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So, after catching Higlander (the one, and should have been only) on late night cable tonight, it server to re-affirm my belief that.. Clancy Brown - THE KURGAN is the absolute baddest badguy of all time. Recently we have had the chance to see him play evil all over again in Carnivale. Dude still packs the gear to play a fantastic evil bastard. So, who's your vote and why?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkX7dHjL-aY The Fifth Element Gaumont/Columbia Pictures, 1997 Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 2005 Directed by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Leon: The Professional) Written by Luc Besson (The Transporter trilogy, the Taken trilogy) and Robert Mark Kamen (The Karate Kid, Kiss of the Dragon) Running Time: 126 minutes Rated PG-13 for violence, nudity, suggestive sexual situations and strong language. Cast Bruce Willis (David Addison in Moonlighting, Mikey in Look Who's Talking) as Korben Dallas Milla Jovovich (Katinka in Zoolander, Maya in Kuffs) as Leeloo Minai Lekarariba-Laminai-Tchai Ekbat De Sebat. Gary Oldman (Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK, Drexl Spivey in True Romance) as Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, Mr. Kurtzmann in Brazil) as Priest Vito Cornelius Chris Tucker (Smokey in Friday, Det. James Carter in Rush Hour) as DJ Ruby Rhod Tom "Tiny" Lister, Jr. as President Lindberg Brion James (1945-1999) (Leon in Blade Runner, Ben in 48 Hours) as General Munro Maïwenn Le Besco as Diva Plavalaguna Luke Perry (Dylan in Beverly Hills 90210, Oliver in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Billy Masterson Synopsis Heavily inspired by bandes dessinees (that's "comics" in French) artists Jean-Claude Mezieres (Valerian) and Jean "Moebius" Giraud (Blueberry, Metal Hurlant), renowned French director Luc Besson collaborated with the two in 1992 to develop an ambitious sci-fi project tentatively titled Zaltman Bleros. While character and production sketches were being developed, the project was put on hold, pending support from a Hollywood company. But when Besson's 1993 film Léon: The Professional became a worldwide hit, he reunited with Mezieres and Moebius and resumed production of their project, now renamed The Fifth Element. Released in 1997, The Fifth Element tells the tale of Korben Dallas, a New York cab driver in the 23rd century who encounters a mysterious girl named Leeloo. He later on ends up having to protect Leeloo, as she holds the key to the five elements that will protect Earth from all evil, not to mention a corrupt industrialist named Zorg who wants the elements for his own profit. If the five elements are not joined within 48 hours, all life on Earth will cease to exist. Korben Dallas: "Whoa, lady, I only speak two languages: English and bad English." [Leeloo continues to talk in divine language] Korben Dallas: "Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for conversation, but maybe you could just shut up for a minute?" Lowdown Imagine Blade Runner mixed with Star Wars, with a little European style to it. You have The Fifth Element. Yes, the story leaves much to be desired, but The Fifth Element is pure eye candy with breathtaking set designs, dazzling visual effects and Milla Jovovich half-naked in the first half of the film. Bruce Willis, as usual, plays a scrawny, gun-toting S.O.B. Gary Oldman, on the other hand, does a good job playing the neurotic Zorg. (Of course, it pales in comparison to his role as Stansfield in Léon.) And while this film launched Jovovich's career, nothing else she's done afterwards has been worthwhile. But the one who steals the show is Chris Tucker, who plays the gender-challenged DJ Ruby Rhod. In many of his scenes, you'll either laugh or just tell him to shut up. The music by Eric Serra (GoldenEye, Bulletproof Monk) is a mix of orchestra and techno, but the highlight of the soundtrack is the Diva's captivating performance. Definitely worth buying the OST. If you're a sci-fi freak or just a casual movie buff, check out The Fifth Element. Proof that the French can also produce a great sci-fi epic. Police: "Are you classified as human?" Korben Dallas: "Negative, I am a meat popsicle." Rating: A- "Anybody else want to negotiate?" - Korben Dallas DVD Extras: A+ If you have a previous version of The Fifth Element on DVD (regular or Superbit), trade it in, as this two-disc edition is loaded with everything you wanted to know about the movie, and then some: Check-in Attendant: "Mr. Rhod, you are going to have to assume your individual position." DJ Ruby Rhod: "I don't want one position, I want all positions!" Disc 1Film feature available in DTS 6.1 or Dolby Digital 5.1 English. Fact Track. Liner notes that flash during the film. Disc 2 The Visual Element. Interviews with Mezieres and Moebius, plus test shots of the film's set designs. The Digital Element. A look at the film's dazzling visual effects, plus interviews with the staff of Digital Domain. The Star Element. Interviews with Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich and Chris Tucker. The Alien Element. Information on the Mondoshawans, the Mangalores, Zorg's pet Picasso and other races that didn't make it in the final cut. The Fashion Element. A look at the wardrobe of 23rd century Earth, plus screen tests of Korben and Leeloo's outfits. The Diva. An interview with the actress behind the blue makeup and prosthetics, plus test shots and outtakes of her concert performance. Poster Gallery. Pics of theatrical posters from all over the world. Too bad none of these features are available on Blu-ray. Speaking of which, Sony screwed up on the Blu-ray release of this film not once, but twice. The first in 2006 being a really bad video transfer, and while the second release in 2007 featured an improved picture, that's all it had. References The Internet Movie Database

I had the pleasure to watch this 2003 Korean thriller on DVD the other day. VERY well acted, VERY powerful. The lead actor is simply astounding. The direction is confident and assured. This is now one of my favorite movies. I need to go find and watch the director's other movies now. My personal feeling is that you should go into this movie knowing at little as possible. Don't google it, don't do any searches on any boards, just try and find it and go watch it if you can. My feeling is that sometimes a lot of the specialness of a movie gets lost by hype, too much information, and people's enthusiasm, setting unfair expectations. That said, here's a MINI-MINI-synopsis for anyone curious for just a little taste of the story. Again, I think that the less you know going in, the better: A man is kidnapped and imprisoned in a room against his will for 15 years. He gets out and immediately sets out for revenge while searching for the answers 1) Who did this? and 2) Why? The Doctor's prescription - Highly Recommended. 5 out of 5 pills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6h7auwGiK4 Excalibur Orion Pictures/Warner Bros., 1981 Directed by John Boorman (Zardoz, Exorcist II: The Heretic) Screenplay by Rospo Pallenberg (Exorcist II: The Heretic, The Emerald Forest) and John Boorman Based on Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Mallory Running Time: 140 minutes Rated R for graphic violence, nudity, sexual situations, suggestive incest and mild language. "Behold! The Sword of Power! Excalibur! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man, and death was but a dream!" - Merlin Cast - Nigel Terry (Archeptolemus in Troy) as King Arthur - Nicholas Clay (1946-2000) as Lancelot - Cherie Lunghi (Victor's mother in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein) as Guinevere - Nicol Williamson (Cogliostro in Spawn) as Merlin - Helen Mirren (Victoria in Red 1-2, Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen) as Morgana - Paul Geoffrey as Perceval - Robert Addie (1960-2003) as Mordred - Gabriel Byrne (Dean Keaton in The Usual Suspects) as Uther Pendragon - Keith Buckley as Uryens - Katryne Boorman as Igrayne - Liam Neeson* as Gawain - Corin Redgrave as Cornwall - Patrick Stewart* as Leondegrance - Charley Boorman as young Mordred - Barbara Bryne as young Morgana - Telsche Boorman (1957-1997) as the Lady of the Lake *If you don't know these guys, you must've been living under a rock for the past decade. "Any man who would be a knight and follow a king... follow me." - King Arthur Synopsis Forged by a God. Foretold by a wizard. Found by a man. That was the great sword Excalibur, which symbolized power over one nation to whoever wielded it. Excalibur was first handed to the ruthless knight Uther Pendragon, who abused his leadership privileges and Merlin's sorcery to betray his comrade Cornwall and steal his wife Igrayne for one night. Nine moons after Cornwall's "accidental" death, Igrayne gave birth to Uther's illegitimate son, who was then taken away by Merlin as part of Uther's deal with him. Before his untimely death at the hands of enemy forces, Uther impaled Excalibur through a stone, vowing that the one who succeeds in drawing out the sword will rule England. Many years later, a young man named Arthur surprises the whole of England by successfully drawing Excalibur out of the stone, immediately granting him the title of King. Using his newly-acquired leadership characteristics and his sword, Arthur establishes the great court of Camelot and assembles the land's greatest warriors to form the Knights of the Round Table. But with glory comes despair, as his wife Guinevere betrays him by having an affair with his best knight Lancelot. Arthur's half-sister Morgana plots her revenge on him and Merlin by seducing him and giving birth to the bastard child Mordred. And Arthur's quest to acquire the Holy Grail has proven to be disastrous with many of his knights perishing halfway through the perilous journey. Can King Arthur and Excalibur still reign throughout these ordeals? "Now, once more, I must ride with my knights to defend what was, and the dream of what could be." - King Arthur Lowdown So why did I bring up this classic film? Seeing that a new King Arthur movie is premiering next week, I once again ask, "What's the whole point of making another King Arthur movie when we already have Excalibur?" First Knight was a complete snooze-fest while the animated film The Quest for Camelot was no better. They all should've learned from director John Boorman and his 1981 masterpiece. Despite its rather adult atmosphere, Excalibur boasts the best acting and cinematography compared to the later adaptations. Solid performances by the predominantly Shakesperean cast (and some of Boorman's family members) give life to Sir Thomas Mallory's epic with a score of memorable lines and excellent character development. The special effects are also nothing short of breathtaking. Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of the movie is its soundtrack. Trevor Jones' (Time Bandits, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) original score is excellent on its own, along with excerpts from Richard Wagner's classical pieces. But what stands out and completely defines the film is "Oh Fortuna", from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. As a matter of fact, after the release of Excalibur, "Oh Fortuna" has been the most widely used classical piece on TV, radio and film. If you haven't seen Excalibur yet, you owe it to yourself to rent buy the DVD. It sure beats coughing out $8 to see another potentially lousy King Arthur adaptation. Other than that, pick up Monty Python and the Holy Grail as well. Rating: A Reference The Internet Movie Database

Gekijouban Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost ( 劇場版仮面ライダー555<ファイズ> 『パラダイス・ロスト』 ) Ishimori Productions/Asatsu DK/TV Asahi/Bandai Visual/Toei Co. Ltd., 2003 Not available in the U.S. Directed by Ryuta Tasaki (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Kamen Rider Ryuki) Based on Kamen Rider by the late Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998) (Cyborg 009, Android Kikaider)Running Time: 81 minutes Not Rated (Suggested TV-14). Contains graphic violence. Cast Kento Handa as Takumi Inui/Kamen Rider 555 Faiz/Wolf Orphenoch Masayuki Izumi (1980-2015) as Yuji Kiba/Horse Orphenoch/Kamen Rider 000 Orga Yuria Haga as Mari Sonoda Peter Ho as Leo/Kamen Rider 315 Psyga Ken Mizorogi as Keitaro Kikuchi Yoshika Kato as Yuka Osada/Crane Orphenoch Mitsuru Karahashi as Naoya Kaido/Snake Orphenoch Kohei Murakami as Masato Kusaka/Kamen Rider 913 Kaixa Katsuyuki Murai as Kyouji Murakami Hitomi Kurihara as SMART Lady Mei Kurokawa as Mina Mokomichi Hayami as Mizuhara Synopsis In the near future, the world is ruled by the Smart Brain Corporation and its genetic creations known as Orphenochs, and the once prominent human race is nearing extinction. Takumi Inui (a.k.a. Kamen Rider Faiz), was once regarded as the savior of mankind until he was captured by Smart Brain's Riotroopers and presumed dead. Since then, human rebel groups have staged attacks on Smart Brain's complex in an attempt to steal the top-secret "King Belt," but with no success. Kiba, Kaido and Osada - three Orphenochs who sympathize the human race, attempt to ease the tension between both races, but their peace meeting is interrupted by Smart Brain's troops and their newest warrior Kamen Rider Psyga. Takumi, who had lived in secrecy over the past few years, regains his memory and once again becomes Kamen Rider Faiz to settle a score with Smart Brain once and for all. Lowdown If you're expecting a continuation of the Kamen Rider 555 series, you will be disappointed, as it has nothing to do with that continuity. Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost is an alternate retelling in the same way we compare the Escaflowne movie to the TV series. Paradise Lost has a much darker atmosphere than its TV counterpart. It's also more action-packed and more dramatic. All the major characters of the TV series are here; most of them with the same characteristics - Mari still cuts hair, Takumi still can't stand hot drinks, and SMART Lady is as kawaii as ever. Other regular characters have undergone changes that are rather disturbing - Murakami, the evil Smart Brain executive, has been reduced to a head in a glass jar. Unfortunately, many of the series' characters have been reduced to rather minor roles. Kusaka/Kamen Rider Kaixa only has five minutes of air time before he gets killed by Leo/Kamen Rider Psyga (played by American-born Hong Kong actor/singer Peter Ho, who speaks English throughout the entire film). Kamen Rider Delta is nowhere to be seen in the movie at all. The CG special effects are several steps above those seen in the TV series, but many elements still look fake and cheesy, especially when Faiz and his transforming bike Autovajin battle the massive Elasmotherium Orphenoch in the Smart Brain Super Arena. On the other hand, the new Rider designs are nothing short of awesome - especially Orga and Faiz Blaster Form. In short, Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost is loads of fun for fans of tokusatsu. Even the Ishinomori purists who refuse to watch the current generation Kamen Rider titles should check this film out. Rating: B+ Reference Anime News Network

Returner ( リターナー ) Toho Films/Pony Canyon, 2002 Destination Films/Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 2004 Directed by Takashi Yamazaki (Juvenile, Onimusha 3)Running Time: 116 minutes Rated R for extreme violence and gore, mature situations and strong language. Cast Takeshi Kaneshiro as Miyamoto Ann Suzuki (young Hatsue in Snow Falling on Cedars) as Milly Goro Kishitani as Mizoguchi Kirin Kiki as Xie Yukiko Okamoto as Dr. Yagi Synopsis A.D. 2084 - Mankind is on the verge of extinction at the hands of an advanced alien race. As the alien forces crush the Earth resistance's final stronghold in Tibet, a girl named Milly jumps into a portal that sends her back into time. October 19, 2002 - Miyamoto, a hired assassin, is in the middle of killing crime lord Mizoguchi when he shoots Milly, mistaking her for a thug. After Mizoguchi escapes, Miyamoto finds out that Milly is unhurt. She then tricks him into embarking on a dangerous mission as a means of preventing the war on her timeline from happening. Lowdown Take one part Terminator 2: Judgment Day, one part Men In Black and one part Independence Day, mix it with The Matrix and you've got one of the most explosive blockbuster films to come out of the Far East. Returner is filled with non-stop action and spectacular special effects. No stuntmen in rubber monster suits here - Returner uses a lot of computer-generated effects that look like they came from Hollywood. Many of the alien battle scenes are reminiscent of The Terminator and Independence Day. The fight scenes and gun fights have shades of The Matrix and a handful of John Woo's films. As for the story, it's actually pretty good. Unlike most of the newer sci-fi films, you can get into Returner's plot and characters. If not, at least the action makes up for it. Returner will not win any points for originality, but if you want a popcorn film that kicks major ass, look no further. Proof that Tokyo can also produce high-caliber science fiction and go head-on with Hollywood. Rating: B Sub vs. Dub Returner should be played in its original Japanese track, as it's pretty complex with the alien battle scenes in English and the Triad lord scenes in Mandarin. The English dub does away with the Mandarin dialogues, not to mention that redubbing a scene that was originally recorded in English is pointless. DVD Extras: A- Columbia Tri-Star's DVD release has a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, as well as interviews with director Yamazaki and Ann Suzuki. There's also a montage of comparisons between composite shots and clips from the final product. Links Official Returner Homepage (Japanese) Sony Pictures' Official Returner Homepage Reference The Internet Movie Database

Amazon Women on the Moon Universal Pictures, 1986 Directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace), Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton (The Wonder Years, Thirtysomething), John Landis (Kentucky Fried Movie, The Blues Brothers), and Robert K. Weiss (nearly all of "Weird Al" Yankovic's videos).Running Time: 85 minutes Rated R for some violence, nudity, sexual situations and profanity. "Did you know that every seven minutes, a black man is born in this country with no soul?" - B.B. King Cast (In Order of Apperance) Lots of Other Actors Arsenio Hall as the apartment victim ("Mondo Condo") Monique Gabrielle as Taryn Steele ("Pethouse Video/Murray in Videoland") Lou Jacobi as Murray ("Murray in Videoland") Michelle Pfeiffer as Brenda ("Hospital") Peter Horton as Harry ("Hospital") Griffin Dunne as the Doctor ("Hospital") Joe Pantoliano as Sy Swerdlow ("Hairlooming") Steve Forrest as Capt. Nelson ("Amazon Women on the Moon") Robert Colbert as Blackie ("Amazon Women on the Moon") Joey Travolta as Butch ("Amazon Women on the Moon") Forrest J. Ackerman as the U.S. President ("Amazon Women on the Moon") Sybil Danning as Queen Lara ("Amazon Women on the Moon") Lana Clarkson (1962-2003) as Alpha-Beta ("Amazon Women on the Moon") David Alan Grier as Don "No Soul" Simmons ("Blacks Without Soul") B. B. King as himself ("Blacks Without Soul") William Bryant (1924-2001) as the black Republican ("Blacks Without Soul") Roxie Roker (1929-1995) as the black Republican's wife ("Blacks Without Soul") Le Tari (1946-1987) as the Volvo-driving pimp ("Blacks Without Soul") Christopher Broughton as the fan club president ("Blacks Without Soul") Rosanna Arquette as Karen ("Two I.D.'s") Steve Guttenberg as Jerry ("Two I.D.'s") Henry Silva as himself ("Bullshit or Not?") Sarah Lilly as the Jack the Ripper victim ("Bullshit or Not?") Archie Hahn as Harvey Pitnik ("Critic's Corner"/"Roast Your Loved Ones") Belinda Balaski as Bernice Pitnik ("Critic's Corner"/"Roast Your Loved Ones") T. K. Carter as the party host ("Silly Pate") Rip Taylor as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") Slappy White (1921-1995) as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") Jackie Vernon (1924-1987) as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") Henry Youngman (1906-1998) as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") Charlie Callas as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") Steve Allen (1921-2000) as himself ("Roast Your Loved Ones") William Marshall (1924-2003) as the pirate captain ("Video Pirates") Tino Insana as Mr. Sylvio ("Video Pirates") Ed Begley, Jr. as Griffin ("Son of the Invisible Man") John Ingle as Felix ("Art Sale") Angel Tompkins as the First Lady ("First Lady of the Evening") Matt Adler as George ("Titan Man") Kelly Preston as Violet ("Titan Man") Howard Hesseman as Rupert King ("Titan Man") Marc McClure as Ray ("Video Date") Russ Meyer as the video salesman ("Video Date") Corinne Wahl as Sharri ("Video Date") Andrew "Dice" Clay as Frankie ("Video Date") Carrie Fisher as Mary Brown ("Reckless Youth") Paul Bartel as the doctor ("Reckless Youth") Cast (Uncredited) Robert Loggia as Gen. Valentine ("The Unknown Soldier") Pirate 1: "Help yourself, mates. A chest full of video discs." Pirate 2: "No!" Pirate 3: "What good are they?" Pirate 4: "Can't record on 'em." Pirate 2: "They're not compatible with my system." Lowdown Amazon Women on the Moon is a collection of short skits that circle around a late night viewing of a cheap B-movie aptly titled "Amazon Women on the Moon". The film starts with "Mondo Condo", a skit where Arsenio Hall is just having the worst of luck when he enters his home - from getting his necktie stuck in the garbage disposal machine to getting socked in the face by an ejected videotape. As other segments poke fun at American pop culture, many of them actually pre-date life as we know it today, such as instant background checks ("Two I.D.'s" with Rosanna Arquette and Steve Guttenberg), media piracy ("Video Pirates") and virtual sex ("Video Date" with Andrew "Dice" Clay). The film even makes fun of Universal's horror film legacy with "Son of the Invisible Man", where Ed Begley, Jr. pretends to be invisible, but just walks around butt-naked. As for the "Amazon" segment itself, it directly insults the B-Movie genre with its cheesy acting, piss-poor props (you can see the Earth and the moon dangling on a wire) and intentionally bad film quality (half of it gets burned off the reel). It's obvious that Universal spent majority of the budget on the big-name actors and $0 on production value. But hey - all the laughs are worth it. One of my favorite segments is "Bullshit or Not" (a parody of Ripley's Believe It or Not?), where Jack the Ripper is revealed to be the Loch Ness Monster and the Titanic's maiden voyage is reenacted on a bathtub. Another funny segment is "Blacks With No Soul", a commercial with legendary musician B. B. King encouraging everyone to help black youths who lack the proper characteristics (i.e. black republican voters, a pimp that drives a Volvo, stand-up comedian David Alan Grier singing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" and the Three Dog Night song "Joy to the World"). If you're looking for some good, cheap laughs, go pick up Amazon Women on the Moon. It's not Monty Python, but it's better than most recent comedy films. Rating: A- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85ODBLO1IhQ "Bullshit or Not?" - Henry Silva DVD Extras: A- The special edition DVD includes some bloopers and scenes deleted from the film. With the exception of "The Unknown Soldier", the deleted scenes are just not that funny. Reference The Internet Movie Database

Six-String Samurai HSX Films/Palm Pictures, 1998 Directed by Lance Mungia (The Crow: Wicked Prayer) Running Time: 91 minutes Rated PG-13 for martial arts violence and mild language. "Don't touch my guitar, man. Don't even touch my guitar." - Buddy Cast Jeffrey Falcon as Buddy Justin McGuire as the Kid Lex Lang (Gineas in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Shun in Heat Guy J) as Death (voice) Buddy: "Who are you?" Death: "Death." Buddy: "Cool. You here for me?" Death: "You and every other rock 'n' roller out to claim my throne." Synopsis In 1957, the Soviet Union nuked America and turned the country into a wasteland. The last safe haven in America was a city called Lost Vegas, ruled by King Elvis. Forty years have passed since then, and Elvis has died. Sword-wielding, guitar-picking warriors all over the wastelands embark on a perilous journey to be crowned King of Lost Vegas. On his way to the city, a lone rockabilly named Buddy saves a kid from a bunch of primitive thugs. Despite having to put up with the kid - who does nothing but moan and scream, Buddy must continue his quest to become the King, even if he has to face the Russian Army or Death himself and his heavy metal minions from hell. "Don't let the four-eyes reach Vegas alive!" - Death Lowdown B-movies - you've seen one, you've seen them all. Many of them are poorly scripted, cheaply produced and reek of horrible acting. But then, once in a while, there comes a B-movie that's so good, you can't get enough of it. Take, for example, Six-String Samurai: a loose parody of Lone Wolf and Cub and a satire of American pop culture. "Nice tuxedo. Nice tuxedo to die in!" - Pin Pals leader Jeffrey Falcon, who has spent most of his career as a white jobber in Hong Kong flicks, does a great job playing Buddy (a parody of the late rock legend Buddy Holly), who packs a sharp katana and plays a mean six-string at the same time. The acting is extremely cheesy and the script is full of one-liners that really stick to your head. You even have a host of laughable baddies for Buddy to use his katana on, such as the Pin Pals (a trio of bald bowlers), the Cleavers (a cannibalistic suburban family), a bunch of fallen Cosmonauts and the Windmill People (mutants living underground). "I ask you to kill one single guitarist, and what do I get? Dead bald guys. You four have failed me for the last -- nice shoes." - Death For the soundtrack, Bryan Tyler (Fast Five, Thor: The Dark World) and The Red Elvises capture the essence of the film with rock 'n' roll mixed with ska, surf music and Russian folk. It's amazing how their music flows with the fight scenes. "Cross that line, kid, I'll cut your little teddy bear in half. Last kid that crossed that line, I had to summon up the Spinach Monster with my rock 'n' roll magic. The Spinach Monster grabbed him, pulled him underground and made him eat spinach all day. Rumor has it, kid...he's still there." - Buddy If you're looking for some cheap thrills, pick up Six-String Samurai. You won't be disappointed. Rating: A- "You come all this way without sayin' squat. And you are tryin' to tell me that a '56 Chevy can beat a '47 Buick in a dead quarter mile...I liked you better when you weren't sayin' squat kid. Go to bed." - Buddy DVD Extras: A- When you rent or purchase the DVD, you get the theatrical trailer and two music videos by The Red Elvises. This band really kicks ass! Mesh-head: "If I were you, I'd run!" Buddy: "If you were me, you'd be good lookin'!" (Snaps fingers) Links Official Six-String Samurai Homepage Reference The Internet Movie Database

Siu Lam Juk Kau (少林足球) The Star Overseas Entertainment, Ltd./Universe Entertainment, 2001 Miramax Pictures, 2004 Directed by Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, God of Cookery) Running Time: 112 minutes Rated II-B (HK) for graphic violence, slight nudity and profanity. (Author's Note: This review is for the original Hong Kong version, not the butchered U.S. version.) Cast Stephen Chow (Sing in Kung Fu Hustle, himself in God of Cookery) as Sing (Mighty Steel Leg) Vicky Zhao Wei (Sun Shangxiang in Red Cliff I-II, Sue in So Close) as Mui Ng Man-tat (C.I.B. Agent in King of Comedy) as "Golden Leg" Fung Patrick Tse Yin as Hung Wong Yut-fei as Iron Head (First Big Brother) Lam Chi-chung (Bone in Kung Fu Hustle) as Weight Vest (Sixth Small Brother) Tin Kai-man (Brother Sum's adviser in Kung Fu Hustle) as Iron Shirt (Second Big Brother) Mok Mei-lam as Hooking Leg (Third Big Brother) Danny Chan Kwok-kwan (The Legend of Bruce Lee, Brother Sum in Kung Fu Hustle) as Empty Hand (Fourth Big Brother) Li Hui as some chick who slips on a banana peel Cecilia Cheung (Dawn in The Legend of Zu) as Double Handsome Dragons player #1 Karen Mok (Kong Yat-hung in So Close, General Fang in Around the World in 80 Days) as Double Handsome Dragons player #2 Synopsis Twenty years ago, star soccer player "Golden Leg" Fung missed a penalty kick, costing his team the championship and putting his career to an end when an angry mob crippled his legs in the ensuing riot. Since then, he has been looked down by his former rival Hung, who is now the manager of China's top soccer team. Then one day, while walking on the busy streets of Shanghai, Fung meets Sing, a garbage collector who is a disciple of Shaolin. For years, Sing has tried to find a way to market Shaolin kung-fu to the general public - but to no avail. Fung sees no interest in Sing's personal goal, but when he sees Sing's abilities during a fight, they both decide to form a soccer team with Sing's five Shaolin brothers. Using their extraordinary kung-fu skills, the Shaolin soccer team make a mad dash to the championship, where they must face Hung's genetically altered players. Lowdown Hong Kong cinema has some of the biggest names in film history - Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chow Yun-Fat to name a few. And then, there's Stephen Chow. Stephen who? Stephen Chow has been in the business for over two decades, starring in and directing an array of box-office hits in Hong Kong and most of Asia. But until now, Chow has yet to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Perhaps when Miramax finally releases Shaolin Soccer - which is the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong cinema history - the American public will finally know who Chow is. At first, you'll dismiss Shaolin Soccer as a cheap kung-fu flick with no plot, there actually is a story on this one. And it doesn't focus on fighting. Instead, it blends action and comedy with the philosophy of Shaolin kung-fu and mixes them into a sports drama. Aside from the washed-out player Fung and the impoverished Sing, you have Mui, an acne-riddled bakery worker who uses Tai-chi to make some uniquely good bread. And then, there are Sing's Shaolin "brothers" - Iron Head (a night club janitor), Iron Shirt (an unsuccessful stock broker), Hooking Leg (a dish washer), Empty Hand (currently unemployed) and Weight Vest (an overweight grocery helper). Though he has a minor role, Empty Hand does a great job impersonating Bruce Lee - from the nose rub gesture to his yellow jump suit (taken from Game of Death). Weight Vest also steals some of the spotlight as the heaviest guy to hang on strings. For its relatively low budget (under US$2 million), Shaolin Soccer has some spectacular effects done by Centro Digital Pictures (Kill Bill vol. 1). Using techniques taken from The Matrix, Forrest Gump, Gladiator and Fight Club, Shaolin Soccer's special effects have you hanging on the edge of your seats - whether it's the bullet-time camera views or the flaming soccer ball that turns into a blazing puma. Overall, Shaolin Soccer is a film you can't miss, whether or not you like martial arts flicks. Many non-Chinese viewers may not get the jokes, but the rest of the film is all laughs. Forget the U.S. release (which has been moved again; this time to March 2004) - get the Hong Kong DVD instead. Rating: A DVD Extras: B+ The DVD features a documentary on the making of Shaolin Soccer, as well as a collection of special effects scenes made by Centro Digital. There are also some scenes not found in the theatrical release, but the DVD won't let you view the director's cut without having to press ENTER when the white icon flashes on the screen. Going back to the main menu is a hassle, as you have to go through the entire intro screen. Audio is in Cantonese or Mandarin (pick Cantonese, as the Mandarin dialogue is not as funny); subtitles are in Chinese (traditional or simplified) or some rather poor English. Despite the horrid grammar, you'll get the idea of the story. Links U333's Official Shaolin Soccer Homepage (Chinese) References The Internet Movie Database Wikipedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu6Nymps5WA The Last Starfighter Lorimar/Universal Pictures, 1984 Directed by Nick Castle (Major Payne, Mr. Wrong) Running Time: 101 minutes Rated PG for violence and strong language. Cast Lance Guest (Jimmy in Halloween II, Michael in Jaws: The Revenge) as Alex Rogan/Beta Unit "Alex" Dan O'Herlihy (1919-2005) (The Old Man in RoboCop, Franklin D. Roosevelt in MacArthur) as Grig Catherine Mary Stewart (Gwen in Weekend at Bernie's) as Maggie Gordon Robert Preston (1918-1987) (Harold Hill in The Music Man) as Centauri Norman Snow (Springfield in Manhunter, Torin in Star Trek: The Next Generation) as Xur Dan Mason as Lord Kril Kay E. Kuter (1925-2003) as Enduran Barbara Bosson (Fay in Hill Street Blues) as Jane Rogan Chris Hebert as Louis Rogan Vernon Washington (1927-1988) (Rev. Mills in Roots: The Next Generations) as Otis Heather Locklear (Tommy Lee and Richie Sambora's ex) as a Rylan indoctrinator (uncredited) Wil Wheaton (Wesley in Star Trek: The Next Generation) as Louis' friend (deleted scene) "Greetings, Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the Frontier against Xur and the Kodan Armada." - Starfighter Videogame Introduction Synopsis Alex Rogan is a normal teenager who has dreams of getting out of his trailer park neighborhood and achieving long-term success. But all of that is put on hold when his dream college rejects his request for admission. Then one night, after achieving a record-breaking score on a videogame machine called "Starfighter," he is paid a visit from Centauri - an elderly man who invented the game. Alex reluctantly steps into Centauri's car and is brought to the distant planet of Rylos. To his surprise, Alex has been recruited by the Star League as a gunner for the force's Gunstar units. Alex turns down the offer and requests to return to Earth, not knowing that the evil Xur and the Kodan Armada launch an attack on the Star League headquarters on his way home. He returns to the decimated base and teams up with ace pilot Grig to commandeer Gunstar-1 - an advanced version of the Star League's fighter. But with the Star League defenseless and the Kodan Armada on the move to conquer the Frontier, does Alex have what it takes to be The Last Starfighter? "Things change. Always do. You'll get your chance! Important thing is, when it comes, you've got to grab with both hands, and hold on tight!" - Otis Lowdown When it comes to science fiction, many people first think of Star Wars or Star Trek, as they both revolutionized the genre in the 20th century with their intricate storytelling and groundbreaking special effects. But in 1984, there was one movie that dared to challenge both film franchises with a down-to-earth plot and special effects that no one had ever seen. "I must congratulate you on your virtuoso performance, my boy. Centauri is impressed. I've seen 'em come, and I've seen 'em go, but you're the best, my boy. Dazzling! Light years ahead of the competition! Centauri's got a little proposition for you. Are ya interested?" - Centauri Inspired by the videogame craze mixed with T.H. White's classic story The Once and Future King, The Last Starfighter takes the basic concept of space opera and an unlikely hero and adds a slice of Americana to it. Instead of a distant desert planet, the main character is just a plain guy living in a trailer park on the hills of Santa Clarita, CA. As a result, you have a Luke Skywalker that just about anyone can identify with. While Lance Guest does a superb performance playing Alex, it's the late Robert Preston who steals the show as the alien con artist Centauri, with his non-stop wit and humor. Sometimes, you have the urge to tell him to shut up, but you just can't help but listen to and sometimes laugh at his memorable quotes. And they really stick to your head. "The amusing thing about this, it's all a big mistake. That particular Starfighter game was supposed to be delivered to Vegas, not some flea-speck trailer park in the middle of tumbleweeds and tarantulas. So it must be fate, destiny, blind chance, luck even, that brings us together. And as the poet said, the rest is history." - Centauri For every sci-fi film, there's a hero to cheer for and villains to hate. The villain of this film is Xur, the former son of Star League leader Enduran who has turned his back on the federation and joined the Kodan Armada. The band of villains are what you may normally find in every sci-fi movie, but where else can you find a second-in-command with a mechanical eyepiece? "Well, you may have thought it was a game, but it was also a test. Aha, a test! Sent out across the galaxy to find those with the potential to be Starfighters. And here you are, my boy! Here you are!" - Centauri If Star Wars has the X-Wing Fighter, The Last Starfighter has the Gunstar-1 - a fast and powerful spacecraft armed to the teeth with lasers, missiles...and two words: Death Blossom. If only someone made a model kit of this... Grig: "Remember, Death Blossom delivers only one massive volley at close range...theoretically." Alex: "What do you mean, 'theoretically?'" Grig: "After all, D.B. has never been tested. It might overload the systems, blow up the ship!" Alex: "What are you worried about, Grig? Theoretically, we should already be dead!" As for the special effects, The Last Starfighter caught everyone by surprise with its high-quality computer-generated action scenes. Using the powerful Cray supercomputer, Digital Productions produced realistic, mind-blowing effects at a lower budget than using animatronics and miniatures. It didn't introduce CG (TRON and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan experimented with it two years earlier), but it made audiences and filmmakers aware of the full potential of computer graphics. Today, nearly every sci-fi show or movie relies heavily on CG for their effects. And you have The Last Starfighter to thank for that. Craig Safan (Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins) is no John Williams, but his soundtrack captures the essence of the film. You can't help but hum to the movie's main theme, as it's just as memorable as Williams' theme for Star Wars. "Death is a primitive concept; I prefer to think of them as battling evil - in another dimension!" - Grig Overall, The Last Starfighter is one of the best science fiction films ever made. Highly recommended for movie buffs who want a piece of late 20th century sci-fi nostalgia. Rating: A "Teriffic. I'm about to get killed a million miles from nowhere with a gung-ho iguana who tells me to relax." - Alex Rogan DVD Extras: A+ To celebrate the film's 15th anniversary, Universal Pictures threw everything and the kitchen sink into their 1999 DVD release of The Last Starfighter. The movie has been perfectly remastered in an anamorphic widescreen format with crisp Dolby 5.1 surround. In addition, the disc has an exclusive special on the making of The Last Starfighter, hosted by Lance Guest. You get to see how computer-generated special effects evolved from a niche medium to a mandatory standard in today's science fiction features. If you don't have this DVD yet, pick it up now. The Last Starfighter is a sci-fi masterpiece in its own right. "Victory or Death!" - Star League Battle Cry Reference The Internet Movie Database SF Movie Data Bank: The Last Starfighter (Japanese/English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwWLOrMrJYc AKIRA ( アキラ ) Toho Film/Bandai Visual, 1988 Pioneer/Geneon Entertainment, 2001-2002, 2004; Funimation, 2013 Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo (Memories, Steamboy). Rated R for violence and gore, nudity, suggestive sexual situations, drug use, and profanity. Cast (Japanese) Mitsuo Iwata (Itsuki in Initial D, Hyosuke in Please Teacher!/Onegai Twins) as Shotaro Kaneda Nozomu Sasaki (Yuusuke in Yu-Yu Hakusho, Enishi in Rurouni Kenshin) as Tetsuo Shima Mami Koyama (Karen in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Chiren in Battle Angel) as Kei Taro Ishida (Duke Red in Metropolis) as the Colonel Takeshi Kusao (The Guyver, Trunks in Dragon Ball Z) as Kai Tessho Genda (Chief Dan Dastun in The Big-O, Sanders in Gundam 08th MS Team) as Ryu Fukue Ito as Kiyoko (#25) Tatsuhiko Nakamura as Takashi (#26) Kazuhiko Kamifuji as Masaru (#27) Mizuho Suzuki as Dr. Onishi Cast (English) Johnny Yong Bosch (Vash the Stampede in Trigun, Haruto in Witch Hunter Robin) as Shotaro Kaneda Joshua Seth (Cyborg 009, Eiji in Rurouni Kenshin) as Tetsuo Shima Wendee Lee (Faye in Cowboy Bebop, Angel in The Big O) as Kei Synopsis The year is 2019. Thirty-one years have passed since an experiment gone wrong triggered an explosion that destroyed Tokyo, Japan. This phenomenon was known by many as "Akira," named after the test subject of the experiment. Following this catastrophe and World War III, the city became Neo-Tokyo - a cesspool of gang violence, angry demonstrations and a corrupt government. Shotaro Kaneda leads his motorcycle gang of juvenile delinquents against the Clowns for road supremacy. But things go awry when Kaneda's best friend Tetsuo Shima is involved in a deadly accident and taken into custody by the military. The accident unleashes physical and mental powers hidden inside Tetsuo, which he uses indiscriminately to wreak havoc all over the city. With the help of a political activist named Kei, Kaneda must stop Tetsuo before he releases the powers of Akira and destroys Neo-Tokyo. Story: A It's not easy adapting a manga into the big screen, but Otomo managed to keep the film as close to the original story as possible in a two-hour span. Many viewers may not understand the film at first, but they'll slowly realize its meaning. Animation: A+ Akira became the benchmark in Japanese animation with its vibrant mix of 2D and 3D graphics. It's hard to believe that this movie is nearly two decades old, but is still technically superior to most anime titles released in the past five years. Soundtrack: A+ (Available through AnimeTrax) Akira is highly regarded as having one of the greatest soundtracks in film history. Composed by Shoji Yamashiro and performed by Geinoh Yamashiro-Gumi, the film score uses a perfect blend of Malay, Indonesian and Japanese instruments with synthesizers and powerful vocals. Sub vs. Dub When Streamline Pictures first released Akira, it was marred by horrible dubbing and a bad English script. Pioneer re-translated the script to make it closer to the original Japanese version. I'm glad to say that the new produced by ZRO Limit Productions/Animaze dub is very good. DVD Extras: A+ If you bought the 2-disc version, you definitely got your money's worth. Disc 2 is loaded with the following features: - AKIRA Production Report (The making of the movie). - AKIRA Sound Clip (The original soundtrack production). - Interview with Katsuhiro Otomo. - Production Materials (Still images, unused storyboards & backgrounds, character design sketches, manga art, movie posters and promotional items). - Original Japanese trailers and TV spots. - Features behind the film restoration and English re-dub. - Glossary. The Bottom Line AKIRA is one movie you must own in your film collection, whether you're into anime or not. Reference Anime News Network The Internet Movie Database