When a true acting legend has already become associated with a certain role in the public imagination, it will always be a tough act to follow for the new actor who takes on that role. In many cases, the recasting of screen legends with new actors can be poorly received, although there have been occasions when the stars aligned perfectly and the replacement was perfect for the role. From franchise films to beloved works of literature, it’s inevitable that characters will be played by multiple actors, though new actors must find a way to step into the role. The best…
Author: Stephen Holland
The glam rock icon David Bowie may have had countless hit songs loved by rock fans around the world, but the truth is he had a complex relationship with his first hit single. “Space Oddity” was the track that put Bowie on the map, as its themes of alienation, loneliness and space travel helped lay the groundwork for his alien reputation as The Man Who Fell to Earth. Although Bowie continued to explore themes of time and space over the years, notably as Ziggy Stardust on songs like “Starman,” his feelings toward Major Tom’s story were more complicated. Bowie was…
It’s amazing how many smart fans theories there are characters that connect characters from completely separate films. It could be an actor’s role in both films that encourages viewers to conjure up unique and interesting ways to connect their characters, or it could be a thematic connection so striking that it opens up a way to show how both films are set in the same way. universe. While it’s true that not all fan theories will stand up to intense scrutiny, it’s still a fun experiment to imagine how two disparate movie characters might be unconsciously connected to one another.…
The classic dynamic of student and teacher has long been a cornerstone of kung-fu cinema, often culminating in the student overtaking and defeating the person who gifted him with his martial arts skills. This can be seen through literal battles where the student surpasses the teacher’s skill and defeats him for the first time. However, in other kung fu films, the defeat can be more symbolic as they utilize the skills they have been given to go further than the teacher was ever capable of, and in the process the student becomes the master. Many of the greatest kung fu…
Donnie Yen has built a reputation as one of the biggest martial arts stars of all time, largely due to his incredible roles in old-school kung fu films. Although Yen later gained recognition in important series such as John Wick, Star Warsand Ip Manhe started out in the 1980s and really became a huge star during the 1990s. These earlier films showcased his impeccable skills as an actor, director, and talented martial artist. The early days of Donnie Yen’s career had many underrated films that lovers of old school kung fu cinema should check out. From epic action films about…
Police and martial arts The films make an exciting combination, as the intersection of crime and the law has led to some of the most exciting fight films of all time. While Jackie Chan Police story may be the definitive martial arts crime film, many other incredible displays of technical skill, expert choreography, and surprisingly impressive action sequences have utilized police officers in their central narrative. From big stars like Donnie Yen to the Girls with Guns styles of Cynthia Rothrock and Michelle Yeoh, there’s no shortage of incredible martial arts crime films. Many of the greatest kung fu films…
Clint Eastwood was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s and had several career-defining roles throughout this decade. Coming off his huge success as The Man With No Name in Sergio Leone’s film Dollar Trilogy During the 1960s, Eastwood did not slow down in the following decade, as he dedicated himself to action films, comedies, dramas and thrillers. With unparalleled on-screen charisma and a tough-guy reputation, Eastwood’s 1970s filmography could be the perfect summary of his entire career. In the 1970s, Eastwood continued to play tough Western gunmen and even led a new franchise as Inspector Harry Callahan…
Countless incredible martial arts movies have heroes based on real historical figures. Since the stories of notable martial artists were inextricably linked to real history, long-standing myths, and iconic folk legends, it’s no surprise that many real-life people find their way into action-packed martial arts films. A notable example was Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Yip Man in Ip Man franchise, but there have been several more acclaimed examples of this throughout martial arts cinema. Some of the greatest martial arts films ever made have used real people as the basis for their stories. The kung fu film classics of the…
Sylvester Stallone is one of the biggest action movie stars on the planet and has had an amazing career playing courageous heroes, skilled assassins and even traumatized veterans. Although Stallone earned his breakout role as underdog fighter Rocky Balboa in his famous sports franchise, following that success he carved out another career as a bona fide action movie star, chasing bad guys and bringing crooks to justice. Spurred on by his long-running rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stallone has continually strived for more over-the-top, chaotic, and wildly entertaining action film releases. Many of Stallone’s best films were in the action film…
Since the birth of cinema, war movies they acted as powerful vehicles to convey distressing anti-war messages, exploiting the deteriorating effects of conflict. While some films may present themselves as anti-war, in the process they often end up glorifying battle, and the shedding of blood seems like a heroic act to be praised and praised. However, there have been some truly effective anti-war films that have shown the soulless, unnecessary, and inhumane nature of allowing citizens to fight and die for political causes from which they will not even benefit. All of the greatest war films of all time echo…