"Switch" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Filming has begun on Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau’s latest action blockbuster, Switch. This is a highly anticipated Mandarin-language film to be shot in Dubai, the same location as Tom Cruise’s now famous hotel-climbing stunt in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, on a budget of about $20 million US dollars.

The producers are keen on recouping their investment so Switch will be later be dubbed in English and Arabic languages when released in those territories. Much like Tom Cruise’s latest blockbuster, this film will place an emphasis on spectacle: get ready for expensive cars and boats, over the top stunts, and a gorgeous view of Dubai. Switch is directed by Sun Jianjun and stars Andy Lau, Chiling Lin, and Jingchu Zhang.

As far as the plot is concerned, the story appears to revolve around the famous painting ‘Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains’ and will feature Andy Lau as a James Bond-like character. This is the first Chinese film to be shot internationally and select Hollywood talent will be working on the movie as well. A release date of October 1st is anticipated.

Updates: Film Business Asia reports that Andy Lau has recently been busy shooting the film. The budget is set at about $18 million. It’s likely that Media Asia Group will be looking to sell international rights to the film soon.

The first trailer for Switch has premiered at Cannes 2012. | Here’s a new teaser trailer, courtesy of Far East Films. The movie is looking action-packed! | Check out a new trailer for Switch. And don’t forget the first official poster is here, courtesy of Chinese Films. The film opens in China on November 2nd.

The film’s release in China has been postponed indefinitely. Apparently the soundtrack producer has come down with a “sudden disease” and is now hospitalized. This is actually the second lengthy post-production delay for Switch, as the film’s release was previously prolonged so it could be converted to 3D.

After a long delay, which included issues with the Chinese censors and the movie’s soundtrack, Switch will be hitting theaters soon. Here’s a new teaser trailer to celebrate. JayneStars has more info on the film. Director Jay Sun says: “…the movie is packed with action which includes suspenseful spy wars and a little love story thrown in.”

Why settle for James Bond when you could have Andy Lau? Check out the latest trailer for Switch. And don’t miss this snazzy new poster.

BREAKING NEWS: During a recent press conference for his upcoming thriller Blind Detective with director Johnnie To, star Andy Lau admitted that his spy movie Switch isn’t very good. The film has been received poorly by the public. Says Lau: “I sometimes think too highly of myself and tend to believe that whatever script have I have my hands on would end up being good.”

The Guillotines | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Director Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) teams up with China’s hottest rising action stars for the explosive, martial arts-filled film The Guillotines, debuting on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 13th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

A secret brotherhood of assassins – the Guillotines – once favored by the Emperor, are now a force of terror and oppression under a new regime. Exiled to a remote village and hunted by a squad of fighters with firearms that challenge their cold steel, the Guillotines must now outwit and outfight enemies from both sides. The film stars Xiaoming Huang (Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster), Ethan Juan (Mongo), Zhang Wen (The Sorcerer and the White Snake), Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs), Yuchun Li (Flying Swords of Dragon Gate), and Boran Jing (The Bullet Vanishes). Watch the trailer.

Bonus Materials: “The Making of The Guillotines” Featurette, Interviews with Cast & Crew, Andrew Lau – Director, Dora Ng – Costume Designer, Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan, Shawn Yue, Boran Jing and Li Yuchun.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Well Go USA and MPRM Communications.

"Elysium" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Neill Blomkamp, the visionary director behind District 9, is prepping a new high-concept science fiction film starring Matt Damon. In Elysium, the world of the future is divided along harsh class lines: the rich live in a pristine orbital space station while the poor are left to populate a ruined Earth.

Matt Damon plays a presumably normal Earthling who is sent on a daring mission that might just bring equality to a fractured world.

Elysium co-stars Jodi Foster, Wagner Moura, Sharlto Copley, William Fichtner, and Diego Luna. You can expect the film in theaters on March 1st, 2013.

Updates: While we wait for a trailer, Ain’t It Cool Newshas this bad-ass image of Matt Damon from the film. Collider has a new image of Matt Damon from Elysium. | Collider has the first image of Sharlto Copley as the Villain Kruger. | Collider has pack of new photos. | The first poster is here. | Watch the trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the new extended trailer, courtesy of EW (via yahoo). Also check out the newest poster.

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" Theatrical Poster

Director Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was one of 2012’s biggest blockbusters, a fact that was decidedly not unexpected. But of course, An Unexpected Journey was just part one of what will become a three-part saga. The second film in Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy hits theaters on December 13th, 2013.

Fans should expect the trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug to arrive online late this Tuesday and premiere on the big screen in front of Friday’s screenings of Man of Steel. In the meantime, we have the film’s first theatrical poster to give us a taste of the film’s tone. How pleased are you with Jackson’s interpretation of The Hobbit so far?

Updates: First trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

The King of the Streets | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Produced, written, directed and starring Yuen Song, the action-packed, martial arts-fueled The King of the Streets debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital July 23rd from Well Go USA Entertainment.

A story of guilt, redemption and rebirth, Yuen Song plays an angry young man looking to avenge the death of his parents some eight years earlier by local gangsters. The cast also includes Becki Li, Yang Junping, Hou Xu, Li Changhai, Zhang Chao and Yu Xin.

Synopsis: Set in the gritty underbelly of modern day Beijing, the film follows the story of Fang, an ex-convict who is given a second chance of fulfilling his dream of a better life, and breaking away from his labeled status in society. We follow Fang as he discovers a possible future, and as he clashes with his past. His journey takes him through newfound friendships, to exceedingly violent conflicts, causing him to experience the deepest unspoken love, and also the darkest hatred.

The film features an up and coming Chinese Martial Arts actor Yuen Song, as well as many real life professional fighters, all combining efforts to show some of the most cerebral and kinetic fight sequences to grace the screen. Watch the trailer.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Well Go USA/MPRM Communications.