Shaolin Wooden Men (1976)

Shaolin Wooden Men is a typical Hong Kong Martial Arts Movie which cobbles thin storylines and questionable acting to some awesome kick but action.

The music swings between twee and chinese ‘action music’ most westerners find discordant. With dreadful dubbing and poor quality film, its a movie best fast forwarded through to the action scenes.
In saying all of this, I am a huge fan of Jackie Chan. He is an immensely talented man and martial artist; regardless to the quality of the movie, he is fun to watch.


Shaolin Wooden Men comes from his early career and it is a bit of a rude shock to revisit it and see just how young he looks. Jackie has an unmistakable style, great timing, and ability to do some impressive things with both his body and surrounding props. He manages to meld the slapstick and serious in a way no other action actor is able to.

Shaolin Wooden Men focuses on the journey of Little Mute, an orphan taken in by the Shaolin Monks after his father was murdered by a unknown fighter. Since the day he witnessed his fathers death, he refuses to speak. Little Mute works hard to learn the skills from the monks, but is constantly taunted by his fellow students.

Although he has a tough time in his training, he is taken in by two monks with differing styles.One teaches him a graceful and subtle style, the other is a prisoner of the monks. Little Mute works hard to mesh the styles together to enable him to pass the test of the Shaolin Wooden Men, a series of 108 wooden men who block the path of any new monk.

Once he passed the test, Little Mute leaves the monastery to search for his fathers killer and break his vow of silence.

The copy of Shaolin Wooden Men I was able to get a hold of was badly degraded and had crackly, monotone dubbing. Though perhaps a little unfair to pass judgement on this experience, its poor dialogue and bad music made the film a trial to endure in so many spots. What saves it is Jackie Chans presence, skill and martial arts ability. Turn the sound down and enjoy his mastery.

Theatrical poster via Wiki

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Staring Bruce Lee and John Saxon, this Hong Kong film was Lee’s final movie. It was released six days after his death.

Its significance goes beyond the tragic death of its star. Enter the Dragon was the first Chinese Martial Arts film to have been produced by a major Hollywood studio. Jackie Chan was a member of the stunt team for the film, with his appearance launching his career. Bruce Lee drafted and revised most of the script, having directed the opening monastery fight scene. It was also deemed to be culturally significant within China and entered the National Film registry for preservation in 2004.

Enter the Dragon is rated as one of the most popular martial arts films despite its thin plot and questionable acting. Through Bruce Lees prowess as a martial artist and choreographer, the audience are entranced by the beauty of the moving body and the deadly actions it can perform. Its on the essential viewing list for all martial artists as it doesn't focus just on Wing Chun; but rather reveres all styles.

The plot follows Bruce Lees character, a martial arts expert, who has been convinced to capture drug dealers competing in a major Martial Arts Competition. His quest to bring justice to the renegade Shaloin monk with the removable hand is just an excuse for Lee to showcase the best martial arts fight scenes and battles almost constantly occurring throughout the film.

Forty years on and its still stands as a classic Marital Arts film. Don’t watch it for the acting, unless you are into kitsch, predicable dialogue. Its sexist, racist attitudes were mainstream for the day, but can appear as grating or uncomfortable in modern times. Its a nice introduction to Bruce Lee's personal philosophy for life and as a showcase for the beauty of China.

This film carries a warning.  If you’ve not taken up a martial arts before, it will make you want to visit some clubs and join up on the spot.

Photo via Wiki

Red Cliff ( 2008 )

Red Cliff story centers on the battle fought in China's Three Kingdoms period (220-280 A.D.) Directed by John Woo, this is the first in the paired films, introducing viewers to the origins of the great war.



An estimated US$80 million was budgeted for Red Cliff, making it (to date) the most expensive Asian film produced.

Red Cliff is visually breathtaking on the scale of Hollywoods  cinematographic greats, compared by some to Lord of the Rings in set up.

From the film maker who produced some of the most ultra violent crime thrillers, which influenced the later part of the last century, this movie comes as a breath of fresh and exciting air.  John Woo has returned to his origins with this traditional story of Chinese history, marking his place as one of the great directors of epic military battles.

He handles the intriguing plot poetically, unfolding the nuances of the battle between intellect and muscle as they pit against each other. Although loosely based on an ancient Chinese story, recounting the events which lead to the destruction of the Han dynasty, the films plot follows a popular war movie set up with the good guys being outnumbered by the bad guys and how they scheme to get out of their predicament.

Westerners may miss many of the subtleties; given the story of the battle is engrained into the myths and culture of the Chinese. There is a voice over narration which assists in identifying key characters and events, though this may be more of a distraction than assistance.

There were a few scenes (the Political intrigue) which may have not translated well into English, dragging somewhat.

The full two films are apparently over five hours long, though this is available at the moment as a bootleg version and one I have not been able to secure. Get the biggest screen you can to watch this, as the battle scenes need it.

Theatrical Poster via Wiki

Mabel’s Labels

One of the most frustrating (and costly) things about children attending playgroups, daycare or school is the amount of things that leave home but never make it back. Mabel’s Labels is a Canadian label company created by mothers who were not happy with the durability, quality and range of labels available.  As a result of their superior products and superb customer service they won a PTPA Seal of Approval.

The range offers innovative personalised labels for babies, kids and grown ups. Choices include sticky labels for shoes, iron-on labels for clothing, dishwasher-safe labels for sippy cups and drink bottles, bag tags for diaper bags and backpacks, allergy and kosher aware labels for products and name stickers for stationary and books.

All labels can be personalised with a name and a picture icon – chosen from a huge array of cute and funky designs.


Mabels labels can be purchased online and in a variety of cost saving packs. They also encourage community groups to use their products for fundraisers.

Mabels Labels generously sent me the Colourful Essentials combo pack to review. 


This included

• 30 Sticky Labels

• 70 Tag Mates

• 12 Shoe Labels

• 2 Teeny Tags

Product Pros

One of the first things I noticed was the detail and thought that went into the packaging. Double sealed in plastic wrap, my labels arrived by mail in a downpour, but were perfect when opened.

My son tested his shoe labels with a trek around the wet parklands with no noticeable issues or labels worse for the wear. The labels are dishwasher/microwave safe, waterproof and UV resistant and work as promised, too, with labels as bright and attached to the items as they were before going in to be washed.

Colours are eye catching and the icon designs were unique and appealing; ensuring that no-one else would have the same.

The product is made from a super durable plastic, which has a little flexibility and stretch in it but thin enough not to form a bump on the item its stuck to. The materials are far superior in quality than any other label I have used in the past.

Product Cons

One of the product pros is also a con. Once a label is stuck onto a surface, it is extremely difficult to shift. Ensure that the label is straight and in the exact spot before committing it to the site.

The sticker page for the smaller labels (tag mates) has the labels printed and cut very close together. This meant that it was sometimes a little difficult to prize one off the backing sheet and away from the others.

Mabel’s Labels are affordable, adorable and durable, making a great personalised gift for school or sporting activities. These bestselling products are extremely versatile and long-lasting and ensures all your children’s belongings make it home safely.

Annie would like to thank Mabel’s Labels Company for supplying those fabulous labels to review.  Their products can be viewed and purchase here.

Fists of Fury (1972)

A classic Bruce Lee movie, the plot focuses on a students journey fighting to defend the honour of the Chinese people and bring justice to those who causes his masters death. Unlike those around him, Lees character confronts the racist harassment head on with his incredible mastery of martial arts. The films infamy stems from the nanchaku fight scene, as this was the first time Lee was filmed using his trademark fighting tools.

Along side Bruce Lee are Nora Miao and James Tien, but a little known fact is that Jackie Chan worked as a stunt double for a few characters. Lee’s eye for detail, timing and the conviction of the stunt people undertaking the physically demanding fight scenes are testament to the quality of the team Bruce Lee worked with to produce the movies.

The film is set in Shanghai in the early 20th century, where Lee’s character witnesses and is subjected to racist taunts and attacks. Bruce Lees incredible martial arts skills are showcased throughout the film,including his weaponry and effortless flying kicks. Although the majority of the film was shot in studios, the staging is fairly convincing with elements of beautiful cinematography through the lighting and detailed elements. Sadly it is let down in a number of scenes with very cheap sets and unfortunate camera angles. The characters are very two dimensional, with wooden dialogue, possibly made worse with the bad dubbing. Dated and jarring music is used to move the audience through the scene and although some of the sound effects might be distracting, the little flaws it does contain should be overlooked for its stunning action fighting.

With the universal theme of relationships between people and the mess misunderstandings can take people, the messages in the film have not tarnished over the 37 years since it was released. For sheer ‘kick buttery’ this is a must see film.

Baby Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll - A Review

There were squeals of delight as our Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll was lifted out of her packaging.  She is part of a gorgeous soft doll line by The North American Bear Company. Rosy Cheeks was recently noted as a winner of Top Tips Trusted and Creative Child Magazine Awards. The Company’s toy range delight and enchant children from infants to tweenagers, covering bears, baby dolls, princess and fantasy play dolls.

The Rosy Cheeks range features dolls made from a super soft washable velour. Their embroidered faces are minimalistic but carry a sweet expression. They also have a lifelike ‘outie’ belly button and bottom with the cutest toes and fingers. The baby dolls have a removable jersey top, hat and diaper and and I.D bracelet.

Product Pros

Being soft and squishy, Rosy Cheeks is perfect for a young child to take everywhere they go and sleep. The material is soft and immediately huggable and is of high quality. The baby doll is a good size for dolly strollers. The diaper and shirt have velcro fasteners so it’s easy for a small hands to dress and undress. Even if it gets soiled, a quick hand wash will ensure the doll and clothes look new when dried.

The I.D bracelet is a perfect addition for personalisation. This little detail makes introducing a new brother or sister a little easier for toddlers. Another beautiful option for this doll is the ability to embroider personalised messages or features directly onto the surface.

Rosy Cheeks is available in a few hair colours and skin tones as well as in boy or girl. They are suitable for toddlers through to children still enchanted by baby dolls.

Product Cons

The ID Bracelet is made of a hard plastic and could be a little scratchy when the doll is hugged and carried about.

The little hat is held on with a stitch. Ensure that this is kept on as once it is taken off, the hat does not sit well and could be easily lost.

Overall, Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll is a perfect gift for a child wanting a snuggly comforting toy. By ensuring that the hat is secure and bracelet removed, it is suitable for young babies, with the assurance of long lasting play for years to come.

Annie would like to thank The North American Bear Company for supplying Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll to review.  Their products can be viewed and purchased online .

Mythbusters Science of Sports Kit- Review

Searching for appropriate gifts for teenaged boys can prove to be a difficult task. Whilst well meaning books, underwear or boxed gags tend to populate the choices, finding something that pique their interest, add value to their learning experiences and is a safe but fun activity tends to narrow products down. Based on the popular Mythbuster Series, Discovery have released a series of science kits which promote exploration into science and its theories as the next cool thing to do. Having Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage wise crack their way through blowing things up hasn’t hurt the image for teenage boys either.


Mythbusters Science of Sports kit

The kit follows the formula the series is built on. Using science, it goes about determining the truth behind urban myths. This particular kit explores the legends surrounding sports. The kit includes the vital equipment required to test each of the theories:

• string
• mallet
• ping-pong ball
• baseball
• rubber ball
• chart
• sticker sheet
• marker
• clear tube
• face paint
• stick
• Activity Guide

Product Pros

The kit provides the basis for a family to test common sporting myths and develop a shared interest into exploration and investigation. It allows children to experience how important science is within the sporting arena. The main myths tested are

• Finding the ‘sweet spot’ on any baseball bat.
• Discovering how curve balls really curve.
• Learning about why the ‘rest and digest’ strategy brings them more energy.
• Testing out the truth of the ‘big bounce.’

The materials used in the kit are of good quality. The kit would provide a great resource for teachers of physical education or coaches trying to find a different angle to engage their players and students.

Product Cons

Whilst this kit can provide some fun family learning, care needs to be taken with inquisitive younger children, as their own ideas may take over and lead to household challenges. The materials are designed to encourage independent discovery and although suggest its suitability for aged 9 and up, from the instructions and scientific theories behind some of the experiments, it might be better suited to older children or those who are very passionate about science.

The instructions and information behind the science can appear jumbled and skips around a little. For children or people unused to the chaotic format the show follows, the activity guide may prove confusing and difficult to follow.
Mythbusters Science of Sports kit sets out to marry sports and science, making learning a hands on experience and giving an appreciation to the theories behind the urban myths. One of the best parts about it was that the kids had the final say on whether each of the sports legends is ‘Confirmed’ or ‘Busted.’ Anything that makes learning more accessible to teenage boys and encourages kids to use their brains and not just their muscles gets a thumbs up from me.

MythBusters science kits sell for about $19.99 and are located at Toys R Us or you can find them by visiting www.toysrus.com , www.target.com , or www.Walmart.com .

You can also learn more about MythBusters by visiting : www.elmers.com

Annie would like to thank Discovery  for supplying her with  the kit to experiment and review.