Bob Keenan's comic "Alien At Large"
Practical Pictures, the production company behind Final Destination is looking to adapt the graphic novel about a clumsy, but unintentionally heroic, alien into a movie. Platinum Studios, Inc. the comic company behind Cowboys and Aliens, is also attached to the project.
Laura Hillenbrand's "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption"
The companies have agreed to finance the adaptation of the biography Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption, about Louis Zamperini, an ex-Olympic athlete who survived a Japanese POW camp. Deadline has details about the effort it’s taken to get the decades-long project to the big screen at the link.
Harry Potter director Chris Columbus is planning to adapt the novel Cypress House, about a WWI vet who senses foreboding outcomes for his buddies. Columbus will produce and write the script.
"Twilight: The Lame MTV Series - featuring music by the world's lamest bands"
The first eight minutes of the MTV remake of the classic 80s film which starred Back to the Future’s Michael J. Fox-and which spawned a sequel with Jason Bateman and its own animated tv spin-off-can be seen here. Parts 1 and 2 of the first episode of the show will air this Sunday and Monday at 11 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively.
Poetry Blu-ray/DVD (Kino)
RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011
From Lee Chang-dong (Oasis, Green Fish) comes Poetry. Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune, calls it “One of the heartening glories of the film going year.” It has also won Best Screenplay at the Cannes International Film Festival. Check out the trailer here.
Breath DVD (Palisades Tartan)
RELEASE DATE: August 16, 2011
Kim Ki-Duk’s (Address Unknown) 10th film, starring Chang Chen, Zia and Ha Jung-woo is a love story involving a convicted prisoner who “slowly falls for a woman who decorates his prison cell”. Check out the trailer here.
Brute Corps DVD (Navarre)
RELEASE DATE: 5/31/11
A beautiful hitchhiker and a draft dodger travel to Mexico and encounter a pack of mercenaries awaiting their next mission in Central America. A terribly psychotic merc takes a liking to the girl which sets the couple on a brutal and violent course of torture and rape. Not for the faint of heart. Exploitation at its best. Check out the trailer.
Jet Li gets dramatic in "Ocean Heaven"
The company just announced that they have the rights to The Expendables co-star’s drama, Ocean Heaven. An unusual role for Jet, Wikipedia notes he plays a terminally ill father of an autistic adult who tries to find his charge a place to live and teach him whatever he’s able to before dying. Hero’s Bill Kong produced, Wong Kar Wai collaborate Christopher Doyle did the cinematography, and Hayao Miyazaki’s Joe Hisaishi was involved with the soundtrack. A trailer for Ocean Heaven can be seen here, and the film will premiere at the NYAF.
"The Invincible Kung Fu Guy" International Theatrical Poster
Director: Will Martin
Writer: Will Martin
Cast: Elise Beller, Dee Chilcote, Randy Foster, Rohana Kenin, Ralf Langenheim, Will Martin, Dave Matucha, Rip Reed, Nick Ridge, Ethan Schutz, David Swagerty, Julie Yoon
Running Time: 23 min.
By JJ Hatfield
Everyone who has seen old school martial art movies must see this film! In fact the more old movies you have watched you will find this very funny or fall down laughing. It’s damn near perfect – now how can you go wrong with that?
Do not expect any grand performers or great acting but it is good enough. One aspect that really adds to the movie is the attention to detail. These people show a great knowledge of these movie classics and sincere fondness for the genre. This is not a work of art but they know the routine! There are so many gag jokes I lost count!
The plot is timeless. A good young man trying to perform a heroic duty is stopped by a villain trying to obtain medicine for the dreaded Tiger Fever for his own evil purposes. The young man is told if he will give over the Tiger Fever cure he will be allowed to live. He won’t be killed. The Hero fights bravely but is beaten by the villain who steals the Tiger Fever cure and there is only one batch left!
Meanwhile the older brother is also ambushed by those who think he has the Tiger Fever cure. He fights fiercely and beats them all. Suddenly younger brother appears dragging his wounded body to reach his brother and tell him the truth about the Tiger Fever and who killed their… aaggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Well maybe not.
The new Hero swears intensely he will get the Tiger Fever cure to the village where millions of lives are at stake!
The movie is played as a complete spoof of the basic old school plots. I In fact I have seen films that were meant to be straight forward that are worse than this deliberate spoof! People die, someone swears revenge, trains, does a huge community service, fights villains with plenty of twists and betrayals.
It even has out takes!
Think of it as the movie you never made but were going to once and had all the plans ready but lack of numbers of even semi skilled fighters much less actors and you could only come up with $800.00.
And speaking of fighters this group did a damn good job. It was intended to be old school moves but these are not stunt people. It’s one thing to know martial arts and another not to accidentally make contact or full contact. All things considered the fighting came across just as it should in this kind of movie.
This is a truly hilarious film!!!
The movie itself runs about 28 minutes but the group manages to turn in great typical kung fu type action using sincere total amateurs. Everyone will recognize the humor easily and enjoyably. If you don’t like this film you have no sense of humor.
But wait there is more! A Trailer for Invincible Kung Fu Guy and notes on the productions, sets, costumes and music.
And if that is not enough there is also another spoof included – Estatuary Hounds! I can’t say it is as laugh out loud funny as Invincible Kung Fu Guy, but it is an amusing watch if you are familiar with… nope you will have to figure it out for yourselves.
Buy this one because you will want to see it again and it makes a great movie for opening on movie night!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 8.5/10
The Anger aka La Rabbia DVD (Raro)
RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011
“La Rabbia” employs documentary footage (from the 1950′s) and accompanying commentary to attempt to answer the existential question: Why are our lives characterized by discontent, anguish, and fear?
Italian Connection DVD (Raro)
RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011
The second film in Fernando Di Leo’s Milieu Trilogy focuses on Luca Carnali, a small-time mobster and pimp who has been set up by his gangland boss. Referenced (or stolen) by Quentin Tarantino in Pulp Fiction (1994). Check out the trailer (fan made).
Caliber 9 DVD (Raro)
RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011
Caliber 9’s stylized violence, fast-paced action sequences, tight editing and plot twists prefigure the work of Quentin Tarantino and John Woo. The film also features a notable score by Luis Bacalov and the stunning Barbara Bouchet as Ugo’s go-go dancing girlfriend. Check out the trailer.
The Boss aka Wipeout!, Murder Inferno DVD (Raro)
RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2011
Based largely on real people and actual events, Fernando Di Leo’s action-packed film – the final part of his Milieu Trilogy – is his boldest commentary on corruption and the criminal underworld. Starring Henry Sylva, Richard Conte, Gianni Garko, and Antonia Santilli. Check out the trailer.
"Super" American Theatrical Poster
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011
After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt (Rainn Wilson), a superhero with the best intentions, though he lacks for heroic skills. Directed by James Gunn (Slither). Also starring Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon and Michael Rooker. Read review. Check out the trailer.
United 93 Blu-ray (Universal)
RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011
A real time account of the events on United Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania when passengers foiled the terrorist plot. No punches are pulled, no Nicolas Cage. Highly recommended! Check out the trailer.
Clash of Empires aka Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines Blu-ray/DVD (Image)
RELEASE DATE: September 6, 2011
The might of the two greatest superpowers of the ancient world collide in an almighty clash the likes of which have never been seen before in this stunning tale of magic, myth and legend. Combining epic action with dazzling visual effects, and featuring an array of fighting styles and intense battles. Check out the trailer.
"City War" Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Sun Chung
Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Ti Lung, Norman Chu Siu Keung, Tien Niu, Lee Ka Ting, Lo Lieh, Teresa Carpio, Michael Chow Man Kin, Ricky Yi Faan Wai, Mary Hon Lut Le
Running Time: 92 min.
By JJ Hatfield
The movie has barely begun before action explodes on the screen. A cop is chasing a shoplifter and they end up in a restaurant where the criminal holds a woman employee hostage. The bad guy is also holding a really long bladed knife to the poor woman’s throat and blood is dribbling down her neck. With the cop, Ken (Ti Lung) not making much progress the hostage negotiator, Dick, (Chow Yun- Fat) is called in to deal with and diffuse the standoff. It’s almost a good cop – bad cop situation except nothing was planned and there is nearly a fight between the two.
It all works out and the two cops can work together well but Ken is short tempered whereas Dick is more mellow and kicked back in his white polyester suits. He likes the finer things in life including beautiful cars and beautiful ladies, not necessarily in that order. However he is always on the look out for clues and really does take his duty seriously.
The viewer should remember this film was made in the 1980s Hong Kong Triad/Crime/Heroes With Guns setting. After the hostage situation things do seem to drag as Dick does his dazzling disco which seems to be more groping than dancing. But do watch and pay attention as it does have relevance. Dick Lee and Ken Chow hold different values in their hearts but they are both truly good men who have become good friends.
Ken is a family man and nothing means more to him than his wife and children. One of the reasons he became a cop was to help make the world, or a portion of it, safe for his loved ones. Ken has a difficult time trying to understand Dick’s flamboyant ways and Dick can’t imagine being tied down with a family. Nevertheless a deep bond develops between them and Dick becomes a friend to the whole family.
Things turn deadly serious when Ken discovers a vicious criminal Ted (Tsui Siu-Keung) is about to be free and on his own after being taken down ten years earlier as part of a major gangland force. Ken was heavily involved and has received threats to him and his family. All this time Ted hasn’t forgotten his revenge and has everything in position. He has no intention of letting those miserable years go unpaid.
In desperation to protect his family Ken nearly ends up off the force. Dick tries to calm him but he cannot know what it feels like to have your family in danger. No one will believe Ken’s fears are real, after all he has arrested many powerful gang criminals before and nothing had happened.
This film helped to re – energize Chow Yun Fat’s career as well as to bring back the excitement and bullet ballets of the great director John Woo. “A Better Tomorrow’ changed many things for a lot of people in the industry, I believe for the good. Ti Lung is always reliable and in some films, even this one, he comes across as very believable. Ti Lung And Chow Yun Fat have been in numerous films together and usually it is Ti Lung with the calmer head. But this time it is family.
I wasn’t impressed with the the direction by Chung Sun. It was adequate but the third act might have used a bit in the earlier part of the film. Once the insane shooting finale begins it’s balls to the wall and … don’t want to say too much. Chung Sun is better known for his work with the Shaw Brothers earlier films in the 1970s and early 1980‘s with movies such as “Human Lanterns”. Hoskin is credited with the story and there are no less than five action choreographers! Trust me, they were needed with this much action taking place!
The finale involves Ken and Dick and a whole bunch of bad asses trying to kill each other in ballistic excess but great action!. That shouldn’t be a spoiler when these two are on the screen. They do have a special chemistry that shines through the role or character!
The massive action is quite good. The fights are filmed in a fashion that allows the viewer to see what is happening. The story line even brings in a special assassin (Robin Shou Wan Bo) in a very brief cameo. Action fans will not be disappointed. This is good solid entertainment. If you feel a bit restless early on do not worry. Your patience will be rewarded!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 7.5/10
Anime News Network notes that Buddha-the anime version of the late Osamu Tezuka’s (Astro Boy) take on the religious philosopher-and Nintama Rantaro-a live-action adaptation of a classic [Read: Old and therefore not appealing to Naruto fans.] children’s ninja manga from 13 Assassins director Takashi Miike-will play at the New York Asian Film Fest this July. Be sure to check out the the rest of that Fest’s lineup as they do a comprehensive job of picking up some exclusive screenings. Oh, and the subbed versions of the [url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-31/ny-festival-screens-both-gantz-films-with-subtitles]Gantz movies[/url] are playing there, too. More stuff here, ‘cus I’m too lazy to write it out. Of note, though, is Tsui Hark’s OOP The Blade(not to be confused with the Wesley Snipes films.), which Warner is allegedly sitting on, along with other exclusive Golden Harvest titles. He’s attending the screening along with a screening of the original Zu.
Giant Robot Action Pack: Crash and Burn/Robot Wars DVD (Shout!)
RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011
Are Michael Bay’s Transformer movies too flashy (or lame) for you? Sick of CG? Yet, you still want some old school, giant robot goodness? Shout! Factory has the perfect double feature for you: Crash and Burn (1990) and Robot Wars (1993). Also provided a link for Robot Jox (1990) if you’re really serious!
Trailers: Crash and Burn | Robot Wars | Robot Jox
Action-Packed Double Feature: Gordon's War/Off Limits DVD (Shout!)
RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011
Shout! Factory is at it again with another set of exploitational madness. Gordon’s War: Gordon (Paul Winfield, The Terminator) spent four years in Vietnam as a Green Beret fighting someone else’s battle… now he’s come back home to fight his own. Also starring Carl Lee (Superfly), Tony King (Bucktown) and singer Grace Jones (A View To A Kill). Directed by Ossie Davis (Cotton Comes To Harlem).
You also get Off Limits: Being a cop is tough. But in war-torn Saigon in 1968, being a cop is crazy. Someone is brutally murdering Vietnamese prostitutes with children by American fathers, and plainclothes military cops Sgt. Buck McGriff (Willem Dafoe, Platoon) and Sgt. Albaby Perkins (Gregory Hines, The Cotton Club) are put on the case that no one wants solved.
Trailers: Gordon’s War (must see!) | Off Limits
Tactical Force Blu-ray/DVD (Vivendi)
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011
A training exercise for the LAPD SWAT Team goes terribly wrong when they find themselves pitted against two rival gangs while trapped in an abandoned Hangar, armed with nothing but blanks. Starring Steve Austin and Michael Jai White. Whether this movie ends up sucking or not, at least Black Dynamite is in it!
Read our review for Tactical Force here.
Steven Seagal Action DVD Set: Hard To Kill/Out For Justice/On Deadly Ground/Exit Wounds (Warner)
RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011
Say what you want about Steven Seagal today, but back in the 90′s, he was a bad muthaf**ka! Hard To Kill (1990), Out For Justice (1991 – his best movie!), On Deadly Ground (1994) and a rare two-word titled movie called Exit Wounds (2001).
Trailers: Hard To Kill | Out For Justice | On Deadly Ground | Exit Wounds
Edward James Olmos
The Blade Runner actor is working on a story which he hopes to turn into a film. The premise revolves around a Latino Vietnam POW who gets special powers when he gets experimented on by the Vietcong. However, his PTSD affects his ability to use those powers effectively. Olmos is believed to be playing the character.
Not to be confused with Johnny Cage.
The Old Spice spokesman has done a promo reel to try to convince Marvel to cast him in the long-gestating movie version of the comic book character whose surname was adapted by Nick Cage. Besides Cage, other African-American comic book hero movies also stuck in development hell include Black Panther and the Spawn sequel.
"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" Poster (courtesy of Fangoria)
A preview for this theatrical remake of this 70s tv movie can be seen here. Blade 2′s Guillermo Del Toro is producing, while the cast includes Batman Begins’ Katie Holmes, Memento’s Guy Pearce, Brothers’ Bailee Madison, After the Sunset’s Alan Dale, and The Good German’s Jack Thompson. Troy Nixey is directing. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark hits theaters this August 26.
"Now you niggaz know G-Funk's for real" – Nate Dogg
Fandompost.com notes that the company has acquired the Godzilla movies Destroy All Monsters and Godzilla Vs. Megalon, with plans to release them on DVD and Blu-Ray. Trailers for the films are at the link.
Quentin Tarantino: The Disciple of Hong Kong
A new documentary about Quentin Tarantino and his Hong Kong influences will air on French TV in a couple of weeks. The documentary features interviews with Ringo Lam, Gordon Liu, Simon Yam and Mike Leeder. If you don’t have French TV and worried you’ll never see it, I’m sure it’ll end up on youtube. - Thanks to David Rees for the heads up.
For more information and a trailer, click here.
The 13 Assassins director says his next gig is a cinematic take on the DS lawyer investigation/defense series Phoenix Wright. Not clear is whether he will adapt the Japanese version or the Americanized version, or do some imaginary hybrid of the two.
Update: Anime News Network notes that Azumi actor Hiroki Narimiya will play Wright, 13 Assassins actor Takumi Saito will play Edgeworth, and Mirei Kiratani will play Maya. The adaptation is scheduled for a Spring 2012 Japan(only?) release.
"And she's just like this little bunny, who's just kinda cowering in the corner."
Dark Horizons notes that Cellular acress Kim Basinger, Austin Powers 2 actress Heather Graham, Killers actress Catherine O’Hara, and The Losers actor Jason Patric are in talks to star in “Future”, an indie heist movie about a murdering thief and his two bounty hunter pursuers who wind up in Las Vegas. S.W.A.T.’s Clark Johnson is directing, while Nurse Jackie writers Nancy Fichman and Jennifer Hoppe are working on the script.
