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"The Savages" American Theatrical Poster

There’s no denying that director Oliver Stone was one of the top Hollywood provocateurs of the 80′s and 90′s. Films like Wall Street and JFK were guaranteed to get audiences talking as soon as they hit theaters. Hell, I still say that Natural Born Killers is one of the best movies of the 90′s, even if Quentin Tarantino claims Stone mangled his screenplay.

The last decade hasn’t been terribly kind to Oliver Stone, with box office bombs like Alexander and Wall Street 2 trailing behind him, but it looks like he may be able to turn things around with his next film, titled The Savages. Over at AICN, you can scope out the first trailer.

Based on the novel by Don Winslow, this is a movie about what happens when a trio of California rich kid drug dealers crosses paths with a ruthless Mexican drug cartel. The star-studded cast includes Aaron Johnson (Kick Ass), Taylor Kitsch (John Carter), Blake Lively (The Town), Emile Hirsch (Speed Racer), John Travolta (Pulp Fiction), Salma Hayek (Desperado), and Benicio Del Toro (Sin City). While the premise may strain credibility, the trailer still looks like a hell of a lot of fun. Sex, drugs, violence: yup, it’s vintage Stone.

Retro "Captain America" poster by by artist Paolo Rivera.

THE MOVIE: Captain America: The First Avenger was a breakout hit at the box office and seeing as how Cap (Chris Evans) is the de facto leader of the Avengers, it was perhaps a foregone conclusion that the Star Spangled hero would return for Captain America 2. Right now all we really know is that Evan is back; the film takes place in modern day rather than World War II; and it will likely be out Summer 2014.

Updates: Will Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage play M.O.D.O.K. in the sequel? Dark Horizons reports that a sequel won’t happen until 2014, and that Evans is signed up for three Captain America and three Avengers films. Fandompost.com notes that the sequel will be set in the present. Not sure how it’d work, but Atwell would be game for a sequel. CBM reports that the sequel will begin shooting later this year.

Over at Screen Rant, it looks like Marvel is mulling over who will direct Cap 2. Possible contendors include F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job remake), George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau), and Anthony and Joseph Russo (You, Me and Dupree).

BREAKING NEWS: As per AICN, the official release date for the film is now April 4, 2014.

"Ninja the Mission Force" Promotional Poster

THE SERIES: In the 1980s, there was this thing called the ‘ninja craze,’ and every video rental store had a martial arts section that included lots ‘n lots of ninja titles. MGM Home Video put out Revenge of the Ninja, Media Entertainment had 9 Deaths of the Ninja and Cannon Films did the American Ninja series.

Then you had those other ninja movies: the ones with the shiny, glittery VHS covers. They usually had a bunch of white actors (including B-movie legend, Richard Harrison) in colorful ninja uniforms. Some of the guys even wore tacky headbands that had the word “ninja” on them. The illustrated box art promised you big explosions, helicopter fights and cool looking motorcycles with rocket launchers; but when you finally got home to watch it, all you got was a sloppy, low budget, cut-and-paste movie that was so bad –  it was pure comedy. To fans of the martial arts genre, these string of ninja movies became known as the “Godrey Ho Ninja flicks” – or technically speaking, a production by Joseph Lai’s IFD films, a company responsible for releasing hundreds of low budget Chinese films.

Kungfucinema.com reports that on February 16, the premiere of Ninja the Mission Force, a new action/comedy from Dark Maze Studios, hits the web. This new series pays homage to the wacky ninja films of director Godfrey Ho. Check out the official site for interviews with the filmmakers, as well as the hilarious, must-see trailer. They nailed it!

Oh yeah, to keep the memory of Godfrey Ho’s ‘cut-and-paste’ technique alive, they managed to splice in appearances from stars like Brandon Lee, John Travolta, Charles Bronson and Orson Welles.

Updates: Meagan Rachelle, screenwriter of Ninja the Mission Force, hints that there will be a future DVD release with unseen bonus footage. In the meantime, the series is currently available to watch on the official site, on blip and of course, on youtube.

BREAKING NEWS: Dark Maze Studios has posted an interesting audio interview with Andy Chworowsky, an actor who appeared – and dubbed – various Godfrey Ho “ninja” productions. Amazing interview! Definitely sheds a lot of light about what goes on in a low budget Godfrey Ho production.

Keanu Reeves

THE MOVIE: Keanu Reeves is directing and starring in Man of Tai Chi, an action-packed homage to classic kung fu films. Also starring is Hong Kong singer-actress Karen Mok and Chen Hu (aka Tiger Chen). Yuen Woo-ping will be handling the choreography. In Man of Tai Chi, Chen Hu stars as a young martial artist whose fighting skills brings him to a realm of vast opportunities, and painful choices. Reeves will be playing the villain.

Updates: Dark Horizons notes that Keanu’s close to getting funding for the project, and that Tiger Chen (aka Chen Hu), one of the choreographers on The Matrix, would have a starring role. Screen Daily reports that Man of Tai Chi now has financial backing, and can beging shooting. THR reports that Uni will handle funding, along with Village Roadshow Asia, Wanda Media and China Film Group. Via crienglish, the New Express Daily reports that Man of Tai Chi began shooting in Beijing.

BREAKING NEWS: Reeleast.com reports that Beach Spike’s Helene Leclerc, a Hong Kong-based Eurasian model and actress, has won a part in Man of Tai Chi.

"Dragon Eyes" UK Blu-ray Cover

THE MOVIE: In New Orleans, a mysterious man looks to unite two warring gangs against the lawmen who have been using them to advance their corrupt agenda. Directed by Universal Soldier: Regeneration’s John Hyams and starring Cung Le, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Peter Weller.

Updates: Check out an interview with Cung Le here. In addition to horror, After Dark is now producing action films in collaboration with Joel Silver’s Dark Castle Entertainment. One of the titles announced will be Dragon Eyes, which is scheduled to be released later this year. Cung Le uploaded a documentary to YouTube which is mostly about him training for his UFC fights but if you fast forward to about 21:58, you can see some new footage from Dragon Eyes. Teaser poster, courtesy of impawards. To me, it sorta looks like a fan made poster. Whatever the case, it will do for now.

The UK Blu-ray/DVD is coming April 09, 2012. UK trailer is now available. It looks like May 11, 2012 will be American audiences’ first chance to see Dragon Eyes via Video On Demand or in select theaters. The film will be part of After Dark’s new Action fest, the details of which you can read over at Beyond Hollywood. Other films to look forward to include Scott Adkins in El Gringo and a Dolph Lundgren thriller called Stash House.

BREAKING NEWS: New extended trailer.

"Nightfall" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Nightfall is a 2012 Hong Kong murder mystery from director Roy Chow (2009′s Aaron Kwok thriller Murderer). The film features a host of familiar faces including Nick Cheung (The Stool Pigeon), Simon Yam (Full Contact), and Michael Wong (Knock Off), as well as Shawn Dou, Janice Man, and Kay Tse. The story is about a hardened detective investigating the death of a Hong Kong celebrity. As he digs deeper, he discovers a conspiracy that challenges everything he thinks he knows about the case.

Nightfall arrives in Chinese theaters later this year. In the meantime, Beyond Hollywood has the trailer and a more detailed synopsis. Nick Cheung and Simon Yam are no slouches in the acting department so this should end up being a Hong Kong thriller to keep an eye on.

Updates: According to sources, this Nightfall promotional poster, which features Nick Cheung in a mugshot pose, led people to believe the star was arrested in real life. In preparation for the film, Nick Cheung spent half a year on physical training. Our source has posted bloody photos of Nick fighting Ken Lo.

Twitch has a new, full-length trailer. Beyond Hollywood has posters, images, and a brand new trailer for the film.

HKtopten reports that Michael Wong, who plays a deranged father, wants to prohibit his kids from watching the movie. Apparently he was “too in character” and is worried about his own image as a father.

BREAKING NEWS: Despite competition from the likes of Hollywood’s John Carter and Andy Lau’s arthouse film A Simple Life, action-thriller Nightfall has become a breakout success across China. The movie has already garnered 40 million yuan at the Mainland box office, with an additional 14 million yuan in Hong Kong. Nick Cheung, who spent 7 months getting in shape for the role, even made two surprise appearances at movie theaters in Guagzhou to thank fans for their support.

"Chinatown" Japanese Theatrical Poster

There are literally no live-action Asian movies releasing this week, and that ain’t no April Fool’s joke. Disappointing, but I guess we’ve just got to move on and hop that next week is more promising. Regardless, we get “Chinatown” on Blu-ray for the first time so that’s something to celebrate. Here are your Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of 4/3/12:

ASIAN CINEMA

Howl’s Moving Castle (Blu-ray) – we usually don’t include anime here but this is the only Asian disc being released this week! Too bad this 2004 Mayazaki animated film is only available as an Import so the pricetag is a whopping $59.99. At least it has English subs!

FOREIGN CINEMA

Miracle of Marcelino: Restored 1955 Version (Blu-ray/DVD) – this 1955 Spanish-language film was a Grand Prize Award winner at the International Cannes Film Festival and tells the heart-warming story of a young boy who creates miracles

Four Flies on Grey Velvet (Blu-ray) – Dario Argento’s 1971 giallo is available from Amazon on Import Blu-ray for $39.99

The Double Hour (DVD) – this 2011 Italian film is billed as a suspenseful, psychological update on the giallo genre

Question Mark (DVD) – not much info is available on this flick but it appears to be a Hindi-language ‘found footage’ film about some college students who disappeared in the woods, I’m guessing from around 2010

INDEPENDENT

Angels Crest (DVD) – when a young father’s child dies in a tragic accident, he finds his entire small town turning against him in this 2011 indie film

The Odds (DVD) – ever wonder about the underground world of high school sports gambling? This 2011 indie flick might clue you in

Truth About Kerry (DVD) – a young woman travels to a remote village to unravel the truth about her friend’s death, but discovers a shocking conspiracy in the process in this 2010 film

MAINSTREAM

War Horse (Blu-ray/DVD) – Steven Spielberg’s 2011 inspirational World War I-era horse tale is on home formats this week

Alien Opponent (DVD) – at last, the team-up you’ve been waiting to see: Jeremy London (“Mallrats”) and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper (“They Live”) join forces to fight an alien menace in this low-budget 2010 sci-fi/action movie

Miramax Double Feature: Equilibrium/Renaissance (Blu-ray) – Christian Bale – in his most ass-kicking role – teams up with the voice of Daniel Craig in this Miramax Double Feature offering the 2002 Orwellian sci-fi/action flick “Equilibrium” and the futuristic, black-and-white 2006 French CG cartoon “Renaissance” 

CLASSICS

Chinatown (Blu-ray) – forget it, Jake, it’s – well, now it’s on Blu-ray! Roman Polanski’s classic 1974 neo-noir starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway

The Corsican Brothers (DVD) – Douglas Fairbanks Jr. stars in this 1941 black-and-white swashbuckler

HORROR

Hellacious Acres: The Case of John Glass (DVD) – Bloody Disgusting Selects offers this 2011 film that promises not to be your typical post-apocalyptic tale

Demons 2 (Blu-ray) – I love Lamberto Bava’s 1986 Italian shlockfest “Demons 2″ with all my heart but even I have to admit that $44.99 is pretty ridiculous to pay for this Import Blu-ray

Enter Nowhere (DVD) – bet you never thought a movie starring the son of Clint Eastwood and the daughter of Bill Paxton would go straight to DVD, but that’s just what happened with this 2011 ‘cabin in the woods’-style horror flick

The Afflicted (DVD) – a 2010 horror flick starring Kane Hodder, who played the part of Jason Vorhees in many of the “Friday the 13th” movies

The Midnight Disease (DVD) – a 2010 horror thriller about what happens when an uninspired writer uncorks a jar and discovers his muse in the form of a beautiful but possibly deadly woman

The Prophecy Collection (Blu-ray) – 344 minutes of “The Prophecy” movie franchise have been compressed onto one Blu-ray, which doesn’t offer much hope for the picture quality but at least you get to see Christopher Walken, Eric Stoltz, and Viggo Mortensen hamming it up in this Biblical horror series

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The game is afoot in "Ghost Bullets"

The trailer is now online for Ghost Bullets (aka The Bullet Vanishes), a big-budget Chinese murder mystery with Nicholas Tse as a gun-slinging detective and Lau Ching-Wan as his eccentric partner. This looks to be a period piece in the vein of Guy Ritchie’s recent Sherlock Holmes films; think lavish production design, loud action set-pieces, and plenty of suspense.

The cast includes Yang Mi, Jing Boran, Wu Gang, Liu Kai Chi, and Jiang Yiyan. Ghost Bullets is produced by Derek Yee (Triple Tap, Shinjuku Incident) and directed by Law Chi Leung (Inner Senses, Koma). It releases across China this summer 2012.

Updates: Sina has posted all-new stills from the movie. – Thanks to Dip for the heads up!

"Ghostbusters" Japanese Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Screenrant notes that the Dragnet actor is ready to shoot the long-delayed Ghostbusters 3, even without Bill Murray reprising his iconic Peter Venkman role. Allegedly, Murray had to have the final say on a new film, in order for it to happen, so I’m not sure what’s changed since then-unless he’s given up his stake in the project? Apparently, the premise for Ghostbusters 3 is that the original characters train younger prodigies to replace them, since age has made characters like Aykroyd’s Ray too out of shape to continue the ghost capturing. The new team would preferably consist of three guys and a girl.

Updates: Whether or not the sequel happens, AICN notes the original is getting a theatrical re-release next month. Dark Horizons indicates that Sigourney Weaver’s son from the second film could end up being a new member of the team. The National Enquirer reported that Murray allegedly shredded the script.

BREAKING NEWS: Fearnet.com reports that Bill Murray has finally agreed to participate in Ghostbusters 3 after reading a new script by Seth Grahame-Smith, the writer of the upcoming Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Dark Shadows.

"The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: The first was 100% medically accurate, the second became 100% medically inaccurate, and now producer Ilona Six promises the third to be 100% political incorrectness. Empire reports that Tom Six is moving forward with Human Centipede 3: Final Sequence. Returning cast members include Human Centipede’s Dieter Laser and Human Centipede 2′s Laurence R. Harvey. In addition, Tom Six himself will have a role this time around. Shooting starts in May with a scheduled release in 2013.

Updates: Tom Six told Empire: “In the end the three films can be actually attached to each other, like the centipede: one big film of four and a half hours. That’s my goal. Each film is very different from the previous one. 2 is totally different to 1, and 3 will be totally different from both the others. I’m not telling you how. You have to find out. In space? I won’t say!” Tom Six tells Indiewire that Human Centipede 3 will feature a 500 person-long chain.

BREAKING NEWS: There’s some drama brewing in Human Centipede 3: Final Sequence pre-production stage. Tom Six recently tweeted that his company “will” sue Dieter Laser (who played Dr. Heiter in the original Human Centipede) due to breach of contract. Anyways, THR has the full scoop.

Nicolas Refn

THE MOVIE: Ryan Gosling is currently in Bangkok filming a Thai boxing movie with Danish filmmaker Nicolas Refn. The two worked together in Refn’s 2011′s Drive, which has already gained cult, mainstream and critical status. According to imdb.com, the plot of Only God Forgives involves a Bangkok police lieutenant and a gangster who settle their differences in a Thai-boxing match. Additional cast members include Nowhere Boy’s Kristin Scott Thomas, Thai recording artist Yayaying and The Hangover Part II’s Vithaya Pansringarm.

Updates: Dark Horizons via Indiewire notes that Refn is bringing over Drive composer Cliff Martinez. THR talked to Gosling about preparing for his Muy Thai boxing action scenes. THR has the first photo from the film, as well as additional information. Filmofilia gives us more plot details.

The Collider has a new image of Ryan Gosling from the movie. To put it quite simply, he looks like he’s been chewed-up-and-spat-out out by Tong Po.

BREAKING NEWS: The Playlist has Nicolas Winding Refn talking about making Only God Forgives and much more.

"Iceman Cometh 3D" Chinese Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Appledaily.com.hk has posted a video (in Chinese) of Donnie Yen discussing plans for a 3D remake of Iceman Cometh with Stephen Shiu, the producer of the original film. Donnie will not only star, but will also direct if the offer is sealed. Also in talks to co-star is Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Li Bingbing (The Forbidden Kingdom) and Jun Ji-Hyun (My Sassy Girl). Directed by Clarence Ford (Cheap Killers), the original Iceman Cometh starred Yuen Biao, Maggie Cheung and Yuen Wah.

Updates: Stephen Siu Jr. has revealed the project is happening and Donnie Yen will star and co-direct with two other directors: Raymond Yip and Christopher Sun. Twitch is reporting that mainland actress Fan Bingbing (Bodyguards & Assassins, Shaolin) is in talks for the female lead. Producer and investor Stephen Shiu Jr. revealed that the film production cost reached $20 (US) million because of its many large scale scenes.

BREAKING NEWS: Twitch has the official teaser poster. In addition, check out their interview with producer Stephen Shiu, who says that Yuen Biao will have a duel with Donnie Yen.

Gerard Butler

THE MOVIE: Book of Eli co-director, Albert Hughes, is set to helm a revenge flick about a crook who’s framed and goes after those who put him in jail – supposedly, the story will be told completely without spoken words. The description-heavy screenplay is written by Chad St. John and Joel Silver is set to produce.

Updates: Jeremy Renner, Dominic Cooper, Chris Evans and Jake Gyllenhaal are all considered for the lead. Zombieland’s Amber Heard and True Romance’s Gary Oldman seem to be on board.

BREAKING NEWS: Next Movie reports that 300′s Gerard Butler is the latest actor to be courted for the lead.

"Man of Steel" Teaser Poster

THE MOVIE: Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond his imagination. Transported years ago to Earth from Krypton, Clark struggles with the question ‘Why am I here?’. Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark discovers having extraordinary abilities means making difficult decisions. Clark must become a Man of Steel, to protect the people he loves and shine as the world’s beacon of hope… Superman. - Imdb.com

Updates: So the title of the flick appears to be “Man of Steel”, and one of the villains will be Faora. Dark Horizons has a June 14, 2013 release date for Man of Steel. While you’re waiting, here’s an alternative opening to Superman Returns. Cavill in costume here. Via Dark Horizons, the FB page linked photos of Shannon in costume. Crowe in costume. Lois pic here, courtesy of Dark Horizons. Comicbookmovie.com via Daily News has Cavill’s reaction to those less enthused by his suit.

Comicbookmovie.com via Access Hollywood noted Adams’ thoughts on Cavill and Supes in general. Moviefone got a Tonight Show clip where Cavill discusses ditching the super shorts. Also, via Collider, Cavill says he chose not to look at earlier adaptations of the characters for reference. CBM via Thisisjersy.com has a Shannon anecdote on his fight scene with Crowe. Comicbookmovie.com via Comic Book News suggests that Bradley Cooper will play Lex Luthor. Comicbookmovie.com via FB debunked the Cooper story. Check out set photos of Costner.

Dark Horizons via via Variety reports that West Wing’s Richard Schiff will play doc Emil Hamilton, Superman’s scientific advisor. Also, CBM suggests that WB’s already scouting for a sequel. Alas, poor Optimus. Shannon admitted he’s not a comic book buff. CBM has a pic of Cavill being a real super role model. Oh, and Battle: Los Angeles’s Jadin Gould will play a younger version of Lana Lang. CBM confirms that Cooper Timberline will play young Clark Kent. Apparently, Shannon is currently living in Bizarro World, as he compared Snyder to Scorsese.

BREAKING NEWS: Imdb.com has revealed the official logo.

"Guns N' Roses"

Guns N’Roses is a curious title for a movie, no doubt about that, but when the action looks this fierce we can give the filmmakers a break. The alternate title for director Ning Hao’s upcoming Chinese heist movie is A Big Gold Robbery.

The film is set in the 1930′s, when the Japanese army had set up a puppet state in Manchukuo, and follows a ragtag group who plans to steal from a supposedly impregnable Japanese bank.

Sure, it’s getting a little old for the Japanese army to serve as the villains in every Chinese historical picture but, judging from the trailer at Far East Films, Guns N’Roses should be a wild and entertaining ride. It opens in Chinese theaters this Summer 2012. The Global Times has more details here.

Update: Hop on over to Chinese Films for a new trailer. Of the movie, director Ning Hao says: “I want to talk about how people make their choices when stuck between desire of power and humanity.“

"The Assassins" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Film Business Asia reports that premiere distributor Well Go USA has pre-bought North American rights to the upcoming Chinese historical action film, The Assassins. The film stars Chow Yun Fat and is written by the screenwriter behind Zhang Yimou’s Hero and House of Flying Daggers. Directed by newcomer Zhao Linshan, The Assassins is currently in post-production.

The rights to the film are being sold by Arclight Films, a sales agency based out of Sydney, Australia and Los Angeles, California. In the article, the CEO of Arclight mentions that his company is producing and distributing more Asian films than any other non-Asian based company. Arclight is also selling the rights to the Chinese/Korean co-production of Dangerous Liaisons starring Zhang Ziyi; a martial arts picture called The Four; and a live-action, English-language retelling of Mulan.

Updates: Scope out a poster for The Assassins at Chinese Films. The cast and crew of the film will be making an appearance at the opening ceremony of the The Second Beijing International Film Festival on April 23. The film itself is expected to hit Chinese theaters in October. It’s set during the Three Kingdoms era with Chow Yun Fat starring as the famous military strategist Cao Cao.

In addition, the cast and crew of The Four will be on hand at the Beijing International Film Festival. The Four is a new wuxia film from director Gordon Chan (Fist of Legend), based on author Wan Ray-an’s famous novels about four detectives in ancient China. The cast includes Deng Chao, Ronald Cheng, Collin Chou, and Crystal Liu.

"Black Cobra" Ameican DVD Cover

If your day needs a little pick me up, hop on over to Beyond Hollywood for the (NSFW) trailer to Lionsgate’s forthcoming direct-to-DVD action flick Black Cobra. The film stars three time “Martial Arts Hall of Fame” inductee T.J. Storm (Punisher: War Zone) as a man out to raise enough cash to get his father out of prison before the old man is murdered by gangs. In the process T.J. ends up having to deal with all sorts of criminal element, including Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Mortal Kombat, Showdown in Little Tokyo).

The trailer promises plenty of martial arts ass-kicking and self-aware quips. The film itself lands in retail on May 22, 2012. Who knows: as long as Black Cobra has some halfway decent fight choreography, T.J. Storm could end up becoming one of our next action icons.