Stunt performers tend to be the most underrated aspect of an action film, as their physical finesse can give a fight the harsh edge it needs to have weight and impact. However, as Jiu Jitsu demonstrates, that hard edge cannot hold up an entire movie. This dull schlock fest is only really concerned with showing off "cool" fight choreography, and couldn't care less about the dialogue, characters, or story as a whole. As a result, this movie is a boring slog that occasionally picks up a pulse once someone starts punching someone else, but even that gets boring after the 30th time it happens. What this "film" fails to understand is the fighting can only be a tool used to tell the whole story. Like the engine of a car, it is functional, but a car needs more than just an engine to be drivable. The martial-arts action is but one part of the whole, and only by actually having a story, does the combat leave an impact. I won't lie though, it is quite obvious all the s...

The concept of a blind action hero is fascinating to me. The thought of someone without sight being able to one-up someone who can see, and do so with dazzling combat abilities, is one of the coolest things going. So my teenage self was very excited when TV spots and movie trailers appeared for Rutger Hauer's blind swordsman movie, Blind Fury. The film never hit local theatres, but I eventually caught up with it on VHS, and loved it. Was it perfect? No. But it was a lot of fun, and featured some very cool action scenes, the hotness of Lisa Blount, and Sho Kosugi. 'Nuff said! It's thirty-two years later. How does Blind Fury hold up? Stick with me! Phillip Noyce's fun little movie is still, well, fun! And yes, it's still far from perfect. Viewed now, it's clear the studio heavily cut the film to the shortest run time possible without losing the story, or removing the cool fight scenes. I'd love to see a director's cut, because I'm sure a lot of charact...

We in The Basement eagerly await Jennifer Linch's feature directorial debut Kung Fu Ghost for a number of reasons. 1) Jennifer is a super awesome and talented gal, 2) Kung Fu Ghost is a supernatural martial arts fantasy comedy, and the world needs more of those, and 3) see one and two. We've scored our first look at the film via Jennifer's Nameless Studios, and if the whole movie is as fun as these few minutes, we're in for a good time. Also, Jennifer knows how to fight!! We never doubted her abilities, but this quick scene is a fine display of her fist, feet, and blade skills.  We had Jennifer on the show in  late 2019 , and again  last year , to discuss Kung Fu Ghost. No word yet on a release date, but we'll keep you posted. Kung Fu Ghost is about Daisy (Jennifer) who inherits a spooky old estate in America from her grandfather (David S. Dawson), a martial arts master she's never met. She arrives in the U.S. and is shown the property. She soon discovers the ho...

I've been in quite a kung fu mood as of late, so I decided to check out Jackie Chan's Crime Story. Unfortunately, this really wasn't a martial arts flick, even with Jackie being front and centre. This movie was trying to be more of a traditional action movie, to its detriment, in my opinion. The problem is this film ended up feeling like a martial arts movie, but without the fighting. Just as in kung fu fashion, this movie had a meandering plot based around a bunch of set pieces. However, the set pieces are mostly standard gun fights that would've been great at the time, but seem simple nowadays. It doesn't help that in between these set pieces is a pretty generic story without any interesting characters. However, there is one genuine fight scene in this movie, and it was excellent. Jackie gets into a scrap in a marketplace, and it's a real knock-down, drag-out brawl. It's a shame there wasn't more of these scenes in this film. All in all, this...

In these trying times, I couldn't think of a better way to unwind than with a cheesy Kung Fu movie. Return to the 36th. Chamber (1980) was certainly an unwind, but with a few surprises. It's still as cheesy as you'd expect from the genre, don't get me wrong. Everyone overacts, there are some incredibly fake wigs involved, and the dubbing is as tone deaf as can be. Where the movie stands out is with its creative approach to implementing Kung Fu. Through a very convoluted process, the main character learns Roof Kung Fu as he builds scaffolding for a Shaolin temple. I know that sounds as cheap as Karate Kid (1984), but it actually looks like a legitimate fighting style here. This might have an overt comedy tone to it, but there is some impressive martial arts on display. The fighting is a mix of gymnastics, combat, and carpentry... of all things. I was not expecting this result, but I'm so happy it turned out this way. You'll have a blast with Return to t...

Making a movie can be an all-consuming labour of love; one that requires all your time, focus and energy. Fortunately for director/producer/actor/martial artist Jennifer N. Linch, she's got all that in spades! Jennifer has unveiled the official poster for her upcoming feature-film directorial debut, Kung Fu Ghost, and it's a thing of nostalgic beauty, at least from a classic martial arts movie poster perspective. If you've watched any of the classics, you'll catch my drift. Check it: We had Jennifer on the show last fall , and again earlier this year , to discuss Kung Fu Ghost. Shawn and I are eager for our first look at the film, which will hopefully come this fall. Until then, here's the official synopsis: Kung Fu Ghost is about Daisy (Jennifer) who inherits a spooky old estate in America from her grandfather (David S. Dawson), a martial arts master she's never met. She arrives in the U.S. and is shown the property. She soon discovers the house ...

What better movie to watch right now than one about being trapped in a building and having to fight for your life? While it probably shouldn't be topical, The Raid is still a great choice. It's an excellent Indonesian action film about a SWAT team trapped in said situation. It's chock full of fantastic, brutal action that manages to feel grounded and believable. Add to that smart camera work that actually allows you to see the fights, and you get an excellent package. One aspect I like most is how intense it is. These characters aren't invincible, and we aren't sure how many of them are going to make it out alive. There are even moments when our bad-ass protagonist is overwhelmed and has to run and hide. All in all, this is one of the greats. You'll be glued to the screen, and having a blast. If you haven't, watch it! It's definitely a Good.

Hot off the success of last night's epic broadcast From The Basement comes the podcast version of our show, one that features even more of our interview with the beautiful and talented Jennifer N. Linch! For the uninitiated, Jennifer is a director/producer/actor/model/martial artist who just completed her first feature film; the martial arts/supernatural/romantic comedy Kung Fu Ghost. And she joins us to provide an update on the film, share how production went, and give a hint at what's next for this one-woman filmmaking army! But that's not all, as Jason and Shawn share their list of Top 5 apocalyptic movies. It is the end of the world as we know it, so the Basement Boys decided to sound off on their favourite end-of-the-world flicks. What movies made the cut and what didn't? Stick with us! And don't you dare touch that dial, as the Dynamic Duo put the supernatural horror flick Ouijageist on the chopping block. Hey, if movies called Ouija and Poltergeist ma...

Sometimes a movie comes along that challenges your sensibilities as a moviegoer, and as a critic; one that leaves you conflicted about your overall opinion, because it plays to things you like, but falls short in other areas. Writer/director Vincent Soberano's Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids is one such movie. On the one hand, this is martial arts/action/horror/sci-fi mashup that delivers all the martial-arts action, horror, and science-fiction elements I could want. And Soberano definitely gives the film a comic-book vibe, thanks to some opening scene animation and graphics that pop up throughout the story. The film's short running time is basically 75 per cent action, which is mostly comprised of some well choreographed martial arts and knife combat. Soberano can shoot a fight scene, and the rumbles are smoothly shot so we follow the action. Well done! Soberano also cast a collection of beautiful women, including Sarah Chang, Roxanne Barcelo, and Mayling Ng. They...

Last year we introduced you to multi-talented actress/producer/director/martial artist Jennifer N. Linch, who was about to embark on the daunting task of making her first feature film, Kung Fu Ghost. Well, she did! The film is deep into post production, and she's already hard at work prepping her follow up feature. So Shawn and I figured it was time to invite Jennifer back. Her and I had a great conversation about Kung Fu Ghost, and discussed the toll it took on her to not only direct the martial arts/romantic comedy, but play the lead as well. Oh, and fight. There's lots of fighting in this one! Jennifer also shares what she has in store for her next movie, which is a martial arts/fantasy adventure. You got to hand it to her; she doesn't stick to one particular formula, and we appreciate her for it. When do you get to hear our follow up with Jennifer? How about Friday, April 24, at 6:05 on the P.M.... and only on Radio NL 610 AM Kamloops! Stick with us!

One of our favourite interviews of 2019 was with actress/director/producer/martial artist Jennifer N. Linch. Not only is she uber talented, but a real sweetheart as well. Jennifer talked about her upcoming debut feature film Kung Fu Ghost. If y'all don't remember, you can listen to the interview again right here . Well, good news; production has begun on Kung Fu Ghost, with cameras rolling as we speak. Jennifer directs from a script by Ivan White. Kung Fu Ghost is about Daisy (Jennifer) who inherits a spooky old estate in American from her grandfather (David S. Dawson), a martial arts master she's never met. She arrives in the U.S. and is shown the property, and soon discovers the house is haunted by her grandfather's spirit, as well as the ghost of a mysterious man named William (Noah Sargent) When treasure-hunting criminals descend on Daisy's home, she is forced to call on her new supernatural friends to fend them off. What unfolds is a fun tale of fantasy...

Did you hear us last night on the mighty Radio NL 610 AM Kamloops? Whether you did, or did not, you don't want to miss this, the podcast version of last night's show! Last night we talked with the multi-talented Dominiquie Vandenberg about his new movie The Mercenary. Yes, Dom is an action hero... but not only on the big screen. He's appeared in dozens of movies, and is a martial artist and fight choreographer who's worked with the likes of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. Pretty cool stuff, right. Not a question, a statement. But Dom is the real deal. He served in the French Foreign Legion and saw action in Africa. From there he travelled to Thailand and fought in the famed freestyle fighting rings. He also hints at working as a mercenary, which makes his latest film feel all-too real. We talked with Dom for about eight minutes last night, but you get to hear the full 26-minute interview on this podcast. It's a riveting conversation with a fascinating...

There's a new action hero in town, and his name is Dominiquie Vandenberg. While he might not be the household name Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme or even Steven Seagal are, he IS a real-life action hero. Dom served in the French Foreign Legion, he's a trained martial artist and knife combatant, and has fought in Thailand's famed freestyle fighting rings. He's also a writer, warrior poet, and has appeared in more than a dozen movies. And he was the action choreographer on Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. Yup, he's worked with Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day Lewis! Dom joins us tonight at 6:05 Pacific on the mighty Radio NL 610 AM Kamloops to talk about his life, his career and his new movie The Mercenary, which hits Jan. 7. Believe us when we say to you this is a can't-miss interview with a fascinating human being. But that's not all, as From The Basement celebrates a landmark today. We might be two months into our prime-ti...

Earlier today we posted a review of Jesse V. Johnson's latest action effort, The Mercenary . And just now I got off the line with its star, the great Dominiqiue Vandenberg. Dom might not be a household name like Steven Seagal or Jean-Claude Van Damme, but he's the absolute real deal when it comes to being a real-life action hero. He's a former French Foreign Legionnaire, an accomplished martial artist, and trained in knife combat. His big Hollywood break came when Martin Scorsese hired him to be a technical advisor for Gangs of New York, Yes, all the brutal knife fighting and combat in that movie are his handywork! He's gone on to work on dozens of movies, most recently Johnson's Triple Threat, which kicks much ass. Now he's starring in The Mercenary, which hits DVD and Digital Jan. 7 from Uncork'd Entertainment. Dom and I talk everything from the movie to his storied combat and martial arts history. It's a fascinating chat with a fascinating, ol...

Ladies and Gentleman, you can bring nostalgia into cinema without resurrecting a decades-old franchise. And Jesse V. Johnson's latest action effort, The Mercenary, is proof of that. This is an old-school action movie that has the look, feel and pulse of 80s action flicks. If it were made back in the day, it would have starred Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris or even Steven Seagal. But it was made in 2019 and stars Dominiquie Vandenberg, who himself is an accomplished martial artists, knife fighter and former soldier. To say Vandenberg brings a level of credibility to the role is an understatement. This man knows how to kill for real, and it's apparent in every fight sequence in the movie. He, Johnson and their fight choreography team create some of the most brutally entertaining action scenes I've ever seen. This should come as no surprise considering Johnson directed Triple Threat, and that film is an action fan's wet dream. So's this movie! I had a blas...

Triple Threat is a great action picture . Probably one of the best of the year. It's an old-school kick 'em up featuring a lot of talented mofos. If you haven't seen it, get on it! Now director Jesse V. Johnson is at it again, and he's wrangled Triple Threat co-star Dominiquie Vandenberg to help him. The flick is called The Mercenary, and a lot of people get punched in the face... and a lot of stuff blows up. Suffice to say, Shawn is happy. Here's the trailer: Yes, this doesn't look like anything we haven't seen before. But it's a tried and true story, and Johnson knows how to handle action. We're on board here in The Basement, and you should be too! The Mercenary also stars Louis Mandylor and Carmen Argenziano. It hits DVD and Digital Jan. 7. Source: Uncork'd Entertainment

Did you miss the show last night? Or do you want to listen again? How about that interview with Jennifer N. Linch? Dig it? Well, we've got even more for you on this, the podcast version of last night's broadcast on the mighty Radio NL 610 AM Kamloops! That's right; we unleashed about seven minutes of Jay's conversation with director/producer/martial artist/model Jennifer N. Linch last night, but there's about seven more minutes of that interview for you right here, right now! Jennifer talks about her upcoming feature Kung Fu Ghost, her thoughts on women directing action movies, her insistence that actors do their own stunts, and more. It's a great chat, and one that should please fans be they into martial arts or not. Plus there's Jason and Shawn talking the latest Rambo movie and the politics of It: Chapter 2, the weekend rundown of all things entertainment, and a whole not more. How much more? I don't know... Just listen! And you can do that ...

It's Thanksgiving in the Good 'Ole U.S. of A, and that means there's a few big movies to watch between turkey dinners for our American fans... and for us in the True North Strong and Free, who ate our bird weeks ago. Unlike years past, one of the most anticipated films of the weekend -- and in fact the year -- isn't landing in theatres, but is debuting on Netflix. And it's directed by a Hollywood legend, and stars a trio of Hollywood legends. Jason and Shawn will tell you all about it, and the weekend's other big releases, when From The Basement takes to the Radio NL 610 AM airwaves at 6:05 PST tonight! In addition to discussing The Irishman, Knives Out and Queen and Slim, the Basement Boys have a new interview for your earholes. Jason spoke with martial arts filmmaker Jennifer N. Linch about her upcoming mashup Kung Fu Ghost. The two also get into the gender politics of filmmaking, making this conversation a timely one. Meanwhile, Jason and Shawn ha...

Shawn and I have met some awesome people during our decade-long journey with From The Basement, and today that trend continued as I interviewed actor/producer/writer/director Jennifer N. Linch! Sorry, make that actor/producer/writer/director/martial artist/model Jennifer N. Linch. This is one busy lady! Jennifer has made quite a splash with her award-winning shorts The Dream, Flowers of the Night, Nothing Else Matters and Forbidden Forest. And she's about to make a big leap into feature films with Kung Fu Ghost. She describes Kung Fu Ghost as a supernatural/martial arts/romantic/comedy, which totally has us curious about this one. How about you? Well, you'll hear all about Kung Fu Ghost, and get to know this talented young lady, on our Nov. 29th episode. Jennifer and I covered a lot of ground during our chat, and I guarantee you'll have a great time, only on Radio NL 610 AM Kamloops. Stick with us!

A lot of what we do in The Basement is horror related. It's been our bread and butter for almost a decade, and we love it. But Shawn and I also dig our action movies, and few can argue Asian cinema has the action racket down. You wanna argue? Shut your mouth! Coming at audiences Nov. 23 is Hyrda, which marks the directorial debut of Kensuke Sonomura, a long-time stunt professional and the byproduct of action legend Yasuaki Kurata's Action Club, and Yuji Shimomura's U'den Flame Works. That, my friends, is a hell of a pedigree. One would expect Hyrda to be a balls-to-the-wall martial arts/action extravaganza, but it's actually a quiet film with moments of brilliant action thrown in. And, at just 75 minutes, it feels more like a TV pilot than a full-on feature film. This is not a complaint, as I don't mind leaving a movie wanting more. But all the groundwork is laid for something bigger, and better, and I'm hoping we get to see it. What we are o...