5 comments about Belly of the Beast.

1. mr. seagal really needs to rethink his movie making,as this film shows. no longer the sleak hard nosed tough guy he was,now he looks overweight,tired,and VERY,VERY SLOW!!!!!! this movie is a sad reminder of what mr. seagal was once capable of doing! really a sad movie!!!!!! skip it!!!!!!!!!!!!



2. This is the best film Steven Seagal has made in a while. Seagal plays a retired CIA operative that use to work in Thailand. Ten years later he finds out his daughter was kidnapped while she was on vacation in Thailand. And as usual, his character does not play by the rules and will do what ever it takes to get his daughter back. Don't analyze the movie just sit back and enjoy the action. I also think you should pay attention to his sidekick who becomes a Buddhist monk. His character is very interesting, that is for what little we see of it. This is a good `B' action movie.



3. BELLY OF THE BEAST
   
   I found this dvd in the pawn shop the other day for 2 dollars and decided to get it since I enjoy pointless action films. As another one of the straight to dvd movies from Segal I figured this would be like most straight to video action films, not that great. But I was pleasantly surprised with this film, it had the action of course, with fight scenes and things going BOOM. But it was the story line and some of the performances that made this movie good.
   The story is as follows, Jake Hopper is a former C.I.A. agent who just happens to have a daughter that is friends with a senator's daughter. The two girls head off on vacation to Thailand with their boyfriends and get kidnapped by a terrorist group. Well as you can guess Segal [even in old age] heads into battle with the group, the local police force, and even his own old friends.
   Director Ching Siu Tung did a pretty good job with this film, and along with Cinematographer Danny Novak made this film look good. Along with six producers, one of which being Avi Lerner, and writer James Townsend they all put together a really enjoyable movie. Is it a great film on the classic level, no, but it is good enough to just chill one day and watch. I recommend owning it, it is a pretty good flick.



4. This is one of Seagal's better movies. The action is good. The story and plot are excellent. There are many good gun fights. Seagal's daughter is kidnapped and Seagal must find her. Seagal is forced to deal with local police, the military, a rebel military group, our own CIA officers, and bad guys. Everyone has an agenda and Seagal must discover who kidnapped his daughter and where she is. Even our own CIA guys have motives that Seagal is not aware of. Can Seagal find his daughter before it is too late? Can Seagal survive an encounter with a rebel military group? What happens when the military wants to arrest Seagal? You can probably guess the answers but it is more fun to watch and find out.



5. I give Steven Seagal and director Siu-Tung Ching ("A Chinese Ghost Story") a lot of credit for this film: after so many lacklustre action-thrillers with delusions of seriousness starring the martial arts master, the mindset of "Belly of the Beast" is one of "forget the storyline - bring on the action!". Believe it, this is a wonderfully refreshing change of focus for the DTV-mired Seagal, whose face has yet to see the silver screen again.
   
   In "Beast", Seagal is an ex-CIA operative whose daughter is kidnapped while vacationing in Thailand by a violent rebel organization. Seagal saddles up to rescue her after employing his agent-turned-monk ex-partner (Byron Mann, "Street Fighter"), and the two of them embark against insurmountable political and spiritual odds.
   Mind you, these "political and spiritual odds" are a large focus of the film: a corrupt Thai military becomes involved, as well as a creepy demon-worshipper who attempts to trounce Seagal with black magic. Believe me: it's all very nonsensical, but also very fun if you don't let yourself be hindered by things like realism.
   
   The film is a return to action for Seagal: after the stale shootouts and repetitive wrist-snapping of films like "The Foreigner", the wild and diverse battles of "Beast" are a sight to behold. Just to name a few of these encounters, we see Seagal battle a deadly transvestite armed with a whip and razor-sharp nails, and also engage a magic-enforced general with swords, spears, and arrows.
   The choreography of these encounters - done by the director himself - is better than one dares hope for in a Seagal film nowadays: fast-paced and fluid, with nifty exchanges and attention to detail in every shot. The inclusion of wire-fu and liberal slow-motion might deter some Seagal-traditionalists, but I was happy to see some innovation for ol' Steven.
   
   The editing is good (always a 50-50 possibility for Steven's films) and the acting is solid, though the need to actually act falls only on a few members of the cast - Sara Lane as Seagal's daughter and Monica Lo as Seagal's love-interest Lulu. Byron Mann also pulls off a good performance, which should be expected since he's been more focused on drama than action lately. As for the rest of the cast, really nobody does a bad job...except maybe Seagal, but then again, we've gotten used to that, huh?
   
   Bottom line: this is a surprisingly fun to watch action flick, even if you're not a Seagal-devotee. Fans, at least, shouldn't waste any time to buy it.

5 comments about Missing in Action.

1. A one star for some movies means that it really sucks. But one star for a Chuck Norris movie, this Chuck Norris movie, means that it is one of his better ones. I thought Missing in Action was a pretty entertaining 80's action movie. Sure it is crap but it is fun and exciting. Chuck is a horrible actor and has never gotten better but this movie is not a bad flick. Compared to some of his movies this is a 5 star. Compared to other movies... it is a one star.



2. Wow, seriously, way too many reviews of this film. Does Missing In Action really need over 28 reviews? There's really nothing I could add. Three stars.



3. The only bad thing to come out of Bruce Lee's career is Chuck Norris. Lee was Asian and middle-America (i.e. rednecks) couldn't accept that at first. But they sure love fighting and a** kickin'. Enter Chuck Norris, a man half as skilled as Lee, but white.
   
   "Missing in Action" is garbage and so is your mind if you like it.
   ZERO stars.



4. To be truthful, if it were any other person as the star, I'd probably give this no stars. But still, I have a special place in my heart for Chuck Norris. Most people know going into a movie like this that it is not driven by brilliant story telling. You want a fun movie where the hero kicks butt and takes names. Well, it takes a while before Chuck does those things. For me, its a let down because when he DOES serve up justice, its almost entirely with guns and explosives. This from the 6 time world karate champ & 8th degree grand master in taekwondo. I realize this is an 'action' movie and not a 'martial arts' movie, but Chuch could have at least thrown us a bone on this one.
   At the same time, I still love the feel of the whole 'We are America, screw everyone else' attitude. Pretty good fun for a lazy Saturday night.



5. It might have been a fairly good movie if the kids mother wasn't killed so soon.

5 comments about Samurai - The Last Warrior. The Path of Honor, the Sword of Revenge (Documentary).

1. On watching this documentry, i found it very informative and learned alot about Japanes culture. If you are interested in the life of the samuria this is a very good dvd to buy.



2. Excellent documentary, on par with the best of History Channel or A&E productions. Perhaps the only, definitive history of these valiant warriors, from their historic emergence, to their place in folklore. Highly recommended.



3. It seems that the creators of this documentary could not decide on a target audience. I have studied Japanese history and found the contents of the documentary rather superficial. My family, however, have a rudimentary knowledge of Japanese culture and found the presentation somewhat confusing. They are not familiar with the names of Japanese historical figures or the historical significance of the battles discussed in the film, so it was a bit difficult for them to make the connections of names and places repeated throughout the commentary.
   
   That being said, we are using the confusion of the film as motivation to learn more about the individual samurai/shogun/daimyo and the battles mentioned so that all will make sense upon our next viewing of the DVD. So, YES, it is worth watching multiple times!



4. There seems to be some major confusion about these two similar titles - SAMURAI: The last Warrior narrated by Dr. Stephen Turnbull and SAMURAI: The last Warriors hosted by David Carradine Even the distributors seem to have these titles confused and no one can really say which one they are selling. I have the one by Dr. Stephen Turnball (the last Warrior) and it was very informative but would love to get the other title hosted by David Carradine but cannot seem to find a seller who knows what copy they have. If anyone out there in movie land knows where I can get the one hosted by David Carradine SAMURAI: The Last Warriors I would appreciate it if you could contact me at [...]
   Thank you
   Dan



5. This is not an all singing, all dancing "action adventure" movie with big celebrities like Tom Cruise etc in like "The Last Samurai", but to my mind and anyone that is interested in what the Samurai were; how, when and why they came into existence, Japanese history and the importance of the Samurai Code in today's modern world, then this has to be the best documentary on the market to understand the heart, soul and spirit of the Samurai.
   
   Presented by two of the greatest leading figures on the subject; Dave Lowry & Dr Stephen Turnbull turn what would have possibly been a dull, dry history lesson into a fascinating and colourful story. It's not just "talking heads" either, there's plenty of short clips from movies like "The Last Samurai" and "Shogun" to keep you riveted all the way through.
   
   WARNING!! UK viewers - Please make sure that your DVD can play with Region 1 DVD's and that your TV is NTSC compatible first.
   
   If you enjoy this do look out for NOVA's: "Secrets of the Samurai Sword" which is also a REGION 1 + NTSC DVD. This video explains the intricate details of how a Samurai sword is made from start to finish - 6 months and 15 men later.

5 comments about Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman DVD Collector's Edition Box.

1. This guy's acting is beyond this world. The stories and landscapes are incredible. Maybe the film-making technique is a little rusty some times, but in the whole it is effective.



2. Zatoichi is an institution in Japanese film, almost like James Bond or Star Trek films, but with the difference that the same actor has played the main character since the series inception, and with an amazing consistency of quality from the original film in 1962 through the final installment, #26, in 1989. Shintaro Katsu played many roles in his life, but in the minds of hearts of everyone who loves samurai films he will always be Zatoichi.
   
   This boxset contains seven DVDs, all from the tail end of the Zatoichi series when Katsu had taken over the production duties on the series. They are all quality films, with "The Festival of Fire" and "Zatoichi meets Yojimbo" being among the best of the entire run. Its a great price for seven DVDs as well, which would cost much more if bought individually.
   
   For those starting out with Zatoichi, the films are diverse enough to give a good feel for the flavor of the series. Funny films and serious films, they all have the charm and appeal that only Shintaro Katsu could bring to the table in a samurai action film. And this is some seriously cool samurai action. Katsu was a great actor, and a great swordsman as well.
   
   The films in this collection are:
   
   Zatoichi #16 - the Outlaw - A complicated story with a vast cast of characters. Directed by Satsuo Yamamoto, who also made the 1968 ghost story "Botan Doro."
   
   Zatoichi #20 - Meets Yojimbo - A highly anticipated showdown between Zatoichi and Toshiro Mifune playing his famous Yojimbo character. Directed by acclaimed samurai film master Kihachi Okamoto, best known for "Sworld of Doom" and "Kill!"
   
   Zatoichi #21 - The Festival of Fire - Considered one of the best entries in the series, directed by the original Zatoichi director Kenji Misumi.
   
   Zatoichi #22 - Meets the One-Armed Swordsman - Zatoichi meets his Chinese counterpart, Wang. Directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who also made the original "100 Monsters: Great Yokai War"
   
   Zatoichi #23 - At Large - A more humorous flick, Zatoichi delivers a baby! Directed by Kazuo Mori, who also made "The Return of Daimajin."
   
   Zatoichi #24 - In Desperation - Directed by Shintarô Katsu, Zatoichi himself, this is a darker, more disturbing entry.
   
   Zatoichi #25 - Conspiracy - Zatoichi meets his long-lost sister. A guest appearance by Takashi Shimura of "Seven Samurai." Also directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda.



3. I'm hooked on Zatoichi now! I'm going to have to look for the rest of the collection, these movies were that much fun :)



4. As others have noted, the Zatoichi movie series is a classic--outstanding and immensely enjoyable. This collection is a good value. The DVD reproduction seems to be first-rate (each movie looks better than I remember seeing it decades ago), and the subtitles are very well done: Not only are the translations good, but they appear below the wide-screen picture rather than on top of the scene. Occasionally there's even a little note displayed above the picture defining a term, such as "palanquin" ('kago' in Japanese).
   
   I have one small complaint. Each of the 7 movies is individually shrinkwrapped with 3 of those incredibly annoying antitheft stickers. I paid good money for the collection, so why am I treated like a potential thief and made to waste time every time I open one? That's just plain rude. I could have used Zatoichi's help getting the DVDs open for the first time, and had he decided to pay a call on the packagers, I wouldn't have tried to stop him.
   
   Warning: This collection is a hook. Once you see all 7 movies, you'll want to see the other 19, and individually they'll set you back a good deal more. Oh, well!



5. I was very pleased with this boxed addition. If you are a fan of this genre I would recommend this Boxed set. To be able to find a boxed set, especially some of the movies of this series that I had not seen yet was great.

5 comments about Circle of Iron (2-Disc Special Edition).

1. It's been at least 20 years now since I first watched Circle of Iron as a teenager with a keen interest in the martial arts. A friend and I rented it from the local video store. We didn't really know what we were in for, only that it had been written by Bruce Lee and starred David Carradine of Kung Fu fame. I'm sure I didn't grasp nearly as much of what Lee intended to express back then. I think I get it a bit better now.
   
   I'll be honest. By modern standards (and probably even those of that time, I would think), the fight scenes are rather poor. They are a bit overdramatized, the camera work isn't very good, and the general athleticism demonstrated is average. The sound effects are pretty typical of the era, meaning really bad by today's standard. If you can look past that, though, you may actually find yourself enjoying the film.
   
   Overall, the cinematography reminds me a lot of the Conan films, though I don't think they same folks were involved in the shooting. I happen to like those movies, even if they were clunky in places, so take that for what it's worth.
   
   If you like movies that make you think, then you will probably get something quite worthwhile out of Circle of Iron. Lee's intent was to explore and display elements of Zen philosophy and the film certainly does that. How much it keeps to Lee's intentions (from the original The Silent Flute script), I have no idea, but there's at least enough of it to make viewing a pleasantly thought-provoking experience. And there's a bit of comedy tossed in as well. :-)



2. The quality of the media was excellent and the content was also excellent. I recommend this dvd to anyone who views life as a spiritual journey.



3. It's hard to kill a horse with a flute--The Blind man
   
   Circle of Iron (or the Silent Flute) is an acting tout de Force for actor David Carradine. This is not KUNG FU the movie. This film he plays four different roles in Cord (the seeker's) Journey. The character of the Blind man, in my opinion, reminds me of Master Po from the Kung Fu TV show
   
   The script originally was written by James (Our Man Flint) Colburn, Bruce (Enter The Dragon) Lee and Stirling (In the Heat of the Night, Route 66) Silliphant. On the DVD, you can read their original script in a DVD-ROM format. Lee was to play Cord, In my opinion, I wish he had
   
   This mythical tale is a journey and quest for both the actors and the viewers alike. It is a challedge to watch and think about. Combining martial art ideals with Zen styling will leave the viewer either intrigued of baffled---or both!
   
   They say a film is as good as its weakest link, Jeff Cooper is buffed for this role as Cord. However in my opinion, he has limited acting chops to handle the role is his solo scenes, including the romantic scene with Erica Creer. Thank goodness, for most of the film , he is flanked by cameos by veteran actors Christopher Lee, Roddy McDowell and Eli Wallach, who helps move to the story until Carradine character shows up again.
   
   This film was Director Richard Moore solo film effort and it shows in someways. His audio commentary track is interesting and gives insights into the film unknown to many other than film buffs
   
   This 30 year old film is still good today to enjoy
   Bennet Pomerantz, AUDIOWORLD



4. A project conceived by Bruce Lee and James Coburn. Carradine appears in a number of different parts -- in that aspect it reminds me of Kirk Douglas in the LIST OF ADRIAN MESSENGER. Quirky, odd with a lead who couldn't act his way out of a wet paper bag. For those who collect such things.



5. This movie based on a story by martial arts great Bruce Lee, is interesting,informative, and thought provoking. Having practiced martial arts myself, it struck a chord with me. Not so much, the fighting scenes in the movie, but the reasons for them. The movies ending was amazing to me, and even my wife, who is not into martial arts 'stuff' was impressed with this thought provoker.

5 comments about Mastering The Rubber Guard.

1. I've always found myself on my back. I've always been flexible. Other grappling instructional's seem boring and a chore like, "Oh, I've got to practice submissions". Eddie Bravo's dvd's are a much needed break from the 'chore' of grappling practice and makes it fun in a way that falls right in line with the way that I think and learn. I then find myself having fun and as a byproduct, I'm learning how to roll!



2. Did you expect anything less than revolutionary from Eddie Bravo?! Must have if you know anything about bjj/grappling/mma.



3. the best half-guard that I could find. I don't really use the rubber guard that much, but its very helpful for some basic stuff. Spider web... OMFG amazing STUFF. I can't wait for the top game DVD.
   
   BUY THIS DVD!
   
   yah.. its funny as H---. The joe karate, punked students/friends ect.. wow. whats better the JJ or the comedy?
   Music is ok.. it grows on you after watching the DVD 500 times trying to learn the moves. SMART EDDIE BRAINWASH PEOPLE INTO LIKING YOUR MUSIC...



4. Please be aware of the numerous references to drugs and lots of foul language! But, that's just Eddie. If you can over look that:
   The instruction is great, step by step and repetitive with different angles.
   Detailed how to's and the why behind it.
   I have had this product for about a month, and have implemented a few techniques already. The guys I roll with are dumbfounded. I am a white belt doing BJJ for about 5 months, I am tapping blue belts and purple belts regularly thanks to this DVD set. No one wants to start in my guard!



5. I love this system. I ordered the book and the DVD and I am now tapping people out with the moves. This is the most offensive guard that I have ever used, and the transitions to other positions are great.
   
   This DVD is not only a instructional but it has lots of entertaining music and other stuff which break up the instructional so it is not so boring.
   
   I have been training BJJ for years and this is a must have for anyone wanting to take their game to the next level. Great job Eddie, I am looking forward to the Mastering the Twister DVD.

5 comments about Rush Hour 3 (Two-Disc Platinum Series).

1. 
   I am sorry folks, but after waiting over 6 years for the sequel to Rush Hour 2, I found this film to be disappointing. I was underwhelmed by The stale gags that were very entertaining in Rush Hour 1&2 but were just stale in this one. Jackie Chan was actually Cris Tucker's sidekick here. I would have liked a different plot that after such a time lag might have stood alone without the references to bits and pieces of the first 2 movies.
   The film opens with Chris Tucker directing traffic in a street cop uniform only to pick up a couple of girls. Once again we see the Triad as a weak plot theme that brings us back to the Chinese ambassador and his now teen aged daughter with their lives in danger that the good Inspector Lee has to protect again.
   
   The friendly banter is not as funny between Chan and Tucker and although Jackie Chan can still do his own stunts, but he is obviously not as young as he was when he was still doing his karate action stuff so the action sequences are more shoot em up and swinging from flying flags off the side of the Eifel Tower with a long lost "brother" from his past who we never heard about. The Max Von Snydow character as the villain is underutilized as the French ambassador. And there is no plot tie up of loose ends.
   
   If you like the Rush Hour films, the film is watchable not as entertaining as the previous films. Paying full price for it would be frustrating. I think Rush Hour 4 would be superfluous.



2. Well, I think this movie got a lot of bad reviews somewhat unfairly. There was a lot of anticipation building for YEARS for Rush Hour 3. Contract disputes, etc.. I think those years built up a lot of unrealistic expectations from fans. So when it finally arrived - folks were expecting a miracle. No such luck here. It's basically the same formula/premise that made the first two movies successful. I think the third made for a nice trilogy. Nothing earth shattering, nothing groundbreaking. Just the same silly, funny, buddy comedy we would expect. Some great stunts/action sequences, an interesting setting, and some really funny moments. I very much liked the french cabbie and his "warming up" to American culture! There were a couple of low lights... a "who is on first?" comedy routine fell flat, Elton John's "sorry" love song plays during a fight, and a scene with Lee (Chan) singing while being lowered on a swing was just too gay. That aside, a good movie, and worth renting/owning. Enjoy it for what it is... Rush Hour 3. More of the same silly fun. No Oscars to be won here. Just good fun.



3. I remember 2007 has been the year of the three-quel's, and at long last--after the ambitious excess of "Spiderman 3," the lackluster of "Shrek the Third," the love-it-or-hate-it logic to the "Pirates" finale, the return to glossy form of "Ocean's 13," and the tense, engaging "Bourne Ultimatum" (which gave a great ultimatum to its own franchise)--we come to its end with the fun, campy adrenaline-rush of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker re-teaming for "Rush Hour 3." At the end of watching this I though it was okay but I felt a bit sad that it had to come to an end like this because I enjoy the first two very much.
   
   Jackie Chan (Lee) acts well as usual (have some problem for pronouncing things but I didn't mind that) and Chris Tucker is still hilarious and he's still loud as ever. The jokes are decent and I had my shares of laughs here and there, the only problem I have with the comedy is that sometime they try to stretch it far to much and you're ending up saying "We get it already", The chemistry between the two leads is still there which makes these movies fun in the first place.
   This was an unneeded yet entertaining entry into the series, but it is basically the love child of the first two. The outtakes as usual are the best part of the film.
   
   Rumors of filming a fourth Rush Hour film immediately after this third installment were apparently scrapped due to unknown reasons, but one could easily venture that failing interest in the series hamstrung such a project (but who knows ...maybe there will be a fourth). Plenty of eye-candy awaits those guys who like to see marvelously curvaceous women whom you normally would only see air-brushed on magazine covers. Most notably is French actress Noémie Lenoir who plays Genevieve, a dancer with a very special head on her shoulders.
   
   But beyond that, you're not going to see much that'll intrigue you. The story has been done ad nauseam, as have all the jokes. Let 'er rest in peace, guys.



4. loved, loved, loved this movie very funny from begining to the end,i love chris tucker and jackie chan a great combonation



5. Wow i love this this movie. the movie came on time and was in great condtion.

4 comments about Pride 33: Second Coming.

1. What can I say. Being in the 3rd row was insane. This show has it all---knock outs, subs, and one decision by Trigg. Sokoudjou turned heads. Gomi vs Diaz was the fight of 2007 according to many. Shogun, Hellboy. Mac Danzig vs Sakurai---WOw. Henso vs Wand---yikes. The PPV showed the complete show from beginning to end.
   This is an event that marked the end of Pride in the USA, and in general, as 34 was nowhere near the level of this event.
   
   A must buy for any MMA fan.



2. 
   Antonio "Rodrigo" Nogueira is one of the top HWs in MMA (most rank him at No. 2 behind Fedor, who's in danger of losing his position at the top of the food chain after more than two years without facing a quality HW opponent). His brother, Antonio "Rogerio" Nogueira, is the LHW who was shockingly KO'd by Sokodju at Pride 33. Just to clear that up.
   
   Finally, the later Pride events are making it to DVD. The Silva-Henderson fight alone is worth the price. All of you new MMA and UFC fans, check out the Pride events. You won't be disappointed.



3. The Diaz/Gomi match, despite the post fight controversy, ranks as the most dramatic MMA match that I have ever seen. Throw in the Henderson/Silva match and this ranks as one of the best shows by any organization ever. Not impressed by Nick Diaz? You will be after seeing his heart against Gomi.



4. I was very happy when I received the DVD, because of reviews I have read. The entire event was exciting, living up to the hype and the DVD itself has no problems.

5 comments about The Next Karate Kid.

1. This movie was alright but it is seriously lacking something. I watched it when it came out on VHS and I kept on waiting for Daniel to show up or hell be mentioned but in this movie it was as though he never exsisted and isn't Daniel supposed to be living with his mentor in CA? So if this is the case and his mentor sent the grandmother to CA to his house shouldn't he have warned her about Daniel being there at least? They could have mentioned what happend to Daniel but in this movie they totally scratch him out and this movie is lacking because of it. Another thing is this movie doesn't touch the other three in any way shape or form. Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio had an on screen chemistry that you just couldn't denye was there and it made the movies all that much better but Pat and Hilary don't have that same chemisty that made Pat and Ralph such a great acting team and it shows in the movie. Also the other Karate Kid movies each have a theme to them especially the second one and this one leaves you with no theme what so ever except bullies always get what they deserve in the end which is a tad over done by this installment and the fight scene at the end is a little over done as I think they were aiming for the same affect they had in the Karate Kid II but they missed it by a long shot. Over all this movie is pretty good. Has some good moments but it should not have been a stand a lone movie all on its own in my opinion as it could have been much better then.



2. This film just edged out Karate Kid part 2 as a better movie. Pat Morita and Hilary Swank(in an early role)do their best in this fairly good and enjoyable sequel. I would give it 3 1/2 stars. The DVD transfer looks very good. I found the box set for the price of the first film,so it was worth buying the set.



3. To be honest I COMPLETELY hated this movie. It was so contrived and it actually ruined the series for me. I mean what "tough guy crew" picks on girls for fun. So lame.
   Not to mention I prefered the characters that we came to love. If there was some reason they couldn't include Ralph Macchio, they shouldn't have made another. Nothing against Hilary Swank but I hated this film. Please don't watch.



4. Giving you a brief rundown of where I stand, I thought Part 1 was excellent. I thought Part 2 was even better. I didn't like Part 3 as much, but it did have an interesting theme as well as some great moments. This 4th chapter was really a sad end to this great series. Mr. Myagi is still in great form, but there are not many other good things I can say about this 4th chapter. In Daniel's absence, Myagi trains Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank). Julie is a really nasty girl, and even though she has some redeeming points, she fails to endear herself to us the way Daniel did depsite his faults. Moving on, Julie finds herself getting into trouble at her school which is controlled by bullies. The ringleader Colonel Dugan (Ironside) is too put it mildly, a major jerk who carries no charm. In Part 1, Kreese carried a charm despite his psychosis. In 2, Sato was frightening, but we never really forgot that he had some redeeming points. We can also speculate that Kreese or Sato would have destroyed Dugan with one hand tied behind their back, without even breaking a sweat. Most of the fight scenes in this movie are forced and unconvincing. (Especially the fight at the service station.) Moving on, Julie in a sympathetic moment gets suspended from school. Mr. Myagi takes her to a monastery. There, Julie cause some havoc by trying to kill a cockroach. In the high point of this movie, Myagi has to explain to Julie that ALL life is sacred to the monks. (A deep profound moment in this weak movie. This is the one gem in this 4th chapter. ) Moving on, Julie goes back to school. In an absurd scene at the dance, Julie's friend Erick gets into a fight with Dugan's bootlicker Ned. This leads to a totally preposterous street confrontation. While the street fight in "Rocky V" was actually quite plausible, the street fight in this weak KK 4 was a sad way to end this series. On the + side, there was some satisfaction in seeing Myagi easily trash Dugan. In one saving moment, Myagi gives Julie a proverb: "Fighting not good. But if must fight, win." Compare Julie's comment: "Mr. Myagi, we kicked butt," to Daniel's beautiful comment: "Mr. Myagi, we did it!" Being totally honest, Mr. Myagi did the best he could in this poor movie, and there was the profound scene in the monastery. But try comparing this 4th chapter to Part 1, 2, or even 3. See if 4 is ANYWHERE near as good as one of the other 3. While Director John Avildsen faithfully stayed at the Directing Helm from parts 1 to 3, he was smart to not have anything to do with this miserable 4th one. With all respect to Director John Avildsen, even his great directing could not have saved this doomed 4th chapter.



5. Teen Wolf II. Revenge of the Nerds II. Speed II. Dumb and Dumberer. Friday the 13th VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. Rocky V. What do all these movies have in common with The Next Karate Kid? They're all sequels that should have never been made. The first indication that this movie was a bad idea is that Macchio passed on it.
   
   Hilary Swank plays Julie-san, a girl bullied in her high school. She's got anger issues, family issues, and the team of tough-guy jocks called the Alpha Elite does not help the situation at all. Despite the unlikely scenario of a high school boy's club that practices martial arts and enforces discipline/rules throughout the school, the odds of them picking on a single girl are even more unlikely. The odds of a girl beating up the leader of that group gets into the preposterous territory.
   
   Aside from those obvious flaws, this movie is simply not that good. Nobody really wants to see Karate Kid I all over again with Hillary Swank playing the part of Ralph Macchio. Nothing against Swank, but she was simply an actress learning her way at this point, and this ridiculous, recycled role did nothing to help her out. And the addition of monks who bowl with their eyes closed surely didn't help.
   
   It's a wretched sequel. Pat Morita and Hillary Swank may be good actors, but the idea to make this movie is as bad as playing with fireworks in an arid forest.

3 comments about Understanding Qigong DVD2 (YMAA chi kung) Keypoints & Qigong Breathing - Dr. Yang.

1. This DVD is comprised of courses 3 and 4 of the ongoing series on Qigong taught by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming. The two courses are taught as if one is in a classroom setting with Dr. Yang. Subtitles are displayed during the course, with Dr. Yang speaking in English.
   
   As Dr. Yang explains, the first two DVDs of this series, parts 1 through 4, cover the fundamentals of Qigong. Later releases of the series will go into more advanced studies of Qigong. I start to chuckle when reading that these two DVDs are just covering the fundamentals of Qigong. For many practitioners of Qigong, the "fundamentals" found on the DVD represent an amount of material and related ability that is beyond their own level.
   
   Course 3 - KEYPOINTS OF QIGONG
   Regulating the Body
   Regulating the Breath
   Regulating the Mind
   Regulating the Qi
   Regulating the Spirit
   Four Transformations (Refinements)
   Partner Practice
   
   Course 4 - QIGONG BREATHING
   Importance of Breathing
   Upper Level Qi and Lower Level Qi
   Regulating the Breathing
   Abdominal Breathing
   Normal Abdominal Breathing
   Reversed Abdominal Breathing
   Other Breathing Techniques
   
   Course 3
   
   Those of you who have studied Qigong and/or read books by Yang, Jwing Ming are familiar with the concept of the five regulatings. Dr. Yang explains how these five regulatings are not separate entities but are part of the whole. Dr. Yang points out that true regulating is when you don't regulate.
   
   So for part one, regulating the body, a student would focus on the external aspects of the form and slowly ensure that the body is aligned properly, the shoulders are not high, the pelvis is tucked in, the body is not leaning or in an unbalanced position, etc. As a student becomes more proficient they reach a point where they are naturally moving in a Taijiquan manner and can go through the form without having to think about the basics of the moves.
   
   Dr. Yang gives the example of when one learns to drive, you have to constantly think about what you are doing, in contrast to a seasoned driver who can drive efficiently without having to spend much energy regulating, as the moves have become natural and can be done without thought.
   
   Dr. Yang links the five regulatings as follows:
   Body is the Battlefield
   Breath is the Strategy
   Mind is the General
   Qi is the Soldiers
   Spirit is the Morale
   
   Once the student is able to regulate the body without regulating, then it is time to move on to the second step, regulating the breath. Fortunately, as the five parts are part of a greater whole, when the student is learning to regulate the body, the breathing tends to change and become closer to the ideal. The relaxed movements of the Taijiquan form can subtly effect the breathing of the practitioner.
   
   When the students moves on to part two, they will find that their breathing is already changing for the better. Each of the sections can prepare one for the next step. The five regulations should be studied and learned in the order given as any other order would be counter productive.
   
   One of the main goals of regulating the mind is to use your logical thinking or calm mind to control your emotional mind. The philosophy indicates that there are two minds, Xin and Yi. Xin meaning heart and Yi meaning something akin to logical mind or wisdom, as Dr. Yang translates it. Dr. Yang pulls no punches and says directly that regulating the breath and then the mind takes a lot of work and is not easy. Fortunately, in contrast to the past when the student only had access to very symbolic and vague writings on the subject, Dr. Yang provides clear instruction on what is necessary to achieve these five regulations.
   
   Dr. Yang states that the Chinese traditionally considered the emotional mind, Xin, to be a monkey and the logical mind, Yi, to be a horse. The problem of how to control the emotional mind was pondered for many years by practitioners. Just as a monkey can be led by a banana, Dr. Yang explains that the breath is like the banana, and it can be used to lure the emotional mind, the monkey, into a cage where it can be controlled. What's interesting is that as one needs to learn the five regulations in order, when the practitioner is having difficulty with a level, as in how to control the emotional mind, the answer can usually be found in the previous section, illustrated by the previous example of using regulating the breath, part two, to assist in regulating the mind, which is the third step. This further proves the argument that the five regulatings are not separate but rather part of a whole.
   
   Dr. Yang gives numerous examples, many in the field of driving, that illustrate how regulating the five can lead to peace in your life. Regulating the breath is not just for Qigong, but can be used to calm the emotional mind when one is in a situation where the emotional mind starts to take control. Dr. Yang uses the example of being in a traffic jam and slowly becoming more and more angry. By regulating the breath you can calm down and actually begin to enjoy yourself again. Dr. Yang exclaims, "I love traffic jams", as he uses the time to practice his Qigong and actually benefits from the situation of being caught in a traffic jam.
   
   The four transformations or refinements are covered at the end of part three. the four transformations are:
   
   Convert the Essence into Qi (Convert fat to Qi)
   Convert Qi to Spirit
   Train or refine the Spirit
   Crush the emptiness (Independence of the Spirit)
   
   Course 4
   
   Due to the importance of proper breathing techniques in the practice of Qigong and the five regulatings, Course 4 focuses on this subject. The course begins by reviewing material that was covered in Course 3.
   
   Regular Breathing is the first type of breathing taught, with an emphasis on relaxing the muscles on the ribs, to allow full use of your lungs.
   Allegedly, the average person only uses 60 percent of their lung capacity. By using the techniques in this DVD, a student can increase the capacity of their lungs. Besides increasing the capacity of the lungs, different body positions and breathing techniques can direct the breath or energy to different parts of the lungs, helping to regulate emotion/mind. Health benefits can also be realized by becoming familiar with how to use the breath.
   
   As Dr. Yang explains, the Chinese view of cancer, for example, is a loss of circulation of energy in the affected area. The main focus in the healing of cancer in China is to increase the circulation of energy to that area. The breathing techniques and knowledge taught in this DVD can be used to accomplish such a task.
   
   What's really great about the way the material is presented is that Dr. Yang not only teaches you the techniques, but also the theory, which leads to a greater understanding of what is occurring and a greater chance of success. Dr. Yang cautions the viewer, "Everything I say, put a big question mark on it." In this way, his students can become independent thinkers and not just be led, but instead grow on their own by using the approach taught by Dr. Yang.
   
   One of my teachers used to tell me that a standard teacher teaches you the form, a good teacher teaches you the techniques and a better teacher teaches you the key. Dr. Yang is one of those teachers who gives you the key, if only you make the effort and PONDER and THINK.
   
   Abdominal breathing techniques as well as other types of breathing are covered during the remainder of course 4. The amount of material covered is vast and every minute has vital information. No wasted space on this DVD.
   
   In Conclusion
   
   Dr. Yang's inquiring mind and scientific approach, combined with his experiences and background in the martial arts, make him one of the few people that can create a DVD like this one, in which not only is the classic material presented, but it is combined with clear explanations that demonstrate a true and accurate grasp of the subject. When Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming chose to leave his former career to pursue his studies and teaching of Martial Arts, we all received a great blessing, evidenced by the large volume of excellent material that he has produced over the years.
   
   I don't recall watching a teaching DVD where the teacher will be discussing one of the topics and exclaim, "This section is beyond my understanding." Dr. Yang is honest in this approach and doesn't merely repeat information he has read but instead only passes on the material when he is able to fully understand it himself. At least, that's how interpret his approach. In the regulation of Body, Breath, Mind, Qi and Spirit, he explains that Regulating the Body is relatively easy, where Regulating the Breath and Mind are difficult, but once they are mastered then Regulating the Qi becomes easy.
   
   For learning to Regulate the Spirit, he states, "This is beyond my understanding." Yet, the material in that section that he does understand is very illuminating to fellow Qigong knowledge seekers.
   
   It has always been difficult for me to attend the seminars by Dr. Yang, so having access to this DVD has helped to fill that void. As is true of many of his publications, I would recommend this DVD to practitioners of martial arts or Qigong of any level in any school, as well as newcomers to this type of knowledge.
   
   Peace,
   Patrick H. Dickson



2. Dr. Yang jwing-ming is a terrific teacher. This series (a total of four DVDs) will provide you, from the ground up, with a complete Qigong practice. The detail provided by Dr. Yang is the best I've ever seen, and he is a clear and effective teacher, not to mention his warm and friendly style. Thank you Dr. Yang...whereever you are!



3. Dr. Yang has continued the high quality of instruction he displayed in DVD 1 of this series (see also my review on Understanding Qigong DVD1 (YMAA chi kung) Dr. Yang). He takes a very deep knowledge of traditional Chinese Qigong and Martial Arts, links them with his Western style education and manages to create a structured, logical explanation of esoteric Qigong material.
   
   I found that within the first few minutes of watching the first of the two lessons on this DVD that I was getting 'Aha' moments. I have read about and experimented with Qigong exercises for many years but have always avoided working in depth with them because I was aware that ignorant experimentation can lead to problems. All of a sudden though, Dr. Yang was creating the structured understanding that is so necessary to retaining information. He draws together a huge range of both Western and Chinese material - Physics, Electricity, Biology, Qi Theory, Chinese Calligraphy, and more - and creates simple yet profound linkages between them.
   
   This is a very, very good series.