There’s a great place at 22 East 30th St., in New York City, (and at www.opencenter.org). And, on June 25, 2011, I’ll be there with my new kung fu film book, the kung-fu movie documentary I scripted, a bunch of illuminating film clips, and the semi-pseudo-official unveiling of “Mental Martial Arts” — which I have
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As soon as I saw Oogway — the tortoise master from the first movie — as the fisherman on the DreamWorks logo, I knew the crew of the sequel had their hearts in the right place. And, sure enough, Kung Fu Panda 2 (once subtitled “The Kaboom of Doom”) looks absolutely glorious, with a deep,
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I was among the minority, apparently, who quite liked Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2, and 3. To me, number two was their version of a Buster Keaton/Jackie Chan film, while number 3 was nothing short of a deconstruction of the classic Disney film –- starting with the hanging of a child, continuing with an
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I’ve been studying kung fu since 1978, but only actually practicing it since 2003. That’s because, out of the hundreds of martial art teachers I’ve met, I was only inspired by a few — all of whom I met after stumbling upon the world taichi championships in Taiwan. Well, three of those teachers will be
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True Legend is not brilliant, but it is beautiful. For kung fu film novices, it’ll be an eyeful, but for veteran enthusiasts it’s a fascinating distillation of director/choreographer Yuen Wo-ping’s talents – both for good and ill. Remember, this is the man best known in America for choreographing The Matrix movies, but best known in
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It’s my favorite convention, and one of my favorite convention towns. San Jose hosts three really great pop culture cons three weekends running in May, and FanimeCon wraps up the month in great style. Great people, great town, great food, great events, and great fun. And get a load of my honored assistants and co-hosts
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Well, just when you thought it was safe to go back to the Flying DVDs of Death website (http://www.flyingdvdsofdeath.com/), they’ve posted the second (and thankfully, last) part of their interview with me. I do blather on, don’t I? But don’t hold their interest in me, my new books, and the up-coming film documentary against them.
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For a movie titled Shaolin, which was officially sanctioned by the Shaolin Temple, you’d think there would be more about Shaolin — the temple, the monks, the history, and the martial arts — wouldn’t you? I and my kungfumovienite guests, as well as seemingly the Chinese box office and film critics, certainly did. But producer/director
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Saturday and Sunday! May 21and May 22nd! Starting at 10am! Penn Plaza Pavilion! 401 7th Avenue at 33rd St.! Me! You! Wizard World Big Apple Con Spring Edition! My booooook! http://www.wizardworld.com/fioffukufumo.html
I wasn’t bored, but I wasn’t thrilled either. In fact, the biggest problem with Thor, the new Marvel Studios movie, was the 3D. While it had been painted on in past productions, and was rarely truly necessary, this time it was a clear detriment. There wasn’t even a scene set in sunlight until 45 minutes
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