Travis Simpkins

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994): Jackie Chan and Smuggled Chinese Antiquities

Directed by and starring Jackie Chan, The Legend of Drunken Master (1994) is alternately titled, Drunken Master II. The story finds Jackie Chan's character, who is an invincible fighter when he is drunk, battling a gang of suave smugglers… looking to loot and trade in illicit Chinese antiquities. Fast-paced karate action and near-slapstick comedy are signature marks of Chan's style, and run throughout. The cast does great job, including Jackie Chan, Ti Lung, Anita Mui, Ken Lo, Lau Kar-Leung, Andy Lau and Felix Wong.

Jackie Chan: The Legend of Drunken Master

smuggling Chinese jade antiquities: The Legend of Drunken Master

: The Legend of Drunken Master

Jackie Chan: The Legend of Drunken Master

: The Legend of Drunken Master

Jackie Chan: The Legend of Drunken Master

"The Legend of Drunken Master"- movie trailer

Caligula (1979): Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren in Ancient Rome

Directed by Italian auteur Tinto Brass, and based on a screenplay by Gore Vidal, Caligula (1979) came about with the financial backing of Penthouse magazine publisher Bob Guccione. Chronicling the downfall of Roman Emperor Gaius Iulius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Caligula, the film is pure cinematic decadence... featuring abundant and gratuitous sex and violence. The movie is still banned in some countries and remains one of the biggest Cult films of all time. The story is off-putting yet intriguing, but the sets are impractical and stagy at times, hindering the sense of historical context. Nevertheless, Caligula stands out as one of the first films to blend legitimate, big name actors with risqué themes. The cast is great overall, including Malcolm McDowell as Caligula, Peter O'Toole, Helen Mirren, Teresa Ann Savoy and John Gielgud.

Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

Helen Mirren: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell and Peter O'Toole: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

Helen Mirren: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren: Caligula

: Caligula

Malcolm McDowell and John Gielgud: Caligula

: Caligula

Helen Mirren and Malcolm McDowell: Caligula

Helen Mirren: Caligula

: Caligula

"Caligula"- opening

The Touch (2002): Acrobatics and Stolen Artifacts

Directed by Peter Pau, The Touch (2002) sought to springboard off the success of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, but flopped and was met with widespread negative reviews. The story concerns a sister and brother, members of an acrobatic family tasked with protecting a sacred holy treasure. When an illicit art collector orders the theft of an ancient stone relic that will lead to the secret location of the holy artifact, drastic action must be taken to curtail the looting of their shrine. The story is far-fetched, but the big downfall of the film rests with the inferior green screen special effects… not good at all. Michelle Yeoh is the one shining star in an otherwise lackluster production. Ben Chaplin, Richard Roxburgh and Dane Cook co-star.