Back with Another of Those Rothrocking Bleeps

     This week a pair of films about people reluctantly stepping into roles they never wanted but have to for the greater social good.

     After her sister and nephew are murdered, a psychologist with multiple black belts gets psychic powers. Using her new found powers for justice, she begins to investigate the crime ring that is responsible for her sister's murder. A cult classic of the straight to video action era, that takes the star out of her comfort zone and drops her and the audience right into the director's favorite dreams- Sworn to Justice.
     12-year-old John begins to develop episodes of tics and uncontrollable echolalia that no one understands. 13 years later John is directionless and hopelessly resigned to his situation with a diagnosis that offers no hope of reprieve. When he reconnects with a school friend and his family, John begins taking control of his own life. A biopic that skillfully balances the  complicated disorder with an amiable nature supported by a terrific cast- I Swear.
     All that and Craig experiences joy, Tyler experiences pain, Dave still feels noting, and Kevin plots to unearth somethings that may be best left forgotten. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 454- Back with Another of Those Rothrocking Bleeps

Rothrocking and Judo Rolling

     This week- a pair of Hong Kong martial art noirs. 

     Prosecutor Ha is was as by-the-book as they came. Until his mentor was gunned down in broad daylight and the vital witness in his current case is murdered with their entire family. Now Ha is taking matters into his own hands. Senior Inspector Cindy Si is a dedicated investigator with a strict view of justice. They find themselves in a deep conspiracy with roots in the very heart of the system they have both dedicated their lives to. Corey Yuen's Righting Wrongs.
     Depressed alcoholic and karaoke bar manager, Sze-to Bo, turned his back on his champion judo career for reasons no one knows. Current judo champion and competitive fighter, Tony, only want a fight with Bo. A singer, Mona, seeks refuge in the bar from her evil manager. Old and frail Cheng, with his dementia suffering son Ching, seek to restore their dojo to its former glory. Johnnie To's Throw Down. 
     All that and Tyler comes out of hiding, Dave watches a doc, and Kevin finally learns to read. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 284- Rothrocking and Judo Rolling

Scratched Bark

     This week environmentalism in space and serial killing on Earth.

     The third rock is deforested. All that remains of its plant life and the species dependent on them are stored in massive geodesic domes attached to cargo ships. Word finally comes down that the project is to be abandoned, with all domes destroyed and ships returned to commercial use. Freeman Lowell, resident botanist and ecologist aboard Valley Forge, rebels to save the last dome and with it all that remains of Earth's native plant life. Hoping to hide in the rings of Saturn, Lowell is alone in the dark and Silent Running.
     A serial killer stalks all martial arts masters in the city. Desperate to get out of her assignment to Vice, detective Linda Masterson, played by the tragically misused Cynthia Rothrock, leverages her knowledge of martial arts to get on the case. For reasons, the prime one being his actor fronted much of the money to make the film, her captain decides that she needs the help of another karate cop, Sgt Tarek Richards, played by the less discussed the better Jalal Merhi. Richards soon does a tedious sexism and leaves her in the car while he goes to show off his complete lack of charm and fight skills. Not even Bolo Yeung, stoically shirtless and ready to rumble, can pull this out of the gaping pit of uncharismatic talentless ego driving the scenes. Just why, Tiger Claws?
     All that and Kevin outpaces all, Tyler gets a sprain from fanboy hype, and Dave discovers there's a little Jalal in us all. Join us, won't you?

Episode 245- Scratched Bark

Rothrock and Roll

      This week- two movies, four women, and multiple trios of bumbling idiots.

     Naama lives in an Israeli suburb with little to do except drugs and casual hook ups. When she meets a new student, they are immediately attracted to each other. Meanwhile, he racist parents are desperately searching for her AWOL sister who might have run off with a nice young Palestinian boy. Blush (aka, the much better title, Barash).
     Two of the best action stars of all time together in the second film directed by Hong Kong legend Corey Yuen and produced by Sammo Hung which started an entire subgenre. Tragically, the draws are pushed aside for some of the worst garbage outputted by the painfully unfunny Luck Stars but when allowed to do what they do best, they rival any other of the period and force you to say... Yes, Madam. 
     All that and the Spencer Mansion collapses on Dave and Tyler's heads while Kevin leaves his noir funk behind for candy colored holiday cheer. Join us, won't you?

Episode 234- Rothrock and Roll