Yearly Archives: 2011

Dazed and Confused Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2011 America, 1976. The last day of school. Bongs blaze, bell-bottoms ring, and rock and roll rocks. Among the best teen films ever made, Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused eavesdrops on a group of seniors-to-be and incoming freshmen. A launching pad for a number of future stars, Linklater’s first studio effort also features endlessly quotable dialogue and a blasting, stadium-ready soundtrack. Sidestepping nostalgia, Dazed and Confused … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Kuroneko Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: October 18, 2011 In this poetic and atmospheric horror fable, set in a village in war-torn medieval Japan, a malevolent spirit has been ripping out the throats of itinerant samurai. When a military hero is sent to dispatch the unseen force, he finds that he must struggle with his own personal demons as well. From Kaneto Shindo, director of the terror classic Onibaba, Kuroneko (Black Cat) is a … Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Harakiri Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011 Following the collapse of his clan, an unemployed samurai (Tatsuya Nakadai) arrives at the manor of Lord Iyi, begging to be allowed to commit ritual suicide on the property. Iyi’s clansmen, believing the desperate ronin is merely angling for a new position, try to force his hand and get him to eviscerate himself—but they have underestimated his beliefs and his personal brand of honor. Winner … Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Aftershock DVD (New Video Group)

RELEASE DATE: October 18, 2011 Also known as “Tangshan Great Earthquake” is a 2010 Chinese drama film depicting the aftermath of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake directed by Feng Xiaogang. The film stars Xu Fan and Zhang Jingchu, with a supporting cast including Li Chen. It was released in China on July 22, 2010, and is the first “big commercial film” IMAX film created outside the US. Check out the trailer … Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases |

Netflix does an asshole move: 60% price increase

Netflix was awesome 24 hours ago. I was currently paying $9.99 a month for a plan that included Unlimited Streaming and Unlimited DVDs (1 out at-a-time). Now, starting September 1st, if I want to continue, it’ll be $15.98 instead of $9.99. They call this inscrease a “split into 2 distinct plans,” I call it an asshole move. Check out the email they’ve been sending to all their members: Dear Mighty … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Scorsese’s George Harrison documentary on HBO

Paste Magazine reports: After acquiring the North American television rights to Martin Scorsese’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, HBO will air the documentary in October. The film will give viewers a rare glimpse to the world of this much-beloved musician. The Oscar-winning director traces Harrison’s life from his Liverpool origins and through his journey as one of the world’s most influential musicians. The documentary combines never-before-seen footage with … Continue reading

Posted in News |

Princess Madam | aka Under Police Protection (1989) Review

"Princess Madam" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Godfrey Ho Cast: Sharon Yeung, Moon Lee, Michiko Nishiwaki, Anthony Tang, Liu Kai Chi, Yueh Hua, Kenneth Tsang, Cheng Yuen Man, Mark Houghton, Steve Tartalia, James Ha Chim Si, John Ladalski, Lau Shung Fung, Lee Chun Hwa Running Time: 92 min. By Brmanuk Directed by the king of cut-and-paste Godfrey Ho, ‘girls and guns’ flick Princess Madam is actually one of the director’s better efforts. When a secretary agrees … Continue reading

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Hobo with a Shotgun (2011) Review

"Hobo with a Shotgun" International Theatrical Poster

Director: Jason Eisener Writer: John Davies Cast: Rutger Hauer, Gregory Smith, Molly Dunsworth, Brian Downey, Robb Wells, Nick Bateman, Peter Simas, Jeremy Akerman Running Time: 86 min. By HKFanatic One thing you can’t accuse “Hobo With a Shotgun” of is false advertising. No matter what happens during its unrated, 86-minute runtime, you will witness a shotgun-wielding hobo. The film’s content may shock and appall the religious right or anyone with … Continue reading

Posted in All, Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged |

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) Review

Director: Stephen Sommers Cast: Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Christopher Eccleston, Karolina Kurkova, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols, Marlon Wayans, Ray Park, Lee Byung-hun, Dennis Quaid, Jonathan Pryce, Gerald Okamura Running Time: 118 min. By JJ Hatfield The overall response to the newest “first” chapter of the “Joe” world seems to be mostly positive. In other words from the studio to the Hasbro company cranking out new and improved “Joe” items, everyone … Continue reading

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Dead Alive aka Braindead Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2011 Throw out all your preconceptions about the limits of horror! A new standard has been set with DEAD ALIVE- The Mother of All Horror Films. A young man’s mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey. She gets sick and dies, at which time she comes back to life, killing and eating dogs, nurses, friends, and neighbors. Dead Alive is dripping with state-of-the-art special effects that … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2011 Another underrated gem! George Clooney (Ocean’s Eleven), Drew Barrymore (Charlie’s Angels:Full Throttle) and Sam Rockwell (The Green Mile) star in the comedy thriller that poses and irresistable question: what would happen if a wildly successful TV Producer was also a top secret CIA assassin? Starring Sam Rockewell, Drew Barrymore, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Rutger Hauer and directed by George Clooney. Check out the trailer here. … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Cop Land aka Copland Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

STREET DATE: November 1, 2011 Very underrated movie! One of the best of the 90s! The sheriff of a suburban New Jersey community populated by New York City policeman slowly discovers the town is a front for mob connections and corruption. Directed by James Mangold (“3:10 to Yuma”) and starring Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Michael Rapaport and Robert Patrick. Check out the trailer. Specs: No. … Continue reading

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Tragic Hero | aka Rich and Famous II (1987) Review

Director: Taylor Wong, David Lai Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau, Alex Man Chi Leung, Carina Lau, Shing Fui On, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Lam Chung, Peter Yang, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, O Chun Hung, Danny Lee, Ng Hoi Tin, Ng Hong Ning, Wong Chi Keung Running Time: 97 min. By Joseph Kuby Succeedingly Surprising! This is the sequel to Rich and Famous, even though it apparently was filmed simultaneously; … Continue reading

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Rich and Famous | aka Black Vengeance (1987) Review

"Rich and Famous" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Taylor Wong Tai Loy Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau Tak Wah, Alex Man Chi Leung, O Chun Hung, Alan Tam Wing Lun, Lam Chung, Shing Fui On, Carina Lau Kar Ling, Wong Chi Keung, Pauline Wong Siu Fung, Fan Mei Sheng, Danny Lee Sau Yin Running Time: 104 min. By Joseph Kuby Hollywood inspired crime thriller! Rich and Famous, according to author Stephen Teo (of Hong Kong Cinema: … Continue reading

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Cinema Paradiso Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: October 14, 2011 First time on Blu-ray in North America! A famous Italian filmmaker, haunted by the memories of his first love, returns to his hometown after an absence of 30 years. Upon his return, he reconnects with the community and remembers the highlights and tragedies that shaped his life and inspired him to follow his dream of becoming a filmmaker. For those who have never seen it … Continue reading

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