Week of « Prev | Next »
1-20 of 71 articles « Prev | Next »
Running Turtle (2009) Movie Review
6 hours ago
The rather oddly titled “Running Turtle” sees Kim Yoon Seok following up his award winning role in “The Chaser” by playing another down and out cop working outside the law to track down a murderer. The film was written and directed by Lee Yeon Woo, who was previously responsible for “2424”, and is a decidedly lighter affair than Na Hong Jin’s grim crime thriller, adding in a little humour and family drama amidst all the usual fugitive chasing and cat and mouse games. The mix was certainly a successful one, and the film was a hit at the domestic box office, pulling in more than three million admissions. Kim Yoon Seok (who also impressed in the excellent “Tazza: The High Rollers”) takes on the role of Pil Sung, a rather useless detective in a small provincial town, who spends most of his time trying to make money on the side by turning over pimps. »
- James Mudge
24 City (2008) Movie Review
6 hours ago
“24 City” is the latest offering from sixth generation Mainland China director Jia Zhangke and sees him continuing to explore themes of the country’s modern history and economic progress. Here, he does this through a semi-documentary that focuses on the story of a munitions factory, once moved across the country and now being demolished to make way for the titular residential development, named after a quote from a Tang Dynasty poem. Jia is easily one of China’s most interesting and challenging directors, and so it should come as no surprise that the film is a complex affair which works on many levels, both metaphorical and intimate. He is also one of the country’s most acclaimed and award winning overseas exports, and as well as performing well at the domestic box office, the film enjoyed a successful run at overseas festivals, screening in competition at Cannes in 2008, with Jia »
- James Mudge
Oppai Volleyball (2009) Movie Review
6 hours ago
All that most male viewers probably need to know is that “Oppai Volleyball” translates as ‘breast volleyball’ and that it stars the gorgeous swimsuit model turned actress Haruka Ayase as a teacher who tries to inspire a young school boy volleyball team by promising she will show them her breasts if they manage to win. Adapted from a novel by Mizuno Munenori and supposedly based upon a true story, the film was directed by Hasumi Eiichiro, previously responsible for “Umizaru” and ski comedy “Season of Snow”. Surprisingly, despite its potentially sleazy premise, the film is actually a light hearted mixture of underdog sports story and coming of age journey – albeit with probably more mentions of the word ‘boob’ than in any other respectable production in recent memory. The film is set in back the 1970s and begins as a young female teacher called Mikako (Ayase, who recently also headlined “Ichi »
- James Mudge
Sisters on the Road (2008) Movie Review
6 hours ago
“Sisters on the Road” marks the debut of female writer director Boo Ji Young, and as the title suggests, is a drama following two sisters on a voyage of discovery and an exploration of their shared pasts. The film has an impressive cast, with the two siblings in question being played by actresses Shin Min Ah (recently in “The Naked Kitchen”) and Kong Hyo Jin (superb in the award winning, Park Chan Wook produced “Crush and Blush”), and has enjoyed success at festivals, premiering at Pusan in 2008. The film starts with young Seoul businesswoman Myung Eun (Shin Min Ah) travelling to Jeju Island for the funeral of her mother, having not been home for some years. Although she had effectively cut herself off from her family, when she meets her older fishmonger half-sister Myung Ju (Kong Hyo Jin) again, this brings back her insecurities at her father having abandoned her as a child. »
- James Mudge
Whispering Corridors 5: A Blood Pledge (2009) Movie Review
6 hours ago
The landmark Korean ghost series “Whispering Corridors” returns for its fifth instalment with “A Blood Pledge”, marking the debut of director Lee Jong Yong, an interesting choice for the helm, given his previous work under Park Chan Wook on the likes of “Jsa” and “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance”. The film continues very much in the tradition of its predecessors, being set at an all-girls school, dealing with contemporary themes and concerns of friendship, and of course presenting a new set of up and coming young actresses no doubt hoping to follow in the footsteps of former “Whispering” alumni Kim Min Sun, Kim Ok Bin, Kim Kyu Ri, Seo Ji Hye, and Choi Kang Hee. Interestingly, the film not only performed well at the domestic box office, but is the first of its brethren to have been mooted for a possible Hollywood remake. The plot begins in suitably morbid fashion, as »
- James Mudge
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) Movie Review
6 hours ago
Originally unleashed back in 1984, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” was the subject of great controversy due to its premise of a serial killer dressed as Santa Claus, with outraged authorities and parents protesting its Us release. The film encountered similar moral panic in the UK, where the ever-wise British Board of Film Classification refused it a certificate, effectively banning it. Inevitably, this has led to it building up a considerable cult following over the years, with many fans considering it one of the better films of the golden age of mid-80s slashers, and with it inspiring no less than 4 sequels of variable quality and tenuous linkage. Now, the film is finally available on region 2 DVD in its most complete form, just in time for Christmas, thanks to Arrow Video, coming with a jolly host of extras including an interview with director Charles E. Sellier Jr. and a booklet containing various pieces of production information. »
- James Mudge
Jennifer’s Body DVD Cover Art and Specs
21 hours ago
The biggest complaint I heard from guys about “Jennifer’s Body” was that it was Rated R, but it didn’t really make good use of the rating. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has either rectified that, or plans to convince you they have by releasing an Unrated Version of the movie on DVD and Blu-ray December 29. DVD cover art and specs below. Some of the special features include your usual assortment of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and audio commentaries by director Karyn Kusama and writer Diablo Cody. Sexy temptress Megan Fox is hotter than hell as Jennifer, a gorgeous, seductive cheerleader who takes evil to a whole new level after she’s possessed by a sinister demon. Steamy action and gore galore ensue as the male student body succumbs to Jennifer’s insatiable appetite for human flesh. Now it’s up to her best friend (Amanda Seyfried) to stop »
- Nix
The Wolfman Cometh
6 November 2009 2:57 PM, PST
Cinematical has an exclusive on the latest The Wolfman poster, which you can see below. The poster is more suggestive of terror than anything, featuring Emily Blunt hiding in an ancient, decrepit forest from Benicio del Toro’s wolfman. It has a stylistic black and white, overlit, grainy quality that blends well with the feel of the film. The Wolfman also stars Hugo Weaving and Anthony Hopkins and will be released in theaters on February 12th, 2010. »
- Jacob
Aykroyd, Faris, and Timberlake in Negotiations For Yogi Bear
6 November 2009 12:35 PM, PST
Cartoon/live action hybrids have had a rocky history. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? was excellent, aided by the fact that it was more of an original story, but films like The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Garfield weren’t that great (although Bill Murray has the kind of laconic, lazy speech that worked well for the morose cat). However, studios aren’t giving up on the style. Entertainment Weekly reports that three stars have signed on for the live action/CG film Yogi Bear. Dan Aykroyd is planning to voice Yogi, while Justin Timberlake is in talks to voice his sidekick, Boo-Boo. Anna Faris might play Rachel, a nature documentary filmmaker trying to film the two bears for her next project. Right now there is no word on Ranger Smith. Aykroyd seems like a solid piece of casting, but I’ve never actually seen Timberlake act; he must have done something to impress. »
- Jacob
Jason Stutter’s Diagnosis: Death Finally Arriving On Region 1
6 November 2009 11:55 AM, PST
Although it wasn’t nearly as funny as I was hoping it would be, “Tongan Ninja” director Jason Stutter’s amusing horror/comedy “Diagnosis: Death” is finally making its way to the States later this year. The film will certainly be a treat for hardcore fans of HBO’s popular series “Flight of the Conchords,” which stars Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie, and Rhys Darby. And while the marketing team behind the film would love for you to believe that these talented individuals have significant roles in the feature, this is actually a tad misleading. Their respective parts are, unfortunately, mere cameos, so do keep that in mind before blindly ordering the film in hopes of satisfying your “Conchords” fix. Here’s the synopsis, as usual: A supernatural force brings together two lost souls undergoing radical treatment at an experimental drug-testing facility. When the facility is locked down for the weekend and the drugs take effect, »
- Todd
Nevermind the Turmoil: Here’s the Hellraiser Remake Synopsis
6 November 2009 11:20 AM, PST
Truth be told, I will be very, very surprised if this “Hellraiser” remake ever gets off the ground. Every other day I’m hearing war stories from deep within the production, ranging from a host of talented directors jumping ship to gross interference from the knuckleheads at the Weinstein Company. There’s even a rumor floating around out there that the film will be shot in 3D, though I’m hoping this is nothing more than baseless Internet speculation. Despite all of these unsightly blemishes, Horror-Movies.ca is reporting that there’s an official synopsis currently in circulation. The words and phrases, of course, are subject to change. Here’s what the producers are officially pimping: The re-telling of Clive Barker’s classic horror masterpiece. Based on Barker’s critically acclaimed novella “The Hellbound Heart,”Hellraiser tells the story of an unfaithful wife who attempts to assist her dead lover in his escape from hell. »
- Todd
New Images from Sherlock Holmes, Twilight: New Moon
6 November 2009 9:58 AM, PST
In two more weeks, screaming teenage girls and their moms will be flocking to malls all across the USA in search of their latest “Twilight” fix when “New Moon” opens November 20th. Until then, here are even more new images from the movie. Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes fans will have to wait a little bit longer, December 25, for Guy Ritchie’s “dynamic” interpretation of the world’s greatest Detective to hit multiplexes. Hopefully by then the lobbies of theaters everywhere will be a little quieter. Click on the respective images to visit their respective galleries for even more new pics. »
- Nix
Eminem to Show off Mad Thespian Skillz in 3D Shady Talez
6 November 2009 9:25 AM, PST
Wait, didn’t Snoop Dogg already did something similar? Anyways, not content to wow the world with his amazing ability to recite lines about the crack whoreness of his mom and prone-to-bitchiness wife, rapper Eminem will return to the big screen in the 3D film “Shady Talez”. That’s pronounced “Shady Tales“, you see, the “z” in place of the “s” is just to make it look cooler. Because Eminem knows from coolness. So moving on. The film will be Eminem’s first in over seven years, since his debut in 2002’s “8 Miles”, a movie where Eminem played a white trash kid from Detroit who dreams of becoming a big rapper, but no one gave him a chance, and still our white trash kid kept plugging until respect was given. Word! It was a stretch, we know, but that’s just how talented Slim Shady is. The 3D “Shady Talez »
- Nix
Abrams’ TV Spy Show Gets a Title, May Direct
6 November 2009 8:14 AM, PST
As mentioned last month, J.J. Abrams is returning to the TV spy game with a new TV show, but we didn’t know the title of his husband-and-wife spy show then. Now we do: it’s going to be called “Undercovers”, which I suppose is a decent enough title. I guess. Hey, he’s J.J. Abrams, if he thinks that’s a cool title, I guess it is. In any case, the other big news is that Abrams is directing the pilot for NBC. Described as a cross between “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and (of course) “The Bourne Identity” (seriously, someone please make another great action movie so I can stop hearing how this movie or that TV show is “like ‘The Bourne Identity’”), “Undercovers” will be Abrams’ first pilot since 2004’s “Lost” pilot. The show was co-created by Abrams and Josh Reims, and will center on two married spies »
- Nix
The Ring’s Hideo Nakata Hears Voice From the Stone
6 November 2009 8:01 AM, PST
Japanese director Hideo Nakata is most famous for directing the original versions of the “Ring” movies, or “Ringu” as its known overseas. He loved directing ghost ladies who climb out of TV’s so much, he returned to the franchise in 2005 to direct the sequel to the American version starring Naomi Watts. (And, I suppose, the nice paycheck didn’t hurt, either.) With “Ring” still apparently popular (though I suppose that’s open to debate), Nakata is currently attached to direct the third entry, which is scheduled for 2011. Before that, though, Nakata is helming “Voice from the Stone” for Zanuck Independent. Based on an Italian novel of the same name, “Voice From the Stone” was adapted by Mark Wheaton, and tells the story of a female child psychologist who takes on the case of a young boy. Nothing creepy there, right? Not so fast, my friends. You see, the hook »
- Nix
Nicolas Cage is Broke aka This Explains a Lot, Doesn’t it?
6 November 2009 7:51 AM, PST
Nicolas Cage does, on average, 4 movies a year, and he’s usually got 4 more in the pipeline. You can usually count on 3 of the 4 ranging in quality from Godawful to “meh”, with one being slightly less awful; and in some cases, that one movie might even good. As it turns out, there’s a reason Nicolas Cage spends so much time on movie sets, and no, it’s not because hanging out with dirty hippies turned lowly grips is fun, though I suppose that’s a possibility as well. It could very well be that our main Nic Cage has something of a spending problem, and the pay, even for a crappy film, is too good to pass up. After all, those shrunken heads collection don’t collect themselves, you know. The Daily Beast has a great article detailing Nic Cage’s spending spree over the years and his current financial situation. »
- Nix
Some Ass Kicking Kick Ass Character Posters
5 November 2009 8:30 PM, PST
IGN’s got your first look at four new character posters for Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming “Kick Ass” movie. Basically, it’s ass shots of the four main characters in their full costume get-up getting ready for battle. Or going to a Halloween party. Hey, what do I know what they do when they’re not out fighting crime? Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. Starring Nicolas Cage, Aaron Johnson, Mark Strong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Moretz, Xander Berkeley, Omari Hardwick, Tamer Hassan, Clark Duke, Lyndsy Fonseca, and directed by Matthew Vaughn. »
- Nix
Ashley Greene to be Terrorized by a College Experiment
5 November 2009 8:12 PM, PST
So what’s so noteworthy about Todd Lincoln new horror movie? Um, not the premise. That sounds pretty generic. There’s no real big names attached, so that probably means a quick direct-to-dvd delivery. But it’s kinda noteworthy because it’s set to star Ashley Greene, who plays vampire Alice Cullen in the “Twilight” movies, and hopefully this is a good excuse to nab some of those “Twilight” fans trolling the Internet for “Twilight” news. Hey, you think I’ve written “Twilight” enough times? “Twilight”. Ahem. So, the Ashley Greene news. The actress is currently in negotiations to star in a new supernatural horror movie called “The Apparition”. Greene will play the female half of a couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence that is unleashed during a college experiment. Now when they say “experiment” I’m guessing they don’t mean what we think of when we »
- Nix
Bradley Cooper to Trip Out in the Dark Fields
5 November 2009 7:56 PM, PST
Originally set to star Shia Labeouf as a down-on-his-luck loser who stumbles across a top-secret pharmaceutical drug that makes him super smart, the thriller “Dark Fields” has found a new leading man in “The Hangover’s” Bradley Cooper. The film, described as being in the vein of trippy David Fincher films “Fight Club” and “The Game”, will be directed by Neil Burger of “The Illusionist” fame, and will be based on the book by Alan Glynn, with big-screen adaptation courtesy of Leslie Dixon. Upon discovering the super drug, Cooper’s writer character experiences sudden financial and social success thanks to his new big brain, but soon discovers that the drug has lethal and lasting side effects, as they surely must. One of these side effects involve “trip-switching,” a phenomenon in which time moves with a stop-motion quality, which will no doubt be revealed onscreen in all manner of groovy visuals. »
- Nix
A Revealing 6-Minute Promo Trailer for The Killer Inside Me
5 November 2009 7:37 PM, PST
Not entirely sure where this 6-minute promo trailer for Michael Winterbottom’s “The Killer Inside Me” came from, but it sure spoils a lot of the movie, which is why I’m tagging this as a Spoiler Post. You have been warned. The film stars Casey Affleck as a small town Texas lawman who decides to shack up with a prostitute played by Jessica Alba, while keeping Kate Hudson on the side. Nice gig if you can get it. Meanwhile, our soft-spoken lawman starts to slowly slip down the homicidal slope, and it’s up to Simon Baker to stop him. Again, the video reveals quite a bit, so steer clear unless you absolutely need to watch it. »
- Nix
1-20 of 71 articles « Prev | Next »
