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. 

Chill Out, Scooby-Doo! (2007)

 Chill Out, Scooby-Doo! (2007) ****/*****

 For those keeping track, this is the 11th of the long running DTV series featuring Hanna-Barbera's most iconic and enduring franchise. 

The gang's vacation to Paris takes a wrong turn when Scooby and Shaggy miss their flight and end up on a skydiving expedition in the Himalayas. To make matters worse, upon arrival they must outrun the Abominable Snowmonster..

Apparently, I have watched this one before, but didn't have any clear memory of it. Although the opening few minutes gave me a strong case of deja-vu. So I headed over to IMDB to see if I at least rated it previously. I had, and gave it a 6/10., which seems a little too harsh.