cityonfire.com | Movie News & Developments

COF Presents: Martial Arts Film in Video Games: Part I
First glimpse of the ‘Kickboxer: Vengeance’ teaser poster
Donnie Yen to join Rian Johnson’s ‘Star Wars Episode VIII’?
Hong Kong’s greatest filmmakers team up for ‘Eight & a Half’
New International Trailer for Jason Statham-less ‘Transporter Refueled’

COF Presents: Martial Arts Film in Video Games: Part I

Posted: 06 Jul 2015 02:20 AM PDT

"Spartan X" Video Game Flyer

What do Bruce Lee (Enter the Dragon), Chuck Norris (Slaughter in San Francisco), Jackie Chan (Wheels on Meals), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport), Jet Li (Fist of Legend), Roger Yuan (Once Upon A Time in Vietnam), Ron Yuan (Ring of Fire), Richard Norton (City Hunter) and Chuck Jeffreys (Bloodmoon) have in common? They’re all martial artists who have appeared – sometimes inadvertently and/or subconsciously – in a video game.

This article is not about video game-to-martial arts movie adaptations. It is, however, an article about how the martial arts film subgenre – and its known faces – has had a significant influence on the video game subculture. In other words, it’s the other way around: a look at how martial arts film found its way into video games – a practice that’s very much alive and still kicking today.

This practice is not only evident in traditional video games either. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada – a resort city known for its buzzing energy, 24-hour gambling and endless entertainment – I can’t count the number of times I’ve strolled through casinos and seen slot games from sites like casinoonline.co.nz – and many of them are martial arts-themed – for instance, the slot games for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the Fist of Fury-inspired Red Dragon.

Whether it be a an arcade from yesteryear, a casino on the Las Vegas strip, a Levi’s commercial or even the branding of a legendary rap group like Wu-Tang Clan – the prime elements of a martial arts film are an appealing force to be reckoned with.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at martial arts film in video games:

Chuck Norris Superkicks (1983) and Bruce Lee (1984)

Chuck Norris Superkicks (1983)

The first ever video game to feature a martial arts star is Xonox’s Chuck Norris Superkicks (aka Kung Fu Superkicks), which was released for the Atari 2600, Colecovision and Commodore home computers.

In the game your mission is to karate the hell out of your enemies by kicking, punching and flipping around. Chuck Norris Superkicks also features an in-game map, which, for the time, was pretty groundbreaking.

Bruce Lee (1984)

Developed by Datasoft Inc. for the home computer market, Bruce Lee put our hero in an 8-bit fantasy world where he faces off with ninjas and green-colored sumo wrestlers in a platform-based environment. Bruce also has to skillfully force his way through mines, moving walls and traps rigged with electric shock mechanisms.

Till this day, Bruce Lee is the most acclaimed Bruce Lee-themed game that ever hit the markets. Unfortunately, that’s not saying much.

Spartan X (1984) and The Karate Kid (1987)

Spartan X (1984)

Spartan X was the Japanese title to the 1984 Jackie Chan film Wheels on Meals, hence the title to the Japanese version of the arcade game developed by Irem.

The plot of this platform-based game had little to do with the movie, other than the fact you played a kung fu dude named Thomas (portrayed by Chan in the movie) who had to rescue a girl named Sylvia (portrayed by Lola Forner in the movie) by fighting henchmen in a series of levels reminiscent of Bruce Lee’s Game of Death – i.e. each higher floor featured a boss more powerful than the one before it.

In the U.S., the game was retitled to Kung-Fu Master, then retitled again on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) as Kung Fu. Whatever you want to call it, it’s one hell of a game that holds up well till this day.

The Karate Kid (1987)

Based on the successful franchise of the same name, LJN’s The Karate Kid, for the NES, was structured just like Spartan X (1984): part platform with tournament stages where you battle bosses from the movie. Unlike the latter, The Karate Kid had bonus stages where you can test your timing by karate chopping blocks of ice or try catching flies with chopsticks.

The game covers both The Karate Kid (1984) and The Karate Kid II (1986). Sorry to you Thomas Ian Griffith fanatics…

Bruce Lee Lives (1990) and Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu (1990/1991)

Bruce Lee Lives (1990)

Also known as Bruce Lee Lives: The Fall of Hong Kong Palace, this PC rarity, developed by The Software Toolworks, follows the footsteps of tournament-style fighting games like Karate Champ (1984), Yie Ar Kung-Fu (1985) and Street Fighter (1987).

What made Bruce Lee Lives unique was its AI engine, which changed its difficulty level based on the actions of the player. Pretty slick… just ask someone who has actually played it (that one person is out there somewhere).

Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu (1990/1991)

Now Production’s Jackie Chan’s Action Kung Fu, for the NES and TurboGrafx-16 systems, is a platform-based game rendered in a cartoon-style similar to the popular Kid Niki: Radical Ninja (1986). In the game, Jackie has to save his sister from an evil sorcerer and his many minions.

Considering its pre-Rumble in the Bronx U.S. release in 1990, you’d have to be somewhat of a kung fu movie fan to know who Jackie Chan was. Otherwise, the name Jackie Chan was just as fictitious as Kid Niki.

3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994) and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1995)

3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994)

I’ll probably be crucified for including this one in the article, but whether you like it or not, 3 Ninjas Kick Back is a martial arts movie that became a video game.

Developed by Malibu Interactive for the Sega Genesis, Super NES and Sega CD3, Ninjas Kick Back was another platform-based game where you where you can select one of the three brothers – each with their own unique weapon: a bo, a katana or a sai – to battle ninjas, wild animals, boulders and spikes. Next…

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1995)

Based on the 1993 film of the same name, Virgin Interactive’s Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story – for the Atari Jaguar, Sega Master System and the Super NES – is a tournament-style/beat ‘em up game that sort of follows the movie: you fight gwai lo sailors, Chinese chefs, some guy who’s supposed to be “Wong Jack Man” and even the demon in Bruce’s nightmare. Then it goes off course by throwing in bad guys who weren’t even in the movie. For instance, a Mr. Han-like character from Enter the Dragon, complete with hand claws. Those looking for Lauren Holly in short gym shorts will be left disappointed.

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story was also released for the Sega Genesis and Game Gear, but due to the the hardware limitations of these two systems, the version of the game was more of a simpler, platform-style adventure. Again, those looking for Lauren Holly in short gym shorts will be left disappointed.

Street Fighter: The Movie (1995) and Supreme Warrior (1995)

Street Fighter: The Movie (1995)

To coincide with the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme film, Street Fighter: The Movie (which itself, was based on the Capcom video game franchise), Incredible Technologies gave the film’s video game adaptation the Mortal Kombat treatment: realistic digitized sprites, instead of cartoon artwork.

The game showcases every actor/actress portrayed in the movie as playable characters. All it was missing were some gruesome fatalities – but hey, that’s where Mortal Kombat had the upper hand.

Supreme Warrior (1995)

You know what, screw digitized sprites! It’s all about full motion video, which is exactly what Digital Pictures did with Supreme Warrior, a first-person fighting/adventure game released for the 3DO, Mac, PC and Sega CD.

Not only was Supreme Warrior filmed on location in China on the Shaw Brothers‘ “Shaw Town” backlot, it also featured Vivian Wu, Roger Yuan, Chaplin Chang, Richard Norton, Ron Yuan and Chuck Jeffreys. In a nutshell, Supreme Warrior is a unforgettable classic that you don’t want to miss.

Stay tuned for Martial Arts Film in Video Games: Part II.

First glimpse of the ‘Kickboxer: Vengeance’ teaser poster

Posted: 06 Jul 2015 12:00 AM PDT

"Kickboxer" Japanese DVD Cover

Radar Pictures is rebooting 1990′s Kickboxer with John Stockwell (In the Blood) at the helm. The film is being written by Jim McGrath (1990′s Elvis TV series) and Dimitri Logothetis (Wings of the Dragon). Newcomer Alain Moussi (click here to read our interview with him) will take on the role of Kurt Sloan, the film’s main character.

Other stars include WWE star Dave Bautista (The Man with the Iron Fists), UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Gina Carano (Haywire), Darren Shahlavi (Ip Man 2), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Kickboxer), T.J. Storm (Punisher: War Zone), Matthew Ziff (The Martial Arts Kid) and Sara Malakul Lane.

The Kickboxer reboot tells the story of David and Kurt Sloan, the descendants of a well-known Venice, Calif., fighting dynasty. When David wins the Karate World Championship, a promoter lures him to Hong Kong, despite his brother’s protestations that the man is a crook. When Kurt travels to Thailand to meet his brother, he discovers he has died, and seeks his revenge.

Updates: According to Paul Bramhall: During a Q&A session at the recent Seni Event, Adkins confirmed that he won’t be in the Kickboxer remake. He was offered the role of the brother, but explained that after reading the script and realizing just how much of a small role it was, with very little action involved, he didn’t feel like it was a role which would suit either him or his fanbase, so decided to turn it down.

Tony Jaa has dropped out. According to Jaa’s manager, Mike Selby, the actor has officially withdrawn from the production, stating “The production changed schedule to a period where Jaa would not be available. | Hong Kong’s Stephen Fung (Tai Chi Hero) is no longer directing the film. Instead, American filmmaker John Stockwell (In the Blood, Into the Blue) is taking over directing duties.

THR reports that Jean-Claude Van Damme will be playing Alain Moussi’s “mentor” in Kickboxer. Here’s what Radar Films’ Ted Field had to say: “We are so excited to have Kickboxer roll into production and to have JCVD in the role of Master Chow, passing the torch to Alain, to have him lead the franchise to a new generation.” The film begins shooting this week in New Orleans and will also have a later shoot in Thailand.

According to the film’s official Facebook page, Kickboxer is now called Kickboxer: Vengeance (most likely to differentiate the film from Albert Pyun’s upcoming Kickboxer title). Also, new details have emerged about some of the cast members: Gina Carano’s character is a “sneaky and dangerous temptress, a boa constrictor of this fighting jungle,” and JCVD’s actual character is named Master Durand (not Master Chow, as previously reported when Tony Jaa was attached). Stay tuned for more updates!

BREAKING NEWS: In a photo from a recent press conference last week – featuring Sam Medina, Sara Makalul Lane, Alain Moussi, Georges St. Pierre – you can catch a glimpse of the Kickboxer Vengeance teaser poster.

Donnie Yen to join Rian Johnson’s ‘Star Wars Episode VIII’?

Posted: 06 Jul 2015 12:00 AM PDT

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Currently in post-production is Star Wars: Episode VII, the continuation of the Star Wars saga created by George Lucas. Episode VIII and IX are slated to arrive in 2017 and 2019, respectively. The film’s will be directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8). The movie, which will be released in 3D, opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

Updates: Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that the sequel will take place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. | Lucasfilm confirms that the new Star Wars films will have nothing go do with the “Expanded Universe” (i.e. offshoot novels, cartoons, comic books and video games).

The offical cast and credits have been announced for Episode VII, courtesy of starwars.com: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film. Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Looks like they might be taking an old school approach to Episode VII, which will make J.J. Abram’s sequel mesh with the original trilogy even more. Head over to TMZ to see the non-CG sets and creature design. We’re sure there will be CG, but not nearly as much as the prequel trilogy. | First set photos of the Millennium Falcon.

It was announced that Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) will be directing the first standalone Star Wars spin-off. Today, there are several reports that Josh Trank (Chronicle) has signed on to do his own standalone spin-off. In other news, J.J. Abrams cheekily responds to all the leaked photos popping up online. Definitely check it out at Collider. | Head over to Collider for interesting interview tidbits with Mark Hamill.

News has broke that Brick and Looper director Rian Johnson has been signed to write and direct Episode VIII. There’s speculation Johnson may also write a script treatment for Episode IX. It looks like this new trilogy will continue the Original Trilogy tradition of having a new director with each film.

A load of Star Wars VII updates: Click here to see what might be Han Solo's new costume. At the same link is info about Han’s new ship, the Super Star Destroyer (and the whereabouts of the Millennium Falcon). Also, the new villains are now revealed, as well as images of the new Storm Troopers helmet.

First official look of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Ep VII. Look closely… (Note: this is not CGI, it’s an actual model built on set). | If you haven’t, check out a batch of leaked images (beware of spoilers). | Disney revealed that the official title for Star Wars: Episode VII is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. | Watch the first trailer now!

According to MTFG.com, reliable sources indicate that Daniel Craig (Spectre) will be playing a stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens: “I don’t know how long he will be in the movie, or how many lines he will have. He may not have any lines at all. I have the feeling that he will though,” says the MTFG.

The Raid 2 stars Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog/Prakoso) and Cecep Arif Rahman (The Assassin), will reportedly have roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. No details on what or who they’ll be playing, but Twitch (via FCS) said it best: “After the underwhelming prequel trilogy with its massive over-reliance on CGI trickery not only has Abrams shown a strong preference for practical effects but has now also cast a trio of highly skilled martial artists who have already demonstrated their skills with blades, batons, etc in a world where super powered warriors fight with blades, batons, etc.” | 2nd Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer!

BREAKING NEWS: According to Apple Daily (via Twitch/FCS), Donnie Yen has signed on to join Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Episode VIII, and is off to London next month to start filming. The article also mentions other actors who were considered, including Jet Li, Stephen Chow, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Daniel Wu, Wang Leehom and Chang Chen. Given the Hong Kong media’s reputation, this news should be taken with a grain of salt until it’s official.

Hong Kong’s greatest filmmakers team up for ‘Eight & a Half’

Posted: 05 Jul 2015 03:01 AM PDT

"Hard Boiled" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Some of the best filmmakers Hong Kong has to offer – Johnnie To, Tsui Hark, John Woo, Ringo Lam, Anne Hui, Sammo Hung, Yuen Woo-ping and Patrick Tam – are all teaming up for Eight & a Half, an eight-part anthology film about the history of Hong Kong, which will span from the 1940s to present time.

There’s no word on whether Eight & a Half will be action, drama or comedy, but with names like Johnnie To (Accident), Tsui Hark (The Taking of Tiger Mountain), John Woo )(Hard Boiled), Ringo Lam (City on Fire), Sammo Hung (Wheels on Meals) and Yuen Woo-ping (True Legend) in the mix – I’d say it’ll be a mix of every genre!

Updates: In a recent interview with Twitch, this is what Ringo Lam replies with as his next project after Wild City: I have Eight & a Half, and mainly I was attracted to this project because we are going to pay respect to this film world, so I said, “Okay, I will be happy to do work on this one.” And I already finished the pages, I can shoot any time, but I cannot breathe the contents at this moment. *Laughs* But maybe tomorrow, I’ll change again because there’s no budget.

New International Trailer for Jason Statham-less ‘Transporter Refueled’

Posted: 05 Jul 2015 12:00 AM PDT

"Transporter Refueled" French Theatrical Poster

Luc Besson’s company, EuropaCorp, is releasing The Transporter Refueled on June 19th. The new film, directed by Camille Delamarre (Brick Mansions), will center on the lead character’s origin story, which not only makes it a reboot, but also a prequel.

Official plot: Frank Martin is the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. The stakes are greater and technology better, but the same three simple rules apply: never change the deal, no names and never open the package. When Frank is hired by cunning femme fatale Anna and her three stunning sidekicks, he quickly discovers he’s been played.

The Transporter Refueled stars Ed Skrein (Game of Thones), Loan Chabanol, Lenn Kudrjawizki, Tatiana Pajkovic, Ray Stevenson and Radivoje Bukvic. | 1st trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new International Trailer for Transporter Refueled. Do you think this franchise can continue to exist without the presence of star Jason Statham?

Pages

Movie Release :

Monday, July 6, 2015

cityonfire.com | Movie News & Developments

cityonfire.com | Movie News & Developments

1 comment: