Vance Ang
Posts by Vance Ang:
THE LAST KUMITE: YouTuber David Kurzhal (a.k.a. Viking Samurai) Joins Indie Martial Arts Thriller
He has the beard of Chuck Norris; the physique of Sylvester Stallone; the lethally stoic demeanour of Dolph Lungren; the handsome Eurasian looks of Keanu Reeves, Mark Dacascos and the late Brandon Lee, and what’s more, he kicks like Jean Claude Van Damme and Phillip Rhee. Who is he exactly? Well, it’s none other than David Kurzhal aka the popular Viking Samurai on YouTube who is the recent addition to ‘THE LAST KUMITE’ which is due to start filming in Europe in the coming weeks.
THE CREATOR: Gareth Edwards’ Latest Teases Artificial Aggression In The First Trailer
From the director of the surprise hit ‘STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE’ (2016) comes what looks to be an intriguing post-apocalyptic film exploring the human drama amidst a horrific conflict between humans and robots.
Cynthia Rothrock, Kurt McKinney and More Join THE LAST KUMITE
The blockbuster success of Chad Stahelski’s JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4 (2023) is perhaps indicative of the current state of modern cinema. The last decade has been heavily dominated by the superhero genre, with the MCU seemingly replacing the traditional action genre introducing audiences to pre-existing lore – with huge budgets enabling the use of CGI and special effects, designed to WOW the film going public. Yet it might be fair to say that these films may be losing their lustre, with the momentum largely slowing down as the glitzy novelty somewhat fades.
ON THE LINE Review: Mel Gibson’s Latest Dials In A Pure Thriller That Doesn’t Leave You On Hold
With much recent film buzz dedicated to Chad Staheski’s long-anticipated JOHN WICK 4 (2023) among other blockbusters being released, it is somewhat sad to see that Mel Gibson’s recent film ‘ON THE LINE’ (2023) overshadowed by other offerings – when in all honesty, Gibson’s work should never be ignored. Regardless of his exploits beyond the silver screen, the man is quite simply one of the greatest gifts to modern cinema; a talented actor, director, and icon that should command more respect than be recognised for courting controversy. (And yes, as this movie critic is Australian there is a clear bias but one that is justified and vindication especially if one refers to his large catalog of films).
THE OTHER FELLOW Review: Matthew Bauer’s Newest Doc Will Leave You Shaken AND Stirred
The Other Fellow arrives in U.S. theaters and on-Demand from Gravitas Ventures beginning February 17.
AS GOOD AS DEAD Review: Michael Jai White’s Latest Is As Good As Awful
As Good As Dead is now available in select theaters and on Digital from Samuel Goldwyn Films
‘FEAR AUTOMATA’ – Preview for ‘M3GAN’ (2023)
To help her niece Katie deal with grief, brilliant roboticist and toy maker Gemma (Allison Williams) gets more than she bargained for when her creation, M3GAN begins to exhibit questionable behaviours that put those around her at risk. The creation of a new family unit, ushers in the presence of a robotic family member with the best of intentions and whilst the initial phases of interactions appear to be sweet and heart warming – this quickly changes into something more problematic and lethal.
‘Blind Fury’ – Movie Preview ‘RAGEAHOLIC’ (2022)
Written and directed by Yoshiki Takahashi, and based on a story by Yuki Kobayashi (Death Row Family) ‘RAGEHOLIC’: ADDICTED TO ANGER (2022) is currently playing in its native Japan and could pique the interest of those into the more intense crime thrillers – though this looks to capitalize more on a brutal narrative, rather than a more idiosyncratic slow more refined burn seen in the works of the legendary, Takeshi Kitano.‘RAGEHOLIC’ presents an intense and suffocating film that seems to be the modus operandi of a lot of more recent Japanese crime thrillers which are intensely violent; yet also portraying an honest depiction of flawed individual regardless of what side of the law they are on. Depictions of characters ultimately can be subverted with an extremity that is so deliberate, but not the point of parody; whilst the detectives on the side of the law become dogged with determination to the point of inhuman obsession, the gangsters may be shown as noble and steadfast. In any case ‘RAGEHOLIC’, seems to have this as its prevailing narrative with the Yakuza busting police officer (Yohta Kawase)” possessing some almost inhuman qualities, in his quest to uphold the law – the carelessness of his actions perhaps making him a more despicable and far less heroic protagonist. The fact that he is sent on a sabbatical to cure his bloodlust proves to be unsuccessful, and this patient becomes far worse upon his return to his old beat. Whilst this looks to be a compelling crime thriller, there is a certain mean spiritedness to it as the protagonist seems largely unlikable in his insatiable quest for revenge. It may not yet have a Western release, but its somewhat obnoxiously shocking style will sure have its fans and may become a cult hit. It also stars Yohta Kawase (SHIN GODZILLA), Aya Saiki, Ryuju Kobayashi, and Eita Okuno.
Fantasia 2022: Five Must-See Titles To Watch At This Year’s 26th Edition
I think the one thing I’ve had difficulty with is picking which films to select for the curtain raiser I’m posting here ahead of this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival installation. Nearly all the selections I would bet are easy picks, but I’m resigned to only a handful.
“AUSSIE OUTBACK VENGEANCE” – Retro Re-release Movie Review: FAIR GAME (1986)
Quentin Tarantino, when referring to Fair Game (1986), said the following:
‘Massively Talented’ – Preview of THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT (Aprill 2022)
Nic Cage is back with THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT (2022). This newest trailer sees one of the true kings of method acting, hamming it up as a version of himself played for laughs as a blatant parody. Transcending the typical buddy cop formula, Director Tom Gormican has crafted a very self-aware comedy that looks to capitalise on the manic yet versatile nature of Cage coupled with the straight laced Pedro Pascal. The set up is bizarre as it is hilarious with the actor Nic Cage morphing into his action hero guises in order to rescue his besieged wife and daughter from a drug lord – who also happens to be a fan!
SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (2021) Review: New Dawn, Post Eclipse
With the conclusion of the last film FAR FROM HOME (2019) literally jeopardising Peter Parker’s double life, SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (‘NWH’) creates the most turmoil for the long-suffering young superhero. NWH picks up where the last film left off, and with the whole world now privy to his secret identity Peter Parker has the unenviable task of balancing this revelation as well as its impacts on those nearest and dearest to him.
‘COACH VS CLIENT: On the topic of Horror Films’
The premise behind Coach vs Client (‘C vs C’) is predicated on one key element of the training sessions that I myself have with Coach Justin Perillo, as the topic of film are a mainstay of the conversations in between sets and for the heavier ones we’d often evoke a film that resonates in that very moment. With each new recommendation, is the obvious exchange in ideas and the very pursuit of new material based on the discussion.
“KICK STARTER” – An explorative insight into the lesser-known kickers of film and cinema.
When it comes to combat, and more specifically martial arts there is a certain exotic appeal to one specific element – kicks. Despite the visibility of grappling thanks in no small part to the prevalence of MMA these days, there is something spectacular about seeing kick techniques demonstrated with real expertise. Though the practicality of high kicks in real combat is always debated, those that can utilize their feet and legs as weapons is no doubt an impressive feat (no pun intended)
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