Posts Tagged ‘Cynthia Rothrock’

Worse News: Metal, Martial Arts and Cosmic Horror in Richard Stanley’s new film Steel Donkeys featuring Martial Arts legend Cynthia Rothrock!

Posted: 27/07/2025 in Worse News
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6 years after his unlikely comeback with Color Out of Space (staring none other than the legendary Nic Cage) Richard Stanley is back at it again. In his first UK production since his debut Hardware (1990) Stanley is preparing to shoot a Rock Festival meets Lovecraftian Horror film called Iron Donkey.

And if that isn’t enough he is casting a number of Rockstars and at least one Martial Arts star, because the first casting is surprisingly a Hong Kong action movie veteran Cynthia Rothrock (Yes, Madam, China O’Brian & Black Creek).


“The stars have aligned to conjure this dream into manifestation, a perfect storm of metal, martial arts and cosmic horror, precision calibrated to burn its way into the brains of a whole new generation of metal fans. It makes me hugely happy to be back in the UK and to be returning to my cultural roots with this supernaturally charged psychedelic hand grenade, freely inspired by a real-life misadventure from my younger years. Given the current state of the nation, I firmly believe Steel Donkeys is exactly
what Britain both needs and deserves…”

Movie is to be shoot during a Bloodstock Open Air festival (in Derbyshire) in August with additional filming in KK’S Steel Mill, owned of course by none other than K.K. Downings (ex- Judas Priest). Doesn’t get much more Metal than that.

Heavy Metal meets Horror ( ala Trick or Treat) has always been one of the sub-genres we had crazy fun with, so we can’t wait to see more of this project– hopefully we won’t be waiting long.

Worse News: Cynthia Rothrock’s Black Creek (2025) final trailer and the release date!

Posted: 28/05/2025 in Tribute, Worse News
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First announced in ’23 Cynthia Rothtock‘s Western/ Martial Arts hybrid is almost here. Distributed by VMI Worldwide, Black Creek is expected to hit the Apple TV on June 17th and can even be pre-ordered right here–https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/black-creek/umc.cmc.59gl91h0yamgmjd7lxz7jv6gf

A sheriff’s sister seeks revenge against the terrifying leader of a group of outlaws after discovering he brutally murdered her brother, his wife, and other family members in a gritty southwestern town.

For fans of 80s and 90s Martial Art flicks, movie is significant as a reunion of China O’ Brian (1990) team of Rothrock, Keith Cooke and the late, great Richard Norton almost 35 years after their last film together. And the rest of the cast is also rounded out with who’s who of old school Martial Art movies with names like Don “Dragon” Wilson, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Keith Vitali and Ninjutsu pioneer Stephen Hayes all there.

Also if you want to order a DVD, Blu-Ray or even a Shoutout from Cynthia I believe movie’s Indiegogo is still open (for now) : https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/black-creek-an-action-film-by-cynthia-rothrock

Worse News: Cult classic that introduced the world to Van Damme- No Retreat No Surrender (1985) is getting a new documentary!

Posted: 18/02/2025 in Worse News
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No Retreat No Surrender (1985) was at the time a rare hybrid of Hong Kong and U.S.A.– an attempt to bring Asian Martial Arts movies to American audiences. It was written by Keith Strandberg and directed by Corey Yuen (Dragons Forever, Yes, Madam) in his English language debut. (Yuen would go on to have a successful career in the west from No Retreat 2 to working on Jet Li‘s American movies like Lethal Weapon 4, Romeo Must Die & The Expendables as well as effectively launching Jason Statham as an action star with The Transporter.) It also notably had remaining vestiges of 70s Bruceploitation genre by inexplicably having a main character being trained by a ghost of Bruce Lee (Kim Tai-Chung aka Tong Lung.)

Directed by Oliver Harper (In Search of the Last Action Heroes) documentary features interviews not only with the likes of No Retreat producer Ng See-yuen, original cast members such as Kurt McKinney, J.W. Fails, Peter “Sugarfoot” Cunningham as well as sequel’s Cynthia Rothrock and Matthias Hues but also with famous fans such as Scott Adkins(Undisputed, Ninja). The only one missing is The Muscles from Brussels himself, Mr. Van Damme.

As of now movie is over 40% financed on Kickstarter and if you want you can pre- order it right here. I have no doubt this will get to 100% in no time.

Worse News: Finally, the new Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story trailer- featuring Van Damme, Rothrock, Norton and much more!

Posted: 09/12/2024 in Tribute, Worse News
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It’s been a long time coming (5 years!) but it seems that the fabled Bolo Yeung documentary is finally ready to go. And I must say I’m duly impressed. Filmmakers managed to interview practically every relevant co- star Bolo had through his 100+ movie career, from his Enter The Dragon (1973) co- star Bob Wall (R.I.P) to his Bloodsport (1988) and Double Impact (1991) nemesis Jean Claude Van Damme, Cynthia Rothrock (Tiger Claws 1, Tiger Claws 2 ), Matthias Hues (TC2000) and even Richard Norton (Ironheart). And that’s not even a half of it.

Weightlifter, Bodybuilder, Martial Artist and Actor

We also get a candid look at the man behind the on- screen villain persona with the mix of rare interviews, old photos and recording spanning all the way to his earliest days in the post- WWII China. Man’s got quite a story to tell and his journey takes him from China to Hong Kong to Hollywood, California and everywhere in between- I for one, can’t wait to follow along.

From the gritty streets of post-war China to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, Bolo Yeung’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unrelenting determination. Known to millions as the iconic villain of Enter the Dragon and Bloodsport, his journey is far more profound than the characters he played.

Produced by Hussar Entertainment, Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story is directed by Pavel Nyziak and is expected to debut in 2025.

Ready to go!

Worse News: Cynthia Rothrock/ Richard Norton Western BLACK CREEK- first full trailer is out!

Posted: 10/09/2024 in Worse News
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We talked about the return of the famous Martial Art duo Cynthia Rothrock & Richard Norton (after 30 years) some months back- and now we finally have the first full trailer. And it has as much ass- kicking as you can imagine. Which is pretty damn impressive considering most of the actors started their careers in Action Movies in the 80s!

The rest of the cast is equally impressive for any 80s and 90s Martial Art movie fan- featuring the third member of their China O’ Brian (1988) team- Keith Cooke (also know as Sub Zero in Mortal Kombat films) along with the the Kickboxing legends like Benny “Jet” Urquidez (Meels of Wheels) and Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Bloodfist) with Keith Vitali of Revenge of the Ninja fame. And speaking of Ninjas, first American Ninja master (student of Maasaki Hatsumi of the Bujinkan organization) Steven K Hayes is also in this movie!

Pretty incredible cast for a relatively low budget movie. And yes, I know Wild West wasn’t full of people doing Karate but it’s not like American movies are known for their historical accuracy.

The plot centers around a sheriff’s sister who seeks revenge against the terrifying leader of a group of outlaws after discovering he brutally murdered her brother, his wife, and other family members in a gritty southwestern town.

Now, enjoy all the Karate Cowboys and if you want to pre- order the movie, Black Creek Indiegogo campaign is still open right here.

Worse News: Trailer and the release date for THE LAST KUMITE!

Posted: 13/03/2024 in Tribute, Worse News
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Long wait is (almost) over! The ultimate 80s Martial Arts movie tribute The Last Kumite featuring Mathis Landwehr, Cynthia Rothrock, Matthias Hues, Kurt McKinney, Billy Blanks , Michel Qissi & David Yeung is available on Digital May 14, 2024 and on Blu-Ray and DVD June 11, 2024.

You can enjoy the full trailer bellow:

“When Karate champion Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr) wins the last tournament of his career, shady businessman Ron Hall (Matthias Hues) offers him the opportunity to fight in an illegal, deadly Kumite in Bulgaria with the world’s best martial artists. Michael declines, only to find out later that his daughter Bree has been kidnapped and that in order to rescue her, he is left with no other option but to fight in the deadly tournament. When he finally gets to Bulgaria, he finds out that he is not the only fighter whose loved one got taken. Now, in order to beat the undefeated Kumite Champion Dracko, Michael trains with Master Loren (Billy Blanks), and Dracko’s former Sensei, Julie Jackson (Cynthia Rothrock). But will it be enough for him to win the tournament and save his daughter’s life?“

…and if this one does good producers promise us the next one will be- The Last American Ninja!!! Can you imagine how crazy the cast would be for that one. Maybe they could bring Sho Kosugi back from the (Ninja) retirement, Michael Dudikoff is still out there doing movies so he’s probably available and who knows maybe they could even find my personal favorite- David Bradley?

Worse News: First trailer for the upcoming 80’s Martial Arts tribute- The Last Kumite!

Posted: 30/11/2023 in Tribute, Worse News
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Earlier this year we reported about David “Bolo Jr.” Yeung‘s casting in the 80’s and 90’s Martial Arts tribute The Last Kumite but now we have something even better, the first trailer for the movie.

Released today via ComingSoon.net The Last Kumite trailer promises everything from the deadly duels to the classic training montages with (almost) all the actors you remember from the old VHS rental days, actors like: Cynthia Rothrock (No Retreat, No Surrender 2), Billy Blanks (The Kings of Kickboxers), Matthias Hues (Dark Angel), Michel Qissi (Kickboxer) and Kurt McKinney (No Retreat, No Surrender).

And the hero Rivers is played by the German action star Mathis Landwehr (Lasko – Die Faust Gottes).

So, without further ado, let’s take a trip back down the memory lane and enjoy one Last Kumite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onEKmRFBat4&fbclid=IwAR0YBH1YkJoG-OzCd_al9GJA9Xl_AF4fu3LFcandVyIyiekK0Oixkeb_g7A

…with an extra dose of Blanks!

Worse News: Bolo Jr.- David Yeung cast in the upcoming 80’s Martial Arts tribute- The Last Kumite!

Posted: 04/04/2023 in Tribute, Worse News
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Who says you can never go home again.

The Last Kumite will be an action packed old school fighting movie in the style of Bloodsport, Kickboxer and No Retreat, No Surrender.

Directed by Ross W. Clarkson (Undisputed 2 & 3) movie will be starting a bevy of 80s and 90s Action Movie luminaries like Michel Qissi (Kickboxer), Abdel Qissi (The Quest), Cynthia Rothrock (No Retreat, No Surrender 2), Billy Blanks (The Kings of Kickboxers), Matthias Hues (Dark Angel) and even Kurt McKinney (No Retreat, No Surrender) making his action movie return.

The movie will be about Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr), who is a skilled martial artist and is forced to fight in an illegal fighting tournament in order to save his daughter.

Stunt coordinator is the German Martial Arts sensation Mike Moller(One Million K(l)icks).

And in the latest news they will be joined by none other than David Yeung aka Bolo Jr.– son of the original Bloodsport villain Tang Po (Bolo Yeung). Like his father before him David is a former bodybuilder and an excellent Martial Artist to boot! This casting couldn’t be more perfect for this movie and I really hope they use David‘s talents to the fullest extent.

For those who can’t wait to support The Last Kumite, it’s on Kickstarter right now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelastkumite/the-last-kumite/

Worse News: Richard Norton and Cynthia Rothrock reunited after 30 years!

Posted: 22/02/2023 in Tribute, Worse News
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In news almost too good to be true for the fans of VHS Martial Arts movies like ourselves we have the information that our favorite Aussie ass-kicker Richard Norton has joined Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock‘s project Black Creek (2024).

Known as the Martial Arts version of Fred Astair & Ginger Rogerst, Norton and Rothock started working together in the 80s Hong Kong under Sammo Hung in Millioner’s Express and Wong Jing in The Magic Crystal (1986).

They would continue their partnership in an American (but still Golden Harvest produced) China O’Brian (1988) and China O’Brian II (1990)- directed by Robert Clause (Enter The Dragon). They followed that up with actually the first Rothrock flick I’ve ever seen, her trademark Lady Dragon (1992). Their last full- on collaboration would be Rage and Honor II (1993) shot in Indonesia a year later. (Their last off- screen collaboration was when Norton served as a fight choreographer on Guardian Angel (1994), job he would continue to excel in in years to come– working on movies like Condemned, Mad Max: Fury Road, Suicide Squad 1 and 2, Triple Frontier and the upcoming Furiosa.)

It’s incredible that we had to wait 30 years for these “old gunslingers” to get back on the horse, but I’m so glad they did. You of course could never tell it’s been so long just by looking at them.

Black Creek, Western/ Martial Arts hybrid marks the first movie Cynthia has a complete creative control on and features a bevy of B-movie action legends beside Norton, from Olivier Grunner (Nemesis, Automatic) to kickboxing champ Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Bloodfist, Ring of Fire) to Kevin Sorbo ( Hercules, Andromeda) and is currently #01 movie project on Kicktarter blowing all the expectations out of the water. If you’re so inclined there’s still time to support it, so just click here.

Worse News: Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung story first trailer!

Posted: 16/05/2019 in Tribute, Worse News
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Probably the most imposing bad guy in the history of Martial Arts cinema Yang Sze aka Bolo Yeung is finally getting his own documentary and we must say- it’s long overdue. From learning Kung Fu with different masters as a child to his competitive Bodybuilding years (he would go on hold a Mr. Hong Kong title for a whole decade) his story fits the “stranger than fiction” category easily. Not to mention the fact that he freakin’ swam from China to Hong Kong to escape Communism!!! Or the fact that he met Bruce Lee while filming Winston Cigarettes commercial (you just got to love the ’70s).

He stared (mostly as a villain) in over 100 movies raging from Shaw Brothers (The Heroic Ones, The Deadly Duo) to Golden Harvest (Enter The Dragon) to Bruceploitation (Clones of Bruce Lee, Dragon Lee Fights Again) to Van Damme films (Bloodsport, Double Impact) and even Jalal Merhi films (Tiger Claws 1 and 2, TC 2000). He even showed that he could be an awesome good guy/ wise mentor character in films such as Shootfighter 1 and 2 (featuring Karate Kid/ Cobra Kai’s Billy Zabka).

 

Movie is being directed by Aziz Cem and Pavel Nyziak (who Bolo actually collaborated with on his final movie, the Kazakhstani produced The Whole World at Our Feet aka Diamond Cartel) and features exclusive interviews with the likes of Bob Wall, Richard Norton, Cynthia Rothrock, Matthias Hues, Coreena Everson, Cung Le and many, many others.

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