Genre: Martial Arts

If you’re absolutely desperate to find another tournament style fight flick, then you may be able to squeeze a few drops of entertainment out of ‘Geochilmaru’.

Not the best Hong Kong exploitation flick out there and far too lethargic and serious to recommend as over-the-top fun.

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.

It does contain just enough bad kung fu movie clichés and shots of Yeung Huei-Chie in hot (or no) pants to keep you watching.

While there are flashes of his trademark fight scenes, it’s the fairy tale love story that always takes precedence.

‘Grandmaster Of Shaolin Kung Fu’ is a two star film in every department, but that’s half a star more than a Godfrey Ho production can usually expect.

By no means a classic, ‘Half A Loaf Of Kung Fu’ is still an undemanding and quite enjoyable early Chan film.

Although not a masterpiece, ‘Hand Of Death’ is a good example of how quality quickly shines through and stands out in a crowded genre.

Above average production values help and a touch of style to the proceedings as does the all-star cast, but it still may not be enough to earn this a proper recommendation.

A simple storyline that is backed up by an ample supply of martial arts sequences; this is a film that makes no bones about being a showcase for the impressive fighting skills of its lead actors.

The only reason I can find to recommend it is to see a young Tony Jaa in action, but even this isn’t enough of a reason to sit through all of the surrounding “comedy” sequences.

As good as a belated direct-to-DVD sequel to a John Woo/Jean Claude Van Damme classic gets.