T-800 is beat up in the New Poster for ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’

"Terminator: Dark Fate" Theatrical Poster

“Terminator: Dark Fate” Theatrical Poster

Despite backlash and lukewarm domestic box office returns, 2015’s Terminator Genisys performed well in international markets. In fact, here’s a tidbit you probably weren’t aware of: Terminator Genisys is the second-highest grossing film of the entire franchise (behind only T2: Judgment Day) on a global scale.

With that said, it’s no wonder that Terminator: Dark Fate (aka Terminator 6) is upon us. For this one, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator Salvation and Terminator Genisys are ignored, which makes this upcoming film a direct continuation to T2: Judgment Day.

But what’s even more interesting is that series inventor, James Cameron (director of the first two Terminator films, who retained the rights to the franchise for 2019), is producing and Tim Miller (Deadpool) is his trusted writer/director in charge of bringing the series back to form. David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight), David Ellison, Josh Friedman, Billy Ray (Captain Phillips) and Justin Rhodes (Contract Killers) also make up the film’s writing force.

Terminator: Dark Fate also marks the return of Linda Hamilton (The Terminator 1 & 2), who will reprise her role as Sarah Connor, Edward Furlong returning as John Connor, and of course Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is rumored to not only be returning as model T-800, but also as the character to which the cyborg was modeled after. Mackenzie Davis (Blade Runner 2049), Diego Boneta (Luis Miguel: La Serie), Gabriel Luna (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Natalia Reyes (Birds of Passage) and Enrique Arce (Tango One) round out the cast.

Terminator: Dark Fate has received its R rating due to violence throughout the film as well as language and brief nudity (via CB).

The Terminator: Dark Fate hits theaters November 1st, 2019. Watch the film’s New Red Band Trailer below:

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! True Legend | Blu-ray | Only $7.85 – Expires soon!

"True Legend" Blu-ray Cover

“True Legend” Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Yuen Woo Ping’s drunken fighting-themed flick True Legend.

According to our review, True Legend is full of excellent, wire-assisted martial arts battles. The emphasis here is on R-rated blows to the head and lethal stabbings rather than balletic, dance-like moves.”

True Legend stars Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), David Carradine (Kill Bill), Jay Chou (The Green Hornet), Cung Le (Dragon Eyes), and Vincent Zhao (Wu Dang).

Order True Legend from Amazon.com today!

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

One on One (2014) Review

"One on One" Theatrical Poster

“One on One” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kim Ki-Duk
Cast: Ma Dong-Seok, Kim Young-Min, Lee Yi-Kyung, Cho Dong-In, Yoo Teo, Ahn Ji-Hye, Jo Jae-Ryong, Kim Joong-Ki, Kim Jae-Rok, Joo Hee-Joong, Choi Gwi-Hwa
Running Time: 122 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Just like movies are a product of the time they’re made in, so the same can be said for reviews that are written of them. A review of The Matrix in 1999 described it as an innovative sci-fi action masterpiece, while a review of it in 2019 describes it as a tale of white male privilege. Time and experience dictate our perspective, and perspectives are usually much more fluid than we care to admit. Which brings me to One on One, a 2014 movie directed by Kim Ki-duk and starring Ma Dong-seok, which I decided to dig out of obscurity (based purely on its position in my alarmingly disorganised Blu-ray collection, not popular opinion) for a first time watch in 2019.

At the time of its release, just 5 years ago, One on One was quickly written off as an unremarkable and heavy handed follow-up to Ki-duk’s masterful 2013 production Moebius. One of Korea’s most controversial directors, a baffling story that emerged from the production of Moebius was how an actress quit just before filming was due to start, leading to Lee Eun-woo playing double roles in the finished product. As the #metoo movement swept through Korea in 2017, the anonymous actress came forward to elaborate that her departure was due to being raped by the director, when she refused to perform an unscripted sex scene. Since the allegations came out Ki-duk has gone to ground and not worked since, his case certainly not helped by his last movie that was also due to be released in 2017, Human, Space, Time and Human, which prominently featured scenes of rape.

While Ki-duk’s alleged misdemeanours have seen Korea’s original enfant terrible fall from grace, One on One’s leading man has experienced a career trajectory in the opposite direction. In 2014 Ma Dong-seok was still a couple of years away from his scene stealing turn in Train to Busan. At the time the muscular Korean was either playing supporting roles in the likes of Kundo: Age of the Rampant (from the same year), or headlining B-movies like The Murderer. Since gaining popularity many of his fans have been waiting to see Dong-seok unleashed in a gritty action flick a la The Man from Nowhere, but by his own admission his preference is in favor of action comedy over bloody violence which, let’s admit it, is a shame. As much as I enjoy his burly bruiser with a heart of gold persona, the realisation that the type of role I’d been hoping to see him in may already exist, led me to deciding to give One on One a shot.

The combination of a director known for his confronting themes and explorations of human natures darker side, and the curiosity of how he’d utilise an actor as physically imposing as Dong-seok, was too much to resist. Opening with the unmotivated murder of a teenage schoolgirl by a pair of contract killers, soon both the murderers and those that ordered the hit, find themselves being hunted down by a group of seven vigilantes who call themselves the Shadows. Led by Dong-seok, as the movie progresses they disguise themselves as everything from Korean army personnel to gangsters to riot police, each time abducting one of the perpetrators involved in the murder and escorting them to an undisclosed location.

Once there Dong-seok and his cohorts extract confessions out of each one of them, usually through brutal means of torture. For those who’ve been waiting for that movie where Dong-seok unleashes on people with a baseball bat full of embedded nails, sets to work on various limbs with a hammer, and pummels a guy’s crown jewels in such a way that any male viewer will be left wincing, then you’re in the right place. Dong-seok’s unrelenting violence against those who were involved in the murder eventually leads to fractures forming in the group, as others begin to question how far is too far. Combined with the fact that one of the targets who was released after confessing (Kim Young-min, Memories of the Sword) begins his own investigation into his mysterious abductors, soon Dong-seok becomes increasingly extreme in his quest to complete his mission.

Subtlety has never been a word you’d associate with a director such as Ki-duk, and One on One is a good case study to prove the point. It’s no surprise that some of his best works, such as Moebius and 3-Iron, are virtually dialogue free, as his scripts can have a tendency to show signs of clunkiness. Here the members of the Shadow group form a who’s who of characters with grievances against the world – the twenty-something that’s spent his life “studying like a robot” but can’t get a job, the average joe who’s been swindled out of his savings by a scam, and the woman who’s become dependent on the abusive relationship she’s in, to name just three. Ki-duk’s script doesn’t believe in the principle of allowing things to go unsaid, with characters airing their rage against the world at frequent intervals.

As unsubtle as it may be though, there’s also a feeling that the in-your-face approach could be the point Ki-duk was aiming for. The end credits are introduced with the question “Who am I?”, challenging the viewer to understand where they fit into the hierarchy of the society we live in, and it’s a question worth considering regardless of the way it’s been asked. Out of the 25 movies that he’s directed, One on One is arguably one of his most accessible in terms of its structure. While Ki-duk’s works frequently defy being labelled as any one genre, here he’s created what can most closely be described as a thriller. Dong-seok has an unknown connection to the murdered girl, however the focus is more on the murder being a metaphor for the injustices that the rich can inflict on the poor, with Dong-seok acting as a relentless force of nature rallying against them.

While the 2 hour runtime mostly sticks to a – put on a disguise, abduct next person involved in the murder, torture until they confess, then repeat – structure, Ki-duk uses the framework to pose some morally complex dilemmas. The more powerful the perpetrators become that the group are abducting, the more seeds of doubt are planted in certain members. Some members of the group begin to question how much injustice is simply worth tolerating and accepting as part of life, while Dong-seok’s insistence that the injustices of the world must be punished starts to put him at odds with others. Despite the heavy material, the themes of Buddhism that often crop up in Ki-duk’s work (none more prominently than in his 2003 classic Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring) are still on display, leading to a suitably fitting ending that offers both redemption and hope.

The theme of injustice between the rich and the poor has resulted in some of Korea’s best movies in recent years, with the likes of Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite and Lee Chang-dong’s Burning posing similar questions to what’s asked in One on One, albeit through very different genres. They’re the type of questions which are likely to be no less pertinent as the years progress, with the skill as a filmmaker being how to frame them in a way which still engages the audience, knowing there’s no easy answers. Ki-duk is a filmmaker who can never be accused of taking the easy approach in any of his productions, frequently accused of treading the line between being evocative and plain bad taste, and for me One on One struck the right balance.

Going back to why I watched One on One in the first place, as a follow-up to Pieta and Moebius, it’s easy to see why it was a disappointment at the time of its release. Even as one of Ki-duk’s lesser works though, I enjoyed the questions it posed, and the heavy-handed approach should definitely not be a surprise to fans of the auteur. Whether there’s still an audience for his movies is another question. Watching it as a Ma Dong-seok movie, I enjoyed it considerably more. As someone unwilling to compromise, he kind of reminded me of an R-rated version of his character in Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days. His roles in recent years have to some degree seen him pigeon holed, however here he gets to show his full range, and his imposing presence feels genuinely intimidating. If you’re looking for something a little grittier than the likes of Unstoppable or The Outlaws, One on One delivers the goods.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 6/10

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Deal on Fire! Kickboxer: Retaliation | Blu-ray | Only $4.99 – Expires soon!

Kickboxer: Retaliation | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Kickboxer: Retaliation | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Kickboxer: Retaliation (read our review), the follow up to Kickboxer: Vengeance.

In Kickboxer: Retaliation, Alain Moussi is back as Kurt Sloane. One year after the events of the first film, Sloan has vowed never to return to Thailand. However, while gearing up for a MMA title shot, he finds himself sedated and forced back into Thailand, this time in prison…

For Kickboxer: Retaliation, Dimitri Logothetis (who directed Moussi in the unreleased Wings of the Dragon) takes over the director’s chair for John Stockwell (In the Blood).

Kickboxer: Retaliation also stars strongman competitor, Hafthor Julius Björnsson (Game of Thrones), Mike Tyson (Ip Man 3), soccer star Ronaldinho, Christopher Lambert (Highlander) and returning co-stars, Sara Malakul Lane and Jean-Claude Van Damme (Second in Command).

Order Kickboxer: Retaliation from Amazon.com today! 

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Participating in Strictly Come Dancing

Participating in Strictly Come Dancing
Many celebrities have participated in Strictly since its inception in 2004. A very good percentage of this lot had great experiences on the show and thereafter had greater successes whether by returning to what they used to do or by taking a new career path in dancing. However, there are people who regretted participating in the show. Fiona Philips recently revealed her regret at taking part in Strictly. Her reasons for the regret are her averseness to getting on the dance floor since her teenage years and shyness. This made her extremely self-conscious resulting in her cutting a comedy type figure, according to her. She exited the show in week four, finishing ninth. Her partner professional dancer couldn’t help her due to what she tagged rough old taskmaster methods and obsession with being number one.

Therefore, it is important to do self-evaluation before taking part in the show. Some of the questions to ask are:

Is it something you really want?

Does it fit your personality?

Are you willing and ready to make the necessary adjustments?

 Giving sincere answers to these questions will go a long way in determining if Strictly is right for you. It is an honor to be invited to the show but you must take your time to determine if it’s what you want and how well it suits you.

Key Considerations

Have Fun

This is perhaps the most important thing every participant must pay attention to. While this is a competition and everyone would like to be the eventual winner, it is imperative to enjoy yourself. It is almost impossible for a participant who doesn’t prioritize having fun to win.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is a very important ingredient for success in any new endeavor. Change, regardless of how easy it seems, places varying demands on us all. Being open to taking new things on board will solve most of the problems. This can help people with a reserved personality have a great time on the show.

Trust Your Partner

In life, things always seem better on the other side. Don’t fall for this illusion, trust your dance partner, and work fully with him or her.

Note: you don’t need to overthink your participation; if you have any doubt or want to pursue another goal, don’t hesitate to do so. Usually, overthinking a thing is a sign you shouldn’t be in it. If you however decide to participate, go, and have fun.

Thanks to our partners at betway, our readers can now find out some facts about strictly come dancing. Facts such as the average age of the winners over the year, the professions that are more likely to be successful in strictly come dancing as well as many other interesting facts.

Reproduced below is an infographic created by our partners at betway.

Posted in News |

Top Casino Scenes in Movies

The thrill of watching a casino movie and seeing the primary character win big is always an exciting experience and even more exciting to watch if you are a gambler yourself.

People love getting the action associated with gambling and casinos, but do not always have the time to get out of the house and go to one. Movies and new online casinos are a great way to get the rush of winning without even leaving the house.

Casino movies have been out since the start of films themselves. Everyone has a love to watch people take risks and win a lot of money.

We feel the anxiety of betting a lot and the drama of losing or getting wrapped up in crime, just like the characters. We can watch and enjoy these sensations without actually causing real damage to ourselves or our bank accounts.

We are going to look at some of the most action-filled and enjoyable to watch casino scenes in movies.

The Hangover

The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film that stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, and a few other celebrities. The movie is based on a group of friends who go to Las Vegas for Doug Billing’s bachelor party, but not everything goes as planned.

Things get a little crazy as their night at Caesar’s Palace goes from good fun to a wild endeavor. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Doug’s friend Alan, performed by Zach Galifianakis, goes to play blackjack. Alan is the weird one out of the group, but also probably the smartest.

Alan learns how to count cards and then wins big. The crazy-eyed character enters the blackjack table with a suit and a very serious face. We see him trying to calculate the cards in his head and leaving the table without getting accused of counting cards.

The group needs the money to pay off the person who took their friend and are successful at doing so with the help of Alan’s new skill in counting cards.

The whole movie is a crazy comedy about bizarre things happening to the group while in Las Vegas, but this scene puts comedy aside and focuses on Alan’s newly acquired skill of counting cards.

21

21 is a 2008 film that stars Jim Sturgess, Laurence Fishburne, and other celebrities. The film follows Ben Campbell, who is studying mathematics at MIT. He is accepted and wants to go to Harvard Medical School but cannot afford the hefty price tag attached to that school.

He applies for scholarships for Harvard but is told that it is very competitive. While Ben is at MIT, his math professor is seriously impressed with Ben’s quick mind and his advanced grasp on mathematics.

The professor invites him to join his blackjack team, who goes to Las Vegas to work together to win big on blackjack tables, although it is illegal. Ben accepts, and the film shows his ups and downs while on the team.

One of the most memorable scenes and quotes of the whole movie is when Ben is playing and wins, and he says, “Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” The team trades different signals and moves from table to table to win. They all dress in costume, and it is exciting to watch as the viewers know they are working together.

“Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” is not a new saying as it was used for a long time in Las Vegas when someone won because there was a dinner special with chicken that was often eaten in the late hours of the night after winning big.

However, the movie and specifically this scene when Ben first uses it, has made the saying known to the public and is now used as a more common saying outside of the casinos.

Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven is a 2001 American movie starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts, to name a few. The film is about Danny Ocean, who is recently out of jail but wants to continue in criminal activity by robbing three casinos in Las Vegas.

Danny Ocean meets up with Rusty Ryan, his partner in crime, to go through with the heist. When Danny arrives, Rusty Ryan is in a group poker class teaching young stars how to play poker and what the rules are. The stars are not good at poker or being discrete.

Danny arrives, and the two play off each other to trick the stars into betting more money. Rusty, their mentor, tells the students that Danny doesn’t have anything, and he is only bluffing. The students trust Rusty Ryan and continue to bet more money.

In the end, Danny has four of a kind with an ace-high, so, in other words, an excellent hand. He wins the money, and he and Rusty Ryan exchange a smirk to each other. This scene is essential to the whole film because it sets up their relationship with each other and their ways of deception.

One can get a good look at the two characters in this scene, and it is fun to watch the other stars get roped into the scam. It shows that even though Rusty Ryan is trying to teach the actors, overall, he wants to take their money and work with Danny in his heist.

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of great casino movies out there on the market, and these are just a few that we enjoy watching. Casino movies include drama, risk, action, and crime and are put together in unique ways for our enjoyment.

The Hangover is a light film that follows a group of friends on their crazy time in Las Vegas. Although a lot of the movie is exaggerated for comical effect, the scene where Alan plays blackjack demonstrates how someone can win a lot of money counting cards.

21 is a great movie showing a star mathematics student getting wrapped up in some illegal business. The famous scene and saying, “winner, winner, chicken dinner,” is now known because of this movie and the scene where Ben starts his counting cards career.

Ocean’s Eleven is another excellent gambling movie. The poker scene when we first see Danny and Ryan interact sets the stage for the whole film, and the movies to come. This scene shows the deception the two can do together to earn money.

These are some of our favorite scenes, but this is just the beginning of the list of enjoyable casino scenes to watch!

Posted in News |

Best October 2019 Horror Movies On Netflix

Beyond Skyline | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Beyond Skyline | Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

With no doubt we agree that the horror genre is moving through its best imagination in movie creation. Surely you might be asking yourself which one is your cup of coffee and which one is not. Truth be told, most of the horror movies that horror lovers watch are actually garbage. But it seems like Netflix got something awesome for you this time around. All you need to do is to go through and find your own hidden gem and enjoy this October.

The Bad Batch

This is a 2017 Ana Lily Amirpour horror movie. This controversial film starred Suki Waterhouse, Jason Momoa, Giovanni Ribisi, Keanu Reeves alongside Jim Carrey. This movie is more like a real money casinos in newzealand drama compared to a direct horror. But the gruesome and the grim is enough for it to qualify in the horror genre. The storyline of the movie is quite interesting. It follows Waterhouse who plays a very young lady that is exiled into a group of cannibals. She then decides to flee only to be in more trouble under the move of a very cruel cult leader. This is a tough brutal movie. And if you are interested to know of the story. Netflix is there to provide you this intriguing movie.

Beyond Skyline

It’s not every time that you get to see something amazing unless if you play Casinos français games. Watching horror movies will surely get you into the zone where you want to be. But at the same time, you want to watch something more goofy than it scary. Beyond Skyline has got everything in one. The laughs and gags are there and at the same time the horror genre has not been discarded. Therefore, all you need to do is to add this movie into halloween movie collection. Halloween this year must not be the same. So the time to prepare for it is now.

Well, as you are in preparing for Halloween you can still play online casino slot games such as Witch’s Brew and win real money.

Posted in News |

Hong Kong star Daniel Wu joins Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson and Thandie Newton for ‘Reminiscence’

"Sky on Fire" Theatrical Poster

“Sky on Fire” Theatrical Poster

Hong Kong film star Daniel Wu (Sky on Fire, The Last Supper) is joining Hugh Jackman (Logan), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible – Fallout) and Thandie Newton (Mission: Impossible II) in Reminiscence, the debut feature from writer/director Lisa Joy (Westworld).

Reminiscence is a mind bending noir love story set in the dystopic near future of a nighttime, super heated flooded global warmed Miami. Wu finds himself on opposites sides with Jackman’s character. The project is set at Warner Bros and FilmNation (via Deadline).

Wu is no stranger to Hollywood, as he’s appeared in The Man with the Iron Fists, Geostorm, Tomb Raider – and of course – AMC’s Into the Badlands.

We’ll keep you updated on Reminiscence as we learn more. Until then, here’s the Trailer for the Wu actioner Sky on Fire, from the late, great Ringo Lam:

Posted in News |

4 Cafes and Restaurants from Your Favorite K-Dramas

Every person you know probably has a favorite show. However, genuine fans are far and few between. If by any chance you are a true fan of K-dramas, visiting South Korea is surely on your bucket list.

As a true fan, have you ever imagined yourself visiting one of those fine cafes and dining places from your TV shows? Well, it turns out, some of those places are real.

So go ahead, make a good old cup of coffee – maybe grab a recipe from Home Grounds and try some gourmet recipe – grab a few snacks, and enjoy our list of four cafes and restaurants from K-dramas.

1. Bok Chicken from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

The first place from the list managed to disappoint some of the shows fans in the past but if you set your expectations, you will have more than a good time. The eatery is not a modern chicken place as the show depicts it. Nothing on TV is real? Shocking, we know. Anyway, the spot is popular among university students in the area. And unlike the restaurant in the show, the real place serves many tasty dishes, including tofu kimchi, chicken noodle soup, and of course, great fried rice.

2. Coffee Prince from Coffee Prince

This is perhaps the most well-known drama on our little list, and would you know, the coffee shop of the same name exists in real life. It’s located in Seoul (not the only place located there on our list) and in addition to plenty of caffeine-filled delicacies, it also offers lots of pastries. But we have to warn you, if you only plan on going there to take a few photos or videos, you’re out of luck. The place has a strict policy concerning all of fanboys and girls who go there just to sightsee. That means you have to order your beverage, snack, or meal and look at the place that housed some of your favorite TV moments quietly.

3. The Flower-Scented Cartoon Café from My Love from the Star

If you’re a casual My Love from the Star watcher, then you probably know this coffee shop as the place where the female lead snacks, reads, and ignores the male lead. Or something to that effect. And if you want to ignore your love interest, you just need to head down to Seoul. There, you can snack on ramen and read manga all you want! Although, if you want to read anything, you need to work on your Hangul because every book is written in the language (not a huge deal, right?).

4. Mango Six from The Heirs

As every fan of The Heirs will tell you, all of the arguments that went down in this café are pretty unforgettable. Now, both on TV and in real life, the café will leave you wanting more. As the name suggests, Mano Six’s main specialty is everything-mango. But the café also offers a wide range of sweats and pastries that turn their one-time visitors into regular customers all the time. In addition to Korea, the café also has a location in the United States, so you don’t have to travel abroad to visit it.

And there you have it, those are some of our favorite cafes and restaurants from K-dramas. We could list a ton more, however, that would’ve taken us all day and we don’t have that much time. What are some of your favorites? Make sure to tell us in the comment section down below.

Posted in News |

Bong Joon-ho Q&A and ‘Film Retrospective’ at the Egyptian Theatre and Aero Theatre October 30th to November 2nd

"Memories of Murder" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Memories of Murder” Korean Theatrical Poster

American Cinematheque is proud to present A Genre of One: The Cinema of Bong Joon-ho, a complete feature retrospective of Bong Joon-ho’s work two decades in the making.

The series will take place at both the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2019. Co-presented with the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, as it celebrates 100 years of Korean cinema, the internationally renowned writer/director will showcase his work and participate in an in-person Q&A at both venues.

Films to be featured include The Host, Okja, Snowpiercer, Barking Dogs Never Bite, Memories of Murder, Mother and the critically acclaimed Parasite (99% on Rotten Tomatoes).

Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite has pushed boundaries, becoming the first Korean film to win the Palme D’Or at the Cannes International Film Festival. It set several box office records in the U.S. since its opening just this past Friday, including the highest per screen average of 2019 and ranking as the 17th highest per screen average of all time (8th highest among all live-action films). Parasite earned the title highest per-screen average for a foreign language film of all-time. The film has already amassed over $90mm worldwide.

In conjunction with the complete retrospective of Bong Joon-ho’s feature films, the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles and the American Cinematheque are proud to present a twelve piece exhibit in the Shield’s Gallery of the Egyptian Theatre featuring the works of South Korean artist Jung Jae Hoon (aka Zibezi), whose original painting “Parasite” is featured prominently in Bong Joon-ho’s latest masterpiece. In recent years, Zibezi, a self-proclaimed “outside artist,” has made a major splash in the intersecting worlds of art and fashion, and has created over 100 artworks that attempt to “draw a new world out of existing forms and frameworks.” His online gallery and store can be found on his website.

For purchase tickets, visit AmericanCinematheque.Com (via katrinawanpr.com).

Posted in News |

Exit (2019) Review

"Exit" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Exit” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Sang-Geun
Cast: Cho Jung-Seok, Yoona, Ko Du-Shim, Park In-Hwan, im Ji-Young, Hwang Hyo-Eun, Lee Bong-Ryun, Bae Yoo-Ram, Yoo Su-Bin, Kim Kang-Hoon, Lee Dong-Hwi
Running Time: 103 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Much like every other film industry in the world, South Korea may not check-in to the disaster genre that frequently, but when it does it tends to go all out. Whether it be big blockbuster FX showcases such as Hauendae and The Tower, overwrought melodrama’s like The Flu and Deranged, or topical thrillers that tap into the fear of nuclear fallout like Pandora, there’s a certain unspoken checklist that needs to be ticked off each time. Top of the list are usually an ensemble cast, the requirement for each member of said cast to give their tear ducts a workout at some point, and likewise for their ability to scream or shout at the top of their lungs.

Korea’s fondness for melodrama tends to make their disaster flicks a love them or hate them affair, as the emotions on show are usually expected to match the spectacle of whatever the disaster is in question. That is, over the top, loud, and not always entirely believable. Which brings us to 2019, and debut director Lee Sang-geun has opted for the disaster genre as his calling card. The simply titled Exit goes for a different approach than what we’ve seen with Korea’s previous disaster movies though, in that it frames its disastrous events through the lens of being a comedy. It’s always a challenge to put a new spin on a genre that’s full of established (and I daresay expected) tropes, so I was curious to see what Sang-geun had up his sleeve.

Exit casts Jo Jung-suk (The Drug King) as a 30-something unemployed loser who still lives at home with his parents. Beaten down by a steady flow of rejections for jobs he’s applied for, a nagging sister, and being turned down for a date by his indoor rock climbing club crush, the world seems to be conspiring against him, and to make matters worse he needs to attend his mother’s 70th birthday celebration. The celebration takes place in the uniquely Korean setting of a celebratory hall. Korea is full of these purpose-built venues, which usually come with glorified names referring to themselves as castles and alike, and are essentially buildings comprised of numerous large rooms to host celebrations in. It’s revealed that it was Jung-suk that chose this particular venue, and it becomes clear why when it turns out his crush from the rock climbing club is working there, played by Im Yoona (Confidential Assignment).

Unfortunately the celebration is interrupted, when the disgruntled employee of a chemical company parks a tanker full of toxic gas directly in front of the hall, and releases it into the air. The gas kills anyone who it comes into contact with, causing a whole business district in Seoul to scramble to the rooftops, including Jung-suk, his family, and Yoona. Thankfully the government deploys rescue helicopters to start airlifting the stranded groups, but by the time one reaches the venue it quickly reaches capacity, leaving Jung-suk and Yoona to fend for themselves. If Exit was any other genre, the direness of the situation would no doubt be the trigger for some overbearing histrionics. However this is a comedy, so instead it becomes an entertaining vertical chase flick, as Jung-suk and Yoona call upon their rock climbing skills to keep one step ahead of the slowly rising gas, while at the same attempting to figure out an escape plan.

It’s fair to say that never has such a niche hobby as indoor rock climbing been given its time to shine like it has here, but likewise, the way Sang-geun turns Seoul’s 4D cityscape into a vertical game of life and death is a joy to watch. Neon 3D signage, a huge crab attached to the side of a building, and random design elements that are there for no other reason than the architect probably thought they looked cool, are all incorporated into the pair’s efforts to avoid the ever rising gas. While these scenes suitably crank up the levels of tension, Sang-geun extracts the biggest laughs out of the smaller, more relatable details that we rarely think about, but somehow all know. Jung-suk and Yoona come across a ridiculous amount of locked rooftop doors, and after heroically clambering up several flights of stairs, to constantly fall down at the last hurdle because the door to the rooftop is locked becomes a source of frequent amusement.

The same issue also happens to be the main contributor to Exit’s most entertaining scenes, as it means our two leads constantly have to think on their feet and problem solve as to how they’ll get higher with a limited number of options. Sang-geun shows a distinct understanding that the real entertainment in watching a disaster movie comes from watching characters figure out how they’re going to save themselves, more so than the disaster itself, and Exit smartly uses it moderate budget on the process rather than the spectacle. Over the course of the runtime drones, exercise equipment, and even the ventilation fans in a Korean BBQ restaurant all factor in to either help or hinder Jung-suk and Yoona on their mission to avoid the gas.

It’s arguably Exit’s dedication to its concept which is its biggest strength. Sang-geun has created a lean little disaster movie, clocking in at just 100 minutes (a Korean movie under 2 hours, it’s a miracle!), and it never strays from its core concept. There’s no villainous corporate bad guy making morally dubious decisions behind the scenes, there’s no tragic backstories told in flashback, and there’s not even any time for a budding romance to blossom. This is just two likeable characters, attempting to stay one step ahead of a slowly rising poisonous gas cloud, and the fact that no fat is attached to the narrative makes its brisk pace and good intentions easy to digest. We don’t even spend that much time on why the employee who released the gas was so disgruntled, he’s simply a plot device to kick-start the fun, and Sang-geun seems to realise that it’s not important for the audience to know every last detail.

Ironically the movie which kept on springing to mind while watching Exit, was Ryu Seung-wan’s 2008 production Dachimawa Lee, which was a riotous send-up of the tough guy action flicks that used to dominate 70’s Korean cinema. As it turns out, Sang-geun was an assistant director on that very movie, which explains a lot, as both the tone and look of Exit call to mind Seung-wan’s more light-hearted work.

Also like Seung-wan, Sang-geun proves here that he knows how to work to actors strengths. Jung-suk made a strong impression with his break-out role in 2012’s Architecture 101, which was followed by an equally strong turn acting alongside Song Kang-ho in The Face Reader the following year. Lately though his role choices have been underwhelming, with forgettable turns in the likes of Time Renegades and Hit-and-Run Squad. His role in Exit plays to his strengths, and there’s a likeable chemistry shared with former Girls Generation member Im Yoona, who’s limited range is also utilised well.

If anything, the only real barrier to Exit being successful internationally is just how uniquely Korean it is. There are several distinctly Korean elements incorporated into the narrative, from throwaway details such as Jung-suk’s sister visiting their parents purely to pick up some kimchi, to more significant details like his race to get to a train station so he can access more gas masks. It’s perhaps a little known fact outside of Korea, but all of the train station platforms in Seoul come equipped with a cupboard containing gas masks, in the event that North Korea should ever attack (in which case train stations also double up as bomb shelters). It struck me while I was watching, that had I never visited Korea myself, I’d probably have no clue as to why he was so eager to get to an abandoned train station.

As entertaining as Exit is, there’s also no doubt that it’s a slight effort, with no higher ambitions other than to entertain for the 100 minutes that it’s onscreen. Whether you’ll remember it the next day is debatable. However what can’t be denied is that Sang-geun has shown a talent for breathing new life into a well-worn genre, and done so in such a way that makes it feel unique and fresh. If there was ever such a thing as an urban comedic take on Cliffhanger, then this could well be it, and that’s as decent a hook to sell a move on as any. Resisting any temptation to deviate from its purpose to create a few laughs and thrills along the way, Exit may feature a frustrating number of locked doors, but hopefully it’ll open a few for Sang-geun.

Paul Bramhall’s Rating: 6/10

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New Trailer for South Korean martial arts film ‘Master Heaven’

"Master Heaven: The Greatest Fighter" Theatrical Poster

“Master Heaven: The Greatest Fighter” Theatrical Poster

First time director Park Hyun-chul is going in feet first with Master Heaven: The Greatest Fighter, a South Korean martial arts film that releases domestically this month.

According to HC, here’s a hint of what you can expect from the film: The Wind Fighter’s master, Master Heaven’s legend begins. The master of Karate and Choi Bae-dal’s master, Cheon Seung, is Joseon’s greatest fighter. The legend that was never recorded is about to begin.

Master Heaven: The Greatest Fighter stars Im Seung Joon (Legend Hero), Kwon Dong-won (Bad Papa) and Suh Dam-hee (Shin Ma-jeok).

Don’t miss the film’s action-packed Trailer below:

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Bianca Brigitte Van Damme takes on ‘The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson’

"Paranormal Activity Security Squad" Teaser Poster

“Paranormal Activity Security Squad” Teaser Poster

We’ll soon be seeing Bianca Brigitte Van Damme (Welcome to the Jungle, 6 Bullets), daughter of JCVD, in The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson (aka The Haunting of Nicole Brown Simpson), where she’ll be playing the role of Detective Leigh.

Inspired by true events, The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson follows O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson in the last days leading up to her tragic death on June 12 1994, as seen from her point of view.

The upcoming film, due for a release later this year, is headlined by Mena Suvari (American Beauty) as Nicole, Taryn Manning (8 Mile), Nick Stahl (Terminator 3) and Gene Freeman (Legion Maxx) as O.J. Simpson.

The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson is directed by Daniel Farrands (The Amityville Murders), who is also behind the recent The Haunting of Sharon Tate (this guy obviously found his niche).

Don’t miss the Trailer for The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson below:

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Helpful Essay Writing Tips: Write Amazing Papers to Get the Best Grades

Helpful Essay Writing Tips: Write Amazing Papers to Get the BeEssays are one of the most popular types of assignments many students get in high schools and colleges, and even though they can help you train your writing skills, it is often hard to take care of all of the assignments on time. There are many useful techniques that can help you to write your essay and more tips on writing a paper can be found on this page.

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A singer, an MMA fighter and Johnnie To are ‘Chasing Dream’

"Chasing Dream" Theatrical Poster

“Chasing Dream” Theatrical Poster

This November, celebrated Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To (Three, Fulltime Killer, Office) returns with Chasing Dream, a tale that centers on a tough MMA fighter and a beautiful aspiring singer (via AFS).

Chasing Dreams is written by Johnnie’s frequent collaborator Wai Ka Fai, who is perhaps best known for helming 1995’s Peace Hotel. Co-writers include Ryker Chan (Blind Detective) and Tin Shu Mak (Kung Fu Jungle).

The film stars Jacky Heung (League of Gods), Wang Kero (Youth), Shao Bing (The Lost Bladesman) and Emotion Cheung (Bio-Zombie).

Check out a New Poster (via AFS), as well as a recent Trailer for Chasing Dream below:

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