Reviews

  • The Magic Hour

    ,  • 
    Nov 21

    ‘The Magic Hour’ is a fun comedy, though not the classic it promises to be. It still has an enormous amount to recommend it though and is a good starting point for those looking into Japanese comedy.

  • The Princess

    , , ,  • 
    Nov 1

    Essentially the story of a princess locked in a tower by an evil wannabe ruler, the flick gets down to brass tacks right out the gate: fast and furious fight action.

  • Mulan

    , , ,  • 
    Oct 25

    While proceedings do get a little dry and flat on occasion, for the most part this version of ‘Mulan’ is a well-made and entertaining epic that never resorts to heavy-handed storytelling.

  • The Invincible Dragon

    , ,  • 
    Sep 27

    If ‘The Invincible Dragon’ had just embraced its barmier B-movie aspects and run with them, then this could have been a fun throwback to action films of yesteryear.

  • Escape Of Shark

    ,  • 
    Sep 20

    ‘Escape of Shark’ is a remake of Australian thriller ‘Bait’ which, while not a masterpiece either, is several notches above this effort.

  • Carter

    ,  • 
    Sep 13

    Joo Won and the stunt people do give it their all and there are some creative sequences on show, but it doesn’t quite come together into a satisfying whole.

  • Song Of The Assassins

    , , ,  • 
    Sep 7

    The quality increases as the film progresses and the viewer is more invested in the characters, meaning that it stands out as one of the more exciting swordplay films of recent years.

  • Blood Chase

    , ,  •  ,
    Aug 30

    Director Teddy page made a ton of these action clunkers back in the day and while it’s far from his best it does boast Karen Shepherd in a lead role kicking lots of ass.

  • Ip Man: The Awakening

    , ,  • 
    Aug 22

    ‘Ip Man: The Awakening’ may not be remembered in the great canon of Chinese folk hero cinema, but as a solid offering that clocks in under ninety minutes, this is recommended.

  • Incantation

    ,  • 
    Aug 15

    A palpable sense of all-consuming dread is maintained throughout the runtime and the makers never resort to jump scares just for the sake of them.

  • Hit Team

    , ,  • 
    Aug 4

    Penned by prolific director and writer Wong Jing, ‘Hit Team’ is a formulaic cop thriller done on a low budget, something that makes itself very apparent early on.

  • Ultimax Force

     • 
    Jul 26

    ‘Ultimax Force’ has it all really: great B-movie title, lots of ridiculous moments that defy logic, unintentionally hilarious acting and a heap of cool action.

  • The Bouncer

    , ,  •  ,
    Jul 12

    Perhaps not the most original narrative wise, ‘The Bouncer’ is entertaining thanks to solid direction, a great setting and an excellent performance from the Muscles from Brussels.

  • Gameboy Kids

    ,  • 
    Jul 5

    I can imagine watching it thirty years ago and wanting to throw a brick at the screen, but, imbued with a tidal wave of nostalgia today, it was a decent ninety-minute distraction.

  • Nightshooters

    , ,  • 
    Jun 28

    Overcoming a small budget and using a single location to its advantage, ‘Nightshooters’ is slick, laugh-out-loud funny and when it cuts loose, a full tilt action flick.

  • Golden Needles

    , ,  • 
    Jun 14

    Ultimately, it is Joe Don Baker that makes ‘Golden Needles’ worth tracking down; it’s by no means his best work, but he’s always great to watch.

  • Spiritwalker

    , ,  • 
    Jun 7

    Slick and taught action thriller with a sci-fi twist, ‘Spiritwalker’ is a fine slice of modern Korean filmmaking that propels along on mounting tension, a committed cast and a fun concept.

  • The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure

    , ,  • 
    May 31

    ‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure’ is a big, unapologetic action film that borrows all of the pomp and bombast of its American contemporaries.

  • Escape From Mogadishu

    ,  • 
    May 24

    Searing blockbuster thrills based on true events where diplomats from both South and North Korea become stranded in the fallen city of Mogadishu during a rebel uprising in Somalia.

  • It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad World

    , ,  • 
    May 17

    Clifton Ko has been behind the lens for quite a few of these family comedies though the box-office hit ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World’ is one of his best efforts.

Best New Films

All Reviews