Marcus Luttrell's "Lone Survivor"
The Rundown director is looking into an adaptation of Lone Survivor, a book about a real-life ambush of Marcus Luttrell and his posse in Afghanistan. Currently being sought to play one of the members of the squad is Wolverine’s Taylor Kitsch.
Secret Sunshine Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)
The boutique distributor licensed its first Korean movie from director Lee Chang-dong. Award-winning Secret Shunsine is a thriller about a woman moving with her son to the town where her husband was born. Further disaster ensues. A slightly NSFW trailer for the film can be seen here.
I'm sure it's better than Avatar.
The trailer for the new FOX sci-fi show being produced by Steven Spielberg can be seen here. Avatar actor Stephen Lang plays a prominent role on the show.
Martial Arts of Shaolin aka Shaolin Temple DVD (Dragon Dynasty)
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011
Directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jet Li. Internationally lauded as one of the greatest, this magnificent martial arts masterpiece marked the titanic, one-time only, teaming of renowned champion Jet Li with legendary director Lau Kar-leung. Read cityonfire.com’s review. Click here for the trailer/clip.
Executioner from Shaolin aka Executioners from Shaolin DVD (Dragon Dynasty)
RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011
Directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Chen Kuan Tai, Lo Lieh, Lily Li Li Li, Wong Yu, Kong Do, Cheng Hong Yip, John Cheung Ng Long, Shum Lo, Gordon Liu Chia Hui and Fung Hak On. Read cityonfire.com’s review. Check out the trailer here. (it’s the original trailer, so beware of spoilers)
The Prisoner aka Island of Fire DVD (Lionsgate)
RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011
Directed by Chu Yen Pin (Kung Fu Dunk) and starring Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Jimmy Wang Yu. This DVD is a re-release. Warning: DVD may be English dubbed and may not contain original Chinese lauguage tracks. In addition, it may be slightly cut from it’s original presentation. Read cityonfire.com’s review here. Check out the trailer here.
Ernie Reyes Jr.
The Hollywood Report reports: Napoleon Smith, the exec producer of Michael Bay’s $140 million Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, has come aboard Wuxia Knight, a $25 million budgeted youth-oriented martial arts movie to be directed by Andy Cheng (Member of the Jackie Chan Stuntman Association) and former Ninja Turtle/The Last Dragon star Ernie Reyes.
Wuxia Knight centers on a pair of high-flying detectives in a battle against a super-villain on a quest to take over a mystical martial arts kingdom in Chinatown. Read more here. - Thanks to AlbertV for the tip.
Looks like Paul W.S. Anderson and Uwe Boll have job security.
The company behind games such as Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia and Splinter Cell, is planning to adapt more of its properties into potential shows and films. Ubisoft Motion Pictures will be run by Luc Besson’s Europacorp’s ex-CEO, Julian Barronet. Thanks to Dark Horizons for the tip.
Update: If it happens, these films would be in 3D. Also, Ghost Recon is being considered for adaptation.
An origin story focusing on the mythical Arthurian wizard is in the works from Green Lantern producer Donald De Line and Oprah script reader Ed Whitworth
“Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry” Click on the image for trailer.
The Comedy Central show will broadcast Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, the Chinese artist/activist who was imprisoned by authorities for daring to criticize the government about its sub-par building codes during that country’s recent 2008 earthquake. The doc will air (this?) Monday on the The Colbert Report.
Digital Bits noted that Lion’s Gate Films has obtained the distribution rights to home video releases of the Miramax library. While this may or may not impact the extended cuts of domestic titles like Kill Bill, the real question would be whether or not fans can also finally see the uncut and original language releases of catalog Asian titles such as Drunken Master 2 , Bodyguard from Beijing, etc. LG previously acquired Gordon Liu’s Drunken Monkey and Jackie Chan’s New Police Story and Thunderbolt from Harvey during his exit from the Disney fold. [They have yet to re-release Jet Li's Black Mask with a uncut Canto version, however, even though I put in a request to their reps. ] Meanwhile, Magnolia Films has rescued other Asian titles such as the Thai Western throw-back/homage Tears of The Black Tiger and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s original version of the horror film Kairo/Pulse. Not on home video at all, but uploaded by Criterion is the missing installment of the Zatoichi series, Pilgrimage, said to be purchased by Quentin Tarantino for a possible remake.
Update: Echo Bridge will be handling the home video rights to around 251 of the films in the library.
Update 2: Well, so far, the company will be bringing out Supercop on Blu-Ray this May, and in a special set with Twin Dragons, as well. Though apparently all that acquisition money still can’t help them salvage the unedited Canto versions of said films. Of course, one can hope the English-only language track listings for the releases are just errors…Oh, and as my co-writer noted below this article, the Operation Condor and Project A films, as well as Dragon Lord are also getting DVD re-issues. Oh, well, at least LG is at least nice enough to use their original titles this time…
Update 3: Well, it looks like Echo Bridge’s site seems to confirm the same thing about those tracks. But you can politely contact them here (whenever the site isn’t down) or on Twitter requesting that they release the uncut versions of those films on DVD and/or Blu-Ray.
Update 4: There’s also a streaming deal with Netflix for Miramax catalog titles, such as Kill Bill.
The final season of the Sutherland espionage thriller series has apparently been pulled from broadcast, because it deals with radiation. It’s being replaced with the episodes from the fifth season.
Update: It’ll be broadcast in Japan on July 6.
"SHOOT the GLASS!"
The company will be handling the U.S. distribution of the remake of the 1966 heist comedy with Michael Caine and Shirley McClaine. Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz are in the new version of the film, while The Last Station director Michael Hoffman will direct, and the True Grit remake directors, The Coen Bros. will write the script.
Update: Die Hard/Harry Potter actor Alan Rickman is about to be added to the cast as the rich guy being robbed.
Update 2: Jack the Giant Killer’s Stanley Tucci and Sky High’s Cloris Leachman have been added to the cast.
Beware.
A follow-up to the indie sci-fi is currently being planned. The director, Gareth Edwards, won’t return, however, because he’s re-rebooting Godzilla.
After Dark Originals series Scream of the Banshee director Steven C. Miller is directing an indie horror flick which is meant to be in the vein of Poltergeist. John Dies at the End’s Johnny Weston and Green Lantern’s Gattlin Griffith will co-star. Bloody Disgusting’s Brad Miska will be involved with the story.
"Ong-Bak 3" Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai
Writer: Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai
Producer: Tony Jaa, Panna Rittikrai
Cast: Tony Jaa, Primrata Det-Udom, Dan Chupong, Sarunyu Wongkrajang, Nirutti Sirijanya, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Chumphorn Thepphithak, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Sorapong Chatree, Santisuk Promsiri
Running Time: 95 min.
By JJ Hatfield
Before viewing “Ong Bak” 3 it is essential to have watched “Ong Bak” 2, or as some people refer to it as the first half of the film. It was written and planned as being one film, perhaps a cliff hanger, but the studio thought they would make more money if they were treated as two different films. They were wrong.
The film opens with fighting scenes from OB2. Everything has a gray-green cast to it, post shooting color grading but it serves well to remind the viewer of some of the wild action that has come before as the credits roll. The story begins at the point the last one ended. Lord Rajeesna (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang) practically rubs his hands in glee as he orders the beginning of Tien’s punishment.
We first see Tien’s battered face, unconscious in a head and hand stock. He is awakened by the soldiers dousing him with water. They release him from the stock but he is still chained. Thus begins some of the most brutal, bloody beating scenes ever in a movie with Tony Jaa! I will not even get into the crushing bones part. In between however we get to watch Tien as he beats hell out of the soldiers. He’s in great shape and does incredibly amazing moves that manage to look fresh and different. Not even Tien can hold out forever and is recaptured by the soldiers. The time Tien is being beaten and brutalized is a bit of sadistic desires fulfilled by Lord Rajeesna. He repeatedly stated he wants Tien to die slowly and painfully, as a lesson to others, but in truth he has hated Tien’s entire family for many years and is really enjoying himself and the the crowning glory to his little party.
To Tony’s credit watching the horrible violence looks uncomfortably very, very real. He really can act when he puts forth the effort. His face shows emotions ranging from defiance to the realization he wasn’t going to get out of the horrible situation to fear in his face as the next hammer is about to strike a temple shattering blow.
During his time as a prisoner Tien’s hatred and thirst for revenge grows. While the viewer’s focus may be on Tien, the Crow Demon becomes more powerful, and perhaps a bit more human in appearance as the curse spreads. Master Bua makes a pilgrimage to the temple near the Kona Khone village. He secludes himself in the temple to meditate.As Master Bua meditates the dark presence tries to influence him. The Master is able to cast off the evil but he realizes he needs to purify himself if he is to help Tien or the people falling victim to the curse. For the first time the Master feels the cold sickness and seems to understand more of what Tony is feeling. He is able to help Tien later through his fear after experiencing it for only a few moments. Master Bua purifies himself and goes through the ritual ceremonies to become a Buddhist Monk.
“Ong Bak 3“ is a very spiritual movie. I realize that sounds like an odd description of a story with so much fighting and killing but it’s true. The viewer will sometimes not understand what the hell is going on or why at times but be patient. However do not think all your questions will be answered because they won’t. And I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing. Sometimes it makes a better film to allow the audience to think and find their own answers.
Because of the spiritual aspect, meditation and Buddhism, differences in culture and time period it is easy as a non Thai to miss certain phrases or objects of relevance. Some events take place in real time, others in deep meditation. Visions or spiritual messages don’t necessarily seem related to time.
Kana Khone was a real village in 1421 although relatively small. It is found in reference to the specific village in the 1600‘s by the common name “Khone Chook”, although the Royals used the term “Soh-Khan”. Life is a daily struggle for residents of the village, known for it’s healing arts. Living in the middle of the jungle-forest in a state of poverty the villagers try to survive a war torn existence. Buddhism is not something they believe in, it’s an important part of their daily lives. Following Buddha has allowed the villagers to not retaliate when the village is raided and yet have peace in their hearts.
Under the guidance of Master Bua the villagers unite their minds and hearts to make a symbol showing their spiritual belief was strong in the hopes it will help Tien heal. Mhen (Petchtai Wongkamlao) has more on screen time and in his own way also helps Tien. Is this group attempt to help Tien supernatural? A miracle? Buddha? Or in the context of the film Tien is in superb shape, he has a lot of adrenaline flowing through his veins already and getting pounded might have added a bit. He receives the best medicine for the time and he is very, very lucky? This is the kind of story behind the story many people miss. It’s easy to get caught up with the fighting and training. But there really is more to this half of the film than it has received credit for – yet.
Some day it will.
There is a superb fight scene, tied for the best in the movie when Lord Rajaseena takes his troops to the Crow Demon’s Castle. Everything is dark and foreboding with crows swooping and flying close to the soldiers. Only the Lord is allowed in the castle. The Crow’s castle is creepy and the Demon Crow even more so. (Dan Chupong really out-does himself in a great performance!) Full of skeletons, skulls, draped in big cobwebs, menacing looking statues, signs of sacrifices, decay everywhere, you can smell it. Everything reeks of slaughter and death. The Lord is angry and more than a little afraid but he must end the curse upon him and attacks the Demon Crow. (Again Chupong does an almost over the top performance but stops just short of losing any demonic qualities) Lord Rajaseena is furious and sends his men into the castle to kill the Crow Demon. Bad idea for the soldiers but it brings about a fantastic fight! The amazing powerful fights are all pretty much one sided. The Crow Demon is a master of fighting, or as Lord Rajaseena said “A fighter like no other.” Chupong pulls off moves that look new and specific to a character called the Crow Demon.
The Crow Demon is an excellent fighter and dispatches the soldiers easily, at times by pushing them through the castle walls. It is a long and enjoyable fight scene! Chupong is an excellent martial artist as well as superb stunt master. And it shows. I was quite impressed with the high quality choreography and the number of punches and kicks he would do at the same time. In order to achieve the “beyond human” status’ there are a couple of scenes where Chupong is on wires. It does add to the character especially the first time he fights, however he really doesn’t need wires too impress.
While the Crow Demon works to increase his powers Tien has been training and trying to recover from his severe injuries. He works to create a new fighting form that include elements of dance and beauty, and not as lethal as other forms. He tries to follow Master Bua’s teachings but the rage in his heart only feeds his demons. He continues to train and meditate to cleanse his spirit. His return to the village presents a severe test of his beliefs and behavior. People lie dead, the village on fire and in ruins. His friend Pim and other villagers are no where to be found. He is in despair… and soldiers are coming. Can Tien fight those who attacked the village without being enraged? How could anyone?
The production values were good with great attention to detail in the sets and costumes, whether in the grimy muddy village road or the grand palatial castle. The ongoing village life was obvious with what background characters were doing and demonstrates why it is known as a healing place. From jewelry to dishes to medicines everything was literally designed to feel and look authentic.
There were definitely problems that hampered the production on OB 2-3. The schedule was tight to begin with but it quickly was behind and over-budget for the point they were at already. Tony is known for shooting much more fighting than will be used in the film. This created a situation where some scenes had to be edited out or not filmed. Additionally there were some fairly serious discussions between Tony and company with the people in charge of the area of the Vihear Temple. Being so close to the Cambodian border tensions were very high and several scenes were necessary to leave out for all around safety purposes. Unfortunately the viewers want to see all of the movie but we in the U.S., U.K, Canada etc. need to remember this is Thailand. We do not always see issues the same way. It would have been ridiculous to risk anyone being hurt for real for a few extra movie scenes.
Speaking of being hurt there had to be a lot of stunt guys in pain, and Tony as well. The majority of fights are brutal beyond compare. Sure these guys are used to do doing crazy ass stunts but I doubt if that makes the pain go away. Reports of Tony and/or Dan Chupong being injured were a weekly event.
Plenty of rumors made the rounds with stories becoming more unbelievable as time grew closer to the release. Panna and Tony worked well together most of the time. And then the rumors about Triad involvement? Well we know it’s not uncommon. Jackie, Jet – Tony would not be the first to have such problems but no one really knows the truth.
While “OB” 2 seemed to be about nothing but nothing more than vengeance there is far more there than just a dark story of revenge. Some viewers may want to watch it again. Both 2 and 3 are complex despite the complaints of nothing happening, no fighting, etc. Tony is training, beating and fighting most of the film.
I can’t say much more without major spoilers. However I can guarantee you have never seen fighting like this before from Tony! The two part climax is absolutely incredible! Tien becomes a rabid enraged animal, consumed by hatred and revenge. Blood flies in every direction as Tien pummels soldiers, snaps necks, spears people stabbing them again and again. Tien literally rips people apart. The elephants are there in force and help Tien take out some bad guys. Some people complain elephants are used too often but you haven’t seen them like this before. There really are quite a few things the audience has not watched previously. No one can watch this film and claim there is not enough fighting. This is a movie, with a plot, a message and a hell of a lot of realistic fighting and buckets of blood. It’s damn good entertainment! It is also a trilogy, with all three “Ong Bak” movies having connections, the most obvious being the statue of Ong Bak.
At the core all the “Ong Bak” films have presented the same message, and one of the most important aspects of Buddhism is to not hate or hold revenge in your heart or mind, nor pursue vengeance. To truly forgive and let go is the path to peace for not just Tien but it also shows howholding on to revenge can grow to bring about suffering to all. Buddism is a very peaceful way of life but also includes Karma. What you do in this life affects what will happen in the next reincarnation and so forth.
A couple of notes about time:
* Although some people have insisted the punishment lasted for ten minutes, they are wrong. Tien is beaten by the guards for over one minute. Then he starts to fight back and beats hell out of the soldiers for two minutes real time, then back to Tien being bashed for another minute. There is also a period when Master Bua sees Tien and the beatings he is suffering. Even if you include that minute plus Tien fighting in between you still end up with approximately five minutes. However it can definitely feel far longer.
* The “coma” time has also been wildly exaggerated by people. Some reviewers apparently can’t count because of remarks like, “Tony is in a coma for half the movie” If you count from the time a rescue attempt is made, through the villagers extraordinary efforts to heal him is less than ten minutes….hardly half the film. On the other hand it could be said that Tien is training and meditating and healing almost up to the point the Crow Demon turned King fights him.
* Pim’s healing dance with Tien from when they see each other runs about five minutes.
These notes are examples of how time can be distorted. Times listed are not to be considered accurate to the second. Some day when I have the opportunity I may go back and time exactly certain scenes but the viewer will either accept certain scenes feel longer than they are or believe what they want.
*I have viewed two versions of “Ong Bak” with different actual running times. The only real differences are length of fight scenes and the editing of the Vihear Temple.
As with the other “Ong Bak” reviews please forgive incorrect spellings of names and locations.
The Ong Bak films will be debated for many years to come. As I stated when Tony “retired” he is not through with movies. He still shows that drive to be in front of the camera but he is a good director in the making. However we have not seen the last of Tony’s movies!
If anyone would like to offer comments or feedback I look forward to it. I’m expecting a number of persons are anticipating my posting with a number or reasons why I’m wrong. In fact the violence may be worse after this review than in the movie. I do not mind a bit. In fact I welcome the opportunity to help misguided folk understand why they are wrong.
Bring it on guys. To borrow from the “Weird”… Let’s Roll!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9.5/10 (11/10 for the Trilogy)
Agatha Christie's "Crooked House"
The Wicker Man ’06 director will make a movie based on the detective story, Crooked House. Watchmen’s Matthew Goode, Gemma Arterton, Julia Andrews, and Assault on Precinct 13 ’05′s Gabriel Byrne are attached to star. Thanks to The Hollywood Reporter for the story.
Gantz Blu-ray (Warner)
RELEASE DATE: August 30, 2011
Kei Kurono and his childhood friend Masaru Kato attempt to save a man who has fallen onto the train tracks but are run down by an oncoming train. However, rather than finding themselves dead, they are transported to a strange apartment in which they find a mysterious black orb known as Gantz. Along with others there, they are provided weaponry and sent on missions to battle alien beings. Is this world, which tests your will to survive, a game or reality?
Check out the trailer here.
Cyrano de Bergerac
The Hunger Games director is adapting a modernized take on the French fencer who had to use a wingman, because his nose kept him from scoring. The last memorable modernized take on the story was from Steve Martin’s Roxanne.
"The One-Armed Boxer" Japanese Theatrical Poster
Director: Jimmy Wang Yu
Writer: Jimmy Wang Yu
Producer: Raymond Chow Man Wai
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lung Fei, Blacky Ko Sau Leung, Tin Yau, Sit Hon, Chan San Yat, Wong Wing Sang, To Wai Wo, Hsieh Hsing, Kwan Hung, Cheung Yee Kwai, Choi Wang, Hau Pak Wai, Lui Jun, Ma Chin Ku, Man Man, Ng Tung Kiu, O Yau Man, Shan Mao, Su Chen Ping, Wong Fei Lung, Yip Fei Yang
Running Time: 89 min.
By T. J. Gushiniere
Warning: The following review may contain spoilers.
Combine the “Dirty Dozen” with the “Magnificent Seven” and you have “The One-Armed Boxer” (retitled “The Chinese Professionals” for its release to western audiences in 1973). A Kung fu Beast, Siamese Devils, Tibetan Tiger Men, The Invincible Yoga Kahn and The One-Armed Boxer — a total of 9 masters of the martial arts to tear the screen apart!
Imagine seeing the coming attractions for this feature at your local theatre, which is exactly what happened to me, as this was my first Jimmy Wang Yu film I ever saw. Jimmy stars in, directs, and wrote the screenplay for “The One-Armed Boxer.”
Liu Ti Lung (Jimmy Wang Yu) is the number one pupil of Teacher Hang Tui. While eating a meal at the local tea house, Liu Ti Lung and his class mates witness the Hook Gang bullying a customer. Liu Ti Lung and friends beat up the bad guys, which leads to a larger fight later in a valley, where several pupils from both sides are injured. Chao, the leader of the Hook Gang, asks his men who started the fight; of course they lie and say Liu Ti Lung did…
Seeds for the old revenge plot begin!
Chao visits Hang Tui’s school demanding that Liu Ti Lung be handed over to him. Hang Tui tries to reason with him, but a fight breaks out in which Chao and his students are beaten. Worried over the Hook Gang’s reputation, Chao hires a group of mercenaries who specialize in other forms of martial arts to gain his revenge.
Enter Lung Fei and his 2 disciples, practitioners of Okinawan Karate; Blacky Ko Sau Leung and his partner, both Thai Kick boxers; Ng Tung Kiu, a Judo expert; Shan Mao, a Tae Kwon Do expert; Pan Lin Chun, who uses a deadly form of Yoga; And Last but not least are Chang Kuei Yi and Su Ping-Jen, as two Tibetan Lamas.
The stage is set and the battle begins at Hang Tui’s school…
The mercenaries challenge the best students in one-on-one duels to the death. Liu Ti Lung shows his skill as he defeats the Tae Kwon Do expert and Lung Fei’s disciple. Lung Fei becomes enraged and chops Liu Ti Lung’s arm off with his bare hands! The school is then destroyed after Lung Fei kills Hang Tui. Liu Ti Lung is the only survivor and is found and nursed back to health by a doctor/herbalist and his daughter.
Bitter that he can not defeat his enemies with one arm, Liu Ti Lung begins to brood, even though the daughter is falling in love with him. It is here that she tells Liu Ti Lung her father can give him the power to get his revenge. All Liu Ti Lung has to do is burn all the nerves out of his remaining hand, and stick it in a jar of special herb medicine that’s been brewing for 30 years!
Liu Ti Lung emerges from this ordeal with a literal iron fist. We when see Liu Ti Lung pick off his foes with Charn Kuen Do, a new fighting art for the handicapped (I kid you not!). Complete with the theme from “Shaft” (which plays in the original language version), Liu Ti Lung will not lose!
Jimmy Wang Yu is not one of the best screen fighters, but his good movies were innovative for the time and full of action and gimmicks that will make you smile. If you can ignore the fact that Jimmy is hiding his arm – as well as suspending your disbelief at the loss of limbs without major amounts of gushing blood – you may enjoy this old school classic!
For me, “The One-Armed Boxer” is one-of-a-kind.
T. J. Gushiniere’s Rating: 7/10
By Perkele
The ultimate Jimmy Wang Yu film! I recommend this totally hilarious attempt to every martial arts and trash cinema fanatics worldwide! Wang Yu offers us another bloody revenge tale filled with intense fight scenes and amusingly stupid… everything! This flick makes you wonder whether Wang Yu and company found out how to make a laughable and fun movie, or are they really just BAD filmmakers? It seems the latter statement is correct because the film tries hard to be dead serious. But I can’t believe that even in Hong Kong, back in 1970 (when the movie was a big hit), the audience could have sat through it not laughing their eyes out; And that’s only a good thing. What’s more, the actual kung fu delivers too. Brutal, entertaining, and sometimes very amusing – it’s a major improvement from Wang Yu’s previous classic “Chinese Boxer”.
The mind-dazzling plot has an evil kung fu master being beaten up by Wang Yu’s teacher and returning later with hired assassins including: Japanese karate experts (what else), tibeatian llamas, thai-boxers, a mystical yoga master and ultimately a big, long-haired karate master (complete with bushy eyebrows and two shiny vampire-like fangs) who chops limbs with his bare hands! He growls like a retard and is one of the best kung fu movie villains having a gloomy death metal-outlook. So this wild buch kills Wang Yu’s teacher and all his fellow students. Wang Yu looses his arm (and the rest of the movie he tries to keep this “cut” arm unvisible under his shirt, with quite hillarious consequences) and by accident is saved by an old man who knows how to make one arm strong as iron (by killing all it’s nerves with hot rocks). What comes next is a series of most wildest training methods ever filmed as Wang Yu trains his arm.
Perkele’s Rating: 6/10
The Hollywood Reporter has an in-depth article about how producers in the country are relying less on big-budget blockbusters, and more succeeding more with reasonably-budgeted specialty films.
Poster for the original "Red Riding" mini-series.
The Gladiator director is adapting a theatrical version of the mini-series Red Riding, revolving around serial killers and police corruption. Zodiac’s Jamie Vanderbilt is writing the script.
Citizen Kane 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray/DVD (Warner)
RELEASE DATE: TBA
A psychological study of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful newspaper tycoon whose idealism was corrupted as he rose to enourmous wealth and power. The story unfolds as a mystery: when Mr. Kane dies uttering cryptic last words, a magazine reporter interviews the tycoon’s friends in an effort to uncover the significance of the word “Rosebud.” Directed by Orson Welles, Citizen Kane is considered the greatest film of all time.
Amazon is releasing an exclusive Citizen Kane 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, packed with The Magnificent Ambersons.
The Inception actor is looking into joining Wayfaring Strangers, a film about Brit paratroopers captured by Germans in a farmhouse being used as a hiding place for a Jewish couple. Boy Eats Girl director Stephen Bradley is also attached to the project.
"Gamera Vs. Barugon" Japanese Theatrical Poster
TheDigitalBits.com notes that Shout Factory! and Best Brains are releasing MST3K vs. Gamera: Mystery Science Theater 3000 – Volume XXI Deluxe Edition on DVD this August. The films included in the set are Gamera, Gamera Vs. Barugon, Gamera Vs. Gaos, Gamera Vs. Guiron and Gamera Vs. Zigra, along with 5 mini-posters. Pre-ordering the set Gamera-themed postcards and an MST3K stress ball. Gamera’s a giant flying turtle featured in black and white films, as well as 90s, and 2000s reboots. MST3K’s regulars spoofed the former films with their own brand of “commentaries”.
Marie Lu
The Wackness director has been tapped to adapt the Marie Lu sci-fi epic about a divided North America in which a Robin Hood-esque thief and his teenage bounty hunter join forces when they learn the truth about their totalitarian government.
Sasha Grey
The Jackie Brown and Red Sonja stars are teaming up with Danny Trejo and adult film actress Sasha Grey in a femme-fatale revenge thriller about a girl who gets her pay-back with a shot-gun. Frankie Latina is directing and Norman Lasca is writing the script.
Conan the Barbarian/Conan the Destroyer Blu-ray (Universal)
RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011
First time on Blu-ray: Conan the Barbarian, a 1982 action-adventure film by director John Milius and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film is loosely based on the Conan the Barbarian stories by Robert E. Howard and was written by Oliver Stone and John Milius. Also available is the less-acclaimed Conan the Destroyer.
Trailers: Conan the Barbarian | Conan the Destroyer
