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Reviews
Shaolin Ulysses: Kungfu Monks in America (2003)
Interesting Documentary for Kung Fu fans!!!!
Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America is a wonderful low budget documentary about several Shaolin Monks who have immigrated to America to spread Buddhism and martial arts in the west.
Full of great martial arts demonstrations as well as interviews with the monks and their students. While the monks were interesting, the only downside to the film was the choice of Americans they interviewed. One of the monks' younger students seemed more interested in being on television than learning kung fu. The other, a rich Las Vegas doctor (could he be a plastic surgeon???) seems to care more about chicks and cars than the Buddhist mentality he seems to admire.
Other than that we gain a terrific insight into the lives of the monks as they establish temples across the states.
Most of it looks like it was shot on digital, but it's filmed well enough that it's pleasing to watch. Also the extras on the DVD provide plenty of viewing after the movie is done with several demonstrations of different martial arts styles, some quigong and some interesting footage from the Shaolin Festival.
I checked this out because i'm a huge fan of KF films and have enjoyed other documentaries about the subject such as "This Is Kung Fu" etc...
My only other complaint is that it was too short! It's only 50 odd minutes long, probably because it was originally filmed for TV or something. Check it out!!
Kansas City Confidential (1952)
Excellent tough low budget heist flick.
While I can see why some people might not like this movie (low production values) I found myself very impressed. Right off the bat you know this is a no nonsense crime film. The heist in the picture is well plotted and believable. It's got more in common with ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW than it does GRAND SLAM.
What I liked about the story was that the person set up to be victimized is not just some ordinary guy but an almost equally hard nosed crook. Of course the robbers are unaware of this when they set up their master plan and it proves to be a major thorn in their side.
Also, I found the dialog (especially in the beginning) to be very high tension and raw. I've read comments it was cheesy but c'mon! The film was made in 1952...and is consistent with other films of the genre made in the same period, except here it much more violent and heavy.
And last, a great cast of actors makes the film even better. These guys talk tough and back it up. There's a great scene where one of the crooks gets slapped around similar to Cobby in ASPHALT JUNGLE, except this one looked like it hurt.
If you're like me and you like to watch movies about bankrobberies and heists you'd better check this one out.