Whatever you do, don’t call The Rock a ‘Snitch’ – Super Bowl TV Spot

"Snitch" Theatrical Poster

"Snitch" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: After a lengthy detour into the world of family movies, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is getting back to doing what he does best: action movies. Much fuss has been made over G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘s delay to March 2013, but The Rock has another movie to tide us over in the meantime.

Snitch is a gritty thriller from Summit Entertainment, featuring The Rock as a concerned father out to clear his son’s name of drug charges. In order to do so, The Rock has to go way, way undercover into the dangerous world of drug dealers and armed cartels.

Updates: The trailer for the film is online now. Sure, we wish Snitch was carrying an R rating instead of a PG-13, but with the focus on Fast and Furious-style convoy chases rather than The Rock filling goons with bullet holes, perhaps the rating won’t matter too much.

Either way, prepare for Snitch to spill everything to the feds in theaters this February 22nd, 2013. Introducing the first poster.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the film’s Super Bowl TV spot.

Posted in News |

Bruce Lee Double Feature: Way of the Dragon & Game of Death | DVD (Shout! Factory)

Bruce Lee Double Feature: Way of the Dragon & Game of Death DVD (Shout! Factory)

Bruce Lee Double Feature: Way of the Dragon & Game of Death DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Bruce Lee Double Feature DVD, which contains two of Bruce Lee’s Golden Harvest films: 1972′s Way of the Dragon and 1978′s Game of Death, which was released posthumously. The DVDs will feature an anamorphic widescreen presentation of the original movies from new HD-transfer.

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

Shout! Factory brings home Jackie Chan’s ‘Police Story 1 & 2’ on DVD & Blu-ray!

Jackie Chan Double Feature: Police Story 1 & 2 (Shout! Factory)

International superstar and cultural icon Jackie Chan is a master of action and comedy. Chan’s illustrious film career ranks as one of the most amazing success stories in the entertainment industry. His movies continue to have an enduring impact throughout the world.

On April 16, 2013, Shout! Factory will unleash Police Story I and Police Story II Double Feature deluxe Blu-ray™ and DVD.

Boasting world renowned international film stars and pulse-pounding action sequences, these two highly regarded world cinema classics debut in a double feature movie presentation on Blu-ray™ in North America. A must-have for loyal fans, collectors and movie enthusiasts, own two of popular Jackie Chan cult hits on Blu-ray at an attractive price of $19.97 SRP. The special double feature DVD has a suggested retail price of $12.99.

Pre-order for Police Story and Police Story II Double Feature Collection is available now on Amazon.com.

Features: Outtakes, Theatrical Trailers, Audio: English 5.1, Cantonese 5.1, Subtitles: English, 1985/1988/Color/Police Story – 100 mins./Police Story II – 122 mins.

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from Shout! Factory.

Posted in News |

Django Unchained | Blu-ray & DVD (The Weinstein Company)

Django Unchained Blu-ray & DVD (The Weinstein Company)

Django Unchained Blu-ray & DVD (The Weinstein Company)

RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2013

The Weinstein Company presents the Blu-ray & DVD for Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Django (Jamie Foxx) a former slave-turned-hired gun heads back to the plantation to free his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), from a tyrannical plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), with the help of a German bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz).

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

Bleak Night (2010) Review

"Bleak Night" American DVD Cover

“Bleak Night” American DVD Cover

Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
Writer: Yoon Sung-hyun
Cast: Lee Je-Hun, Seo Jun-Young, Park Jeong-Min, Jo Seong-Ha, Bae Jae-ki, Lee Cho-hee
Running Time: 117 min.

By HKFanatic

Over the last decade, Korean cinema has made great strides into the Western market thanks to its tendency for big-budget commercial spectacle and ultra-violent revenge movies. “Bleak Night” is not one of those films. This nuanced and haunting story about three high school friends began as a film school project for writer/producer/director Yoon Sung-hyun, but soon gained global attention after appearing in international film festivals. And it’s no wonder why: “Bleak Night” is beautifully structured and powerfully acted. It’s not just one of the best films of the past three years but one of the best Korean films of all time. This is cinema that leaves a mark.

The plot focuses on three boyhood friends: Lee Je-hoon stars as the defacto leader Ki-tae; Seo Jun-young as his longtime confidant Dong-yoon; and Park Jung-min as ‘Becky,’ the relative newcomer to the group. While at first these three Junior year students seem thick as thieves, soon enough the cracks and strains begin to show. Their relationship is tested by schoolyard posturing, petty jealousy, and a general inability – or unwillingness – to express themselves. Through the lens of his high school setting, director Yoon Sung-hyun is able to tackle a wider array of issues including bullying, suicide, and the pressure society places on individuals to fit in.

“Bleak Night” shares some thematic lineage with Japanese films like “All About Lily Chou-Chou” and “Blue Spring,” which also focus on bullying and teenage violence. “Bleak Night” is perhaps more restrained than those films, at least in terms of what it depicts onscreen, but it is no less affecting. It’s clear that Lee Je-hoon is a young actor destined for greatness; while he’s serving his mandatory military service at the moment, “Bleak Night” and his supporting turn in “The Front Line” show he has the potential to be one of Korea’s leading actors. He takes a character who could have easily been loathsome in Ki-tae and makes him three-dimensional, even sympathetic. Likewise, it’s fair to expect great things from Seo Jun-young, who makes a strong impression as the ‘conscience’ of the group.

The screenplay to this film has a unique ‘middle/beginning/end’ structure that can be a little difficult to follow at first, but it’s one other reason why the film rewards multiple viewings. The unconventional structure helps to underline how tragedy and memory can make time impermanent; towards the end of the film, Seo Jun-young’s character seems to float between the past and present as he remembers the friendship he once had. As in “All About Lily Chou-Chou,” a vacation trip is both an oasis of happiness amidst the pain of the characters’ lives and the beginning of where it all went wrong for these young people. Director Yoon Sung-hyun’s use of post-industrial locations – slate gray apartment complexes, fuming smokestacks, and empty trainyards – depicts a different side of South Korea than we typically see in the movies. The extremely minimalist use of music throughout “Bleak Night” also adds to the film’s stark, sobering atmosphere.

5 Points’ Pictures DVD release includes the option for multi-colored subtitles, which helps in a film where characters’ dialogue frequently overlaps. In addition, there is a short essay from the director, detailing his inspiration for the movie, as well as bios for the director and cast. The picture quality is superb despite being in standard definition; it’s reassuring to see a prestige foreign film like this treated with a respectful localization. If you’re a fan of the ‘teen angst’ genre or simply in search of a good, thought-provoking drama, then “Bleak Night” should not be missed.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 10/10

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , , |

Freaky Deaky | DVD (Entertainment One)

Freaky Deaky DVD (Entertainment One)

Freaky Deaky DVD (Entertainment One)

RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2013

Entertainment One presents the DVD for Freaky Deaky, directed by Charles Matthau (son of Walter Matthau) and based on a novel by Elmore Leonard (Jackie Brown, Out of Sight). Set in 1974, a pair of ’60s radicals rely on their bomb-making skills on their way to becoming capitalists. Starring Christian Slater, Crispin Glover, Michael Jai White, Billy Burke, Roger Bart, Andy Dick and Bill Duke. Watch the trailer.

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

Ryan Gosling gets another stunt gig in ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’

"The Place Beyond the Pines" Theatrical Poster

"The Place Beyond the Pines" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: The Place Beyond the Pines is a crime film directed by Derek Cianfrance, written by Cianfrance, Ben Coccio, and Darius Marder. The film reunites Cianfance and Ryan Gosling, with whom he worked on Blue Valentine.

The plot centers around a motorcycle stunt rider (Ryan Gosling) considers committing a crime in order to provide for his wife and child, an act that puts him on a collision course with a cop-turned-politician (Bradley Cooper). Also starring Rose Byrne, Eva Mendes, Ray Liotta, Dane DeHaan and Bruce Greenwood. The Place Beyond the Pines made its debut during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2012.

Updates: Check out the film’s first footage. Nice Hall and Oates reference. The first trailer is now online.

BREAKING NEWS: Take a look at the new poster.

Posted in News |

Sean Penn to take action in ‘The Prone Gunman’

"Taken" Korean Theatrical Poster

"Taken" Korean Theatrical Poster

THL reports that Pierre Morel (Taken, District B13) is in negotiations to direct an action movie starring Sean Penn in The Prone Gunman, which will be based on the novel of the same by Jean-Patrick Manchette. The film is being produced by Silver Pictures’ Joel Silver (Die Hard) and Andrew Rona (Equilibrium). When deals on made final, production is set to begin this year.

According to Amazon, the book follows Martin Terrier, a hired killer who wants out of the game—so he can settle down and marry his childhood sweetheart. After all, that’s why he took up this profession! But the Organization won’t let him go: they have other plans. Once again, the gunman must assume the prone shooting position.

Posted in News |

Lifeforce | Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Lifeforce Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

Lifeforce Blu-ray & DVD (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2013

Shout! Factory presents the Blu-ray & DVD for 1985’s Lifeforce, directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), written by Dan O’Bannon (Alien) and based on Colin Wilson’s 1976 novel, The Space Vampires. Lifeforce involves a race of space vampires arrive in London and infect the populous. Watch the trailer.

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

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 1/29/13

Bangkok Assassins DVD (Lionsgate)

Bangkok Assassins DVD (Lionsgate)

The last week of January brings slim pickings for Asian film fans, but let’s soldier on anyway. If you’re interested in any of the following titles, you can support the site by ordering through our affiliate. We appreciate it!

Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 1/29/13:

ASIAN CINEMA

Bangkok Assassins (DVD) – Lionsgate presents this 2011 Thai action film about four young men who were trained in Shaolin kung fu as orphans. Also known as “Bangkok Kung Fu,” the movie features action choreography by “Ong-bak”’s Somchai Munma

MAINSTREAM

Die Hard: 25th Anniversary Collection (Blu-ray) – John McClane has always been the right man at the wrong place, wrong time. Score all four “Die Hard” films in stunning hi-def with this box set

Seven Psychopaths (Blu-ray/DVD) – a 2012 quirky crime comedy from the director of “In Bruges,” starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, and Christopher Walken

The Cold Light of Day (Blu-ray/DVD) – from the director of “JCVD”! Bruce Willis and future Superman Henry Cavill co-star in this 2012 spy thriller that failed to catch fire at the box office

All Superheroes Must Die (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 2011 superhero-themed indie thriller is billed as “Batman meets Saw”

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (Blu-ray/DVD) – an aging caped crusader swings into action in the second part of the animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel

Liability (DVD) – actor Tim Roth (“Reservoir Dogs”) headlines this 2012 arthouse-style crime thriller

NEW TO BLU-RAY

The Duelists (Blu-ray) – Shout! Factory presents the first hi-def release of this 1977 film – the first effort of a director you may have heard of, Ridley Scott

Flight of the Navigator (Blu-ray) – this spacefaring Disney family favorite arrives from 1986, now on Blu

The Obscure Object of Desire (Blu-ray) – the final film from the legendary Spanish filmmaker and surrealist Luis Buñuel, this 1977 movie plays a dark game of sexual politics

HORROR

White Zombie: Kino Classics’ Remastered Edition (Blu-ray/DVD) – Kino presents a remastered edition of this 1932 horror favorite starring Bela Lugosi

Citadel (Blu-ray/DVD) – twisted feral children target a grieving father in this 2012 chiller that gained attention in the film festival circuit

Paranormal Activity 4 (Blu-ray/DVD) – demonic forces just won’t rest in this 2012 sequel to the popular horror franchise

The Awakening (Blu-ray/DVD) – actress Rebecca Hall (“The Town”) stars as a hoax exposer who comes up against a supernatural mystery she can’t simply explain away

Midnight Movies Vol 10: Killer Critters Double Feature (DVD) – Blue Underground presents a 2-film set including the movies “Rats: Night of Terror” and “Venom”

Midnight Movies Vol 9: Zombie Double Feature (DVD) – it’s two Italian horror flicks for the price of one, courtesy of Blue Underground. In this set you can acquire “Hell of the Living Dead” and “Nightmare City”

Midnight Movies Vol 8: Cannibal Double Feature (DVD) – develop a taste for flesh when Blue Underground presents “Cannibal Man” and “Cannibals” together on DVD

Pig/1334 (Blu-ray + DVD combo) – two highly experimental, industrial-style horror short films dating to around 1998, featuring work by Rozz Williams of Christian Death shortly before he took his own life

Cherry Tree Lane (DVD) – a young middle class couple are living the perfect life until a group of teenagers show up at their door wielding knives in this 2010 horror film

Interested in any of these movies? If so, we hope that you’ll consider ordering from our affiliate to help support this site. Thank you!

Posted in News |

Bounty Hunters | Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Bounty Hunters Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Bounty Hunters Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2013

Miramax Echo Bridge presents the Blu-ray for 1996′s Bounty Hunters (aka Outgun), starring American Ninja’s Michael Dudikoff and Lisa Howard. Directed by straight-to-video favorite, George Erschbamer (Snake Eater trilogy). Watch the trailer. Don’t forget Part 2 is also available!

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

Best of the Best 4: Without Warning | Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Best of the Best 4: Without Warning Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Best of the Best 4: Without Warning Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013

Echo Bridge presents the Blu-ray for Best of the Best 4: Without Warning. This time, Philip Rhee – who also serves as director – uses his masterful Tae Kwon Do skills against the mob! This movie features a dojo fight sequence that Jet Li’s Kiss of the Dragon may have ripped off! See for yourself.

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

4 Assassins | DVD (Inception Media Group)

4 Assassins DVD (Inception Media Group)

4 Assassins DVD (Inception Media Group)

RELEASE DATE: February 19, 2013

Inception Media Group presents the DVD for 4  Assassins (aka Far Away Eyes), an action drama about four killers who meet in a hotel to resolve unfinished business. The film stars Will Yun Lee (The Wolverine), Miguel Ferrer (Robocop) and Mercedes Renard (Hitch). Watch the trailer.

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

Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball Blu-ray (Miramax Echo Bridge)

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013

Miramax Echo Bridge presents the Blu-ray for 1997’s Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball, starring American Ninja’s Michael Dudikoff, Lisa Howard and the legendary Tony Curtis. Directed by straight-to-video favorite, George Erschbamer (Snake Eater trilogy), Bounty Hunters 2: Hardball is sure to please all you closet Dudikoff fans. Watch the trailerPart 1 is also available!

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

Rodriguez to play ‘Mariachi’ with Banderas again?

"Desperado" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Desperado" Japanese Theatrical Poster

During a 20th Anniversary screening of 1992’s El Mariachi at the Sundance Film Festival, Robert Rodriguez hinted that we’ll see another El Mariachi film in the future.

Here’s what Rodriguez told MTV: “We forgot about how much fun we’ve had together,” Rodriguez said. “We decided we have to do something. We want to do another El Mariachi movie at some point. We always said we would, but [we’d shoot it] much later when he’s older and rounder.”

Made in 1992 for about $7,000, El Mariachi put Rodriguez on the map as one of Hollywood’s most craftiest filmmakers. Along with Quentin Tarantino, Rodriguez helped usher in the independent movie boom of the early 1990s. El Mariachi spawned two sequels: 1995’s Desperado and 2003’s Once Upon A Time In Mexico, both starring Antonio Banderas, who took over the role of ‘El Mariachi’ for Carlos Gallardo.

While you’re waiting for the two to team up in El Mariachi 4, be sure and catch Antonio Banderas in Rodriguez’ Machete Kills, which opens September 13, 2013.

Posted in News |