5 comments about Lady Ninja Kasumi, Vol. 1.

1. I didn't have high expectations going into this movie, but apparently I didn't lower them far enough. :-)
   
   Lady Ninja Kasumi has torpid dialogue, moribund action and the romantic scenes....well, if someone pulled that on me and called it making love, I'd have to re-educate them with hot tar and a knife. lol
   
   This movie was so good that despite knowing the folks at the company who makes it, I won't be asking for the next in the series.



2. Not what I had expected. Not worth more than a few $$'s. Save your money



3. The three DVD of the story of Kasumi that I have seen each has a different actress play the role of Kasumi. Episode one and three are the better of the three, while number two is still a fair story line the actress is noticeable not the same woman. The number three woman may not be the same woman as in number one, but she looks close to the same.



4. This work is not too interesting as the story that treats the lady ninja. However, Lead actress's Yommi is cool and beautiful.
   And, the point that she is tightening a black loincloth is real and epoch-
   making. The loincloth is a traditional undergarment of Japan, and the samurai and the ninja should wear it.
   When her change of clothes and she highly kick the enemy, the black loincloth can be clearly confirmed to our eyes. And, the undergarment digs into firmly between her groins and is very sexy.



5. This is an "erotic" Japanese ninja movie, though the use of "erotic" is somewhat generous. Given anything below the waist is covered up over there (except for maybe the hardcore XXX stuff), all that's really left is the action, which is what you see in direct to video movies. Save your money, I wish I had.

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 Dragon Tiger Gate.

1. ...buy this film. If you loved the Double Dragon arcades & Double Dragon II for the NES and you were just hurt at the approach of Double Dragon in theaters especially casting a member of Patry Of Five to play Billy a.k.a. Bimmy...you need this film to be complete again! If you love martial arts films in the modern day dress attire minus the traditional robe wear, this is for you. Except it was weird that in the flashback to when they were kids they still had the same wardrobe...I mean, who dressed like they do in present day back in the day?...sorry but parents rarely give their kids exactly what they will look like 10 or 14 yaers in the future at the moment...weird. BACK ON TRACK NOW! Those who love martial arts action including the fantasy special power moves, this one is great for you. (Super Sentai fans will enjoy) If you like anime you love that this film is based off of a comic and they have hair in their face when they are talking and fighting but still that will not limit their much needed vision! (most non-anime people will adjust or not) I'm glad this is a Tai Seng release and not some bigger release label because then they might slap on some dumb down advertiser on it like "if you liked Kill Bill or Iron Monkey", or even a "Quentin Tarantino Presents..." (sorry QT fans but QT had little to do with Hero unlike Guillermo Del Toro presenting the Orphanage and actually taking part in its make) then you will pleased with this release.
   
   Tai Seng rocks, Dragon Dynasty peops are almost as good. Martial Arts fans get or check out this film!



2. Martial arts fans have been searching and searching... waiting for a GOOD movie to come out that has that perfect mix of storyline AND action. Where choreography and plot are prioritized. In Dragon Tiger Gate, Donnie Yen does a comic-turned movie where there is a perfect blend of story and martial arts. The mixture of fighting styles in this movie is superb and executed with finesse. Donnie is his usual "cool" self and proves once again, why he is the "underground" martial arts movie master!



3. Dragon Tiger Gate goes down easy. It doesn't ask a lot (except in the middle) and delivers a pleasing visual aesthetic and plenty of action.
   
   Here we have all the features of a typical Hong Kong martial arts film: a school of Kung Fu caught up in the feuding between rival clans of gangsters, a conflicted lead with a true heart, an emphasis on action, and only the most rudimentary elements of plot, character, or theme. The middle section plods along wearily connecting the dots of the story, but really, no one is watching this for the romance or the drama, and that's just as well because the script and the acting don't manage to evoke even a hint of empathy for its characters.
   
   Where the film shines is in its sets, costuming, direction, and choreography. There's probably not much here that hasn't been done before, except perhaps for the bird's eye view of a three-room fight, with the camera panning back and forth across the rooms and down the hallway, and in making the head gangster of Hong Kong a comic-book villain in a cape and mask who lives in castle-like fortress with suitably moody lighting. The leads are coiffed and dressed in the androgynous style popular across East Asia, and hang out in trendy looking homes and neighborhoods.
   
   See this one with your brain turned off, a beer in one hand, and the remote (for skipping through the middle chapters) in the other.
   
   #



4. His fight scene on the football field is SICK!! Also the guy with the nunchucks (spelling?) was cool to. The end scene got a little to cartoonish for me, but overall I give the movie five stars it was awesome!



5. It's action scenes are exciting and beautiful. It's fun to watch due to it's comic-like tone.
   
   It's one of interesting films starring Donnie Yen. Others are Kill Zone, Flash Point and Iron Monkey. I own it.

5 comments about Ultimate Fighting Championship Classics, Vol. 8.

1. This DVD features an 8 man tournament as well as the SuperFight between Ken Shamrock and Kimo. It is dubbed David vs. Goliath because of the huge difference in size between the competitors in the tournament. This features the first UFC appearance of both "The Predator" as well as "Big Daddy."
   
   Quarterfinals: Don Frye vs. Thomas Ramirez- Frye makes short work of Ramirez in ten seconds, knocking him out.
   Paul Varelans vs. Joe Moreira- This fight goes the distance and is a stand-up fight only. It does not go to the ground at all. Varelans wins all three judges' decisions because he was the aggressor throughout most of the fight. Moreira did get some solid hits in, but he was backing away while Varelans was moving forward.
   Jerry Bohlander vs. Scott Ferrozzo- Very interesting fight here, Ferrozzo uses his size to his advantage with a lot of grappling, a couple of nice suplexes are landed and the fight goes to the ground. A lot of stalemates though as he gets Bohlander up against the fence. Bohlander comes up with the win with a tapout.
   Paul Herrera vs. Gary Goodridge- Another short fight, Herrera shoots immediately but gets caught in a bad spot, and Goodridge nails him repeatedly with some nasty elbows and gets the KO.
   
   Semi-Finals: Frye vs. Adkins*- *Varelans is replaced because of an injury and Adkins gets his spot in the tournament. Here we have a boxer vs. wrestler fight and we all know how these usually end up. Frye with an early takedown and starts throwing down punches, and Big John McCarthy stops it.
   Bohlander vs. Goodridge- Nice ground fighting by both men until Goodridge nails two solid punches and McCarthy stops it.
   
   The Superfight: Ken Shamrock vs. Kimo- This fight goes to the ground immediately. Kimo nails some solid punches but got caught in an ankle lock and taps out.
   
   Final: Frye vs. Goodridge- Goodridge was looking good in the early portions of the fight, but made a mistake and Frye rolled him over and got control and gets a couple of short punches in. At first I thought Big John stopped it, then we see a towel thrown in the Octagon so I assume that was the reason. Either way a win for "The Predator" but a very nice showing by "Big Daddy" as well. Don Frye is the UFC 8 champion.



2. i just want to know why they skipped the ultimate ultimate 95' in this line of releases.



3. Though this follows UFC Classics 7 Buffalo, they skipped over the Ultimate Ultimate which you will hear mentioned in the broadcast. This was billed as the David vs Goliath card. Basically it featured guys around 200 lbs facing off against men 300 lbs or larger. It was an interesting card, with a few knockouts that you still see today in highlight clips. It features the superfight between Shamrock and Kimo, which was not a let down like the previous superfight. The card also is the introduction of Don Frye and Gary Goodridge to the MMA world. 2 guys still competing today. All in all, this is a good buy for someone looking for the genesis of the sport.



4. U.F.C 8
   A very interesting and enjoyable disc that reminds us why the early years of the Ultimate Fighting Championship are examples pure Martial Arts Gold.
   
   Featuring the return of Ken Shamrock to Superfight action in a match against KIMO (the man credited of making Royce Gracie look human), the event was set to promise an exciting card. In the traditional Ultimate Challenge Tournement, the unstoppable Don Frye makes his memorable U.F.C debut with a hard hitting punch and the eqaully famous Gary "Big Daddy" Goodridge makes his own U.F.C debut in the same fashion. Sporting a black Gi Goodridge produced a remarkable performance, proving both his strength and character as Frye showed off his grappling skill and strong heart.
   
   In a strange yet appealing sense, the U.F.C introduced it's first "Themed" event that promoted the small "David" versus the giant "Goliath" story. This was carried throughout the event but the initial tournement match up's were actually deliberatley styled to reflect the big man versus the small man. An interesting concept that eventually reflected this cards action and suprising outcomes.
   
   The disc's special features include a recent interview with Don Frye and a retrospective look at U.F.C 8 by Mixed Martial Arts expert Scott Peterson. The event is a welcome addition to any U.F.C Collection and represents the best days of the organization.



5. UFC Classics, Vol. 8 features the debuts of two mixed martial arts legends... Don Frye and Gary Goodridge...
   
   As per future superstars, they make a big splash in their opening bouts of this tournament... Frye's KO is scientific, while Goodridges is viciously brutal...
   
   Another fantastic addition to any library of MMA history...

2 comments about Lady Ninja Kasumi - Vol. 3.

1. The 3rd episode of KASUMI series. The most famous Samurai Sord master in Japan Musashi Miyamoto appear in this story.
   Marine Akiduki that performs KASUMI are the costume playear when the scout was done in Akihabara.
   Marine that tightens the loincloth that is the undergarment of a very real familiar ninja in
   this series is very sexy.
   The scene from which Marine to be captured by the enemy is excited sexual with man's
   finger because of sideward of the loincloth is wonderful.
   Marine has shape to which a top bust is peculiar, it is also sexy there.



2. Not the greatest movie but a lot of skin. Also the acting and dialog wasn't to good either but if you just want to see Asian women naked this is a movie for you.

5 comments about Cradle 2 the Grave (Widescreen Edition).

1. Jet Li and a very familiar supporting cast put on a lackluster story and dialog, but the action somehow makes it all worth it.



2. I enjoyed watching this movie, but like most movies of this genre, certain parts left much to be desired. However, I love Jet Li and many of the actors in this movie, and thus I still rate it a 4!
   Jet Li is Su, a Taiwanese Intelligence officer who is trying to recover stolen "black diamonds" to bring back to his country. DMX is Tony, who is a master thief, whom steals the black stones from a diamond exchange only to lose them on a subway train trying to save his girlfriend Darryl (Gabrielle Union). The stones eventually wind up recovered by Mr. Chambers (Chi McBride: who does not get any credit at the movie's end?), who hides them in his Club, now run by Odion (Mike Jace from the Shield). Also helping out DMX is his brother, and Tommy ( the great Anthony Anderson)! Anthony is hilarious in this movie! Eventually terrorists led by Ling (Mark Dacascos) and Sona (Kelly Hu) kidnap DMX's daughter to get him to turn over the stones to him. Li and DMX team up to try and recover the stones from Chambers, and then recover DMX's daughter. Tom Arnold has a great role as a comedic arms-dealer, who helps out DMX and Li.
   I know some people hated the underground fight scene, but I loved it as it had Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture fighting Jet Li. I wish I could have seen Li bash Tito Ortiz's head in, but unfortunately the director made Tito tough for once in this scene. I kind of smirked when there is a scene of Ortiz defeating Liddell in the cage, which of course never happened in real life!
   The chase scene featuring DMX eluding police on an all-terrain vehicle is more comical than exciting. Especially when DMX is hopping from building roof top to roof top!
   Jet Li is once again such a great artist to watch. He is so fast and fluid taking out his opponents in this film. The final fight scene between Li and Dacascos is pretty cool, and the finality of the scene would not be a fun way too die! DMX was okay, but I believe he should stick to singing rather than acting or fighting.
   Special Features of the DVD:
   
   * Ultimate Fighting Champions: Features the UFC fighters in the film, and how they interacted with Jet Li.
   * Choreography of the Camera: features how they used many cameras to film the different angles and scenes of the film, especially the fight scenes.
   * DMX video "X Gonna give it to You"
   * Cast/Crew
   * And the Theatrical trailer of the film. Would have been nice to seen some trailers of other Jet Li films.
   Overall an enjoyable action film to watch!



3. With the passing of Bruce Lee so long ago, martial arts fans have been begging for a replacement. Many have tried to take his place from Chuck Norris to Jean Claude Van Damme. But none has had that fluid style, that grace that Lee had. The closest we had for a while was Jackie Chan, but he played things more for laughs than anything else. And then came Jet Li.
   
   Jet Li provides that fast paced, frenetic style that Lee had, making his fight sequences look almost like a ballet of violence than a simple fight. He also has a knack for making it look so easy and a screen presence that few in this genre have. So I was pleased to find his newest on video up to par with his best.
   
   CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE features rapper DMX as Fait, a high tech thief who spends the beginning of the movie with his crew pulling off a heist in a diamond exchange. Not only do they end up with a load of regular diamonds, they pick up a bag of black diamonds that they were hired for. As they attempt to escape, they split in two groups. One loses a bag of gems while riding the top of a subway car. The other loses the second bag to Li. But the bag with the black gems is safe in Fait's hand.
   
   The gang returns home and Fait puts his little girl to bed for the night. A doting father, he makes time for her, even helping her say her prayers before bed. Then he gets to work, taking the gems to his fence (Tom Arnold). Knowing something is up, he wants to know who is looking for the gems and what he can get for them.
   
   The gems end up stolen from Arnold and Fait gets a call from the real bad guy, Ling (Mark DaCascos). Ling lets Fait know that he has kidnapped his daughter and that he wants the diamonds...now. By now, Li has joined forces with Fait, letting him know that he is Taiwan secret police. The pair check in with a local gang lord who they know robbed Arnold. Getting no help from him, they do realize where he has hidden the gems.
   
   When they aren't where expected, they split once more in two groups to find them or someone who knows their location. Both pairs end up in some spectacular fight sequences and one in a thrilling car chase involving a four wheel ATV, a motorcycle and tons of police cars.
   
   With little hope in sight, they get a call from Fait's daughter on a cell phone she finds in the van the bad guys have locked her in. Putting together clues she has given them along with the truth about the stones, they set out on a rescue mission. And when that begins, we end up with a set of three fight sequences running simultaneously that are some of the best seen in recent years.
   
   I missed this one at the theater thinking it would be just another chop socky flick. I was wrong. What we have are some dynamite action stars making an action film that a number of directors should study. Why? Because far too many directors these days think that a fight sequence is about close ups of fists connecting or the hero's face. The truth is, as we see here, backing off with the camera gives us a chance to see the whole fight and not just bits and pieces of it.
   
   The final main fight between Li and DaCascos is fantastic. Both are extremely skilled in martial arts and choreographing a fight sequence. Both make it look as fluid as a splattered tray of mercury. The only thing as fluid and slick as this scene is a quart of Pennzoil.
   
   If you love action movies, then this is one not to miss. It delivers on all counts.



4. A lot of the critics have been complaining about Cradle 2 The Grave they even as far to say it's trash. The main thing the critics are all complaining about is the acting but who is acutally going to this movie for the acting you're going for the action. Jet Li, Anthony Anderson, DMX and director Andrzej Bartkowiak all worked together on Romeo Must Die while DMX,Drag-On Anthony Anderson , Tom Arnold and director Andrzej Bartkowiak all worked on Exit Wounds together.Andrzej Bartkowiak brings together his regulars and adds Gabirelle Union, Kelly Hu and Mark Dacoassas to the mix. The film has cool action sequences, a hot soundtrack and limtied wire work which is common for these types of films.



5. I didnt have high expectations for this movie because the trailer made it seem like your run-of-the-mill action flick. I was able to see it a couple days ago and was pleasantly surprised.
   
   Premise: Fait(DMX), a diamond thief plans an elaborate heist and steal what seems like black diamonds. A former CIA agent kidnaps Fait's daughter in exchange for the diamonds which are really plutonium devices used for war weapons. Fait teams up with Su(Jet Li), a hard-nosed Taiwanese intelligence agent to get his daughter back.
   
   Opinion: The script is decent but I had to penalize it for a couple of things. The movie could do without Anthony Henderson playing a sissy to distract a front desk security officer(doesnt anybody get sick and tired of these black comics playing effeminate roles in movies?),DMX doing stunts on a quad is unbelievable and does Drag-On have to be in very movie involving DMX? Other than that this movie is not that bad. The action scenes are plentiful and contrary to popular belief DMX's acting is better here than he was in Belly. Jet Li is splendid as Su, the Taiwanees agent. Tom Arnold is kind of funny as the go-to-man for weapons and such. The brutally georgeous Gabrielle Union is okay in this movie but she can do much better. All in all the movie is worth a look

5 comments about Big Trouble in Little China (Special Edition).

1. Big Trouble in Little China fits the definition of a cult film. Not popular on its initial release - being blocked by other summer films of 1986 such as ALIENS - it has since developed a following which it most certainly deserves. John Carpenter purposely made this a B-movie and I commend him for that, because it certainly is a blast and the chemistry between characters with Kurt Russell at the center is mostly entertaining.
   
   The plot revolves around an ancient feud between two separate Chinese groups that has come all the way from its homeland to San Francisco which witless, wisecracking trucker Jack Burton (the always amusing Kurt Russell) suddenly finds himself right in the middle of. With his friend Wang Chi - a skilled Chinese martial artist who owns a restraint in Little China - he is pulled into a fight between good and evil and to save his truck! An ancient sorcerer - Lo Pan - needs to marry a girl with green eyes and then sacrifice her to lift a curse and retain his young form, or else be a frail old man for centuries to come; only being able to take his true form for brief periods of time. When Wang Chi's fiancée is abducted by Lo Pan's Three Storms - warriors possessing the powers of a storm - it is up to Jack and Wang to save her and end the centuries old conflict.
   
   As I previously mentioned this film was intentionally made a B-movie and the cast obviously had a lot of fun making it, with lots of tongue in cheek dialogue and intentional mistakes. It all adds to the campy fun that is Big Trouble in little China Town. The best part about it comes from the chemistry between Jack Burton and Wang Chi. You'd think Russell's character would be on top of things being the muscled American toting the gun, but Chi is the real hero with all his martial arts and fighting skills, but Burton never seems to get that constantly puffing his chest believing he is in fact the hero and Chi is the sidekick. This is the main humor that comes from this film, and I found that aspect incredibly creative considering it was a very unique idea that many people didn't get at the time but I believe the idea has begun to catch on and people can now appreciate that humor aspect of Big Trouble in Little China.
   
   The film is great entertainment and will have you smiling at its foolishness throughout and it comes highly recommended by me if you're someone who can just sit back and enjoy this masterpiece in camp. It can be found in five dollar bargain bins across the United States so just pick it up if you get the chance. Get the popcorn out, turn off the lights and enjoy.



2. Fortunately I have managed to miss this film over the last 22 years. I'm saying that because I suspect if I had seen it when it first came out I wouldn't have appreciated it. Now though, following Kill Bill and many other martial arts epics this is a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood stodge.
   
   Kurt Russell is superb as Jack, a wise-cracking truck driver who accidently stumbles upon an extremly unlikely plot revolving around two girls with green eyes and an ancient magician who is seeking to gain ultimate power by marrying one or both of the girls. As intimated above the magician, who is called Lo Pan, has a vague similarity to Mei Pei in Kill Bill. Kim Cattrall is one of the two leading actresses, who is now of course much more famous for 'Sex and the City'.
   
   This is all done with tongue firmly in cheek. Most of the time Kurt Russell uses a John Wayne voice which is completely inappropriate, but somehow its perfect for this film. Frequently the film is very funny and Russell's character is in general the butt of most of the jokes. The special effects are beginning to look dated now, but given that this film was probably made on a relatively low budget they actually stand up remarkably well.
   
   This is a throughly entertaining film.



3. A faint, pleasant echo from an era when we had less to worry about. Yes, it's a silly movie with a fluffy, 'bouncy' little plot (and sub-plot), but it's fun to watch Kim Cattrall and Kurt Russell perform when they were both *so* much younger... James Hong is excellent... His villain provides "a whole lot more" than just 'timelessness' and 'inscrutability' on tap. Nice relaxing fun.



4. Big Trouble In Little China is a film that takes itself not too seriously and thus comes across as pure fun and entertainment. Kurt Russell is cast perfectly as trucker Jack Burton, the not so cool hero who can't shoot a gun straight, wears suede boots with tight blue-jeans tucked in them, and needs a posse of Chinese warriors to help him save the day. Kim Cattrall is a refreshing presence as Russell's love interest; I wish she would have been cast in more light films such as this. Can director Carpenter resurrect this character? If Stallone can gives us Rocky Balboa seven times; why not a second dose of Jack Burton?



5. Ok, I'm not a professional movie critic (although my family tells me all the time I should have been) so I won't give a wordy detail by detail review of this entire film.
   Let me say that this has been one of, if not my absolute favourite films of all time, since I was about 5 and first saw it on HBO or Cinemax many years ago. Kurt Russel became one of my first loves/heroes after I saw this. It is truly a movie of the 80's since it has both a cool soundtrack, and a very witty one-of-a-kind story plot that you just won't find today in the world of big budget over done action thrillers with an emphasis on sex. It's pleasing to see how many others share my feelings about this movie and also adore it even now. Some movies just aren't suppoesd to be that big ground breaking money maker, some are just supposed to be fun and enjoyable and it's movies like these, with hilarious one-liners, that you never forget. The one liners in this film are the kind that become lifelong inside jokes to be repeated and laughed about by your and your friends always. That is alot more fun to me than a movie that made alot of money just because of the all star big shot cast and multi trillion dollar budget!! If you approach every new movie with the expectations that it will be one of those with great effects and pristine acting and cinematography, you'll likely overlook many great films that just really have down to earth stories and better acting atleast, than most people who aren't paid to act could probably do.
   Kurt Russel is great in this, he is such a pro and because of his long background in acting (since childhood people) he is one of those actours that can play any part and not have to worry about tarnishing a type-cast image. From Snake Pliskin to Jack Burton to Dean Proffit, who else could play those roles? Kim Cattrall to me has never been a terrific actress, even in Mannequin (there's another one of those good old 80's classics. And for those of you who have the nerve to complain about something like poor acting in any film, you have no room to complain here since so many seem to idolize her in Sex and the City.
   For those of you who saw this as children and loved it and grew up with an interest in Chinese culture, you're not alone. This classic Friday night with pizza kind of movie is worth a try if you've never seen it, but don't expect it to be The Godfather or anything or you won't be able to enjoy it. Take Care BTLC lovers;)

5 comments about Pride Fighting Championships: Critical Countdown 2004.

1. A classic event with every fight being highly entertaining. the main event features one of the most unbelievable momemnts you will ever see.



2. In all honesty, if you are a fan of MMA in any way, shape, or form... you MUST own this DVD! One of the most incredible moments in MMA history takes place on this disc and you simply do not want to miss it. I watch it over and over again and it blows me away each and every time. Seriously, buy this DVD. You won't regret it!



3. This DVD had some great fights on it. As a Mixed Martial Artist myself I had to get this DVD. I have quite a collection of PrideFC and UFC DVDs and this one is one of my top 5 favorites. I even picked up a few Submission moves from this DVD which I have used when I'm training in MMA.
   
   The first fight is with Big Nog vs. Heath Herring. This was a great fight between two masters of the ground game. Heath Herring doesn't get the credit he deserves but he is a fighter I do enjoy watching. I learned the Anaconda move from watching this fight but I don't want to give up any spoilers.
   
   The second fight was with Fedor and Randelman which is already a classic fight in MMA history. If you never saw this fight you are going to be amazed when you do and you will see why Fedor is so great.
   
   The rest of the fights are awesome as well. Wait until you see the fight with Arona and Rampage Jackson. Your jaw is going to drop again like it will when you see the Fedor and Randleman fight.



4. ...Another very good Pride DVD. Most of them are...lol! Good action, with some shocking slams. Nice fight card as usual. I recommend it for sure.



5. This dvd features the rematch of sakuraba and schembri also the number 1 contender match of jackson and arona and 4 matches of the heavy weight grand prix
   
   best fights:
   1)schembri vs sakuraba 2)arona vs jackson 3)kharitonov vs schilt 4)nogueria vs herring

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.

3 comments about Tai Chi Energy Patterns (YMAA) 2-DVD set.

1. This new program from Master Rones is even better than his first, Sunrise Tai Chi. Unlike other videos, which just shows a Tai Chi form for you to follow along with, in this program you receive detailed private instruction from the teacher in a way I have never experienced. Its really like having a one-on-one class with him, and the Tai Chi postures are broken down into much more detail than I've ever seen.
   
   Disc one is an outdoor demonstration of dozens of stretches, warm ups, meditations, visualizations, qigong exercises, and stationary postures for strengthening the body and developing the energetic circulation. Then he moves into teaching individual Tai Chi postures broken into many routines which are practiced sitting or standing. Eventually, the postures are sequenced together into a beautifully flowing form that can be done slowly for health, or more quickly with power for martial arts.
   
   The program emphasizes that anyone at any level of fitness or Tai Chi experience can practice along, and recommends practicing the exercises sitting in a chair. I can see how someone who is injured or infirm could gain great benefits from these routines, and maybe regain the strength to stand and continue practing.
   
   One great aspect is how computer animation is used to show how and where the Qi energy circulates in the body.
   
   Then, later on Disc one there is a complete Partner section, for two-person training. This really helps you to understand what the original purpose of each of the Tai Chi postures are, but again they can be practiced slowly for health, or more quickly for martial arts use.
   
   Disc two is a classroom segment, in which he teaches each of the exercises in more detail, and shows variations for training.
   
   I believe that this program can truly give someone a deep understanding of the art of Tai Chi Chuan, no matter what family style you practice, and that it offers powerful exercises for rejuvenation and exceptional wellness.
   
   Bravo!



2. I looked forward to the release of this video, having been very satisfied with the previous effort by Ramel Rones in Sunrise Tai Chi. I remember being somewhat skeptical when I first reviewed Sunrise Tai Chi. I thought it would be something akin to the light versions of Taijiquan that seem to be the latest flavor of the day. It turned out to be a very well produced and thought out study of Taijiquan, with some excellent demonstrations of issuing power using the techniques and applications of Taijiquan.
   
   The latest effort by Ramel Rones, with the addition of David Silver's always present high production standards as well as his input in the writing of this DVD, has resulted in an excellent training guide for beginners and advanced students. Truly, the best offering of knowledge, through teaching or other methods, should be adaptable by both beginners and advanced students.
   
   If you are just beginning to learn Taijiquan. If you have been studying and practicing Taijiquan for many years. Then this DVD will provide very relevant and usable knowledge. The most advanced knowledge is always to be found close at hand, in the basics of the art.
   
   The DVD comes with two disks.
   
   DISK 1
   
   Demonstration
   
   SOLO DEMONSTRATION
   Zen Mind
   Baton/Bubble Breathing
   Four Gates Sitting
   Full Moon/Empty Moon /Buddhist - Taoist
   Two Bows Breathing
   Pulsing the Ligaments
   Expanding the Breath
   Embrace the Tree
   Horizontal Circles
   Lateral Circles
   Vertical Circles
   Ward Off Yi Chuan
   Ward Off Stationary Exercise
   Ward Off Moving Drills
   Ward Off Jin
   Rollback Yi Chuan
   Rollback Stationary Exercise
   Rollback Moving Drills
   Rollback Jin
   Rollback Energy
   Press Yi Chuan
   Press Stationary Exercise
   Press Moving Drills
   Press Jin
   Ward Off, Rollback, Press
   Push Yi Chuan
   Push Stationary Exercise
   Push Moving Drills
   Push Jin
   Ward Off, Rollback, Press, Push
   Now when I look at this list of moves to practice, it looks like a lot of work. In reality, there is even more material than expected, as the DVD covers sitting and standing versions of the techniques, as well as various applications using postures from the form to demonstrate the use of these techniques. Every one one of these exercises come from Taijiquan movements. The four main energies, Ward Off, Rollback, Press and Push, are four of the original thirteen postures. These four postures also represent the cardinal directions. The other four directions, the diagonals, are represented by the moves Pull Down, Split, Elbow Stroke and Shoulder Stroke. Add the directions forward, backward, left, right and center and you have the original thirteen postures of Taijiquan.
   
   From what I've read and understood, as well as noticed during practice of the styles, is that Yang style focuses on the four cardinal moves, Ward Off, Rollback, Press and Push, and Chen style focuses on the diagonals, Pull Down, Split, Elbow Stroke and Shoulder Stroke. Both styles use all of the thirteen, but their focus is on a different set of moves than the other.
   The next Section is a Partner Demonstration, showing numerous techniques and methods for practicing the four energies of Yang Taijiquan. The use of large and small balls also comes into play, reminiscent of some of the teaching in Taiji Ball Qigong, a DVD by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming. Ramel Rones, being one of Dr. Yang's senior students, has obviously grasped well the use of the Taiji Ball.
   
   As this section uses two people, applications are more easily and freely demonstrated. The use of the four energies is demonstrated using the partners as they attempt techniques on various parts of the body. The energies or four postures are then demonstrated being used in combination with each other.
   
   The two person drills are excellent and help to make the learning of Taijiquan more interactive and enjoyable.
   The totality of DISK 1 was shot outdoors with great scenery and natural sounds. At one point I thought I had a criticism of this DVD. During the demonstration of the movements in the grassy fields, it seemed like beginning students would have a difficult time to determine if Ramel was stepping to his heel, or toe, or flat footed. The long grass in the field made it difficult at times to see clearly the foot positions of Ramel as he demonstrated the movements. As the placing of one's feet and the root of the practitioner is such a vital part of correct Taijiquan, I was thinking this could be a problem. However, on DISK 2, when the moves are very clearly taught and broken down into their components, the setting is indoors and the feet positions and placement can be clearly discerned.
   
   Now we are still on DISK 1 of this two disk set. DISK 1 then offers a choice of three different workouts to follow along with:
   
   STANDING WORKOUT 33 MINUTES
   SITTING WORKOUT 29 MINUTES
   PARTNER WORKOUT 39 MINUTES
   
   Do not dismiss the sitting workout, it is an excellent tool for learning how to move the upper body separate than the lower body. Many students have trouble separating the movement of the waist from the hips. Sitting down while doing these routines greatly speeds up the learning process for differentiating hip and waist movement. Sometimes they do move together, but to achieve the whip effect in Taijiquan, a supple and separate waist movement is essential.
   
   DISK 2
   
   This disk contains the classroom instruction for the techniques and exercises taught in the previous disk. The moves are well taught and teach learning to take pressure while practicing the move, using the wall as a training tool and using partner drills to hone in on the timing and working with another one's energy. The classroom section is well taught, as Ramel has a wonderful energy which comes through in his teaching of the skills presented on this DVD.
   
   After working on all of the drills presented on the first disk, Ramel then presents the entire series as one continuous workout. The moves are first done slowly, and then the speed is increased until the issuing of power becomes manifest. Ramel gives precise breathing and energy location direction while doing these movements. The use of walls during the movements is clearly presented in a convincing manner.
   
   Ramel discusses how standing next to a wall while doing these techniques forces one to use the bows of the body to avoid having part of their anatomy being hindered in its movement by the pesky wall. When one uses bows in the arms, legs front of the trunk and rear of the trunk, movement becomes circular and spiral, allowing more movement in less space.
   
   The final section on DISK 2 is a demonstration of martial applications for the moves. The wonderful part is that after demonstrating the techniques slowly, and then at fighting speed, the final demo at fighting speed usually involves Ramel taking the move a little further in intensity and adding some extra technique. For example, when using one technique that employed a head lock while standing, in the final fighting speed demo of the move Ramel followed the student as he fell and applied a tight head lock type of maneuver as they both fell to the ground.
   
   I firmly believe that if a student is just beginning their study of Taijiquan, then study this DVD before learning the form. If you have been studying Taijiquan for years, then study this DVD for one heck of a refresher course. In reality, an experienced practitioner will learn much from this DVD.
   
   Kudos to Mr. Rones and Mr. Silver, as well as their teacher, Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming.



3. While I'd have liked a bit more direct linkage to traditional Tai Chi forms (Yang style, for instance), Rami's demonstrations and educational material are top-notch. A very valuable addition to the serious student's knowledge library.