Phase 7 | aka Faze 7 (2011) Review

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Z Ravas
"Phase 7" International Theatrical Poster

"Phase 7" International Theatrical Poster

Director: Nicolas Goldbart
Writer: Nicolas Goldbart
Producer: Sebastian Aloi
Cast: Daniel Hendler, Jasmine Stuart, Yayo Guridi, Federico Luppi, Carlos Bermejo, Abian Vainstein
Running Time: 95 min.

By HKFanatic

“Phase 7” is the latest in a string of viral outbreak films to land before horror moviegoer’s eyes, following the underrated “Carriers” with Chris Prine and the cult Spanish-language hit “[REC].” “Phase 7” is also in Spanish, though this time it arrives from the country of Argentina. Argentina isn’t exactly known for its genre cinema but there are no flesh-eating undead hordes to be found in this film. Instead, most of the action takes place in a quarantined apartment building while the rest of the world is ravaged by a deadly outbreak. As a young husband and his pregnant wife bunker down for the long haul, the mounting paranoia among their neighbors threatens to spill into their own lives.

“Phase 7” is effective in its restraint. Editor-turned-director Nicolas Goldbart favors a slow build of tension as the opening scene’s trip to the grocery store reveals something is not quite right. The film is well acted with solid turns from popular Argentinean actor Daniel Handler as the male lead, and Yayo Guridi and Federico Luppi as two neighbors who are both off their rocker in slightly different ways. As the saying goes, “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you.” Are Handler’s fellow tenants smart for preparing for the apocalypse – or are they crazy for actually anticipating the unthinkable? Director Goldbart, who also wrote the script, doles out apocalyptic iconography in a measured fashion, letting the audience know what kind of picture they’re in: the out of control crowds, the quarantine suits, the helicopters swooping over funnels of smoke, the panic rooms.

If I have any serious complaint about this film, it’s that the pace is far too lax for a story about a viral apocalypse. There’s no mention of just what Phase 7 is within the context of the plot until about thirty minutes into the movie and even then it seems to have no bearing on the rest of the film, other than some slight thematic resonance concerning statements made by George Bush Sr. about a “New World Order” back in the early 90’s. Goldbart himself had a hand in the editing but the film moves at a surprisingly slow clip. Camera takes occasionally linger for too long, leaving actors to awkwardly creep up the stairs or pour another bowl of Fruit Loops. The wife character, though ably portrayed by actress Jasmine Stuart, is given precious little to do other than nag at her husband.

The script devotes a great deal of time to building tension; when the tension does finally spill over towards the end of the film, these scenes are marred by a few unrealistic touches. For instance, a character with a shotgun that only fires two shots and then requires a lengthy reload, rendering him vulnerable in the process, is able to hold off two opponents who have him pinned down with automatic weapons. Moments like this tend to take the viewer out of the movie.

Regardless, “Phase 7” has plenty to recommend. The music by Guillermo Guareschi features bubbling, 80’s-style synth-bass, recalling the soundtracks to classic John Carpenter films like “They Live” and “Escape From New York.” The cast is entirely convincing, as Daniel Handler goes from simpering man-child to man of action and his neighbors increasingly circle the drain of their own sanity. The film’s uncertain denouement left me anxious to find out what happens next – I would not be opposed to a sequel. When you realize that “Phase 7” was made for about half a million US dollars, it clearly outclasses several Hollywood horror movies made for considerably more money. “Phase 7” is a promising debut for director Nicolas Goldbart, even if the pacing could have used a little more momentum.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 7/10

Posted in Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged |

Hidden Fortress, The (1958) Review

Posted on October 19, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The Hidden Fortress" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"The Hidden Fortress" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Producer: Sanezumi Fujimoto, Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara, Misa Uehara, Susumu Fujita, Takashi Shimura, Misa Uehara, Eiko Miyoshi, Toshiko Higuchi, Yu Fujiki, Yoshio Tsuchiya
Running Time: 139 min.

By Numskull

The titular location isn’t much of a “fortress”… more like a couple of shacks tucked away in a canyon… but the adventure that stops there along the way is highly entertaining.

This Akira Kurosawa film takes its time getting where it’s going but does so at a steady pace and averts any serious boredom on the viewer’s part, in typical Kurosawa fashion. It follows the exploits of two greedy farmers named Tahei (Minoru Chiaki) and Matashichi (Kamatari Fujiwara) who flee the territory scarred by war between the Akizuki and Yamana clans. They are recruited by General Rokurota Makabe (early Kurosawa mainstay Toshiro Mifune) to help transport a fortune in gold bars concealed in hollowed-out firewood and Princess Yuki of the defeated Akizaki clan through enemy lines. Like most film princesses, Yuki is rather bitchy much of the time. She just loves to threaten people with that stick of hers, and she says everything in the same irritating, stressed-out, unduly urgent tone of voice. The ceaseless, comedic bickering of Tahei and Matashichi eases the pain somewhat, but I find it rather foolish of them to complain about how cold it is when they aren’t wearing pants.

Kurosawa was influenced by early American westerns, and he HAD influence ON many of the later ones. It’s not difficult to see. Rokurota’s tense, methodical duel with Hyoe Takokoro (Susumu Fujita), which is as psychological as it is physical, will no doubt bring to mind the traditional showdown between gunslingers on a dusty road lined by spectators. (A minor complaint: more information on the history between these two characters would have been nice, as I found their relationship to be one of the most interesting aspects of the film.)

The influence doesn’t stop there. I think it’s safe to assume that the creators of the awesome Korean swordplay epic Musa (Warrior) were fans of The Hidden Fortress. The clash of the clans, the smuggling of the princess, and the peasant girl who joins the protagonists along the way… all there. However, Musa is based on actual events and for that reason may not be as much of a “rip off” (I wouldn’t use that term anyway; it’s thrown around far too casually) as one would immediately think. Accuse me of all the sacrilege you want, but I definitely consider Musa the better movie, and NOT just because it’s newer, flashier, and in color as opposed to black and white. It is because Musa has a broader scope, and boasts one of my favorite characters in all of cinema: Yeesol, played by Jung Woo-sung.

“Hey Numskull, weren’t you talking about The Hidden Fortress?” Oh yeah, thanks.

Toshiro Mifune has commanding screen presence, Minoru Chiaki’s facial expressions are outstanding, and Kurosawa never falters in any significant way throughout the film’s 139-minute duration. This film will definitely make you want to seek out more of Kurosawa’s work if you haven’t already done so.

The Criterion DVD has a brief segment where George Lucas talks about his exposure to Kurosawa and the influence that The Hidden Fortress had on Star Wars; primarily, the fact that the story is told from the point of view of the two “lowest” characters (Tahei & Matashichi/C3PO & R2D2). Even though he says “uh” and “um” a lot, he comes across as reasonably knowledgeable and you get the impression that he DOES, in fact, have a clue… which really makes you wonder why The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones suck so hard.

Light-hearted by Kurosawa standards, and fast-paced despite being well over two hours; this is one worth picking up.

Numskull’s Rating: 8/10

By Mairosu

Guess what dear readers if there are any, it’s a fortification doubleheader !

First, I saw Hidden Fortress today, the film which allegedly inspired George Lucas to make Star Wars (turns out it just inspired some moments of Star Wars rather than the whole sextalogy), an adventure story of two petty goons who get involved into a high-profile rescue operation. The two smalltime profiteurs, Tahei and Matakishi, are just freshly out of recent war campaign in which they tried to earn some money but wound up with zilch and eventually in captivity. They manage to flee during a fully-fledged slave rebellion, and then stumble upon a few gold sticks in the mountains which spark their enthousiasm. Turns out, that gold is part of a bigger gold shipment, the one guarded by a guy who dubs himself general Makabe Rokurota (Mifune, who else), who also has another task – that one, to escort the princess of the Akizuki clan (Misa Uehara) to a safe territory over the border. Tahei and Matakishi accept to assist them, a decision obviously influenced by all that gold, and off they go to another 100 or so minutes of high adventure.

Was it really high adventure? Well, no. Although the pace is a bit faster than the usual Kurosawa samurai film, there is still not much action here happening to satisfy a modern action fan. But there’s eye candy and expert direction aplenty. This was Kurosawa’s first film which was shot in widescreen aspect, and he makes the best of it by fully utilising the wonderful scenery into this picture. Mountains, forests, medieval encampments and plains all bring this film to a better level – it’s amazing how a Kurosawa black and white film still looks much richer in detail than about 90% of coloured CGI crapola nowadays. And even though the action scenes are only here and there, when they happen they really happen – the horseback chase between Rokurota and some opposition soldiers a real standout. Also, it’s worth noting that this film is somewhat low on social references and commentary – as the DVD notes on the BFI disc mention, this is the closest Kurosawa came to chanbara genre in his period pieces. Probably because he knew this was his last Toho contract film, so he wanted to take a stab at something new I’m guessing.

As for the Star Wars references, well, Tahei and Matakishi are a somewhat loose inspiration for C3PO and R2D2, and the first fifteen minutes of film have been conveniently used for the Tatooine sequences after the two likable droids crash land. Also, Lucas himself mentions in an interview that the fact that the story was told from the view of two less important characters was the main thing which inspired him, which is well visible.

And oh, that last shot has been used in Phantom Menace methinks. Well, all things accounted for, this film did its best to bore me and yet I walked out (well, left the sofa actually) somewhat satisfied. Even though it lasted whopping 135 minutes, a big no-no in my books.

The other castle in this entry is the one of the spider’s web, the one featuring in Throne of Blood. Now, I liked this film a dash better than Hidden Fortress for some reason, which is odd as I usually favour action over drama. But Throne was good, real good. Anyway, this film is Kurosawa’s vision of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Long story short, two noble warriors – who are, much to my surprise, played by Mifune & Shimura – are back from a triumphant battle in which they put down some rebels, and on their way back to their lord’s castle they run into a ghost in the middle of a forest during a thunderstorm. The ghost predicts that Washizu (Mifune) will soon rule one castle, and that he will also become the high lord soon, but that his reign will be brief and ended by Odagura’s (Shimura) son. They both disband this as something unimportant, but soon, Washizu gets his castle and the plot begins – Washizu is soon egged on by his wife to murder the lord and frame someone else, and grab all the power for himself. Washizu obliges, then later even kills Odagura to eliminate competition, but Odagura’s son is obviously not happy and wants revenge. Washizu, worried that he might fail, visits the forest spirit once more, who grinningly informs him that he won’t lose unless the “spider bush” (the forest, as subbed by some inept Hong Kong translator) starts moving towards him.

Convinced that there are no such things as moving bushes, Washizu reassures his army that the victory is theirs. Mood is great, until next morning… someone detects that forest is heading into castle’s way! How the hell did that happen you ask ? Why, the cunning opposition army disguised itself under branches and leaves and started their move to the castle. Unable to quell his own troops and dispell this illusion, Washizu is treated to a salvo of arrows which nail him to the wall of his own commander’s watchpost (a truly memorable scene) – and so this story ends.

I obviously shortchanged the role of Washizu’s wife, who is masterfully played by Isuzu Yamada. Pauline Kael mentioned in her review that there was never a better lady MacBeth, and I’m inclined to agree here (I’ll of course casually forget I never saw any other MacBeth adaptation) – her pale white face is pure evil, and the scene in which she washes her hands of blood in the end is downright creepy. Creepy, actually, is the tone of this film – from the great haunting score with choir singing to the visually stunning scenes in the “spider bush” during thunderstorm and generally gorgeous landscape (as usual), the film just oozes some uneasiness throughout. And there’s again Mifune excelling as the medieval tough guy, but of totally another mould than the jovial characters of Sanjuro and Makabe Rokurota – lord Washizu is one evil, power-hungry loon, and his descent into madness is a triumph of Mifune’s acting ability.

And man, I can’t believe I forgot to mention how great of a score was the one for Yojimbo. Man, ’twas awesome, and then some.

Mairosu’s Rating: 7.5/10

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

Fatal Move (2008) Review

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Z Ravas
"Fatal Move" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Fatal Move” Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Duo Shuai
Director: Dennis Law Sau Yiu
Cast: Sammo Hung, Simon Yam Tat Wah, Tien Niu, Danny Lee Sau Yin, Wu Jing, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Lam Suet, Ken Lo, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Jacky Heung Cho, Fung Hak On, Hui Siu Hung
Running Time: 116 min.

By HKFanatic

Dennis Law may just be the most incompetent director working in Hong Kong. And yet, much like HK’s other trash auteur Wong Jing, he continually manages to draw top tier talent to his films. Take a look at “Fatal Move’s” star-studded cast: Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, Danny Lee, Wu Jing. These are some of the biggest names in Hong Kong.

The film also features supporting turns from several actors who have become synonymous with the cops ‘n Triads genre: Eddie Cheung, Ken Lo, and Milkyway veterans like Lam Seut and Hui Siu. One would think that for a director to nab such A-list players, he himself would have to exude vision as a filmmaker. But time and time again, Dennis Law flounders behind the camera.

Both this film and Law’s 2010 effort “Bad Blood” follow the same general plot: a Triad organization is tearing itself apart from the inside due to money-grubbing and betrayal. The story is almost impossible to follow beyond this most basic thread. Sammo Hung plays the head of the Triad – a calm and fatherly man who can also order an execution as nonchalantly as if he was asking for tea.

The presence of Sammo, Simon Yam, and Wu Jing in a Triad setting makes “Fatal Move” feel something like a spiritual successor to 2005’s excellent “Sha Po Lang” (AKA “Killzone”). Derek Yee actually began writing the script as a prequel to “SPL,” which would have depicted Sammo’s character’s rise to power. He eventually scrapped the idea when it proved limiting but the story he came up instead with is almost too mundane to be committed to celluloid. Without Donnie Yen onscreen or Wilson Yip handling directorial duties, “Fatal Move” pales in comparison to its companion film.

This movie is characterized by long, drawn out dialogue scenes that go nowhere; constant under-acting; and bland camera set-ups. The film is curiously underscored: too many scenes are filled with awkward silences as the actors look at each other or painfully wait for their next dialogue beat. Then again, what music is here is pretty generic and awful sounding, so whether there’s crickets behind Simon Yam’s flat performance or a generic electronic drumbeat, the audience still suffers.

Of course, it would be a lot easier to forgive bland dialogue and lifeless acting in a Triad movie if the action scenes delivered. And the action in “Fatal Move,” choreographed by Nicky Li Chung of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, is actually quite good. Chung previously directed the action on movies like “Gen X Cops” and “New Police Story,” not to mention “Rush Hour” and “Who Am I?” However, here more so than in any other Hong Kong movie I can recall, the action is undermined by an excessive use of computer-generated effects. So while it’s awesome to see Wu Jing charge into a gang battle with a samurai sword and start hacking off people’s limbs left and right, the fact that everything looks so digital takes away from the impact. “Fatal Move” is a bloody movie, there’s no doubt about that, but more than 90% of the blood is CGI.

The standout scene in “Fatal Move” occurs at around the half-way mark, when up-and-coming actor Jacky Heung (“Fearless,” “True Legend“) leaps from an overpass and lands on top of a car to engage in one of the most brutal Triad assassinations ever captured on film. Dressed in a frilly white jacket and wielding some kind of deadly axe-boomerang, Jacky Heung makes for a fierce killer, despite the fact that he’s obviously doubled at most points. It’s a scene-stealing moment with great choreography that doesn’t rely too much on special effects. If only the rest of the movie had this same kinetic energy.

The film ends with a one-on-one battle between Sammo Hung and Wu Jing, the only fight that Sammo has the entire movie. If you’re willing to put up with how bad the rest of “Fatal Move” is, this is a match-up worth watching. Their battle is proceeded by an incredibly drawn out, hysteric monologue from actress Tien Niu that had me reaching for ear plugs and the reasons behind the fight itself make absolutely no sense, but still…it’s Sammo vs. Wu Jing! The choreography is excellent and Wu Jing is clearly at the top of his game, even if Sammo is clearly doubled by a much more svelte stunt man at times.

It’s difficult to imagine who will be satisfied by “Fatal Move.” Viewers searching for a gripping Triad drama will be put off by the manga-esque level of violence and Wu Jing’s asymmetrical emo haircut. Action junkies will be forced to endure the film’s meandering pace, with the fighting parsed out across a lengthy two hour runtime. Even fans of Sammo or Simon Yam won’t get to see their heroes truly act; virtually everyone in the cast registers as a non-presence thanks to a weak script that gives them nothing to do. I can’t say I recommend this film unless you’re absolutely dying to see the Sammo vs. Wu Jing fight. Even then, no one would hold it against you if you just YouTubed it.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 5.5/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Blu-ray & DVD (Fox)

Posted on October 19, 2011 by JJ Bona
Rise of the Planet of the Apes Blu-ray & DVD (Fox)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Blu-ray & DVD (Fox)

RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2011

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a revolution; an action-packed epic featuring stunning visual effects and creatures unlike anything ever seen before. At the story’s heart is Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who gains human-like intelligence and emotions from an experimental drug. Raised like a child by the drug’s creator (James Franco), Caesar ultimately finds himself taken from the humans he loves and imprisoned. Seeking justice, Caesar assembles a simian army and escapes — putting man and primate on a collision course that could change the planet forever. Check out the trailer.

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

Unjust, The | aka Bad Deal (2010) Review

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Z Ravas
"The Unjust" Korean Theatrical Poster

“The Unjust” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
Writer: Park Hun-Jeong
Cast: Hwang Jeong-Min, Ryu Seung-Beom, Yu Hae-Jin, Cheon Ho-Jin, Ma Dong-Seok, Jo Young-Jin
Running Time: 119 min.

By HKFanatic

When I sit down to watch a slick, commercial thriller, this is exactly what I want it to be. The director of “No Blood, No Tears” and “City of Violence” weaves an im-morality tale of police corruption, political maneuvering, and gangland-style justice with no discernible “hero” to root for. The viewer is plunged into the thick of things within the first twenty minutes and forced to gain their bearings in the plot. It’s fairly complex stuff, what with all the backstabbing and murky character motivation going on, especially when you’re trying to follow subtitles at the same time. “The Unjust” is not a movie for people who want to turn off their brain and veg out in front of the TV.

Hwang Jung-min is a top cop in the Seoul police department, despite the fact that he’s from a lower social status and therefore lacks an Academy background – Academy graduation meaning you’re a member of the “in” club and on the short list for promotion. Hwang Jun-min is a little rough around the edges but he knows how to get the job done, which is why the Police Commissioner comes to him with a tricky proposition. The department’s reputation has been marred by their inability to catch a serial killer who is murdering schoolgirls. Hwang Jung-min is tasked with a simple mission: deliver a suspect to justice, one that can be prosecuted and put behind bars whether he’s truly guilty or not. Eager to ascend the ranks and make good with the Commissioner, Hwang Jung-min agrees and drags his team of detectives down with him.

Meanwhile, the police department and the prosecutor’s office are divided over a recent development contract. Hwang Jun-min makes buddy-buddy with a former gangster turned developer played by Hae-jin Yu, while the chief prosecutor (the director’s brother, Seung-beom Ryu) sides with Yu’s more respected rival. All these underhanded dealings will come to a head when supercop Hwang Jung-min is forced to materialize a suspect in the murder case. Once the pieces are in position on the board, it’s only a matter of time before they’re all knocked down.

Seung-wan Ryoo directs with his signature flashy style, which is evident from the moment a suspect is shot in the head during the opening credits and his blood splatter helps swipe to the film’s title. Fortunately, the camera work is always in service of telling the story and the film moves at a lightning pace even with a two hour runtime. The plot and the way it plays out bear more than a passing resemblance to “Infernal Affairs” or even its American remake “The Departed,” only this time there’s no Tony Leung/Leonardo Dicaprio for the audience to relate to. Everyone is out for their own self-interest but even these loathsome characters remain immensely watchable thanks to the charismatic cast, particularly prosecutor Seung-beom Ryu (“Arahan,” “No Mercy”). Korean society as a whole is portrayed as rife with corruption: police corroborate with gangsters, prosecutors are in bed with business interests, and public officials’ only real concern is advancing their career or making good headlines. Taking inspiration from real life scandals in the region, “The Unjust” is cynical to its core.

Action junkies may well recall that director Seung-wan Ryoo’s previous films were loaded to the gills with choreographed violence. “The Unjust” isn’t quite so action-packed but there should be enough scuffles, including several full body Judo-style takedowns, to satisfy the average viewer’s brutality quotient. Mostly, the emphasis is on the screenplay’s countless twists and turns and brilliant performances from actors like Yoo Hae-jin, who seems to relish the chance to play an over-the-top, rubber-faced gangster turned businessman. If you’d be interested in an unpredictable thriller involving cops, crooks, and suits, with just enough humor and bloodshed to keep things interesting, then “The Unjust” is a great night’s entertainment. Last year “The Unjust” became the biggest box office success yet for director Seung-wan Ryoo, and it serves as further proof that Korean cinema is currently enjoying a commercial and creative peak.

The film is now streaming on Netflix Instant. While the picture is not HD, it still looks decent and the subtitles are well-translated and easy to read. Highly recommended.

HKFanatic’s Rating: 8.5/10

Posted in Korean, Reviews | Tagged , , |

Blu-ray and DVD Releases for 10/18/11

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Z Ravas
The Crow: Deluxe Edition Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

The Crow: Deluxe Edition Blu-ray (Lionsgate)

There’s some interesting releases this week, whether you’re a fan of foreign films, Japanese animation, or straight-up horror. So let’s get down to it! Here are some Asian and genre-related releases for 10/18/11:

ASIAN CINEMA

Kuroneka (blu-ray/DVD) – Criterion Collection releases this 1968 black-and-white Japanese horror fable

Harimaya Bridge (blu-ray + DVD combo) – Funimation offers this moving drama, produced and starring Danny Glover and featuring a host of Japanese talent

Dragon’s Dynasty Ultimate Kung Fu 4Pk Box Set (DVD) – this DVD box set features the latest batch of Shaw Brothers films released by Dragon Dynasty, including: Executioner From Shaolin, Martial Arts of Shaolin, Mad Monkey Kung Fu, and Five Shaolin Masters

Aftershock (DVD) – this disquieting Mandarin language drama from 2010 tells the story of those affected by a 1976 earthquake that hit Tangshan, China

49 Days (DVD) – a 2011 Korean TV drama about a young woman’s journey between life and death

FOREIGN CINEMA

The Last Circus (blu-ray/DVD) – catch this rave-reviewed 2011 Spanish language film about circus clowns gone bad

In a Glass Cage (blu-ray/DVD) – this notorious 1987 Spanish language shocker about a paralytic Nazi war criminal arrives in hi definition for the first time

The Robber (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2010 German language film tells the true story of a professional athlete who robbed banks in his spare time

Clowns (blu-ray) – RaroVideo USA releases this Federico Fellini 1970 made-for-television movie in hi-definition

Baaria (blu-ray/DVD) – this 2009 Italian film arrives from the acclaimed director of “Cinema Paradiso”

Sodium Babies (DVD) – this 2009 French language film offers a new spin on vampires as protagonist Dead Dog seeks to escape servitude to the Prince of Vampires

Murder Obsession (DVD) – RaroVideo USA releases this obscure 1981 Italian horror film

Death Will Have Your Eyes (DVD) – Mya Video releases this obscure 1974 Italian horror film. Unfortunately, Mya are notorious for releasing sub-VHS quality prints of their movies on DVD so buyer beware

R (DVD) – this 2010 Danish prison drama arrives from Olive Films

ANIMATION

Batman: Year One (blu-ray + DVD combo/DVD) – Frank Miller’s classic graphic novel is adapted into a 2011 animated feature from DC Animation

Demon City Shinjuku (DVD) – this classic 1988 anime, long since out of print, arrives on DVD once again to the delight of fans. Would you believe that Tsui Hark also made a live-action adaptation of this anime?

Robotech: The Complete Original Series (DVD) – A&E is putting out a box set that contains the entire “Robotech” series, which was actually three entirely separate Japanese anime recut and dubbed for American audiences

Dragonball Z Kai: Season One (blu-ray/DVD) – Funimation releases 625 minutes worth of “Dragonball Z Kai” action

MAINSTREAM

The Crow (blu-ray) – Lionsgate releases this cult classic, comic book-based 1994 film starring Brandon Lee on blu-ray

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (blu-ray/DVD) – the latest 2011 Pirates film starring Johnny Depp may have received mixed reviews in the US but overseas it was another box office smash for golden boy Depp

The Guns of Navarone (blu-ray) – the classic 1961 film starring Gregory Peck and David Niven arrives in hi-definition for the first time

The Goonies (blu-ray) – the classic children’s adventure film from 1985, now on blu-ray

Cape Fear (blu-ray) – Martin Scorsese’s underrated 1991 remake, starring Robert Deniro and Nick Nolte, is on blu-ray for the first time

Red State (blu-ray/DVD) – Kevin Smith’s controversial 2011 horror film is now available for viewing in the privacy of your own home

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (DVD) – this is the 40th anniversary edition release of the classic 1971 children’s film

Captain America/Captain America II: Death Too Soon (DVD) – catch this pair of late 70’s TV movies starring Reb Brown as the Star-Spangled Avenger

Freerunner (blu-ray/DVD) – a low-budget 2011 action flick starring “Never Back Down’s” Sean Faris

Sucker Punch (DVD) – this 2008 low-budget flick from the UK is not to be confused with Zack Synder’s 2011 blockbuster starring all those really cute girls

HORROR

Zombie (blu-ray/DVD) – rejoice, Lucio Fulci’s grisly 1979 masterpiece is now in hi-definition thanks to Blue Underground

The House by the Cemetery (blu-ray/DVD) – my personal favorite Fulci film, released in 1981, arrives on blu-ray courtesy of Blue Underground

Grave Encounters (DVD) – this 2011 film played at the Tribeca Film Festival and pokes fun at those ‘ghost-hunting’ reality shows

Nothing But the Night (DVD) – this 1972 horror movie stars genre legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing

Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption (DVD) – this 2011 micro-budget zombie flick was shot in Michigan and features Fred “The Hammer” Williamson

Hellraiser: Revelations (blu-ray/DVD) – can Pinhead survive another dud with this 2011 direct-to-video sequel?

The Pyx (DVD) – a 1973 horror film starring Karen Black and Christopher Plummer

Subspecies: The Complete Collection (DVD) – five low-budget, direct-to-video vampire movies in one DVD set. What could go wrong?

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 |

Speed Racer (2008) Review

Posted on October 15, 2011 by ningen31
"Speed Racer" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Speed Racer” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Director: The Wachowskis
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Roger Allam, Benno Fürmann, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rain, Richard Roundtree
Running Time: 135 min. 

By Ningen

Emile Hirsch plays a one-dimensional guy named Speed Racer who teams up with a random Korean guy played by Rain and a myterious racer named X played by Matthew Fox to take down The Man (aka Royalton) through competitive car racing. Royalton likes rigging the results of said races in his favor through the use of brutal violence and insider trading or something; I lost track of the plot about 20 minutes into the film when the script spent more time discussing stock options than showing me driving. And you know how the six of you who saw “House of the Dead” hated the way Boll would interrupt each gun-fight scene with screen-shots from the game? Well, I guess it goes to show that, if you have a big budget, you can fool people into thinking that kind of visual mess is “innovative” and “ahead of its time”.You see, instead of pretty pictures of CG cars zooming, we get people’s reaction shots, and even floating frames of their faces. If you got a kick out of getting ten minutes or less of actual fighting per (hundredth) episode in DBZ, then you’ll love Speed Racer.

The rest of us, however, want to be entertained. We get it, already, Larry and Andy: You love anime. But you don’t seem to get that when the Japanese juxtapose certain contrasting images together, it’s generally meant to create a mood and set a tone for the rest of the picture, not to get in the way of the action. Speaking of action, it’s clear that without Yuen Wo Ping, the brothers’ fight scenes don’t mean a thing, as we’re stuck sitting through Adam West-style combat moments which are too long and too pointless.

But the real problem is there’s too much focus on characterization, and not enough on the races. I don’t care what makes Speed and his family tick! Nor do I care about the history of any of the car manufacturers. If you’re gonna make a kiddie flick, you keep it simple-not turn it into a soap opera! (I guess one adaptation wasn’t enough for the brothers to ruin….)

The car races themselves are disappointing for the reasons that there are too many of them at once, and the models of the vehicles and the drivers all start to look the same after a while. Plus, the emphasis on fast-forwarding the physics makes whatever money was spent on backgrounds and detail work pointless. Basically, sitting through each race is the equivalent a Hollywood action film which shoots its fights scenes too close: You can’t tell what’s going on, and you start to not care anymore. You just get a bunch of colored lights meshed together after a while. In conclusion, see Speed Racer with a Ritalin prescription you love.

Ningen’s Rating: 5/10

Posted in All, Asian Related, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , |

Godzilla | aka Gojira (1954) Review

Posted on October 14, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Godzilla" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“Godzilla” Japanese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Director: Ishiro Honda
Cast: Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi, Takashi Shimura, Fuyuki Murakami, Sachio Sakai, Ren Yamamoto, Toyoaki Suzuki
Running Time: 96 min.

By Woody

Ishiro Honda was a great director. As Akira Kurosawa’s assistant director and right hand man, Honda no doubt learned a lot from the man, and it shows, particularly in this 1954 effort. Gojira is a stark and uncompromising film, filled with nightmarish imagery, but, much like Kurosawa, Honda infuses the film with a hopefulness and humanity that saves it from being too difficult a viewing experience.

It’s a shame American studios had to buy and re-edit this film, because Gojira itself is one of the great Japanese films. Gojira, the giant nuclear powered dinosaur, IS the atomic bomb. This is one of the best films that conveys what the Japanese went through during the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The images of destruction in this film are harrowing. Tokyo on fire, buildings leveled, trains smashed, innocents running and cowering in fear, all filmed in a harsh, newsreel-ish black and white.

The hero of the film, in both versions, is Hirata’s Dr. Serizawa, who, reminiscent of the kamikaze pilots and traditional samurai, perishes in order to set things right. Serizawa also makes a gesture no doubt meant as criticism towards the US. When Serizawa decides to destroy Gojira with his antimatter device, he burns the blueprints. “These shall not fall into the wrong hands.” Look at the world today. Nearly every country on the face of the Earth is armed to the teeth. More than a few have fallen into the “wrong hands.” We have the capability to destroy this planet a thousand times over. And they say we humans are the smartest of all the Earth’s animals. But I digress.

The great Takashi Shimura, star of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai among others, has a substantial role in this film.

The American re-edit is about 20 minutes shorter and has a bunch of inserts making Raymond Burr a substantial part of the action. “Godzilla vs. Perry Mason”…it’s worth seeing for the kitsch factor alone! But really, even in it’s chopped up American version, Gojira is a must-see. Both feature the Serizawa story and the horrific footage of Tokyo’s destruction.

Hate all those lame Godzilla movies with giant moths and aliens and little singing chicks you can hold in the palm of your hand? I don’t, but no need to worry, this is nothing like the sequels. Whereas the proceeding films were campy and aimed at children, the original is surprisingly adult and though provoking, and a true classic of Japanese cinema.

Skip the American remake. A better remake is Godzilla 1984, which was also chopped up it’s source and spliced footage in featuring Perry Mason for the American release.

Good theme music, too.

All in all, required viewing. A surprisingly classy and intelligent film. The effects are much better than one would ever imagine, as well. There is even some stop-motion animation. The acting is strong, the script is great, and the visuals nightmarish.

After you watch this, be sure to check out Honda’s 1963 effort Matango, which tackles drug use and is equally frightening.

Woody’s Rating: 10/10 (for either version)

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

Mann to remake ‘Seven Samurai’

Posted on October 14, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Seven Samurai" Japanese Theatrical Poster

"Seven Samurai" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Variety reports that British helmer Scott Mann has signed on to direct a remake of Japanese pic “Seven Samurai,” which is being produced by the Weinstein Co. and Japan’s Kurosawa Prods.

This is not the first remake of the film, as there was a Western take on it from the 60s called The Magnificent Seven, and a recent sci-fi anime take on it called Samurai 7.

Mann, who most recently helmed Robert Carlyle and Ving Rhames starrer “The Tournament” — which gained cult status on both sides of the pond — will help TWC develop the screenplay, which they hope to shoot later this year.

More details here. – Thanks to Sawred for the heads up.

Update: While I’m not sure if this is the same remake, or a different one, AICN notes an Afghanistan-based version of the film with Navy SEALS. Way of the Gun’s Christopher McQuarrie would be attached to the project. Thanks to @aicnanime for the tip.

Posted in News |

cityonfire x Dress-Lace Glamorous Sunprint Maxi Lace Dress

Posted on October 14, 2011 by oneleaf

This cityonfire x http://www.dress-lace.com/ one is a maxi lace dress which you can get a lot of use out of. It is made of a lightweight fabric which features a delightful sunprint in a pastel color palette. This woven fabric is light and flows delicately as you walk while wearing it. This 100% polyester fabric has a semi sheer finish which almost shimmers in the sunlight. It is easy to care for and is machine washable. This dress is cut with a high square neckline which is very contemporary design. The racer cut back is another contemporary design which makes this dress fun. It is sleeveless and has a slim fit cut which offers a close to the body feel. You can easily pair this lace dress with a pair of strappy sandals to create a fun warm weather look. Carry a small handbag or a trendy hobo bag with this fun and flirty long maxi dress.

Posted in News |

Action Double Feature: The Last Hard Men & Skyriders aka Sky Riders DVD (Shout!)

Posted on October 13, 2011 by JJ Bona
Action Double Feature: The Last Hard Men & Skyriders aka Sky Riders DVD (Shout!)

Action Double Feature: The Last Hard Men & Skyriders aka Sky Riders DVD (Shout!)

RELEASE DATE: January 17, 2012

Along with The Wild Bunch, The Last Hard Men is considered one of the most brutal westerns ever made. Starring Charlton Heston, James Coburn, Barbara Hershey, Jorge Rivero and Michael Parks. Also included is Skyriders, which is about a pack of fierce heroes who use hang gliders to rescue hostages from a revolutionary terrorist movement. Skyriders features the same location where the finale of the James Bond flick For Your Eyes Only was filmed. Also starring James Coburn with Susannah York and Robert Culp.

Trailers/Clips: The Last Hard Men | Skyriders

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

Conan the Barbarian (2011) Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Posted on October 13, 2011 by JJ Bona
Conan the Barbarian (2011) Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Conan the Barbarian (2011) Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2011

If anything, this 2011 Conan remake serves as a reminder of just how awesome the 1982 original was and still is. Depending on your taste, Marcus Nispel’s version is either good, or just plain blasphemy.

Either way, just spreading the word because it’s, well, Conan. Starring Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan and Ron Perlman. Check out the trailer.

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

Survive! DVD (VCI)

Posted on October 13, 2011 by JJ Bona
Survive! DVD (VCI)

Survive! DVD (VCI)

RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2011‏

The trailer states: “CAUTION: The recreation of the plane crash and the survival scenes may be too intense for young teenagers” (does this mean it’s suitable for kids 12 years old or younger?). This 1976 film (aka Supervivientes De Los Andes) was remade as “Alive” (1993) by director Frank Marshall. Here is the trailer to Survive!

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

Wu Xia | aka Dragon (2011) Review

Posted on October 13, 2011 by DiP
"Wu Xia" Chinese DVD Cover

“Wu Xia” Chinese DVD Cover

AKA: Dragon, Swordsmen
Director: Peter Chan
Writer: Aubrey Lam
Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Jimmy Wang Yu, Tang Wei, Kara Hui, Yin Zhusheng
Running Time: 115 min.

By DiP

Donnie Yen is back with another film! Ever since his big breakthrough playing wing chun master Yip Man in Ip Man back in 2008, we have experienced a streak of movies that he starred in. These films were as followed: Bodyguards & Assassins, 14 Blades, Ip Man 2, Legend of the Fist, All’s Well Ends Well 2011, The Lost Bladesman and a couple of small roles in both All’s Well Ends Well 2009, and The Founding of a Republic. That should tell you how valuable Donnie is to the industry in the current, with offers placed to the table and with Donnie pondering over what to work on. But has his recent input really been doing justice to films before them? We all have our own opinions but in my mind, it has shifted to being of different qualities and satisfactions. But I’m glad to announce that Wu Xia is the icing of the cake out of all these post-Ip Man movies. It’s also the most ambitious effort from Peter Chan thus far.

Donnie Yen plays peaceful familyman and papermaker Liu Jin-xi who travels between his shack in the middle of a forest to a small village on the Yunnan/Sichuan border everyday to work and support his wife Ayu (Tang Wei) and two kids. During a workday at a store, Liu comes across two out-of-towners with the intention to rob the place. But to the owners’ luck, Liu intervenes and manages to overcome the two and even have one of them killed. This results in a big investigation conducted by Constaple Xu Baijiu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) who during the inspection of the corpses as well as questioning locals about the people involved realizes that the one Liu accidentally had killed was actually a notorious criminal belonging in a Top 10 List of wanted criminals and that Liu might not be the man he appears to be. Xu then raises his suspicion on Liu and is prompted to try digging up secrets concerning Liu’s true identity, which from there leads to all sorts of things, including the arrival of a gang of outlaws called The 72 Demons (lead by Jimmy Wang Yu, in his first onscreen appearance in 18 years), which I won’t spoil any further.

The story takes cues to traits found in the wu xia (literally referring to martial arts and legendary warriors in mythical or ancient times) genre and if you’re a fan of these films, you won’t be a stranger to what to expect. However, don’t expect anything too familiar because the film is not an ordinary wu xia film. Wu Xia plays out with obvious western influence (the TV show CSI and David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence reportedly being the most evident ones). But one can also see that Peter Chan has injected different elements, film techniques and visuals for enhancement giving the film a different look and whole new twists to the genre the film represents. The storytelling involves the power of martial arts, human anatomy, crime investigation, suspension, depth, emotion, visual attraction; all pulled off through explanatory dialogue and illustrations. It’s like watching kung fu, crime, mystery/thriller, drama, and neo-noir altogether making the film style here unique.

The other strong aspect of the movie is the acting. Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tang Wei are really showing their efforts whenever they appear onscreen and for once never overacted or acted out of proportion but absorbed themselves into their characters and giving them the attitude and mood in the right moment. Takeshi, in particular, is phenomenal in that he portrays a character he’s not known for and trying to be and maintaining the characteristics and mindset of his character. But I have to give this one to Donnie and Jimmy Wang Yu because I feel their roles were both heavily profounded. Donnie has come a long way with lots of downs in the acting department. But since An Empress & The Warriors he has constantly kept trying out different roles to improve his acting skills and the outcome is paying off and shows in everything he has been doing more and less. Wu Xia is one few testaments of how good his acting skills have become and how further he can take it. Jimmy Wang Yu, on the other hand, is pure dopeness in his vicious role as a tangut leader. In a total screen time of just 10-15 min, you’ll see an actor gather so much menace and depth simultaneously that it gives those words a new meaning. Watch his two key scenes and learn.

For martial arts film fans, the action here designed by Donnie himself are very satisfying and quite refreshing but don’t expect an action-packed film because the emphasis here is mostly on the story and characters. There’s not a whole lot in the first half but once the second half kicks in you’ll be offered to some very good moments of martial arts choreography. Since SPL came out, Donnie’s way of choreographing action scenes have seen alot of hype, praise and comparisons to other action stars and kept the momentum up in other films such as Flash Point (which is still his most talked-about work to date). Donnie has done pretty well in recent years as well with Legend of the Fist and proved himself to be as successful choreographing action in period action films as he does in contemporary action films with The Lost Bladesman. In this film, he shows us what he can do with martial arts choreography in correlation to the strength and visuals of storytelling, for which something new with the action has been accomplished. If there’s one choreographer that has complexity, variety and overall creativity of another level today and keeps evolving his craft, it’s Donnie.

Overall, Wu Xia is one of the best Hong Kong/Chinese films this year, the best film from both Donnie and Peter Chan, and a film that will be damn hard to surpass. If there’s any form of competition that is happening or is going to happen to outbeat it, it will be a hard task for these people.

DiP’s Rating: 10/10

Posted in Chinese, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , |

The Expendables: Extended Director’s Cut Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

Posted on October 12, 2011 by JJ Bona
The Expendables: Extended Director's Cut Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

The Expendables: Extended Director's Cut Blu-ray & DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2011

The Expendables: Extended Director’s Cut brings 11 additional minutes of footage worked into the main feature.

Here’s a list of new extras to expect: Newly recorded introduction to the film by Sylvester Stallone / Featurette on Stallone and his directing career / Inferno, a feature-length behind-the-scenes documentary / The Spike TV program, Action: The Expendables / Music video from Sully Erna of Godsmack

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