5 comments about Out for Justice.

1. I'll join the chorus of howls now.
   
   The Seagal checklist: tight black jeans (check), billowy dark colored top with tank top (check), pony tail (check), cheesy Italian accent (check), cheesy Italian lingo (check), classic Seagal swagger (check), squinting for the effect + calm whisper-like speech = serious bad*ss (check), lack of legit plot allowing for ball-busting humorous violence (check), great opening title freeze w/Seagal caught in hole of windshield he just threw a pimp through (check), over the top disgusting amoral horrible villain (here nailed by William Forsythe and his scary moustache) (check), small parts for John Leguizamo, Julianna Margulies, Raymond Cruz, Gina Gershon, Dominic Chianese, Jerry Orbach (what was he doing here?) and New York based actors schooled in proper goon characterizations (check), sensitivity for lone suffering child + abandoned cute dog (check), hilarious and successful tough guy square-offs in butcher shop, large and maze-like yet decrepit apartment and (especially) dive pool hall (check), Seagal written and produced song called "Don't Stand in My Way" performed by Gregg Allman(!) over the closing credits (check), beret(!) (check), overt reference to On the Waterfront with a character (though a large busted cocktail waitress here) named Terry Malloy (check).
   
   Did I forget anything? (There's a comment link if you want to tell me.)
   
   Maybe the best of the early, pre-Under Seige low-budget Seagal pics.



2. Just to keep all our fans up to date, we, Sid the Elf, have decided that to degrade these movies with a label such as "B movies" is wrong. Therefore, henceforth the movies formerly lumped into the B genre will be known as "Unintentional Comedy." Anyway, Sid the Elf can hardly believe what a terrific masterpiece he has just seen. Out For Justice stars the immortal pony-tailed warrior, Steven Segal playing a total guido Gino Felino. Yes, the main character's name rhymes. Also making apperances are Gina Gershon, Juliana Margulis, Uncle Junior, and the one and only First Base. The First Base sighting made Sid fall in love with this movie. And as youse all know, Sid always does his research, so we found out that John Flynn directed this flick (yes, the John Flynn, as in the same John Flynn who directed Lockup) which quelled our suspicion that Rog moonlighted as an Unintentional Comedy director in his younger days. It was a logical guess though, with Segal spouting a "Maddon'" every few seconds.
   
   So, this was a Segal movie. Which of course means that he plays a rouge cop who doesn't follow one law the entire movie, and actually wants to murder the bad guy. Whith that said, Segal does such a great job in this movie, those small oversights are so easy to forgive. Sid has a theory on this one: Segal studied every bad mob movie ever made and imitated the stupidest goomba in every one. We can't get across how entertaining it was to watch Segal try to be his usual tough self, speak with a Brooklyn accent, and try to sprinkle a few Italian words in every few minutes.
   
   Out For Justice was a supperior Unintentional Comedy flick. The second First Base appeared on the screen it was sealed. WOO-PAH! So it definitely gets the Sid the Elf Seal of Approval. Ya hear?



3. Like I said, this was my favorite Steven Segal movie! I also like Jerry Orbach, he appears briefly in this movie. This is great, Steven Segal chasing Richie all over Brooklyn, for gunning down Segal's partner.



4. You must see "Above The Law" and "Marked For Death". Along the same lines, very action packed.



5. I recall seeing this movie and Marked for Death for the first time on cable T.V. At the time I didn't notice it was censored; I actually thought both were Seagal's least violent films...but when I bought the DVD and re-watched it...let me tell you if I am asked which is the most Brutal Seagal movie I've seen I would say now that it's Out For Justice and Marked For Death. Both of them are two blood thirsty movies. This one in particularly is a guilty pleasure. The drug content and the violence is way over the top; especially the profanity, The "F" word is said 114 times through the movie. That's a WOW to me, and that's excluding the other hundreds of cursing that is spurred on to the screen.
   
   The movie begins with a bang and ends with a bang. A no good criminal shoots an officer down in front of his wife and children. He leaves as if nothing happened. Seagal plays Gino, a cop, with an attitude, who knows this criminal very well; He knows he has no conscience and will do anything...And he is not kidding, there is a scene that I didn't see in the cable version, which caught me by surprise; I won't say what it is so you can take a look at it. Any how the man responsible for shooting this officer is a criminal named Richie Madano ( William Forsythe) He grew up with Gino,he was never a good sport. Now Gino is going out for justice in search of clues, and answers as to why Richie killed his partner in front of his wife and kid.
   
   The best thing about the movie is Seagal, he may not be an extraordinary actor but he does a pretty darn good job here. Don't get me wrong Seagal is a good actor, just that his acting went down as he gained weight and got older. Here he gives his character a cockiness that is acceptable and enjoyable. Also the fight in the bar is classic "Has Anybody Seen Richie? ...Gosh it's beautiful. Definitely worth owning.
   
   PERSONAL RATING: 5 OUT OF 5

5 comments about Ghost Dog - The Way of the Samurai.

1. Ghost Dog has it all, and leaves out the unwanted. There is no Ditzy female to contend for the camera with, and plenty of action. The story is based on the writings of the Samurai Code, and implements certain scenes using these edicts. The gangsters are very down to earth, being both flawed and cold hearted. If you love a movie that makes you think, and maybe a need to watch it more than once, this is for you. I have several favorites in this movie, and there is tongue in cheek humor to keep you from taking this too serious. Forrest Whitaker is very underrated in this movie, his character is well played, from the scared youth in the alley, to the defiant man in the final scene. I cannot stress enough how much this movie stirs something inside me, and it is a must have.



2. "Ghost Dog" is a fascinating film. Rarely do I use this word to describe a person or a book, let alone a non-documentary film. But here I must, simply because of what Jarmusch has crafted here a contemporary samurai film which mirrors oh so perfectly the lives of samurai of ancient Japan given the context of the year 1999, in a seemingly decrepit city, in the USA.
   
   Forrest Whitaker is an exceptional actor and here he does not disappoint. He IS a samurai, walking each step with compassion, yet keeping to his duty with calculated grace.
   
   For the independent-minded, taking this entire film as a whole, RZA's fantastic score, the intriguing, Isaach De Bankolé, the Dutch cinematographer's, Robby Müller's, dizzying yet serene art direction, you simply must see this film.



3. Peace to the Gods and Earths and/or any divine beings who has knowledge of self. This movie is right and exact filled with gems and jewels of a highly intelligent nature. Whether you want discipline and principle or have it and are seeking an understand through the Samurai sciences. This movie is for the third eye of the godly type. So the 85% need not apply because this movie is not for the deaf, dumb, and blind.
   
   Infinite Self Allah (Isa)



4. Is this a great movie?.... No. Is this a horrible movie?.... No, but close. I really wanted to like this movie going in, but it didn't deliver for me. I was expecting a fairly offbeat cult movie similar to Dead Man with J. Depp or Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East and something where I could watch it over and over and pick up something new. I couldn't bare to watch this movie more than once. I did like the music in Ghost Dog but am hard pressed to find any scene in the movie that I really liked. If it wasn't for Whittaker this movie would never get off the ground. Of course your mileage may vary since a majority of reviewers did like it... Go figure!



5. This movie would be laughable if it wasn't so insulting to the audience's intelligence. It was obviously written and directed by a couple of ghetto trash mediocrities. The use of both the term "samurai" and the extensive quotes is a pathetic, transparent, contemptible trick to make the film appear respectable (or have some worth) in what is otherwise cinematographic toilet paper.

5 comments about Lethal Weapon 4.

1. I'll be honest that it was Jet Li that made me want to see this movie, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. While I have not seen the first 3 Lethal Weapons (yet) I had no problem understanding this 4th (and hopefully not last) film. It's obvious there is a serious connection between the Riggs and Murtaugh charcaters, and both Mel Gibson and Danny Glover have fluid chemistry together with these roles. Joe Pesci adds his usual humor, and Chris Rock was a nice addition with the humor in this film as well. But it was Jet Li that stood out the most for me - not bad for a villain who barely stands 5'5" or so.
   
   Letahl Weapon 4 begins loud and stays in high gear till the end. Whether it is the constant humor, fun character relations, or surprsingly entertaining martial arts action, I just never got bored. Its not the funniest movie I have ever seen and it doesn't have the best action, but its one of the better films I have seen with a great mix of everything.
   
   As mentioned, this is Jet Li's first American film and it's no wonder he has become a success since. Its funny to see how the camera is used in such angles at times to make Li appear a little taller, but a few times you can see just how short he is compared to everyone else. Not that it really matters, just one look into his eyes and you can see the villain shine. He adds great martial arts action to the film, but I liked how the fights stayed real for the most part. There are no long fight scenes, but even Li gets beat up a little by Riggs and Murtaugh (though he fought both of them at once).
   
   Even if you have not seen the other Lethal Weapon movies like myself, I think you will enjoy this just fine. This is a great buddy film, but probably just about anyone will enjoy it with a little mix of everything.



2. In what is supposed to be the final installment of the highly successful and lucrative Lethal Weapon franchise, Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Riggs (Mel Gibson) find themselves up against the Chinese mafia threatening to stake a claim and take over L.A. They become involved in the case while fishing on Murtaugh's boat with Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), who is now a private investigator, and are attacked by gunfire by a freighter. The boat turns out to be carrying illegal Chinese immigrants that someone in the U.S. has been using to sell into indentured slavery. Meanwhile, Riggs girlfriend Lorna (Rene Russo) is pregnant and Murtaugh's eldest daughter, Rianne (Traci Wolfe) is secretly married to a young police officer, Lee Butters (Chris Rock) and is pregnant, too. As the duo begins to unravel the case, the discover that the real mastermind behind all the criminal activity is a man named Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li). The action builds to a final confrontation between Riggs and Murtaugh and Ku which could be duo's last fight ever.
   
   LETHAL WEAPON 4 was planned to be the final installment of the franchise, and the studio pulled out all the stops. This movie is full of action. There are car chases, explosions, and amazing hand to hand fights. There's the classic witty banter between Murtaugh and Riggs that marks the Lethal Weapon movies as unique from other action-buddy pictures of the same vein. There's the comic interludes of Leo Getz who seems almost as crazy as Riggs once did. All of the recurring characters from the films are back. Murtaugh's house gets destroyed again. There's even a small message about the "injustices of illegal immigration". As a bonus there's also a big name comedian thrown in for more comic relief and a big name Asian action star thrown in to be the villain.
   
   Besides being the last Lethal Weapon movie, LETHAL WEAPON 4 is also notable for being the American introduction of Chinese action star Jet Li.



3. I got this for my Man Boss for his birthday. He likes all of the Leathal Weapons & so do I. I have watched them serveral times myself over the years.



4. Another tale in the saga of the leathal weapon series, As with the others I found this to be entertaining. Joe Pepsci does an awesome job though his heart breaking story about froggie does go a bit too far. But keeping things in thier correct perspectives this movie is quite enjoyable. Plenty of action and suspense with just the right amount of romance.



5. out of all four movies in the series,this is probably the loudest and
   most chaotic,but that doesn't mean it was a bad movie.i think the
   storyline was a bit thin and not really all that original,but just like
   in part three,the action,and the chemistry of the stars makes up for
   that.and this movie also has more laughs than the previous
   installments,many courtesy of both Joe Pesci and Chris Rock.Rene Russo
   is back,along with Mel and Danny.Jet Li joins the proceedings in this
   one,and brings some spectacular fight scenes courtesy of his martial
   arts skill.i don't know if this is the best of the series,but i thought
   it was as good as number three,which i really liked.for me,Lethal
   Weapon 4 is a 3.5/5

5 comments about Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection (The Big Boss / Fist of Fury / Way of the Dragon / Game of Death / Game of Death II).

1. This is an excellent collection by 20th Century Fox, Region 2 - English, wide-screen, English 5.1 DTS/DTS/Original 2.0, with Chinese sound track option (Cantonese, Mandarin) and English subtitle. The English sound track is good, but I prefer Chinese with English subtitle; picture resolution is great also. The collection includes The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Game of Death, and Game of Death II. I've read all the review here and found comment such as the restaurant scene in Way of the Dragon was cut; only shown Bruce Lee went in and out; that was not true. I read one of the review and had an impression that this collection does not have Chinese language option with English subtitle and that Bruce Lee - The Master Collection has that option. Well, I search and found Bruce Lee and The Master Collection on eBay (8 disks with The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, and 6 others.) I thought it contains all Bruce Lee movies with Chinese language option and English subtitle and bought it. That was a BIG mistake, because this is not the same as Bruce Lee - The Master Collection that was mentioned here. The Big Boss and Fist of Fury are the only two movies (no Chinese and English subtitle); 6 other disks are junks. I then searched for the UK IMPORT version, but it's expensive and high shipping cost. I found a Hong Kong version, but was not sure whether they have English subtitle; S/H is $20. I went back and read the reviews again found one or two mentioned Chinese with English subtitle with a complaint that the subtitle is on the picture, which I don't really mind as long as I can hear Chinese (I don't understand Chinese, but I got turned off with the terrible English dub). I took a chance and bought the collection. I am really happy with this collection, great picture, wide-screen, and Chinese language option (not available for Game of Death I & II which I don't care too much for either one.) I already had Enter the Dragon (only wish that it has Chinese language option). So, my recommend for someone who want to have a Bruce Lee collection is getting this collection along with Enter the Dragon, and you have a great collection.



2. Back in 1984, I had only heard of Bruce Lee and seen snipets of his films via Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon. In 1993, I saw Enter The Dragon for the first time and was hooked from day one!
   
   I used to have these same films on the original Bruce Lee - The Master's Collection but this one is actually better because it comes with the original chinese (cantonese) dialog with english subtitles on his first three films! Plus, many scenes that were originally cut from the American versions of The Big Boss, Fists Of Fury and Way Of The Dragon have been restored, making it almost a brand new film (at least for me).
   
   Here are the films you'll get here:
   
   THE BIG BOSS (aka Fist Of Fury) - Chang (Bruce Lee) comes to live with family friends in order to stay out of trouble but when he learns that a corrupt business owner of an ice factory is smuggling drugs and has his friends murdered for interfering in his affairs, Chang takes matters into his own hands! The final scene is shown in its entirety, making it much more dramatic and bloodier than the original one that was shown for years in America.
   
   FISTS OF FURY (aka The Chinese Connection) - This one has a lot of historical basis to it that I didn't know before. Bruce plays Chen Zhen, a student of real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia (played by Jet Li in the recent film Fearless). After learning that his beloved teacher has died, Bruce discovers that a Japanese headmaster at a rival school was behind it. In honor of Huo, goes on a virtual deathwalk to avenge his beloved sifu (meaning teacher in chinese).
   
   The character of Chen, though ficticious, is based on a real student of Huo's named Liu Zhen-Sheng whose life is said to have mirrored the Lee character.
   
   WAY OF THE DRAGON (aka Return Of The Dragon) - In this one, Bruce plays Tang Lung. A well meaning country man from Hong Kong who comes to help out a family friend from gangsters who want to take her restaurant.
   
   In this one, its the first and only time that Bruce uses two nunchuks in battle and he also faces off on-camera with Bob Wall (his future "opponent" in Enter The Dragon). This, of course, features his famous battle with Chuck Norris.
   
   THE GAME OF DEATH - Billy Lo is a top martial arts expert and movie actor who is marked by a syndicate. After an attempt on his life, Billy lets the world think he's dead in order to take down this criminal organization.
   
   Made after his death, it is really a cheesy tribute to Bruce. If you've ever seen Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey, then you know that the way the film was made isn't even close to what Bruce originally wanted for the movie. The only reason to watch this one is to see his scenes that he did finish for this project. My personal recommendation is to get Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey or get the 2 disc special edition of Enter The Dragon which also comes with that documentary. That way, you can see what they did in Game Of Death and then see what the footage was supposed to look like!
   
   GAME OF DEATH 2 - Good if you have an hour and a half to waste. Best way to watch this is forget that its connected to Bruce in any way. The fight scenes aren't actually that bad but it gets a little hokey near the end. Good for one viewing.
   
   Overall, this is a great package to get. Highly recommend watching the first three films in its original chinese (cantonese) language. You'll be glad you did and the films will make more sense too. Both Game Of Death's, however, do not have this option.
   
   Still, a good package to get and its actually better than Bruce Lee: The Master Collection.



3. This was not quite the ultimate collection, I think that the ultimate would include "Enter The Dragon". But for the most part it was a nice set to purchase.



4. This dvd collection is alright! I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5 stars! Well, 3 stars go to the 1st 3 dvds: 'The Big Boss', 'Fist of Fury' and 'Way of the Dragon'. The half-star goes to 'Game of Death'. It got only a half star because the movie was never finished when Bruce Lee was alive. It was only years later, like 6 years or so, that they decided to finish the movie! The only great parts are the Bruce Lee fighting scenes, of course, and the Bruce Lee outtakes/extras. Other than that, I could've done without the 'Game of Death 2' dvd. It should've been replaced with 'Enter the Dragon'! Something that Bruce Lee actually did finish, right!?!??! It was bad enough that 'Game of Death' was a bad movie to finish and a part 2 had to be made! Let the man rest! Get this collection if you are a die-hard fan!



5. Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection (The Big Boss / Fist of Fury / Way of the Dragon / Game of Death / Game of Death II)
   Excellent product with very clear video and dts 5.1 sound. Though the sound in some scenes are not very clear but subtitles supplements it.

5 comments about Unleashed (Unrated Widescreen Edition).

1. This was my first Jet Li film and won't be my last. What I expected, I did not get, meaning real fight scenes. What I did not expect, I got, meaning a really touching story.
   
   Danny (Jet Li) was raised by Bart (Bob Hoskins in a unbelievably brutal and inhumane performance) as a dog, a pit bull, to fight when "unleashed." Early on, the director gives the impression that Danny cannot talk, that he really is like a dog. However, the scene with Sam (Morgan Freeman playing Morgan Freeman, a wise and kind man), Danny reveals he is human, he does respond to humane treatment, and that he is a sweet person inside the dog collar. This is the part I love--the touching story.
   
   Sam and his step-daughter Victoria (Kerry Condon), an accomplished pianist, awaken Danny's deeply dormant sweetness and bring him back to life and eventually help him solve the mystery of his life: Who is he? Where does he come from? Where is his mother?
   
   What I expected was violent fighting, but what I saw was skilfully choreographed martial arts. Other reviewers praise this, but it did not look real to me. It looked choreographed. I could literally see them NOT making contact. A much better movie for realistic fighting is "Ong-Bak: A Thai Warrior" with Tony Ja. Now that fighting looks real!
   
   I really like this movie for its story: for the rebirth of a person from brutality, unkindness, vulgarity, violence, skulduggery. What results is a family, love, kindness, compassion, things that make us better than we are. Add to this the soft kiss of a young girl and the sublime music of a concert hall. Danny is unleashed all right, from a poverty of spirit into a largess of love.
   
   What a fine film this is! Highly recommended!



2. This was thrilling and disappointing all at once. It takes western martial arts movies to a whole new level, then lets you down gradually, instead of sucking from the very start. As much as I love Jet Li, most of his American movies suck, which is not his fault in the least. Nor is it the fault of his choreographers like Cory Yuen, or in this case, Yuen Woo Ping. These large Hollywood companies just butcher the hell out of the fights in post-production, and this is almost an exception. Does Hollywood believe that that's what we want to see? Six angles for one punch, filmed on a shaky hand-cam? Not me. I hate that. This is still easily Jet's best film since he came to America and blows away crap like "Cradle 2 the Grave" and "The One". Though I must admit that for some reason, I loved "Kiss of the Dragon".
   
   Jet plays Danny, a "dog", raised since childhood by gangster Bob Hoskins to help with collections and other assorted tasks. Hoskins will warn potential deadbeats by threatening to remove Danny's collar, which has a Pavlovian effect on Danny where he knows it's time to kick the tar out of everyone. An accident later leaves Danny injured, wandering, assuming that Hoskins is dead, and into the care of kindly old blind piano-tuner Morgan Freeman and his step-daughter Victoria. Under their influence, Danny starts to come out of his very shy shell and appreciate the nicer things in life, like music, ice cream, warmth (temperature and human), cleanliness, and non-violence. Hoskins isn't dead of course, and Danny will have to fight again for his own freedom.
   
   What bothers me about this movie is that is sets up a silly premise and almost, almost pulls it off. Which wouldn't have bothered me as much if I wasn't so engrossed in Danny's plight. The acting is good all the way around, with an especially impressive performance by Jet. He really pulls off a combination of vicious and deadly under the care of Hoskins, and sweet, shy, and inquisitively wide-eyed under the care of Freeman. It totally sucks you in to the contrasting duality before falling short. It certainly raises some interesting questions about our own feral nature and the effects of civilization. Even more so than Tim Allen's "Jungle 2 Jungle".
   
   The fights are really what attracted me to this, as it should be. After all, this is a Jet Li movie. It likely won't disappoint. All the fights are good, but I am bothered by a film that fails to improve on the opening rumble. The final fight is flawed only by its absurdity of origin, otherwise it rocks. Jet and a bald dude duking it out in a bathroom that's barely larger than a phone booth. These brawls are quite a bit different than any that Jet & Woo Ping have done in the past, together or otherwise. Again, they are over-edited, but in the grainy, dark, "Snatch"-like film quality, they don't suffer as much.
   
   If you like American martial arts films (even though it's technically European), you should see this. It's in a league far beyond most, if not all, in that genre, and nearly transcends several others too... but not quite.



3. Unleashed (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
   
   This is a great DVD featuring an incredible movie. Unleased is probably one of Jet Li's best films, featuring him as a poor, mistreated "slave" fighting for a cruel master. One day he tastes freedom, and the rest is a dramatic roller coaster. The DVD itself is pretty thin on features, but what's there is pretty decent (behind the scenes, fight sequences, etc). Pick it up! For such a low price, you should unleash it on your home theatre!



4. Not at all what i thought it would be like based on other jet li movies. He is a good actor, but this movie is gross and hard to follow much less understand. Surprised Morgan Freeman got involved in this one.



5. basically its a story of hope, redemption, and rebirth. Danny(Jet Lee) has been raised as nothing more than an attack dog for his entire life(that he can remember). he has been forced to hurt. forced to kill. he never gets anything in return for the atrocities. he is forced to live in a cage. its the first movie in a while that actually made me care for any characters.
   
   one day a hit is taken out on his owner and company. after things quiet down and the smoke clears Danny is the only man left breathing. he takes his first steps out of the car and to freedom.
   
   He ends up being taken in by a blind Morgan Freeman and his step daughter. their kindness awakens the humanity inside Danny.
   
   i dont want to elaborate on the story beyond that. ill just say this was an amazing movie, and anyone should see it (even non action fans)
   
   great action, great story, great soundtrack, and great acting(the most and best acting ive ever seen from Jet Lee)
   
   apparently the violence was a bit much for some. now, while it was the most brutal violence ive scene in its own stylized subgenre, theres deffinitely more violent fights out there. if the sound of bones bones breaking bothers you, walk away.

5 comments about Best of the Best 2.

1. I really love this one, glad I bought it.



2. I liked too much this movie. I compare this movie and I say that is much better than the first one. The scenes where Tommy Lee (Philip Rhee) excuted Hapkido techniques to the thugs is awesome. In the other hand, I didn't like the performance of Eric Roberts. It seems that he excuted the same techniques from the first one of the series(Best of the Best 1). The movie has a great plot story and the final scene where Tommy fought the big guy "Bracus" has too much to tell. In general..I give 5 stars to the DVD. I recommended to those who never had the chance to see it on DVD.



3. The problem is that part 1 is one of my top 20 or 30 favorite movies of all time and it had a story that felt very real. Part 2 doesn't even try to act like it takes place in the real world. The story is good, but gets interrupted by too much overacting by the villains and the main henchman. Luckily, there is plenty of action. The story is about underground cage fighting with no rules and the fights in the ring at the end are fantastic. While the fights are completely stupid, Phillip Rhee is definitely one of the better martial arts actors to ever hit the movie screen. There are also plenty of fights outside of the ring. Phillip Rhee gets to show off all his moves. Even a guy like Steven Seagal looks like a joke compared to Rhee in arm locking and throwing skills. And his Taekwondo kicks are perfect in technique. I actually think part 4 is better than this, but its not a total loss. My favorite part of the movie is that Phillip Rhee's real life brother Simon Rhee is back as Dae Han. Part 1 has an unbelievably amazing ending, and it was nice to see Dae Han on the side of good after what happened at the end of part 1. The tears always start to well up when I think about part 1, so it was nice to have a smile on my face when Dae Han is on the screen this time around. There is one scene where he kicks a guy so hard it made me scream out insanely with laughter. It is mainly the stuntman's acting that sells it, but Simon Rhee's kicks are amazing. He also has one other eye popping kick. Simon Rhee is a little flashier than his brother, but just as good in technique if not better. Both of these guys are truly on another level.
   
   3/5
   
   The picture and sound is remastered to perfection.
   
   While the movie is not memorable, the new DVD from Fox has some great special features. There is a 10 minute making of which is a look back at the movie with interviews from Phillip Rhee, Wayne Newton and others. There is also a magnificent audio commentary with Phillip Rhee and director Robert Radler. The last special feature is a 6 minute promotional featurette from 1993. Although not overloaded with special features, this is one of the better special edition DVDs I have seen in recent years. Commentaries on martial arts movies are very rare, so they are always greedily accepted by me.



4. It's sad that it took so long for one of the all-time best American martial arts movies to be released on DVD, but here it is, in all it's glory.
   
   Picking up several years after BEST OF THE BEST left off, BEST OF THE BEST 2 begins with Alex (Eric Roberts) Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee), and Travis (the late Chris Penn) running a Tae Kwon Do/Hapkido school in Las Vegas. Travis has been competing in The Coliseum, and illegal kickboxing circuit in the city owned by the fearsome, appropriately named Brackus (Former Mr. Universe Ralph Moeller). After winning the tournament, Travis earns the right to challenge Brackus, with the winner taking ownership of the Coliseum, but Travis badly underestimates Brackus and is killed in the match. Alex's son Walter (Edan Gross) witnesses the murder, and Alex and Tommy confront Brackus. Brackus orders Alex and Wlter killed, but Tommy has cut Brackus' face, wounding his pride, so Brackus wants Tommy alive. Meanwhile, Tommy, Alex, and Walter take refuge with Tommy's "Grandma" (Betty Carvalho), where they prepare to take on Brackus under the tutelage of James (Sonny Landham), who had previously fought Brackus.
   
   Phillip Rhee is definitely the star of the film. Holding a 6th Dan in Tae Kwon Do, a 3rd dan in Hapkido, and a 1st dan in Kendo, as well as being an expert in Wing Chun and boxing, he is a one man wrecking crew. When Tommy is captured by Brackus, he first forced to fight three preliminary matches, and this is truly a sight to behold, but the lenghty, climactic David vs. Goliath duel between Tommy and Brackus is one for the books.
   
   BEST OF THE BEST 2 may not have won any Oscars, but it is never the less, an undying classic of martial arts cinema.



5. Berst of the best 2 is a great martial arts cult flick. not great acting but who needs it when all you want to see are some great martial artists doing what they do best.

5 comments about T'ai Chi for Health: Yang Short Form 37 Form.

1. I very much enjoy the DVD and I enjoyed learning about and doing T'ai Chi. However, the instructor in the video confused his right and left foot completely twice in the instructional part. Not just saying right foot and then correcting himself and then saying left, he actually calls his right foot his left and doesn't realize it, twice. There are also a number of times when he does realize it and corrects himself midword and even midsentence. It sounds like it's not a problem but it is because he's doing everything opposite of you as far as point of view goes, so you end up depending on his referrences to which leg, hand, or foot you should be moving. "Slowly roll all of your weight onto your right leg. Now slide your right leg forward." These are things that should've been picked up and fixed in post production, or even gaffed on location during the shoot. It's hard enough to properly learn techniques such as these without being instructed with the wrong foot, hand, or leg.



2. I studied this form in the early 1990's but got out of practice and can't find a good teacher of this form. This DVD is the next best thing to having my early teachers with me. It has a few minor production issues but is generally excellent.



3. Sorry, very hard to use as a work out guide. The various exercises do not follow one another smoothly, but each one loops until you click Next. Having done that, the next exercise does not pick up where the other one left you so you have to scramble to get into the position being shown. The guide mixes up his left and right, putting his weight on his right leg and telling you to put it on the left, for example. The darned FBI warning and a cute Panda bear can't be fast forwarded through so you are left to do warmups waiting, with the clicker in your hand. A new production would be very welcome as he obviously knows his stuff, but we want to follow and imitate, not just watch!



4. I really liked the way he described everything. His warmth and gentleness was very pleasant and did not get old, on the contrary became more endearing with use. I am not an expert on ability, so I can say only that he seems to be very, very good at both doing and teaching this art.
   
   Now I must say why I had to stop using his videotape (yes, it's that old). There is a synthesized soundtrack that slowly became unbearable to me. I really tried to do what he was saying, and this meant that I rewound the tape over and over again as I attempted to follow his instructions. Let me stop right here to state that I did not find his mixing up of left and right to be a problem: one viewing...yes; two viewings...a little clearer; three, four and five viewings...come on people, it's not an issue. Now back to what I was relating. The soundtrack: I am a musician, very sensitive to such things, so perhaps this will not be an issue with most of you--and I know the producers thought this would be a relaxing addition to the overall effect. However, in my case (and perhaps in the case of a small minority of you all) it ultimately became unbearable. I would like to go back to this recording if I could obtain a version without the pervasive, synthesized, 1970's "feel-good" sounds filling up the spaces between the instructions. Terry, can you help me on this?



5. I had the long form version on video tape originally, and to be honest with the business in my life, I rarely got beyond the warm up exercises...for gravity alone sufficed with what Terence was doing. I ordered the short form dvd after checking out various Tai Chi videos thru rental outlets. I have a past in martial arts, and understand the importance and thinking behind forms, the balance...and am happy to report that I am getting it. I do believe I would have stuck with it earlier had I got the short form right away.
   
   For a more specific crit...its nice on one had that each movement introduced replays and replays til you get it, but it would be nice if there was an option where say perhaps three movements could play at a time consecutively; helping you piece movements together better. It is a hassle to get the remote after each movement and go to the next one. Also, while it is aesthetically cool to see Terence in the last section do the entire form with his Tai Chi outfit, and lights low...it would have been better for students to have had more lights in the production so there is no question to reminders of hand movements, distribution of weight and flow...etc.,
   
   I read reviews before buying this one myself, and to the crit I read complaining of the music that plays along...I too am a musician, but ssheesh....get over it, or don't bother ever visiting any other country or culture. Should be able to rise above Terence's choice of music I would think.

5 comments about Shogun Assassin.

1. Very good movie from the original Lone Wolf & Cub films...
   ...a must for Samurai fans !!!
   this dvd edition is the best !!



2. I must blame myself for not noticing the disk details indicated the only language listed was English, and no sub-titles. If you truly love Japanese cinema you probably watch it with the english sub-titles on and listening to the original Japanese dialog. It's a simple matter of wanting to hear the sound track the original director created, the actors voices, and all the sounds he put there.
   This starts out with a American child's voice doing a voice-over that attempts to bridge the massive cuts this American release inflicted on the story.
   To painful to watch I stopped it after the first 15 minutes. Now to decide, to chuck it, or donate to the thrift store?



3. I actually saw this in a theater when it was originally released to the US. It is apparently a kid show from Japan. It is amazingly bloody and violent! But heck, It is hilarious. The guy and his kid in the cart kill people so good they can't even fall down without a shove. Plus, the woman ninjas proving their abilities cuts up a warrior like a vege-matic. This movie is an honest to gosh classic. I am ordering a DVD immediately! Watch it and tell me Monty Python didn't steal (in a nice way)the Black Knight scene in Holy Grail from this movie.



4. Shogun Assassin (1980) is a remarkable movie that hasn't aged a
   single day, since its release, amazingly. Starring ( the late)
   Tomisaburo Wakayama, playing a samurai with the intriguing actress
   Kayo Matsuo, the action unfolds in a paradoxical mix of tranquility /
   love with brutality / horror.
   
   First, Ogami the samurai begins a long trek with his 5 year old son
   in a baby carriage, across rivers, forests, crop fields, and deserts
   to an unknown destination, showing extraordinary endurance and
   determination all that time.
   
   Next, over the course of many miles, Ogami "Lone Wolf" has to defend
   himself against wicked platoons sent to finish him off, fighting off
   as well, Ninjas, on a mission to kill for which failing is not an
   option, under the penalty of Hara Kiri.
   
   The film is very stylish, the music professional, perhaps slightly
   overdoing it with the synth numbers reminiscent of "Safety Dance"
   from Men Without Hats, back in 1982, apparently using the same brand
   music instrument. The presentation is a great wide-screen.
   
   The surrealism of this picture, in some ways in the tradition of
   Salvador Dali, is the case, and somewhat reminsicent of "The Passion
   of Darkly Noon"- another work that contains frequent, intense horror.
   The only difference are the lethal scenes with blood packs going off
   as a result of samurai hand to hand combats.
   
   The benefit of a DVD release, is that the viewers won't have to hear
   gasps, screams, shock, yelling that otherwise would apply in a public
   theatre, such is the graphic nature of the special effects and the
   overall "Mad Max" feel to it.
   
   The action is apparently set circa 1300 to 1500, when gun powder
   still wasn't widely used, perhaps set even earlier than that, due to
   the lack of crossbows and arrows.
   
   The actors chosen are intentionally ethnic Japanese in order to
   better represent accurately the microcosm of this story to the
   viewers.
   
   The overall impact of this movie, is that it does constitute a dream
   of sorts, a superb surrealism taking spectators in another space and
   time, with a crystal clear film to DVD transfer. The downside is that
   more than 1 viewer may ahbor the graphic combat scenes. The sets are
   very credible, admirably chosen from a stylish, appealing aspect.
   
   It should be noted that the work has 3 sequels to it.



5. Shogun Assassin is a visual treat of stylish battles and mass killings. The over the top action does an excellent job of covering the simple story and plot. I only wish there was a bit more depth to the characters.
   
   A samurai warrior named Lone Wolf angers a shogun. Together with his very young son, he evades the shoguns deadly forces. The action scenes are the bread and butter. They consist of lots of sword play. The gore is highly exaggerated with spraying streams of blood. The battles are fierce but not overly long. The soundtrack definitly had its moments.
   
   Fans of action and gore are mostly going to appreciate this the most. The transfer is very good. The picture and sound are on point. Pick this up if you're feeling blood thirsty.

5 comments about The Ultimate Fighter: Season 3 - The Ultimate Grudge.

1. pretty darn good series. shamrock was an idiot and it really seemed like all his fighters resented him, while tito really surprised me at how he conducted himself.
   
   im glad a few of the fighters left or got pounded out (grove's team dagger partner..fogot his name) both during the show and during fight nite...that was great!
   
   cant wait for the other season to come out as well!



2. I love this show. I will reget the dvd set. Its Just too bad two set season 3 and season 2 both had skips in them.



3. Okay, so when my husband borrowed this series from a friend and I came home to him watching it, I wrinkled up my nose in disdain and said, "Do we really have to watch this?". Ten minutes later I was enthralled with the show; with the rivalry between Ken "The Shamrock" and Tito Ortiz; the drama of the housemates; and the athleticism of the fighters. Next thing I know, I am asking to watch mutliple episodes a night and of course, now we own all 4 seasons, anxiously awaiting 5 and 6 to come out. Who would of thought?



4. they fixed issues from first seasons. no more stupid challenges & now everyone must fight each round. i HATE tito normally but you have to love him in this. he's an outstanding coach & cornerman.



5. TUF is a unique house-bound reality show: There's no wussy voting of house members out. Instead they fight each other and the loser goes home. Fans of TUF will savour this instalment.
   
   TUF Season 3 delivers what it promises: a great grudge match between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock. The grudge is played out initially through the contest between their respective teams of fighters. Other reviewers thought this season was lacklustre, but it's better than TUF Seasons 1 and 2. The artifice of team event competitions has been dispensed with, and the focus is simply on the fighters - their training, fights, and in-house antics. Ken Shamrock shows himself to be a clueless coach, while Tito Ortiz displays some real leadership by giving coherence and focus to his team. Tito's care and attention to the needs of his deaf team member is touching. TUF3 was followed by a UFC fight - not included in this set - in which Tito beat Ken senseless with elbow strikes.
   
   Even if you are not a mixed-martial arts fan, buy this set now to see one of the better reality shows.

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