![The Reluctant Astronaut [VHS]](http://healthymentalme.com/cdn/shop/files/510F5D4KPNL._AC.jpg?v=1754580443&width=3840)
This tape consists of 3 episodes from the "Green Hornet" t.v. series which were made into a 1974 theatrical release movie (according to the description on the back of the tape box). The film was edited to highlight some of Bruce's fight scenes from the t.v. series.The Green Hornet is similar to the "Batman" t.v. series of the 60's but not quite as hokey. It is quite fun to see Bruce as Kato and brings back memories of seeing the series when I was a kid. Kinda cheesy but fun!Technical fyi: the tape has been digitally re-mastered from a 35mm print in the original 1:1.85 theatrical aspect ratio, and also includes a documentary featurette on "Black Beauty"; Green Hornet's special custom car.
Director Chang Cheh made over a hundred films many of which are hailed, by those who know this stuff, as kung fu classics. Famed action director John Woo was quoted as naming him as a major influence and when you see this classic it's easy to see why; When the action starts, it's breathless, over the top and doesn't stop.A SPOILER FREE SYNOPSIS: Some nasty ninja have killed our hero's martial arts teacher. With the aide of a new teacher and some new fighting buddies our hero takes on the "Five Element Ninjas" (Gold, Fire, Water, Wood & Land).Bottom Line: It's exciting, it's violent and if you like kung fu it's impossible to only watch this movie once. For more Chang Cheh brilliance try 'The Kid with the Golden Arms' or '5 Deadly Venoms'.
B
Family TV Classics (DVD) I love it
Issac Hayes carrying the whole weight of an action film alone? A film starring HIM??? At first I thought it's ridiculous. Well, he is a great singer, but .... Then I watched this film, and twice, and am convinced. He should do that more!! Yes, I acknowledge he cannot act like DeNiro or Pacino, and the story of his love interest is as convincing as love between Josh, Ben, and Kate in "Pearl Harbor." But given a right material like this, his towering physical presence makes up for anything single-handedly.Truck Turner is an ex-football player, and now a bounty-hunter. With his partner Jerry, nothing can stop them. Nothing. If you are disliked by him, pray it ends soon -- because his huge fists are flying to you right in the face! But one day his botched job getting a guy named Gator leads to his being THE most wanted man for the gangsters. They attack him, his office, and his room even, but now it's Turner's turn to pay back!!!Frankly, the film is too violent, and one scene made me cry "Oh, PLEASE! DON'T HANG THAT!" But Hayes is well-cast and credible as a no-nonsense bounty-hunter, and actions are good. But the most memorable is Nichelle Nichols's "madam," whose foul-mouthed acting completely shatters the good old memory of "Star Trek" fans. (Where did our Uhula go? Or, is this what she really wanted to do?) Another impressive point is director Jonathan Kaplan, who sometimes gives strong emphasis to darker nuance of his direction (maybe overdirection, some say) later seen in his Jodie Foster film "The Accused." The fate of Yaphet Kotto is captured in a very bleak way, which reminds us of Christopher Walken in a very violent noir "The King of New York."Though I don't share the enthsiastic praise of other reviewers, "Truck Turner" is a great action film, which is raised higher one notch above than average blaxploitaion films. If there should be a sub-genre like "bounty-hunter movies," this comes to the top alongside with more comical "Midnight Run."If you don't know the details of bounty-hunting and bailbonding, you may not enjoy the film fully. In that case, you might as well see Trantino's "Jackie Brown," in which another icon Pam Grier showcases her great talent as the title heroine.
Zatoichi and Yojimbo fans will love this!Shintaro Katsu has aged and put on some weight, but the Zatoichi wry humor is still there, as is his lightning sword-play.Toshiro Mifune remains his Yojimbo double-dealing self.Together, they are lost souls, trying to survive in a miserable world filled with crooks, scoundrels, and murderers. Try as they may, their humanity keeps peeping through.It is refreshing to have enjoyable story plots instead of the continual escalating into stupid absurdity seen in most sequels these days.