Prince of Space (1959)

 Prince of Space (1959) **/*****

A truly epic toku movie in which a time displaced Gatchaman battles Wario over the formula for rocket fuel with the fate of the earth in the balance. It doesn't really make any sense and is far less coherent than it really should be.  It has the exact same feel as a 15 chapter movie serial condensed down to an hour. 

Prince of Space (1959)

I don't exactly understand why a race of beings who are capable of interplanetary travel need an earth sourced fuel formula, but for whatever reason space Wario decides he needs it, which puts him into direct conflict with Prince Gatchaman and of course Earth.

Wario (Phantom Ambassador)


vs

Time displaced Gatchaman (Planetary Prince)

 

As for the plot, there's not much to tell, it boils down to Wario wanting a fuel formula which displeases Gatchaman who sets out to stop him. There are a few other characters, the obligatory children, who don't really serve a purpose aside from representing the child audience this was made for, a brainwashed and hypnotized double agent, and various scientists and henchmen. 

One thing to keep in mind is that this was originally a two part movie series, and this only seems to be part one or maybe an edit that condenses both parts into a single hour long movie. Either way the movie is very disjointed and the special effects don't help. They are extremely cheap looking and fail to impress. Whether it is because of budgetary reasons or an inexperienced crew, they never come across as anything but toys. 

The score is lackluster as well, almost sounding like stock music that was used in many cheap productions of the era. Though it is  credited to a Katsuhisa Hattori. It wouldn't be too out of place in a later era Universal Studios Classic Monsters picture or a Columbia serial. Though given the context of the movie itself, that was probably an intentional choice. Especially since this does seemingly take a lot of inspiration from the serials which only ceased production 4 years prior. If you enjoy this type of thing check out the late cycle Sci-Fi and Rocket Men serials of the early 50's.

Feeling like a movie serial is not a bad thing and is actually one thing in favor of this movie. Simple (If nonsensical) plot of good vs evil.  Clearly delineated good guys and bad guys no needlessly complicated romances. 

It also definitely shows its TV show origin roots, although the costume is modified and the movies have a different cast. I have never seen the tv series so I can't make an personal observations on the differences between the TV series and movies. 

Given that this was made for children, it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, entertain the kids and keep them occupied for an hour or so. For anyone over the age of 5 or not a fan of the genre, this is a pointless movie that does nothing to win over new converts. Quickly watched and just as quickly forgotten.

Sources: IMDB and Wikipedia

  

Spiritual Kung Fu (1978)

 Spiritual Kung Fu (1978) ***/*****

This was once my favorite early era (1976-1982) Jackie Chan movie,  does it still hold up? We'll see. But one of my favorite genre mashups are the Supernatural/(Insert genre) ones. Don't know why, but adding a dash of the supernatural to genres that don't usually have that element, will always get my attention. Action and Kung Fu movies especially. A character flaw I suppose. But anyway onto the movie.

A goofy student is taught a lost martial art style by five ghosts.

 

Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword (2009)

 Scooby-Doo! and the Samurai Sword (2009) */*****

Well, here we are... the 40th anniversary and the farewell performance of Casey Kasem as Shaggy Rogers. A return that lasted 6 years and 9 movies culminates in this, the 13th movie in the DTV series. Is it a worthy send-off? We'll find out. 

The Mystery Inc. crew travels the globe on a transcontinental treasure hunt to solve a series of ancient riddles. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy are indoctrinated by an unlikely Sword Master.

Drunken Master (1978)

 Drunken Master (1978) ***/*****

Here it is, the movie that signaled the arrival of the biggest Klown-Fu superstar of all time. A movie that was very clearly designed as a showcase for Jackie's inherently lovable clown like persona and physical skills. 

Wong Fei-Hung is a mischievous, yet righteous young man, but after a series of incidents, his frustrated father has him disciplined by a master of drunken martial arts.

Snake in the Eagles Shadow (1978)

 Snake in the Eagles Shadow (1978) ****/*****

Here it is, the movie that begins the upward trajectory of Jackie Chan and lays the foundation for  what was to come. A much more realized version of his slapstick Kung-Fu makes its bow, and several concepts and trademarks soon to be recognized as uniquely Jackie Chan make an early appearance as well.

This can also be viewed as a full scale dress rehearsal for Drunken Master which went into production almost immediately after this one was completed.

An orphan who has been raised at a kung fu school, where he is treated as little more than a dogsbody and practice target for the students, has a life-changing experience after helping an old peripatetic beggar.

Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King (2008)

 Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King (2008) ****/*****

With spooky season right around the corner, join me as we venture into the realm of "The Goblin King". 

For those keeping track, this is the 12th movie in the long running DTV series that launched in the year 1998. 

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy must go into the underworld ruled by the Goblin King in order to stop a mortal named The Amazing Krudsky who wants power and is a threat to their pals, Fred, Velma and Daphne.

                                                              

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978)

 Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) ****/***** (Review copy was the 2019 edition of the 88 films blu-ray)

As far as these things go, this one isn't overly complicated, 

Jackie Chan has a book everyone wants and they will stop at nothing to get it. However Jackie is actually looking a murderer and is using the book as bait.