of the axe gang.
   
   (5) There are 3 mind blowing action sequences in the film
   
   (6) Setpiece 1: The axe gang come to intimidate and get the slum locality to bow down to them; Three of the dwellers in the locality happen to be super kung fu gurus; The three of them send the axe gang packing
   
   (7) Setpiece2: Axe gang sends the world's 2nd best assasin team; 2 guys who by playing notes on a stringy-madarin kind of intrument,can summon and create swishing swords, arrows, axes all from thin air from the vibration of the musical notes and these weapon are flung onto the the 3 saviors of the slum locality. The assasins kill all three of the saviors.
   
   (8) This brings the landlord and landlandy into the foray; The landlord can do superior kungfu and the landy apart from kung fu has a scream that shatters glass, stone, anything.
   
   (9) The landlord/landlady team team up against the No 1 killer of all. He had been locked up in a cell, but is freed by the axe gang to kill the landlord/landady team after the musical killer assasin team fails to kill LL/LL team. This killer is No 1 because apart from being a kung fu master as everyone in this movie obviously is, he has the speciality of being so fast as to even catch a bullet with his fingers.
   
   (10) Major setpiece 3: The LL/LL team fight their hearts out, and finally we get the stephen chow's matrix parody "the one" experience. There is the famous paraody of the matrix reloaded sequence where Keannu fights 100's of agent miths. Here we have 100 of axe gang members against stephen Chow who has had a change of heart and has turned against the axe gang.
   
   (11) In this action setpiece we see the "crouching tiger, hidden dragon" physics defying fly-kicking spiderman gravity defying kungfu. We see the all new toad style, where the villain very much becomes a toad. We also see the farthest a human being travels (upto the stratosphere actually) when getting head butted via someone conversant with the toad style of kung fu. Incidentally Stephen chow goes so high up, he puts his feet on an eagle and becomes as light as the bird and floats around before zooming back in with friction burn like one of them spiralling down satellites before he just uses his palm of "the one" and makes a devastating handprint on the earth big enough to cover 5 men.
   
   A novel and insane comic caper with great special effects. A movie which makes fun of the kungfu genre and at the same time hieghtens this surreal kung fu experience.
   
   regards, VIkram



3. I'm a big martial arts movie fan, and this just stunk. I don't know what all the hype is/was about. It is NOT funny. Not at all really. Kung Pow was a funny movie. This move is just really lame. Don't be fooled into buying it. Rent it on DVD and I'll bet my bottom dollar you won't want to watch it again. The only interesting scene was the fight scene with the musicians and the "ghostly" flying swords and knives. But one good scene, in the middle of a really bad movie, does little for me. A review from Entertainment Weekly says you'll be "... laughing all the way". Ya, right. Don't buy Entertainment Weekly either!



4. Great movie! Great cinematography! Great editing! Great acting! Great casting!
   
   I loved this movie. From the perspective of a beginning movie maker (amateur), this movie was breathtaking. I loved the camera angles, costumes, props, and the action scenes. This is a really well done movie.
   
   This is also the first movie I watch on my blu-ray player. I watched it on a high definition 42" Sony Bravia. The image was amazingly clear and crisp. Try one day to watch a movie with a VHS player, then DVD, then blu-ray. You'll see a big difference from one format to another (I actually have all three players and did this test on the same Sony Bravia).
   
   In this movie you will find comedy, action, gore (lots of blood, but tastefully and comically done), and just pure entertainment. That's what movies are for! The movie is also philosophical, and ends with a touching romantic scene. Just beautiful!
   
   Just as a note for those interested, many actors are fighting high definition. They find HD intruding on their facial inadequacies (for lack of a better word). For example, no actress wants us to see her wrinkles or a zit on her face. With HD, the image is so crisp that many details of a person's face (and body) can be captured by the camera that many actors are embarrassed. The only way to rectify this is by heavy make-up, lenses, or touching the image during editing.



5. A fantastic lesson in comedic storytelling from Chinese cinema. A classic hero story with lots of over the top laughs. It seems that much of modern day comedy focuses on gags and doesn't place too much emphasis on an actual story. That's all fine and good - I love a good laugh as much as the next person - but Kung Fu Hustle manages to get in those gags and laughs without sacrificing the story.
   
   I went into the theater thinking it was going to be a good-times cheesy Kung Fu parody... I left thinking it was the best movie I had seen all year.

5 comments about Shanghai Noon.

1. What a great movie! We love this one. It is a great addition to our DVD collection. I only wish they would have included the song "I Wanna Be A Cowboy" rather than this Uncle Kracker song on here. Great buy, I highly recommend it!



2. Jackie says he'd had the idea for this movie for years. I think it wasn't until he came to the US that he could do it justice. Yeah, Jackie's biggest fans usually prefer his Hong Kong films, but you gotta admit that this is a movie that would've been hard to make in Asia.
   
   Jackie's sidekick in Shanghai Noon is a great comedian. He has a look and a voice quality that is very unique. Perfect casting for the part. The jail house scene between the two is priceless.
   
   I also really like the music right from the beginning. The music sets the mood and really supports the action.
   
   The settings are also quite interesting. The Forbidden City scenes, though brief are really cool (I'd like to know where they really filmed that), and the outdoor mountain scenes are inspiring.
   
   Two thumbs up!



3. The DVD was a gift for my sister and the first DVD sent to her was defective. Half way through playing, it stopped and went back to the beginning. I contacted Amazon and the DVD was replaced free of charge. I was very very pleased with how the whole thing was handled. Amazon even reimbursed me for the shipping I paid to return the first DVD. The second DVD plays fine and my sister is very pleased. Thank You Again



4. Funny with great action scenes. I know its weird to slash this but they get into a tub naked together, how could I not?! ^_^; Not many fics but their good.
   
   -ksha2222



5. Very fast service. I order the movie 4 days before my daughter's birthday, and got it well in advance. I was pleasantly surprised. And, of course, she loves the movie.

5 comments about The Pit Workout.

1. this is a great test to see if you still got it. hang with the boys and girls as they show you how to stretch,warm up and get down to business of doing cardio,sweat and burn calories. a definitely weight loss tool. it works your whole body and great, detailed ,real-time sets. get you one!



2. Great workout video.. and I've tried a few. This is *exactly* what I've been looking for. A MMA/Kickboxing/MA workout--and not the "marie" ones that punch & kick the air and have all these complicated 8+ count flailing around moves that do nothing more than hypnotize your potential opponent--as long as you don't get tied up in a pretzel knot first. These old-school workouts will inspire you and kick your a**.
   
   I also love John "The Pitmaster" Hackleman's style of leading the workout. Very realistic, well thought out, well put together, executed, etc. He's also got a wicked sense of humour. I kept laughing at his comments; "Okay almost done.. only 19 more sets to go.." and "oops, I lost count again. I always do that..", "19..19..19..19.." Seriously cracked me up. And John, no, burpees aren't *my* favorite. :-D
   
   He's also the "real deal" advanced martial artist (10 Dan) as well--which is a huge plus for me. There's so many clowns out there that try to teach [M]MA and generally their techniques not only suck, but will injure you as well. I also respect his association with Chuck Liddell and the other MMA fighters from his "Pit". Def a genuine group of guys (and gals).
   
   Yes it's sure not a TKD or Tai-Chi workout. Can't say I've ever done Tae Bo, so I can't compare. Can't say it appeals to me. Maybe it's the tights. And you know how that eyeliner tends to run when you get all sweaty.. so much hassle.
   
   This workout set is great tho. I'm afraid to even open the crosstraining one. I've been training as a martial artist for almost 10 years now. And this workout laid me out. The last couple years I've been focusing on more/harder impact work Muai Thai, Kickboxing, MMA, and these workouts fit perfectly with those disciplines.
   
   Again, Very very very satisfied with the DVD set. If I had one regret it's not buying the entire boxed set initially. But overall very very happy with this purchase. Best workout DVD I've ever purchased.
   
   Thanks John H. (and others) for producing them.



3. This is an old school intense workout. John takes you to the limit each time. There are no leotards or pastel colors. Just sweating, grunting and results. Check out my results in the customer pics. They speak for themselves.



4. Really good DVD. It's hard to finish each drill but you feel you really trained well.



5. It was awsome! I have not felt sore like this for a while. I started with the upper body and let me tell you... when he forgets what number he is on and keeps going its funny the first time but by the end not so much. I was actually hating life about half way, until my wife wanted to join. When we were shadow boxing we hit herself in the face so that gave me enough to finish! AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!