Movie Box Review

The MTV Movie Awards 2009 were live Sunday night and it was interesting to watch the only awards show that doesn't have an announcement from the president or the people with the briefcases walk in. But like every awards show we still get to find out the winners. Sweeping the night was Twilight, which won in 5 out of 6 categories it was nominated in including Best Fight, Kiss, Breakthrough Performance Male (Robert Pattinson), Performance Female (Kirsten Stewart) and Best Movie. In fact the only nominations that did not turn to awards were Best Song (winner: Hannah Montana: The Movie) and Breakthrough Performance Male for Taylor Lautner showing that Team Edward is still running strong. Beyond the awards themselves the big news for Twilight fans was the first trailer for New Moon (see trailer here on MTV Site, or a larger version over at Twilight Lexicon).

Other hyped moments from the show including new footage from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince but Twilight and New Moon ruled the night. Twitter was going wild during the ceremony from the Slumdog/Twilight intro mashup, through the kiss fake out to the numerous thanks to the fans, and my personal favourite was Kirsten Stewart knocking over her award during the Best Female Performance and then gracefully continuing. She's awesome.

Best Villain
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight

Best WTF Moment
Amy Poehler in Baby Mama

Best Fight
Robert Pattinson vs Cam Gigantet in Twilight

Best Kiss
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in Twilight

Best Song from a Movie
"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana: The Movie

Generation Award
Ben Stiller

Best Comedic Performance
Jim Carrey in Yes Man

Breakthrough Performance Female
Ashely Tisdale in High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Breakthrough Performance Male
Robert Pattinson in Twilight

Best Male Performance
Zac Efron in High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Best Female Performance
Kristen Stewart in Twilight

Best Movie Twilight

An overwhelming result of 63% of voters agreeing that Star Trek was Excellent! I'm with you there! Next up was 12% of voters who are not going to see it, and tapering off with 9% feeling it was average, 6% tied for good or hadn't seen it yet and a measly 3% thinking it was bad. Could it be the most loved film of the summer? It's too early to tell but it certainly is in the lead!

63% - Excellent
12% - Not Going to See It
9% - Average
6% TIE: Good and Haven't Seen It Yet
3% - Bad

Thanks for voting!

Photo courtesy of singtao.com

Currently in Hengdian working on the Tsui Hark directed film DETECTIVE DEE (DIK YUN KIT ji TUNG TIN DAI GOK), Andy Lau Tak Wa posted new photos on his site. In the photo Wa Jai was fixing his beard in the dressing room. He even took off his cap and showed off his long wig.

Wa Jai expressed, since early May he has been working on the film in Hengdian. Aside from going to Sichuan Satellite to participate in the earthquake anniversary special he basically has been working on the film from 5PM to the next morning 5 or 6AM. However, he still took time to return to Hong Kong and spent Duen Ng Festival with his parents. He even reminded his fans to be careful with the H1N1 Influenza A because during the shoot he paid attention to the disease threat's latest development. On his flight home he even personally experienced the intense atmosphere. Wa Jai even urged that stopping the spread of the disease was everyone's responsibility.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

The New Year film BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) has already completed half its shoot in Shanghai. After the appearance of Fan Bingbing and Li Yuchun, the film's other female lead, Zhou Yun, who in the film grew up with Nicholas Tse Ting Fung joined the cast quietly on the eve of June 1 Children's Day. Since both Tse Ting Fung and Zhou Yun are parents, although they met for the first time the topic of children brought them closer and very quickly put them into the film's "lover" condition.

Zhou Yun who was busy slimming down after giving birth was absent from the film's earlier press conference, but director Teddy Chan Tak Sum expressed, "Zhou Yun was our first confirmed actress." As early as eight years ago, Chan Tak Sum has wanted to work with Zhou Yun on a new film; after several misses they could not work together successfully. This time he approached Zhou Yun again but learned that she just gave birth to her second son. He thought that he would have to be sorry again. Then Zhou Yun read the script and was very attracted to the character. She immediately decided to train for this "eight year long appointment" and rapidly slimmed down.

Ting Fung and Zhou Yun on the set talked about their children. Although both families' "star babies" had different educational environment, they agreed that they could not spoil their children. When they should educate them they would have to "educate" them. On their children's future choices, they felt that they should respect their children, but both seemed to lean against letting their children come in contact with show business too soon.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Lin Chiling's language training while working on the film RED CLIFF has proven to be useful again, as she rushed to Shanghai todayfor the Shanghai Animation Film Studio's just finished animation MA LAN HUA to provide her voice. The entire recording process lasted an afternoon. The film will be released June 19. The folklore animation MA LAN HUA is a Shanghai Film Group Animation Film production and a China Education Television Station joint release, and a Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Xiamen advanced technology company and Shanghai Sheng Tai Investment Management company joint production. The story mainly centers around a battle for a magic flower that can bring humanity well-being. The magic flower's guardian Ma Long accidently rescues Old Man Wang, who fell while picking herbal medicine inthe mountains. He meets and falls for Old Man Wang's daughter Xiao Lan. Xiao Lan's twin sister Da Lan longs for the material indulgance than themagic flower can bring and becomes jealous of Xiao Lan. The Ivy Demon who has long been coveted the magic flower uses Da Lan's vanity to steal the magic flower in order to dominate the Ma Lan Mountain. Finally, the industrious and kind-hearted Ma Long and Xiao Lan eventually defeat the demon, while Da Lan and Old Cat also mend their ways.

With the special support of the Shanghai Charity Foundation and Shanghai Special Care Foundation, more and more stars have taken the initiative to join the film. Lin Chiling after reading the script gladly joined without any salary consideration. In order to give herself even more challenge, she deliberately chose the easily despised character of Da Lan. Lin Chiling today was dressed in light yellow to the recording studio. She said that the film highly recommended the virtues of hard work and kindness, which were very significant. Da Lan's vanity, laziness and selfishness provided a new attempt for her voice performance and for fans to see a different her.

Known for her sweet baby voice Lin Chiling felt that her voice matched the 18 year old Da Lan very well. She said that the pronunciation, tone, and other training that she received during RED CLIFF helped her manage this role better. When a reporter asked whether she would change her voice for this role, she said with a smile that voice hadno age. She was confident that as long as it was properly maintained, her voice would still be as sweet at age 50 and 60 as it is now. Reportedly, MA LAN HUA like the hit MAGIC LAMP many years ago used a strong all star lineup. Aside from Lin Chiling, Chen Hao provided the voice of Xiao Lan. Many mystery stars would also provide their voices from three lands on both sides of the strait. The theme song performers will be Taiwan Seed Music artists Kenji Wu Ke Chun, Valen Hsu Yu Wan, Landy Wen and others.

For Thursday May 28 2009

10 17 AGAIN
d. Burr Steers
Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann

9 HANDSOME SUIT
Can : Fan Juen Ju Nam Si Wong Ji
Lit : Turning Over Pork Belly Is A Prince
d. Hanabusa Tsutomu
Shosuke Tanihara, Muga Tsukaji, Keiko Kitagawa, Miyuki Oshima
Cantonese Voices: Eric Kot Man Fai, Jan Lam Hoi Fung

8 TEAM OF MIRACLE: WE WILL ROCK YOU
Can : Lau Long Hong Sai Gai Bui
Lit : Homeless World Cup
d. Kwan Shun Wai
Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun, Gigi Lai Chi
Man Chin Shui, Yuen Wah, Lam Ka Wa, Wong Tak Bun,
Wong Yau Nam, Tats Lau Yi Tat, Tong Kim Hong,
Hui Siu Hung, Wong Chi On, Ng Chung Tin,
Cheng Chi Sing, Pei Wei Ying

7 CORALINE
d. Henry Selick
Voices: Dakota
Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders

6 A FROZEN FLOWER
Can : Seung Fa Dim
Lit : Frost Flower Shop
d. Yoo Ha
Jo In-Sung, Ju
Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyuo

5 CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH
Can : Nam King! Nam King!
Lit : Nanjing! Nanjing!
d. Lu Chuan
Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo
Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyaun

4 ASHES OF TIME REDUX
Can : Dong Che Sai Duk
Lit : East Evil West Poison
d. Wong Kar Wai
Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha),
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Tony Leung Chiu Wai,
Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Tony Leung Ka Fai,
Carina Lau Ka Ling, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei

3 ANGELS AND DEMONS
d. Ron Howard
Tom Hanks, Ewan
McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN
d. Shawn Levy
Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria

1 TERMINATOR SALVATION
d. McG
Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday May 29, 2009! It's our fifth Friday in May for 2009 and what a bustling month it has been for film. Every week has had a huge opening film from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, to Star Trek, to Angels & Demons to Terminator Salvation and continues this week with polar opposite wide releases of the new horror film Drag Me to Hell alongside the latest Pixar animated film Up. But of course it isn't just about wide releases is it?

In limited release this week we have a trio of Canadian films with age inspired 40 is the New 20, a what if?...John Lennon was alive film Let Me Him as well as Carl Bessai's latest Mothers&Daughters. We also have the historical comedy/romance Easy Virtue and inspiring friendship drama Goodbye Solo. Although each of those films pull interest, my pick of the week for limited release is most certainly Every Little Step, a fantastic documentary on A Chorus Line from the original creation to the Broadway revival. I can do that!

In wide release this week we have the strangely different however both compelling pair of Sam Raimi's return to horror with Drag Me to Hell and animated family faire with Up. I wonder how they will fair to their years past predecessors Spider-Man and Wall-E respectively. We won't have to wait long to find out!

Have a great weekend!

Shannon
Festival Watch

Silver Screens Arts Festival
Festival showcasing seniors voice in the arts
June 1 - 7, 2009, at various location in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday May 29, 2009 Releases

40 is the New 20
Dir: Simon Boisvert (Échangistes)
Cast: Pat Mastroianni, Claudia Ferri, Diana Lewis, Bruce Dinsmore
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page

Drag Me to Hell
Dir: Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Spider-man)
Cast:Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Easy Virtue
Dir: Stephan Elliott (Eye of the Beholder, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert)
Cast: Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Colin Firth, Kimberley Nixon
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Every Little Step
Dir: James D. Stern & Adam Del Deo (...So Goes the Nation)
Documentary on the casting of the revival of "A Chorus Line" on Broadway and the history of the original production
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Goodbye Solo
Dir: Ramin Bahrani (Chop Shop)
Cast: Souleymane Sy Savane, Red West
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, Trailer, IMDb Page

Let Him Be
Dir: Peter Mcnamee
Cast: Kathleen Munroe, Sean Clement, Graham Wignall
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, No IMDb Page

Mothers&Daughters
Writer/Dir: Carl Bessai (Normal, Unnatural & Accidental)
Cast: Gabrielle Rose, Tantoo Cardinal, Tinsel Korey, Babz Chula, Camille Sullivan, Tiffany Lyndall-Knight
Canada
Limited Release
Film MySpace Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Up
Dir: Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.) and Co-Director: Bob Peterson
Voices: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Bob Peterson
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of May 29, 2009**

Dir: Paul Morrison (Wondrous Oblivion)
Cast: Javier Beltrán, Robert Pattinson, Matthew McNulty, Marina Gatell, Arly Jover
UK, 2009

Seen: May 27, 2009 at the Cumberland

Reason to see: Salvador Dalí is my favourite painter, and curious to see Robert Pattinson non-Twilight performance

Walking into Little Ashes I was expecting to see a biopic on the friendship between painter Salvador Dalí, writer Federico García Lorca and filmmaker Luis Buñuel, and technically you can argue it is such but I honestly feel that it is really a biopic on Federico García Lorca. The film does follow the trio through school and into their professional lives, but at the heart focuses on Lorca played sweetly by Javier Beltrán and his friendship and relationship with Salvador Dalí played by Robert Pattinson. Not to dissuade Robert Pattinson fans, he gets plenty of screen time and does a fantastic job portraying the bizarre surrealist painter Salvador Dalí.

Part biopic, part romance, part historical/political commentary the film walks an artful line creating a compelling drama inspired by the lives of these artists. The beauty is truly in the romance between Lorca and Dalí, and the chemistry fires up the screen. The casting choice of Javier Beltrán and Robert Pattinson was surprizing at first as they have a similar appearance, however this would makes sense from Dalí point of view because he was such an ego maniac that it is easy to believe he could fall for someone who looked like him. This is one among the many complexities in the relationship that the film does not shy away with, in fact it shows these details adeptly throughout..

But it ain't just about the boys. Marina Gatell gives us a fantastic and fearless performance as Magdalena, a writer and friend of Federico García Lorca. Arly Jover bears a striking resemblance to Gala, providing a great casting choice. The music feels almost like a character itself, and the use of music of the film pulls us along the beautiful tale, and shines especially bright during jovial and playful moments.

Is it a film about artists? Yes. About love? Oh, yes. About Friendship? Most definitely, yes. It is also about choices and how our choices shape us and change our lives.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it to art and love fans

? minutes of preshow including ? commercials and at least 5 previews: Taking Woodstock, Moon, Departures, Empty Nest / El Nido vacío and Coco avant Chanel

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Photo courtesy of singtao.com

Wong Kar Wai in order to fulfill Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's wish spent 4 years to remaster ASHES OF TIME REDUX and brought it on a world tour. Gor Gor, "Big Beauty" Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Han) and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk were a classic team that many missed, but actually 15 years ago Wong Kar Wai shot a Gor Gor and Ching Ha kiss scene. Unfortunately he still decided to cut this scene.

Wong Kar Wai's ASHES OF TIME REDUX on the 6th anniversary of Cheung Kwok Wing's passing this year started its worldwide release tour. On the 28th it returned to Hong Kong for release.

15 years ago when ASHES OF TIME was released, Cheung Kwok Wing revealed to director Wong Kar Wai his hope for the film to break out of Asia to Europe and America, even the Cannes Film Festival. In order to fulfill Cheung Kwok Wing's wish, Wong Kar Wai spent 4 years to edit the REDUX. Earlier he even completed Gor Gor's wish with a Cannes Film Festival, European and American release tour. For its final stop, Wong Kar Wai chose to "return" to Hong Kong, "Gor Gor's home" for release and for a perfect ending.

Actually When Lam Ching Ha shot ASHES OF TIME in Yinchuan 15 years ago, she did not have many friends in Hong Kong. Because Ching Ha was homesick during the shoot and constantly wished to return to Taiwan, the film company rented a hotel style residence for Ching Ha. Everyday the cast received a ride and Gor Gor and Ching Ha were assigned to the same vehicle. Their relationship thus grew closer. Gor Gor also took special care of Ching Ha and due to this film they became good friends.

In ASHES, Cheung Kwok Wing and Lam Ching Ha each had their own love. Cheung Kwok Wing loved Cheung Man Yuk while Lam Ching Ha loved Leung Ka Fai. When Gor Gor and Ching Ha talked about their relationships,they had an awkward relationship. When Wong Kar Wai made the film 15 years ago, he originally shot a Gor Gor and Ching Ha intimate scene but finally Wong Kar Wai decided to cut it. Wong Kar Wai wanted to leave the audience with space for imagination. This classic intimate scene was only published once 15 years ago in the ASHES OF TIME pictorial collection. This photo was extremely valuable and well worth a glimpse for Gor fans for nostalgia of Gor Gor's glory. When Gor Gor and Ching Ha shot this scene, they were already good friends and had in depth exchange. Thus they without any special preparation completed the shot with one take.

Wong Kar Wai's REDUX not only did not shoot any new footage but also had an all new production team like editing, subtitle, color, sound effect and music. The production was 10 million as if he was making a new film. The sound effect and special effect were more perfect than the production 15 years ago. Reportedly, REDUX added more Gor Gor and Leung Chiu Wai scenes. Lam Ching Ha in the old version had Cantonese dubbing, but the new version would use the original Mandarin original sound recording.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Sundream's latest film PLASTIC CITY will be released on June11. The film is Yu Lik Wai directed. Two strong actors Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Joe Odagiri work together for the first time. Yu Lik Wai expresses that when Joe Odagiri learns that he would work with Chau Sun and play father and son with him, he is extremely excited. He says, "Joe Odagiri is already a top Japanese actor, but he is very interested in other Asian regions' developments. He accepts the role because he feels his co-star is a good actor and in his past hits he mostly works with actresses. Thus he looks forward to working with a very strong actor." Joe Odagiri before production often watches Chau Sun's films to fully prepare for their first collaboration.

At the same time, Chau Sun also has done a lot of homework for this film. Most of his lines are in Portuguese. He is so fluent that even the Brazilian crew praises his accuracy. Chau Sun's hard work has touched Yu Lik Wai. "Learning a language in a short time is very hard. Chau Sun can deliver his lines in Portuguese without affecting his acting, which is truly amazing. Chau Sun has quite a talent for language, he picks it up very quickly. I often see Chau Sun repeatedly practice on the set with a recorder."

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Pusan Film Festival chair recently visited Chengdu for an understanding of the film production CHENGDU I LOVE YOU. He mentioned that the film might very likely be Pusan Film Festival's closing film. As for this year's opening film, he hinted, "It will be a Chinese film about 1937 Shanghai." Reporters understood that this "mystery" opening film will be the Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li's reunion after CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER, SHANGHAI.

SHANGHAI takes place in the World War II Shanghai. Gong Li plays the top singer in the Bund's night club scene. Chow Yun Fat plays the mob boss who gave her her start and keeps her. Yet after the John Cusack played American reporter appears, Gong Li finds true love and is determined to leave Chow Yun Fat. Chow Yun Fat proceeds to use all of the mob's power for revenge. This film that started production last year originally planned to shoot in Shanghai, but due to some of the more sensitive story details finally moved to Thailand's "Shanghai" set. However last year at the Shanghai International Film Festival, China Film Studio chief said after the film's Chinese title change it was able to obtain a production permit. Yet due to a variety of reasons, the film in the end was unable to shoot on location in the Mainland.

After at the end of last year when it had no hope of a 2008 release and no chance at the Oscars, the film gradually retreated from the audience's line of vision. Yet Pusan Film Festival chair expressed that the film should be the opening film for the 14th Annual Pusan Film Festival that will take place between October 8 and 16.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

STAR TREK held its Hong Kong premiere two nights ago. Guests included Juno Mak Chun Lung, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Takuya Suzuki, Mr. and model Carrie Chiu Ka Yi. Juno revealed that lately he has been busy with his record. Earlier he met with STAR TREK's director in Japan. Later he will head to Florence, Italy because his label will host a fashion show at a palace there. In October he will work on Wong Ching Po's new film. Was he waiting to work with Gillian Chung Yun Tung? He pointed out that he was waiting for Wong Ching Po. He also clarified that he did not recommend Ah Gil for this film.

Photo courtesy of orientaldaily.com.hk

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

The film FOUNDING OF THE REPUBLIC, which will commemorate the 60th anniversary the founding of the nation, gathered Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Tang Guoqiang, Zhang Guoli, Ge You, Chen Daoming, Jiang Wen, Chen Kun, Eva Huang Shengyi, Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kaige, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Leon Lai Ming and other big stars in its cast. Yesterday the film announced the addition of Donnie Yen Chi Tan as artist Tian Han. Chi Tan mainly will appear in the important scene of "national anthem and flag selection". Tian Han was the national anthem lyrics creator. Although the role is minor it has key function. For example Tian Han nominated the five star red flag that was eliminated in the first round again, insisting that the five star red flag was more suitable to be the national flag. This scene required a firmer performance.

Yen Chi Tan expressed that he had less than ten lines but they were not simple. This scene was the most serious in his career. Yen Chi Tan was asked to play Tian Han also because he was a level ten piano master. After PAINTED SKIN and 14 BLADES Yen Chi Tan and Vicki Zhao Wei run into each other again in FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC, but this time they become Revolutionary comrades. Zhao Wei in the film plays a female Revolutionary representative who discussed the national flag and anthem with Tian Han and Zhou Enlai. The female representative would object to Tian Han's lyrics. Yet Tian Han received Xu Beihong, Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong's support and finally the national anthem lyrics were set to be MARCH OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC's production team has already shot the film's largest scene at Beijing's Nanyuan Airport, "the Xiyuan Airport Military Review". Aside from Tang Guoqiang who played Mao Zedong, Liu Ye, Wang Xuebing and other actresses also guest starred. Chen Kaige was responsible for directing this scene. The film is expected to wrap by June and tentatively scheduled for a September 17 release.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

This year is Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary, but in the past during film productions industrial accidents have taken place or actors and stunt teams have suffered injuries. To provide film professionals with a more systematic guidelines in the film industry, Hong Kong Film Workers Union released "Hong Kong Film Worker Professional Production Guidelines and Industrial Safety Handbook" in hopes of bring to everyone's attention the importance of film industry safety.

Yesterday at the press conference, Hong Kong Film Worker Union chair Ng See Yuen, Hong Kong Directors Guild chair Gordon Chan Ka Seung and others were present. Lam Ka Tung was the host. Ng See Yuen pointed out that in the past many films had accidents, for example John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s RED CLIFF suffered a crew member fatality and stunt team injuries. He felt that such events should not happen so they decided to produce a guideline for the industry from their past experience. This guideline will be in two parts, in hopes that it would make Hong Kong film even more systematic.

Ng See Yuen would produce the Wong Kar Wai directed GRAND MASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI), which he expressed was originally scheduled to start production in June and now postponed to July. He denied that Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) would play Ip Man's wife. He admitted that earlier they dined with Ching Ha and she agreed. Yet they did not know what role she would play. He hoped that the reports would not change Ching Ha's mind. Now the screenplay is being written and the team has been checking out locations in Northeast China. Did Ching Ha have any condition for her comeback? He expressed that he did not know, but Ching Ha and Wong Kar Wai are great friends. They definitely would fully assist. Was he afraid of going head to head against Raymond Wong Pak Ming's IP MAN 2? He said, "No, the release dates are different. Many people are looking forward to seeing how Wong Kar Wai makes Ip Man. Ultimately it will give everyone a pleasant surprise."

Terminator Salvation takes the cake and top spot here in Canada for the May 22, 2009 weekend and I'm not suprized as everyone I know went to see it. In North America it only placed second which makes sense for that on a US holiday weekend top spot went to a more family friendly choice with Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. No placement on the UK charts for Terminator Salvation, it will open there on June 3, 2009. One new title to my eyes on the UK chart was Tormented, a UK teen horror/comedy from director Jon Wright and it places #8 on its opening weekend but no word yet on a wider release. Also new (again) is to see Gran Torino back in the Canada charts, 24 weeks after release! Wowzers.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the May 22, 2009 weekend
1. Terminator Salvation *
2. Angels & Demons
3. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian *
4. Star Trek
5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
6. Dance Flick *
7. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
8. 17 Again
9. Obsessed
10. Monsters vs. Aliens
11. Met Opera: La Cenerentola *
12. Munde U.K. De
13. The Soloist
14. Under the Sea 3D
15. Observe and Report
16. earth
17. Hannah Montana: The Movie
18. Gran Torino
19. I Love You, Man
20. State of Play

Top 20 Movies in North America for the May 22, 2009 weekend
1. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian *
2. Terminator Salvation *
3. Star Trek
4. Angels & Demons
5. Dance Flick *
6. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
7. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
8. Obsessed
9. Monsters vs. Aliens
10. 17 Again
11. The Soloist
12. Next Day Air
13. earth
14. Hannah Montana: The Movie
15. The Brothers Bloom
16. Fast & Furious
17. State of Play
18. Rudo Y Cursi
19. I Love You, Man
20. Summer Hours

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the May 22, 2009 weekend
1. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian *
2. Angels & Demons
3. Star Trek
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
5. Coraline
6. Hannah Montana: The Movie
7. Fighting
8. Tormented *
9. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
10. State of Play

* indicates opening weekend in noted location, red text indicates Canadian film release

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Aaron Kwok Fu Sing yesterday hosted the Longines Master Collection Retrograde unveiling as its spokesmodel. He even introduced the new watch on his wrist with his expertise of dance. Reportedly his manager Siu Mei set him up to reunite with Norika Fujiwara? He asked when did he admit that he was dating? As for rumors of Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) hiding for a days due to her jealousy of Norika, Sing Sing expressed that he did not know and said that no one, male or female, should be jealous.

Sing Sing looked obviously slimmer. He explained that currently he not only is busy with Benny Chan Muk Sing's new film CITY UNDER SIEGE (CHEUN SING GAI BEI) but also with his Singapore concert rehearse.

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

The TREASURE HUNTER (CHI LING) production team earlier moved to Wuxi to shoot the ancient tomb adventure scenes and the key "tomb of fate"wrap scene. Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) had no fear of aggravating his old injury again and personally performed every stunt without a double.

Chow Kit Lun in the film struggles with the villain over the ancient city treasure. Action director Ching Siu Tung designed this scene. The villain during the fight would turn white bandages on his body into weapons. With film technology animation this weapon displays shocking visual effects. In addition Eric Tsang Chi Wai plays a treasure hunter who dreams of finding treasure, Chen Daoming plays his buddy, a treasure hunting expert. Chi Wai is full of humor while Chen Daoming is quiet. Although the friends have drastically different personalities, on and off the set they are able to become good friends.

In the film Lin Chiling also makes a huge change. Actually she has quite a sense of humor so she is very suitable to play this lovable silly girl.

Films Discussed
In Theatres: X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation
101 Films to See Films: Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Day For Night, Harvey, McCabe & Mrs. Miller and Aguirre Wrath of God

Stumbled on: 'Robert Redford Mountain Man Film' is Jeremiah Johnson, of course.


On the escalator up to see Terminator: Salvation.


Working through those 101 Films!

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Time goes by so quickly - How New are the New Moon images?
How quickly do you get your news? In my mailbox today arrived the May 29, 2009 copy of Entertainment Weekly with the exclusive on set New Moon story. Ok, let's work backwards. Today is May 25, 2009 and the issue is dated May 29, 2009 (the future is now!). As you can tell from the picture below I do love paper, and it is awesome to get these images in print but they've been online since Friday May 22, 2009 which was enough time to have already discussed, recorded and have it up on the most recent Before the Dawn podcast. With New Moon Mondays being a weekly article, sometimes it's blurring what is new and old from last week. With the pics been all the buzz recently it already felt like old news. It's amazing to see how quickly new becomes known.

MTV Movie Awards will be on MTV Canada May 31, 2009 9-11pm EST
Canadians that are chomping at the bit to not only see how Twilight does at the MTV Movie Awards this week but also hungry for the first look (outside Cannes) of New Moon footage can rejoice! The awards will be broadcasted here in Canada this Sunday May 31, 2009 at 9pm on MTV Canada (channel 52 and 274). I will likely be live tweeting through the show so be sure to join in the Twitter fun!

Twilight is nominated in the following categories for the MTV Movie Awards:
Best Movie
Best Female Performance (Kristen Stewart)
Breakthrough Male Performance (Robert Pattinson)
Breakthrough Male Performance (Taylor Lautner)
Best Kiss
Best Fight
Best Song from a Movie (Paramore - Decode)

Voting is open online until Wednesday May 27, 2009 for all categories except Best Movie which will be open until the night of the show Sunday May 31, 2009.
Source: Zap2It, MTV Movies Blog

Twilight Hour at Vamp Radio
I'm always on the lookout for Twilight podcast and shows, and I just ran across Vamp Radio Online today over at Blog Talk Radio. They have a variety of vampalicious shows including Twilight Hour on Tuesdays at 9pm EST. Curious as to how it all works? So am I! Good thing they have a handy dandy 'how to listen' section on the site just in case. Previous episodes include interviews with New Moon cast members Daniel Cudmore (Felix) and Justine Wachsberger (Gianna), so who knows what will be next!

New Before the Dawn Episode - All News, All the Time
For more podcasting goodness, it's Monday which means there is a new episode of Before the Dawn to enjoy. This week is all news show with a slight Terminator Salvation tangent. You never know what Marina & I will end up chatting about. Actually you do, because we tell you. Next week's episode is Edward Knows Best, where we discuss the age difference between Edward & Bella and if it is creepy or not.


See all three 'new' New Moon images, plus the new poster and Wolf Pack pic over at EW.com

Dir: Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, Rendition)
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Lynn Collins, Danny Huston, Will.I.Am, Taylor Kitsch, Daniel Henney, Kevin Durand, Dominic Monaghan, Ryan Reynolds
USA/Australia/Canada, 2009

Seen: May 2, 2009 at the AMC

Reason to see: It's Wolverine!

Time to rejoice. We can now happily forget X-Men: The Last Stand which made the X-Men series burn out too quickly in its third instalment. We have returned to the heart of X-Men films with X-Men Origins: Wolverine with action, interesting characters and a solid story in the X-Men world. It is a beautiful thing.

Hugh Jackman again lights up the screen as the charismatic and often in turmoil Wolverine. He shares the screen with Liev Schrieber who plays Victor Creed and the result is a rare wonder in current cinematic endeavours. They compliment each others performances instead of competing for the viewers attention. It is remarkable and thrilling to see the talented actors delve into their characters who are both powerful, intriguing and have their own stories. But, what got us into the theatre is Wolverine and loving that character is easy, especially for us Canadians who get to cheer along with historic and patriotic references throughout. I would have loved to see more screen time for some of the secondary characters, namely Wade Wilson played by Ryan Reynolds for character development and context. I was impressed by Taylor Kitsch whose performance as Gambit was beautiful, this is quite the feat as the character is much loved but would have been easy to mis-step.

The film is in essence a prequel, so at times turning off the brain helps to pretend you don't know where it is going. That would have been tricky if not for the action and story which move at such a captivating pace that it is easy to be completely absorbed into the film.

A great revitalization of the series. Looking forward to seeing more

Shannon's Overall View:
I highly enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I recommend it as a great action film, and especially to fans of X-Men & X2

14 minutes of preshow including 2 commercials and 5 previews (three of which are sequels!): Ice Age 2, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Up, Funny People and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Dir: McG (We Are Marshall)
Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard, Helena Bonham Carter, Common, Jadagrace, Michael Ironside
Germany/UK/USA, 2009

Seen: May 21, 2009 at AMC Yonge & Dundas

Reason to see: I'm a huge fan of the first The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

I was skeptical and excited at the same time for this fourth instalment of The Terminator franchise. The first two films are not only fantastic but iconic in the world of SciFi film and have become one of the few film duos where the sequel has been considered on par or even better than the original. Then came the third, and oh boy, I almost swore off the series. But, I'm a sucker for possible comebacks so I of course gave Terminator Salvation a chance.

I went in thinking of it as an action film as opposed to a Terminator film - and that would have worked except for all of the Terminator references. I'm not talking plot here, but things that a fan would pick out - familiar phrases, motions and even stances. This allowed for moments to smile knowingly at the screen in between the loud explosions. And boy, are there explosions. It's amazing that there is even that much stuff to blow up after Judgement Day. There are definitely a few liberties taken with the world that was created considering we've already seen and heard it described in the previous films. The world and people seem to be overly resourced and rather buff for a post apocalyptic future. Where did they get the equipment? How are they so fit? Aesthetics aside, the plot was not what I was expecting and again wasn't on par with the films origins but overall was interesting enough to go along for the ride.

Although the film seems to be purely playing the action card, what pulled me in was the characters and performances. There are many characters to connect to in the film, but only a few stood out for me. A new addition to the series is the character Blair Williams played by Moon Bloodgood (Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li) and it was great to see a strong female character in the film although I would have loved if it was a more prominent role. We also are treated to Anton Yelchin who provides another great performance this year just a few weeks after we've seen him in Star Trek. His performance is solid but I'm looking forward to seeing him play a character that does not have such strong reference material to hold to.

The true shining light of the film is Sam Worthington who plays the new character Marcus Wright. He has a fantastic presence both charismatic and enigmatic, and easily holds his own every time he is on screen. For his performance alone, the film is worth watching. We are lucky to see more of Sam Worthington in the future, upcoming film projects include prominent roles in both Avatar and Clash of the Titans (2010).

On the whole, it's a fun action film but it reads like a really well made glossy fan film. Enjoyable, re-watchable but keep it clearly divided from the first two films in the series

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it as an action film
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it as an action film

15 minutes of preshow including 1 commercial and 6 previews: Inglourious Basterds, Brüno, The Hangover, Surrogates, Sherlock Holmes and District 9

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009


As seen from the escalator at the AMC


That's really me, but the boys are cardboard


Me & my Mom before the film - while we still had our hearing.

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 05 is up!

Need a Twilight fix? Head on over to Before the Dawn to check out Marina & I's discuss the News to Week of May 22, 2009 including the new poster, new images from the film, upcoming project of the cast and more.

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast is a weekly 1/2 hour podcast meeting all your audio Twilight needs!

After RED CLIFF, John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) seemed to be interested in China's historical myths. Reportedly Director Woo will work on the fantasy film TIN WAN LING based on SHAN HAI JING, which will cost 300 million yuan. The lead actress supposedly has been confirmed to be Mainland actress Fan Xinyu, as for the lead actor Ng Yu Sum was interested in Korean idol Rain or Won Bin.
5000 years ago human and demon co-existed. In the end human successfully drove off the evil demon. One of the human warrior was in love with the demon's guardian. Reportedly Ng Yu Sum wanted to turn this movie into the Asian LORD OF THE RINGS series. This collaboration also crossed borders with actors in China, Japan and Korea.

Photo courtesy of singtao.com

Photo courtesy of orientaldaily.com.hk

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

The reality film BREAK UP CLUB's new actor audition took place yesterday. Director Barbara Wong Chun Chun, producer Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui and the leads Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) and Fiona Sit Hoi Kei attended. Film company representative Chung Won On was also present. The film would start production on June 1. Yesterday 100 participants took place in the audition, one even performed a break up scene with Cho Ming and Fiona. Rumored couple Cho Ming and Fiona reunited for this collaboration, naturally they became the targets. Director Wong Chun Chun yesterday revealed that when she first approached Fiona about the film, she said that if Cho Ming would take the role she would too. Fiona looked embarrassed and denied it with laughter; however, this collaboration this time would not resemble 2 YOUNG (JO SHOOK). Instead they would have to bungee jump together.

Later when they talked about this challenge they immediately tried to push the responsibility to the other. Cho Ming jokingly said to Fiona,"You jump, I jump!" Cho ming was very resistant to any intimate scene together. He was afraid that his heart would not be able to take it and would ask the director to reduce intimate scene. Cho Ming would also be a photographer as well as an actor for the film.

The film's subject was break up. Would they interpret their break up experience? Cho Ming said that he had some experience but actually this was not a tragic film. Thus he would not be excessive. He frankly said that when he was 18 he was "dumped"; Fiona would not put her experience in the film. Were they "under order" to date this time? Fiona immediately nervously expressed no and stressed there was no "order". During the interview they often traded jabs and flirted. Cho Ming expressed that was how they communicated ordinarily and he would never submit to anyone. Fiona expressed that she would respond to anything, but it would depend on whether Cho Ming's comment was nonsense.

For Thursday May 21 2009

10 CORALINE
d. Henry Selick
Voices: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders

9 HANDSOME SUIT
Can : Fan Juen Ju Nam Si Wong Ji
Lit : Turning Over Pork Belly Is A Prince
d. Hanabusa Tsutomu
Shosuke Tanihara, Muga Tsukaji, Keiko Kitagawa, Miyuki Oshima
Cantonese Voices: Eric Kot Man Fai, Jan Lam Hoi Fung

8 X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
d. Gavin Hood
Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston

7 NIGHT AND FOG
Can : Tin Shui Wai Dik Yeh Yu Mo
Lit : Night and Fog of Tin Shui Wai
d. Ann Hui On Wa
Simon Yam Tat Wa, Zhang Jingchu,
Jacqueline Law Wai Guen, Amy Chum Yun Mei,
Audrey Chan, Ariel Chan

6 17 AGAIN
d. Burr Steers
Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann

5 OUTLANDER
d. Howard McCain
James Caviezel, Sophia Myles, Jack Huston

4 A FROZEN FLOWER
Can : Seung Fa Dim
Lit : Frost Flower Shop
d. Yoo Ha
Jo In-Sung, Ju Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyuo

3 CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH
Can : Nam King! Nam King!
Lit : Nanjing! Nanjing!
d. Lu Chuan
Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyaun

2 ANGELS AND DEMONS
d. Ron Howard
Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN
d. Shawn Levy
Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday May 22, 2009! Well, here we are at the 4th Friday of the biggest release month of the year so far and we have yet another huge release this week with Terminator Salvation. But, considering that is technically yesterdays news, lets see what else is being offered this week.

In limited release this week we have a wealth of choices from the crime/comedy The Brothers Bloom, more along the lines of crime-theme is quirky-yet-dramatic new film from Jim Jarmusch, The Limits of Control. Feel like travelling the world? Check out the Filipino drama Serbis or Mexican sport film Rudy Y Cursi starring Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna. I'll likely be trekking to see the historical/biopic Little Ashes that centres on artists Salvador Dalí, Federico García Lorca and Luis Buñuel.

In wide release this week we have a first, dance film genre parody from the Wayans: Dance Flick. Also in wide release if family friendly adventure Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Inside Out
19th Annual Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival
Continues until May 24, 2009 in various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Over the Top Fest
Film, music and art festival
May 21 - 24, 2009 in various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto International Deaf Film and Arts Film Festival (TIDFAF)
May 21 - 23, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Special Screening

09 Student Film Showcase
Wednesday May 27, 2009 at 7:30pm at AMC Yonge & Dundas

Thursday May 21, 2009 Releases

Terminator Salvation
Dir: McG (We Are Marshall)
Cast: Christian Bale, Anton Yelchin, Sam Worthington, Bryce Dallas Howard, Helena Bonham Carter
Germany/USA/UK
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Friday May 22, 2009 Releases

The Brothers Bloom
Writer/Dir: Rian Johnson (Brick)
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rinki Kikuchi
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Dance Flick
Dir: Damien Wayans - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Shoshana Bush, Damon Wayans Jr., Essence Atkins, Affrion Crockett
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

The Limits of Control
Writer/Dir: Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai)
Cast: Isaach De Bankolé, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Gael García Bernal, Bill Murray, Hiam Abbass, Youki Kodoh
Spain/USA/Japan
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Little Ashes
Dir: Paul Morrison (Wondrous Oblivion)
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Javier Beltrán, Matthew McNulty, Marina Gatell
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, Trailer, IMDb Page

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Dir: Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, Cheaper by the Dozen <2003>)
Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Amy Adams, Jonah Hill, Owen Wilson, Bill Hader
USA/Canada
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Rudo Y Cursi
Writer/Dir: Carlos Cuarón - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna
USA/Mexico
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Serbis
Dir: Brillante Mendoza (Tirador / Slingshot)
Cast: Gina Pareño, Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Coco Martin, Kristofer King, Dan Alvaro, Mercedes Cabral, Roxanne Jordon
Philippines/France
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of May 22, 2009**

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 04 is up!

Need a Twilight fix? Head on over to Before the Dawn to check out Marina & I's discuss the Music of the Twilight world current, future and fan-inspired. We even discuss and include our own Twilight playlists.

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast is a weekly 1/2 podcast meeting all your audio Twilight needs!

Photo courtesy of singtao.com

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin yesterday attended a Hunan satellite television international channel global launch ceremony. Earlier reports claimed that Ah Sa will work with Ronald Cheng Chung Kei on a Lunar New Year film. Her manager Mani Fok Man Hei expressed that they contacted the film company for confirmation but they have not talked in detail. Would Ah Sa resist working with Cheng Chung Kei? She said, "No, the screenplay and the director would be the most important. I wouldn't mind who the lead actor is. As long as others don't mind me I am already very happy."

Would she mind intimate scenes with Cheng Chung Kei? She stated that would depend on whether the screenplay required it. Anything forced would not be good. Would they feel embarrassed because they were too familiar? Ah Sa said, "We are professional actors, and we worked together four or five years ago." Would the couple performance pay more? Ah Sa asked, "We can do that? I have to ask Mani to take care of that." Mani joked that a hug would add 10,000 and a kiss would add 20,000. Ah Sa joked, "It's 10,000 per second! That probably won't happen, who would be dumb enough to pay me." However, Ah Sa expressed that she would have to work on another film in the second half of the year and promote an idol series. She did not know whether she would have time for this film.

Photo courtesy of mingpao.com

Photo courtesy of takungpao.com

TVB CLUB SPARKLE two nights ago held a taping with guests Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Michael Tse Tin Wa and So Man Fung. Reportedly Chrissie Chau Sau Na will be TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR CHIN JUEN)'s lead actress. Tse Tin Wa expressed that he did not know. Director Herman Yau Lai To would have the details. The film will start production at the end of the month, by then the lead actress will be unveiled. As for his choice, he joked that his heart was like still water. Currently he would only focus on acting.