Movie Box Review

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Images
I'm hiding from all the Eclipse set images (it's not out for almost a year!) but I'm stoked to see new images from The Twilight Saga: New Moon. There are several images from the film of the Volturi over at People, as well as Volturi character posters you can see at the Twilight Examiner and these are in the same vein as the character posters from Twilight. Want to see all the images in one spot? You are in luck as they are grouped nice & neatly over at IMDb. As I mentioned in the Fashion episode of Before the Dawn, I'm a little surprized in the choice for the Volturi to be a very classic vampire style, I had hoped for a re-invention of the style like was done with the Cullens in Twilight. The Volturi do look like a collective group, and an opulent and lush one at that - which does make sense. You can certainly see the personal touches in the differences of each the characters costumes, which is a nice touch.
Sources: Twilight Lexicon, People, Twilight Examiner, IMDb

What if... Twilight Came Out in the 80's?
Since we are talking images.... I could not resist sharing this article that picks 80's stars and inserts them visually in the What if? scenario if Twilight came out in the 80's. A huge thank you to New Moon Movie site for putting this up, because it is a world of awesome. My fave is Matt Dillon as Jasper - perfect!
Source: New Moon Movie, MTV
If Twilight came out in the 80's

Twilight Series Actors at TIFF'09
According to the press release of the guests attending TIFF'09, looks like a two Twilight series actors are coming to town: Michael Sheen and Xavier Samuel. As far as I can tell each actor is in one film at the festival, Michael Sheen is in The Damned United (see info on TIFF site) which is a Gala and Xavier Samuel is in The Loved Ones (see info on TIFF site) which is part of the Midnight Madness program. Both films are on my to see list, orders are being processed as I type this so fingers crossed that I get those selections and hopefully they will be at the screenings I'll be seeing. The Damned United I'm not holding my breath as I won't be going to the Roy Thomson Hall screening, but better chances for The Loved Ones. Here's to hoping!

More Eclipse Casting Revealed
We've already rejoiced over Jack Huston, Xavier Samuel and noted the Victoria switcheroo for Eclipse, but now we know ever more on the casting. Here are the details: Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace, Che) has been cast as Maria, Julia Jones as Leah, BooBoo Stewart as Seth, and Jodelle Ferland as Bree. The Eclipse IMDb page has been updated with the new casting.
Source: Summit Entertainment

First Song Confirmed on the New Moon Soundtrack
The Death Cab for Cutie song "Meet Me on the Equinox" is now confirmed via Stephenie Meyer’s Website to be on the New Moon Soundtrack. The song written specifically for the film. Looking forward to hear more about the soundtrack, the first films soundtrack is an fantastic collection of songs. The New Moon Soundtrack is scheduled to be released October 20, 2009 and album cover image can be seen here.
Source: Twilight Lexicon, Stephenie Meyer Site

I Want Some More: Vampathon
The Vampathon continues and the latest film reviewed was David Cronenberg's Rabid, and next up is the classic 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and directed by Tod Browning. Check out the original Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon for a list of more of the upcoming vampire films to be reviewed.

courtesy of takungpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Box 48 drawn for the beginning of the advance order process.

At the lottery there were 54 numbers entered into the draw.

Donor boxes are processed first, then box 48 will be processed, then boxes 49 --> 54, then 1 -->47. *

And FYI they do put in all the numbers from 1 - 54 but I didn't think people would have the patience to watch all of that!

Total number of boxes is down from 78 in 2008. One volunteered mentioned that they could be using larger boxes. I'm curious if more people decided to become donors whose boxes are processed ahead of the advance order process.

What happens next? We wait. When orders are processed you are suppose to receive and email on the results of your order. In the past you have also been able to check online once your order has been processed. Package pick up and ticket exchange begins Thursday September 3, 2009 at 7am at the Festival Box Office. This is usually the longest line of the year for advance order process, although last year they separated out the 'pick up only' from the 'pick up and exchange' which made pick up only pretty smooth. Every year there are little changes, so it's hard to tell. This year it is a regular work day not labour day so turn out could be a lot smaller - there is no way to tell! Prep for the worst and hope for the best is what I say - comfy shoes, food & water, a good book and always be nice to your line mates! You never know who you will meet in TIFF lines!

I was in Box 16 and feeling pretty good about it!



Festival Box Office Hours - Nathan Phillips Square, white tent on West Side *
100 Queen Street West
June 1 to September 2, 2009: 10:00am to 7:00pm
September 3 to 18, 2009: 7:00am to 7:00pm
September 19, 2009: 7:00am to 5:00pm

Important Dates *
Thursday Sept 3, 2009 at 7am - Ticket package pick up and ticket exchange begins
Friday Sept 4, 2009 - single tickets go on sale
Thursday Sept 10, 2009 - TIFF begins

As always, check the official TIFF'09 site for all information on policies, procedures and up to date information.


Quite the crowd - were you there?


I was in Box 16 and feeling pretty good about it!

*The TIFF site indicated: "Box 48 was selected in the lottery draw as the first box to be processed for the public Advance Order Procedure. There were 56 boxes in the draw." has been revised to 54 boxes. Thanks Richard!

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 - 19, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly / Babi buta yang ingin terbang
Forbidden Door, The / Pintu terlarang
Raid, The

*indicates co-production

Back to Countries List

B1
Embodiment of Evil / Encarnação do Demônio
Swirl / Girimunho

*indicates co-production

Back to Countries List

Films Discussed
In Theatres: Orphan, District 9, In the Loop
101 Films to See Films: The 400 Blows, Vampyr
Vampire Films: Dracula (1931), Vampyr, Rabid, Dracula 2000
Random Watching: A Scanner Darkly, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Make sure to check out Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon

Pre-Festival Coverage
March 3, 2009 - 2009 Dates Announced
June 4,2009 - Passes on Sale
July 8, 2009 - First 8 Titles Announced
July 29, 2009 - Remaining 8 Titles Announced
August 6, 2009 - Short Film Preview
August 13, 2009 - Filmmakers in Attendance

Daily Coverage
Day 1 - Friday August 14, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 2 - Saturday August 15, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 3 - Sunday August 16, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 4 - Monday August 17, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 5 - Tuesday August 18, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 6 - Wednesday August 19, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 7 - Thursday August 20, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog
Day 8 - Friday August 21, 2009 - Write Up, Vlog

Film Reviews - Features
Black
Black Dynamite
Children, The
Dark Hour, The / La hora fría
Dead Snow / Død snø
Embodiment of Evil / Encarnação do Demônio
Forbidden Door, The / Pintu terlarang
Franklyn
Grace
Must Love Death
Revenant, The
Rough Cut / Yeong-hwa-neun yeong-hwa-da
Someone's Knocking at the Door
Strigoi
Trick 'r Treat
Vampire Girl Vs. Frankenstein Girl / Kyûketsu Shôjo tai Shôjo Furanken
Warlords, The / Tau ming chong

Film Reviews - Shorts
0 (Zero)
A Little Mouth to Feed
Bad Roomate
Batmilk
Becoming
Blackheads
Captain Coulier (Space Explorer)
Danse Macabre
Deadwalkers
Die Schneider Krankheit
Fallow
Git Gob
Heart of Karl
Hirsute
Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon, The
Killer Bra, The
King of Power 4 Billion %
Legend of the Seven Bloody Torturers
Lobotomobile
Next Floor
Practical Guide for the Imaginary Friend (Abridged)
Santa: The Fascist Years
Under Pressure: A Story of Microscopic Stakes
Welgunzer
When It Will Be Silent
X-Mess Detrius
Zombie Zombie

Videos - Q&As, Introductions, etc.
Bad Roomate introduction with director James Gangl
Black Intro and Q&A with director Pierre Laffargue & producer Lauranne Bourrachat
Black Dynamite intro and Q&A with director Scott Sanders
Blackheads introduction with director Chris Nash
The Children introduction by Adam Lopez
Dance Macabre introduction by Todd Brown
Deadwalkers introduction with director Spencer Estabrooks
Fallow introduction with directors Colin Landry, Dave Alexander and producer Brenton Bentz
The Forbidden Door introduction by Todd Brown
Git Gob introduction with director Philip Eddolls
Grace Intro and Q&A with writer/director Paul Solet
Legend of the Seven Bloody Torturers introduction with director Connall Pendergast
The Revenant intro and Q&A with director Kerry Prior
Rough Cut introduction by Todd Brown
Someone's Knocking at the Door intro and Q&A with actor and co-producer Noah Segan
Strigoi intro and Q&A with director Faye Jackson and producer Rey Muraru
Trick 'r Treat Intro and Q&A with writer/director Micheal Dougherty
Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl introduction by Todd Brown
Zombie Walk 2009 x2 announcements

Polls
Toronto After Dark is Starting - Are You Going?
Overall, My Toronto After Dark Experience Was...

Post Festival Coverage
Wrap Up
Awards

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009 ran from August 14-21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The results speak for themselves: 61% had an Amazing! time at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival this year and 23% were Satisfying, both of those answers led to coming back to the festival more! There was a wee 7% tie between having an OK time and Not great time, but overall people really enjoyed it! It was another great year at Toronto After Dark!

61% - Amazing! I'll be first in queue next year
23% - Satisfying, will be a regular thing
7% - Ok, will consider revisiting
7% - Not a great year for me

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009 ran from August 14-21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Leon Lai Ming and Gaile Lok were discovered to have registered their marriage in Las Vegas March last year, but neither has responded. Yesterday Lai Ming worked on the film FOR LUNG (FIRE DRAGON). The media and onlookers flocked to the shoot. Although Lai Ming was surrounded, he still concentrated on work and did not respond.

The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed film FOR LUNG yesterday shot an action scene at Central. In the scene Mainland actor Wang Baoqiang strapped a bomb to himself to rob the loot. Lai Ming hoped to stop him in time. Aside from Lai Ming and Wang Baoqiang, Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen) and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) also participated. Action director Chin Kar Lok was in command on the set.

Lai Ming appeared around 3PM and continued to shoot with his bearded look. He first tested the marks for the cameras then returned to his vehicle to wait until the media rushed up. Leon greeted the press but only responded with a smile when asked whether he was married or would conduct any interview. The press found a ring on his ring finger and thought it was a wedding ring, but the crew explained that the story required it. He wore it in earlier shoots as well. Despite the media circus, Lai Ming still chatted and laughed with his assistant and co-workers in his vehicle. During the shoot, he ran between cars with machine gun in hand. He also had to work on a gun play scene.

Did director Lam Chiu Yin congratulate Lai Ming? He said, "How do I congratulate him before he admits it? (Would you gossip about it?) I leave that with you, why would I do something like this." Chin Kar Lok expressed that he did not know about Lai Ming's marriage. As for the marriages of Andy Lau Tak Wa, Lai Ming and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa being exposed, was he afraid? He said that he was not afraid but joked, "I can still go to L.V. key spots?" He also pointed out that only Aaron Kwok Fu Sing was single among the Four Great Heavenly Kings. He expressed that he did not see Gaile Lok visit the set. Instead he knew that boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok brought red wine that was worth 100,000, but he had no part of it.

Kar Lok pointed out that even though all three were discovered to be married, they were all joyous. Artists wanted to have privacy and did not want to lie, cheat and steal. As for Wa Jai being called "Lying Heavenly King" now, he said, "No, you shouldn't say that. He has been in the business for 20 to 30 years and gave 99.9% to the public. Leave him 0.1% space." Kar Lok also pointed out that even Wa Jai once denied his marital staus, everyone should understand that he did not want to. He had a lot to worry about. As for Wa Jai hinting at seeing a fertility doctor, Kar Lok said, "I don't know about that. I didn't study medicine, don't ask me yet. (Would you?) Can't I do it directly, it's more natural! Maybe I spent the future fertility money already?" He also was happy for Lai Ming and Chin Wa. He said, "Lately I saw a happier Lai Ming. Chin Wa's marriage is great, as people always call her a spinster."

Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Miao Pu, Michelle Wai (Si Nga) and Albert Yeung Sau Sing
courtesy of takungpao.com

The 13th Annual China Broadcasting Film and Television Award Film Huabiao Award Ceremony took place two nights ago at the Beijing Exhibition Center. FOREVER ENTHRALLED (MEI LANFANG) with five awards was the big winner. This Huabiao Award also saluted the 60th national anniversary so the event was star studded. Guests included Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Shu Qi, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Zhang Ziyi, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Fan Bingbing, Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, and Lin Chiling.

The Chen Kaige directed FOREVER ENTHRALLED and Feng Xiaogang's ASSEMBLY went head to head throughout the entire ceremony. Finally FOREVER ENTHRALLED won one more award than ASSEMBLY, including Excellent Feature Film, Excellent Film Technique, Excellent Director for Chen Kaige, Excellent Actress for Zhang Ziyi and Excellent New Actor for Yu Shaoqun.

Cheung Ka Fai attended the first Huabiao award and presented with Miao Pu and Alec Su (So Yau Peng) the Excellent Opera Film. He expressed that earlier he was very nervous with he attended award shows with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) and he looked forward to the film winning. This time as a guest presenter he felt like he was attending a carnival. He was able to see his BEAST STALKER wife Miao Pu again.

In addition, Yen Chi Tan and Shu Qi won Excellent Overseas Chinese Actor and Actress. Chi Tan even called his wife with the good news on the spot. He also said that yesterday was their sixth anniversary. He would give this award to his wife and appreciated all the luck and fortune that his wife brought him since their wedding. Shu Qi was asked about Lai Ming's marriage. She wished happiness for all lovers.

courtesy of takungpao.com

One film that appeared out of nowhere and is now everywhere is Legion. Not only has the poster arrived everywhere (above) but the Trailer is being shown in front of a fair amount of films out there. The film has an interesting cast starting with Paul Bettany as well as Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Kevin Durand and Tyrese Gibson in this angels on earth supernational action flick during a biblical apocolypse. Directed by Scott Stewart (Priest) and set to be released January 22, 2010.

Sticking with the creature theme, trailers for both The Wolfman and Avatar has arrived and both have generated mixed opinions. The Wolfman trailer seems to have a generally positive response, but I'm not holding my breath just yet - it looks fairly Sleepy Hollow-esque and the released date has been pushed back again so we are looking at waiting until Feb 12, 2010 to see Mr. Del Toro as the Wolf. Sounds like a perfect Valentine's, no? New creatures are unveiled with the Avatar trailer and overall reaction is that people were expecting to see something completely unlike anything they had before and ended up, not so much. This feels like a double edged sword considering there has been so much secrecy about the film until now. On top of the trailer they showed selections from the film in IMAX 3D. Be interesting to hear what it was like in that format before it hits the screens in December 2009. For more info check out the Avatar and The Wolfman official film sites.

For those who just can't wait that long for a thrill ride, in just a few weeks we will be treated to Whiteout, an Antarctica set crime thriller starring Kate Beckinsdale. The trailer looks promising for some good fun, and it will be released Sept 11, 2009 - oh, man... that is during TIFF! Speaking of TIFF, if you don't get a chance to see Ong Bak 2: The Beginning which is part of the Midnight Madness program this year, you will still have a chance to see this sequel to Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior as it is hitting theatres October 23, 2009. Check out the trailer to get a sneak peek of Tony Jaa kicking butt!

Anticipation has been building for Christopher Nolan's upcoming project Inception ever since it was announced and now we finally have a teaser trailer to get a taste of the film which is an action/sci-fi/thriller that will be released July 16, 2010. Looking forward to seeing more on this one, it looks very intriguing.

Last but not least if the horror/thriller Sorority Row, which first off I thought "Wow, that looks like an interesting spin - nice to see something original". Hold the phone, it's actually a remake of the 1983 House on Sorority Row. Le sigh. But, still shows promise but that is from the perspective of only watching the first half of the trailer, I keep looking away as it feels like it shows too much. It shares a September 11. 2009 release date with Whiteout - what to pick, Sorority Sisters prank gone wrong or Kate Beckinsdale in Antarctica? Hmm.... what a conundrum.

Check out the lists of 2009 and 2010 to see more upcoming releases.

Yesterday a reported exposed that Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Gary Ting Chi Ko, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Chu Lai Sin were married in Las Vegas in August this year and June last year respectively, leaving the entire city in a state of shock. Then East Asia boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok hinted that aside from Wa Jai and Chin Wa, another artist was already married as well. Upon the press' investigation, the person was revealed to be Leon Lai Ming. He and Gaile Lok were already married last March.

Las Vegas has always been an artist wedding hot spot because they can avoid Hong Kong paparazzi, but their marriage records are available online at the Clark County, Nevada site. Thus Yeung Chin Wa and Ting Chi Ko were exposed to be married on August 11, registered as "Yeung Chin Wah Miriam" and "Ting Ho Lam Gary" (Ting Chi Ko's original name). At the same time Lau Tak Wa and Chu Lai Sin were discovered to have wed on June 23 2008 as "Lau Tak Wah Andy" and "Choo Lay Keng".

Since his artists were married, boss Lam Kin Ngok immediately became the press target. Yet Young Master Ngok gave an even more surprising answer to the reporters. He responded through his assistant that aside from Wa Jai and Chin Wa, the company also has another artist who is already married. He even joked, "I hope they can make one wedding ceremony, then everyone don't have to waste so much time and spend so much on wedding gifts. Haha, they are all joyous events. Everyone in the company are happy for them."

After investigation, the third couple turned out to be Lai Ming and Gaile Lok. They wed in Las Vegas on March 9 2008 as Leon Lai Ming and Lai Gia. The information revealed that they notified the office on March 7.

Since the revelation, Lai Ming's company so far has not responded. Yeung Chin Wa will respond personally at today's Sun Project event. Lau Tak Wa who promised in the past that he definitely will notify everyone when he wed yesterday apologized to his fans on his blog. "Sorry. I am ashamed that I can't keep my promise to tell everyone and make things difficult for my family, friends and friends in the media, sorry......Since I am at work, I can't tell you everything right away. I will clarify to you later."

Later Wa Jai made a "late honesty" post. "Actually I have always wanted children, and getting older is inevitable; at the doctor's suggestion, the chance for success is higher with medical science. So fine, I followed suit! Yet last year Hong Kong changed its laws and required couple registration for a Hong Kong doctor to conduct the process, otherwise the doctor will face legal responsibility. I thought and thought some more, finally I decided to register in the U.S. with her, then I can stay in Hong Kong for the process; yet I was afraid that after the announcement the press will chase her endlessly, so I made a selfish decision. I thought that if all went well, when the pregnancy was stable then I would tell everyone. However the matter got more and more complicated. Because I didn't correctly handle it I made things difficult for everyone. I am truly sorry! This is the end of the matter, I said it. Although I am late and already was wrong first with not keeping the promise, but you have the most right to know first, sorry......"

The Booth Brothers on Strange Frequencies Radio this Sunday 5pm EST LIVE! Check out http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.com for all the hot details. Live chat room and prize giveaways including an EMF meter. Sunday 5pm EST LIVE we'll be chatting with the Booth Brothers, Christopher Saint and Philip Adrian Booth! They are documentary filmmakers whose work you most have likely seen on the Syfy Channel. Children of the Grave, Spooked, The Ghosts Of Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Death Tunnel and the soon to air, The Possessed! Yes thats right, they have got a new film out called "The Possessed" which focuses on the infamous twisted possession true story of "The Watseka Wonder". The film will be premiering October 8th at 9/8c on the SyFy channel...so what better way to get the lowdown than from the creators themselves.

GET READY 4 THE 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN, Syfy Channel
PREMIERE: 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: THE POSSESSED 10/08/2009 09:00PM/ET.

31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: THE POSSESSED 10/08/2009 09:00PM/et
31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN CHILDREN OF THE GRAVE 10/08/2009 11:00PM/et
31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN MOVIE DEATH TUNNEL 10/04/2009 01:00PM/et

See all these supernatural titles UNCUT NOW ON DVD
http://www.spookedtelevisionreleasing.com

Spooked TV as seen on Syfy Channel A Division of NBC Universal!
http://www.spookedtv.com

Shing Fui On (1955-2009)

Whether mean or silly, Big Silly will forever remain in people's hearts

Star soccer team goalkeeper

PRISON ON FIRE

GREATEST LOVER

Yu Siu Bo: "I just visited him yesterday with Michelle (Mai Shuet). I even gave him a foot massage. I knew it was in vain, but I wanted him to know that we were here and give him some warmth. I have known him for over a decade, he really likes to play with girls. He was very kind hearted and raised his younger son very well."

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Eric Tsang Chi Wai : "I never expected him to go so soon."

Alan Tam Wing Lun remembered shipping for Shing Fui On's first suit with him

courtesy of takungpao.com

Always playing mean people, the artist known as Big Silly Shing Fui On recently due to returning nasopharyngael carcinoma was often recuperating at the hospital. Earlier the news of his death was even misreported, but last night Big Silly finally succumbed to cancer as it reached his liver. Around 11:45PM at the Baptist Hospital he passed away at the age of 54. Before Big Silly passed, his family and friends accompanied him on his final journey.

Around 11PM, Big Silly's firends including Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Maria Cordero and others arrived at the Baptist Hospital. Originally some claimed that Big Silly's family will hold a press conference at midnight but the media waited until 2AM. Then they learned that Big Silly passed away at 11:45PM.

Shing Fui On's family had five sons, he was the fourth. Due to a poor family he dropped out of school at the age of 13. In 15 he worked at Shaw as an extra. Later he switched to Golden Harvest, but after a few years he switched to work at a dance hall. In 1978 Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered him for the role of "Big Silly" in FINAL JUSTICE (PIK LIK SIN FUNG). Since thus "Big Silly" became his nickname. Because of Big Silly's stature and mean looks, in over 100 films he mostly played mob figures. They included 1987's PRISON ON FIRE (GAM YUK FUNG WON) and GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN). Big Silly's final film was 2007's THE DETECTIVE (C+ JING TAM). He also worked on television series like THE VIGILANTE IN THE MASK (GWAI HUP YUT JI MUI) and A TASTE OF LOVE (MEI MEI CHING YUEN).

Shing Fui On was an original resident of Sai Kung's Nam Wai Village. In 2003 he was elected the village chief. In 2007 he was elected to the post for the fifth time. In October 2004 Big Silly discovered that he had stage four NPC that already reached his lungs. Fortunately after electro- and chemotherapy his condition became stable. Yet his mouth was no longer able to produce saliva, lost all sense of taste and only left with 20% hearing in his right ear. In the last year, Big Silly's condition worsened. Reportedly his cancer reached his liver and caused his death, he also supposedly weighed less than 100 pounds.

Tsang Chi Wai two nights ago sent Big Silly off on his final journey. Chi Wai yesterday at a TVB event said that when he arrived Big Silly was already in a coma. His friends never expected for him to go so soon and thought that he could endure until the morning. He said, Alan Tam Lun Wing went straight from his flight to the hospital. At the time Big Silly was still speaking. When he arrived the doctor just gave Big Silly a shot of morphine and expressed that after which Big Silly will not wake again.

Chi Wai said that Big Silly refused to sleep 20 some hours before his passing, perhaps because he was reluctant to go. The doctor did not want him to suffer so he gave him the shot. He said that Big Silly was no longer able to say and told him to leave in peace. Was Big Silly very thin? Chi Wai expressed that he was OK but the process was very quick. He felt that sometimes passing earlier might be better. Fortunately he did not have to struggle for months before it got worse. He said last time he saw Big Silly, Big Silly still optimistically said, "Fried the (cancer), it's no match for me." He pointed out that Big Silly was at peace when he passed and was still very big.

Chi Wai two nights ago also invited Buddhist masters to pray and conduct ceremonies at the temple for Big Silly. Chi Wai said that the doctor last week already stopped chemotherapy for Big Silly because he realized that his condition was bad. Chi Wai said that Big Silly was the most reluctant to leave his 10 year old son. Chi Wai expressed that his industry friends definitely will help with Big Silly's funeral but they have to respect his family's wishes. Although Miu Kiu Wai was in the U.S. he expressed that he will immediately return to Hong Kong to help.

Chi Wai knew Big Silly for years and became closer due to GREATEST LOVER (GUNG JI DOR CIHNG). Big Silly was also a member of the star soccer team. Chi Wai said that Big Silly was very loyal. Although he looked mean, he was very kind hearted and attentive. He also pointed out that Big Silly had a lot of connections in the underworld and many in the business would ask him for help. Chi Wai also said that Big Silly in recent years has been very successful in the Mainland and often performed the most among Hong Kong artists. He not only performed but also drank and played games with people. Chi Wai felt that perhaps too much alcohol affected his body. As for whether Performing Artist Guild will help Big Silly with his affairs, Chi Wai expressed that they will meet to decide. Currently he only knew that the funeral will be conducted with a Buddhist ceremony.

Aside from Chi Wai, many Big Silly's friends visisted him at the hospital one more time. Nat Chan Pak Cheung two nights ago went with Alan. After leaving they learned that Big Silly passed away.

Ah Lek said that he will ask Big Silly's family to see if they need any help. Alan rushed to the hospital from the airport. He was very reluctant and sad to lose a good friend. He expressed that he knew Big Silly for years. When they saw each other they always had a lot to talk about. Alan remembered that once Big Silly had to buy his first suit because of a film promotion. At the time they were still at Cinepoly. He accompanied Sor Gor, who mentioned that every time he ran into Alan afterward.

Ken Low Wai Kwong two days ago visited Big Silly and chatted for nearly two hours. At night he received a call from Big Silly's family and learned of his passing. He will try to help Big Silly's family with the funeral. Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered Big Silly. He expressed that although he was sad about Big Silly's passing, he was prepared for it mentally. As for Big Silly's family, he believed that their financial condition should be fine. Big Silly loved his ten year old son and was the most concerned with him. Lee Sau Yin also pointed out that though Big Silly looked rough and tough he was quite filial and serious at work. He said, "He makes those who know him laugh to death and those who don't know him scare to death."

Maria Cordero was very close to Big Silly's wife. Two nights ago when she received her call she immediately went to the hospital. She said that Big Silly looked much more worn down than a week before. She whispered in his ear to go in peace as everyone will help with any problem. When she returned home she already received the news. She expressed that earlier she visited Sor Gor with the Grasshoppers. When they spoke they were all tough, but when they saw him again he was much more worn down. She also said that Big Silly looked very mean but often helped his friends and treated his friends well. As for whether his family had any financial issue, she was not at liberty to discuss.

Law Kar Ying two nights ago received a call from the star soccer team secretary to visit Big Silly. Because he was at work he could not make the trip. Brother Kar Ying expressed that he worked with Big Silly on two films but became familiar due to star soccer team. He himself earlier had cancer and Big Silly passionately taught him different treatment diets. He wished him peace.

Michael Tse Tin Wa worked with Big Silly on YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI). He felt Big Silly's passing was regretable as the world had one less representative actor. He felt that whether wealthy or not, competing with health was very difficult.

Koni Lui Wai Yi, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Lorretta Chow Mei Yun

Tracy Ip Chui Chui and Sherry Chan Song

Courtesy of on.cc

Chow Mei Yun, Lui Wai Yi, Ip Chui Chui, Chan Song

courtesy of takungpao.com

Shaw's return to the film industry, TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR ji BIN JIT) last Wednesday held a charity performance for the August 8 flood benefit. Yesterday the cast including Michael Tse Tin Wa, Tracy Ip Chui Chui, Koni Lui Wai Yi, Lorretta Chow Mei Yun and Sherry Chan Song attended a check presentation ceremony.

This performance raised 320,000, which Performing Artist Guild representative Eric Tsang Chi Wai presented to Hong Kong Red Cross. Ip Chui Chui and Lui Wai Yi both appeared, but Chui Chui's low cut clothing stole the show. Even Chi Wai joked that Lui Wai Yi lost to Chui Chui this time. Lui Wai Yi said, "I shouldn't be too sexy for charity." She added that Chui Chui was appropriately dressed yesterday and pointed out that Chi Wai was only joking. Due to the fate of her character, Lui Wai Yi would like to be able to participate in the prequel.

With both film response and box office successes, lead actor Tse Tin Wa expressed joy that the film broke Chinese film's Wednesday single day box office record. He felt that the amount raised was unimportant but the intention was. Chui Chui expressed that she was very happy about her first chance to work with many big stars.

courtesy of on.cc

The Awards for the 2009 Toronto After Dark Film Festival have been announced! I've already had my say on the festival experience as a whole, lets have a look at what the masses felt. The results are:

Audience Awards - Best Feature Film
Dead Snow - Gold (1st Place)
Trick 'r Treat - Silver (2nd Place)
Black Dynamite - Bronze (3rd Place)

Vision Awards - Best Independent Feature Film
The Vision Awards are given out by the Festival in recognition of outstanding independent genre feature filmmaking

Strigoi - Gold (1st Place)
The Revenant - Silver (2nd Place)
Grace - Bronze (3rd Place)

Audience Awards - Best Canadian Short Film
Captain Coulier (Space Explorer) - Gold (1st Place)
Blackheads - Silver (2nd Place)
Danse Macabre - Bronze (3rd Place)

Audience Awards - Best International Short Film
The Users Guide for the Imaginary Friends (Abridged) - Gold (1st Place)
The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon- Silver (2nd Place)
King of Power 4 Billion % - Bronze (3rd Place)

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009 ran from August 14-21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday August 28, 2009! The last weekend in August has arrived making it feel like the end of summer with blockbusters winding down and tearing though the schedule, program and processes to gear up for the Toronto International Film Festival.

In limited release this week we have start off with a special treat of the fantastic French crime/action flick Black starring the charismatic MC Jean Gab'1 from District B13. Also from France we have Lorna's Silence, Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne follow up to L'enfant. Bringing it home we have the Canadian comedy You Might As Well Live starring Joshua Pearce as Robert Mutt, who takes upon a quest after hearing advice from his childhood hero. Keeping it real and limber, we have the documentary Enlighten Up! which follows the journey of skeptic on transformative power of yoga.

In wide release this week we have the last few blockbusters of the summer and what a way to finish it off with the final blockbusters being 2 horror films going head to head: Halloween II and The Final Destination 3-D (make sure to check your local listings to see it in your dimensional preference). Both films have name revisions over time, and The Final Destination 3-D has even had a few release date changes. I wonder if they really did save the best for last. Our final wide release of the week is Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock based on the memoir by Elliot Tiber.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Fan Expo
For all your fan needs: Comic Book Expo, CNAnime, SFX, GX Gaming Expo and of course, Festival of Fear
August 28 - 30, 2009 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto African Film & Music Festival
August 29 -30, 2009 on Bloor Street West between Ossington & Crawford in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday August 28, 2009 Releases

Black
Dir: Pierre Laffargue
Cast: MC Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Ibrahima Mbaye
France
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Enlighten Up!
Dir: Kate Churchill - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

The Final Destination 3-D
Dir: David R. Ellis (Final Destination 2, Snakes on a Plane)
Cast: Bobby Campo, Shantel VanSanten, Mykelti Williamson, Nick Zano, Haley Webb, Krista Allen
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Halloween II
Writer/Dir: Rob Zombie (Halloween <2007>, House of 1,000 Corpses)
Cast: Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell, Scout Taylor-Compton, Sheri Moon Zombie, Danielle Harris, Brad Dourif
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Lorna's Silence / Le silence de Lorna
Dir: Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne (L'enfant)
Cast: Arta Dobroshi, Alban Ukaj, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione
Belgium/France/Italy/Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Taking Woodstock
Dir: Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, The Ice Storm, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Cast: Henry Goodman, Imelda Staunton, Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch, Paul Dano, Kelli Garner, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

You Might As Well Live
Dir: Simon Ennis - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Joshua Pearce, Liane Balaban, Kristen Hager, Clark Johnson, Michael Madsen, Stephen McHattie
Canada
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 August 28, 2009**

courtesy of singtao.com

Famous character actor "Big Silly" Shing Fui On passed away near midnight at the age of 54 due to recurring nasopharyngeal carcinoma. On the eve of his passing, friends in the industry rushed to the hospital for a final glimpse. When Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Nick Cheung Ka Fai arrived at the hospital their brows were locked tightly in a frown. Maria Cordero even broke down and made the atmosphere very sad.

In 2004 after confirming NPC, Big Silly has been persistently battling Death. His condition was once under control, but recently the cancer returned and already spread to other major organs including the lungs. He was very weak and last month was again hospitalized at the Baptist Hospital for treatment.

Reportedly, Big Silly lately often called his friends and urged visiting friends to pay attention to their health. He also asked his friends to take care of his wife and his 30 year old and less than ten year old sons. He appeared to be rather worried.

When Big Silly first suffered from the illness he insisted against writing a will, but when the cancer spread to his lungs and he lost 30 pounds, he changed his mind. He asked his friends to take care of his family for him and expressed concern for his younger son and wife's future.

Shing Fui On dropped out of school at the age of 13. Director Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered him in 1975. With his mean look he brought many mean characters to life. Among them in the 1987 film PRISON ON FIRE (GAM YUK FUNG WON) he played the character Big Silly that became his claim to fame. In his later films his characters were called Big Silly, which was rare in the industry. He thus became red hot in the circle and made over 300 films. While he was battling cancer in recent years he participated in films like THE DETECTIVE (C+ JING TAM).

Shing Fui On's other well known identity was as Sai Kung's Nam Wai Village chief. In 2003 he even ran for Regional Councilman but was defeated.

Although in recent years he had to treat his illness, as his family's economic pillar he occasionally performed in the Mainland and made guest star appearances. As for financial problems, he already admitted his concerns over a years ago. Big Silly's final public appearance was in April on Maria Cordero's program FAT MOTHER COOKING. At the time he even shared how he successfully beat cancer. He claimed that after discovering he had cancer in 2004 he immediately went to the hospital for chemotherapy. He was successful but already lost his sense of smell.

He said, "Now when I eat I have to have a great imagination. Like when I have a bowl of roast duck noodle I have to remember its taste and image that it is very delicious. I have completely quitted cigarettes, but I occasionally would have a little to drink. Being ill is not scary, the key lies with how you face it."

The film JIAN GUO DA YE two days ago held its first internal screening in Beijing. The final film length was confirmed to be 140 minutes. Reportedly due to time constraint some of the "actors" were completely cut out. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) finally only appeared in a flash.

After the screening, the industry was buzzing about Stephen Chow Sing Chi's appearance as Zhou Zuoren, second brother of Mr. Lun Xun. This accidental discovery made many film professionals very excited as they said that the film's 200 to 300 million box office would be just a "start". With so many big stars, the film after its September 17 release will be easily able to rewrite Chinese film box office record.

With 172 actors in the 140 minute long film, on average every minute a star popped up. Its "star absorbing" ability created a Chinese film production record. However, the industry recognized the film's final 10 minutes were the most dazzling, as Zhang Ziyi, Vicki Zhao Wei, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Deng Chao...one familiar star face after another flooded into mind. "They played representatives from all areas, basically everyone had a line, a shot. The final 10 minute's 'lead' actually was (Andy) Lau Tak Wa."

Because too many big stars were in these 10 minutes, only at the post film discussion did everyone realize that Chow Sing Chi was among the actors. "I also looked for confirmation from the film company, and it turns out to be true! Chow Sing Chi not only performed but also played Zhou Zouren."

Josie Ho Chiu Yi

Hilary Tsui Ho Ying
courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Hilary Tsui Ho Ying, Lisa S and others recently designed handbags for Mata Hari. Yesterday they attended a press conference, but Chiu Yi was extremely late. She apologized as soon as she arrived.

Reportedly Chiu Yi's film DREAM HOME (WAI DOR LEI AH YUT HO) had to cut out some violent scenes, thus Chiu Yi and director Pang Ho Cheung were at odds. Chiu Yi said, "Filmmaking definitely have artistic differences. The matter is left for the lawyers to handle so I am not at liberty to discuss it." She also said that Pang Ho Cheung was a very talented director. She would respect his talent but did not want to say too much now to avoid influencing everyone's thinking and to maintain fairness. The film was originally scheduled for an October release, which she admitted that it would miss.

Bibe, Lulu Ng Ting Yan and Melody
courtesy of mingpao.com

August 29 would have been Michael Jackson's 51st brithday. A Michael Jackson impersonator Carlo Riley came to perform in Hong Kong. Yesterday a press conference was held. Attendees included Lulu Ng Ting Yan, Bibe, and Melody Chan Yeuk Lan. Reportedly Wylie Chiu Shek Chi faced a boycott from her SEI SUN SOR LIU (DEATH GOD IS SILLY) cast mates and was accused of using foul language on the set. Fellow co-star Melody expressed that Chiu Shek Chi's character was very rough. Even when she used foul language the story required her to. Privately she has not heard her use foul language. As for the cast boycott of Chiu Shek Chi, she pointed out that everyone chatted and nothing like that happened.

We are in that often panicked time after the TIFF schedule is out but before handing in out selections. Picking what to see is no small feat, and I start the task with lots of paper and the program book, I go through program by program and pull out my must see, strongly interested, interested, not-no and flat out no's. But usually somewhere in the middle I get flabbergasted as there are just so many amazing films to see. Even with clocking in about 42 films each year, I always feel like I'm leaving so many opportunities behind. I always try to keep in mind what will end up in regular theatres as well as which films seeing at the festival would be such a fantastic experience that it's worth it to see it there. I also try and make sure I see a fair amount of Canadian film, especially French Canadian as it's rare to see it on screens here in the T-dot.

But, after making all these lists and notations it feels like most of it gets thrown to the wind as you really are at the mercy of the schedule. This year I was disheartened right away because 2 films I really want to see are in conflict (the only public screening of Dorian Gray and the 1st screening of Vahalla Rising), and I couldn't for the life of me fit in J'ai tué ma mère but other than that I think my first set is pretty solid.

I'm also stumped on the final night - I'm considering doing a 6 film day ending with Ong Bak 2 but wonder if I'll make it. There are so few choices at the pre- midnight spot thought that it really is making it difficult!


The Process

So here is the list. It's heavy with Special Presentations which is a big change, and lots of Canadian (yay!) and Australian film. There is a lot of Nordic inspired films this year which I'm totally digging. Ironically the big wig titles on there are really the best film to fit in the time slot.

First Picks List:

Air Doll
Ape, The
Applause
Beautiful Kate
Damned United, The
Daybreakers
Defender
Deliver Us from Evil
Disappearance of Alice Creed
Donation, La
Down for Life
Every Day is a Holiday
Face
George A Romero's Survival of the Dead
Gigantic
Good Heart, The
Kamui
La Soga
Last Ride
Like You Know It All
Loved Ones, The
Mao's Last Dance
Nymph
Ong-Bak 2
Phantom Pain
Road, The
Sawadee Bangkok
SCC2
She, A Chinese
Solomon Kane
Symbol
Time Trip
Toad's Oil
Triage
Unloved, The
Valhalla Rising
Vintner's Luck
Waiting City, The
Warrior and the Wolf, The
Whip It
Wild Hunt
Year of the Carnivore

Program breakdown:
12 - Special Presentations
9 - Discovery
6 - Midnight Madness
4 - Contemporary World Cinema
2 - Canada First!
2 - Masters
2 - Vanguard
2 - Visions
1 - Gala
1 - Short Cuts Canada
1 - Sprockets

Country Breakdown:
6 - Canada
5 - Australia
4 - Japan
3 - Thailand
3 - UK
3 - USA
2 - Denmark
1 - China
1 - Germany
1 - South Korea
1 - Sweden
12 - Various co-pros

On tap for today: Make 2nd choices and fill out all the forms. Oh, boy - it's gonna be another long day!


Reminder: take breaks occasionally

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 - 19, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

It's sad times when the Toronto After Dark Film Festival has come and gone for another year but to prolong the current before they turn to memory it just a little bit let's look at some of the highlights this year.

Best Film: Strigoi

Best Zombie Film: Tie: Dead Snow / Død snø and Grace
Don't make me choose between Nazi zombies and zombies babies...

Best Action: Rough Cut / Yeong-hwa-neun yeong-hwa-da

Best Thriller: The Forbidden Door / Pintu terlarang

Best Comedy: Black Dynamite

Scariest Film: The Children

Best Q&A's: Strigoi and Someone's Knocking at the Door

Most Entertaining & Enthusiastic Introduction: Bad Roomate

Best Shorts: 0 (Zero), Danse Macabre, Hirsute, Next Floor, Practical Guide for the Imaginary Friend (Abridged), When It Will Be Silent and Zombie Zombie

Funnest screenings: Black Dynamite - Opening Night energy, a full house and a hilarious film!

Fullest Screenings: Black Dynamite, Dead Snow / Død snø, Grace and Trick 'r Treat

Icky-ist Imagery: Embodiment of Evil / Encarnação do Demônio

Best Double Bill: Although it was a midday smash up, I'd go with Franklyn & Black

Happy Surprize: Must Love Death was much funnier than I expected

Still Has Me Thinking: The Forbidden Door / Pintu terlarang

Wish I hadn't missed: Nada - I got to all the screenings and a fair amount of the pub nights and parties.

Best Experience: Being at the World Premiere of Strigoi and meeting the filmmakers the next night at the pub.

Bizarre one-of: The tornado on Day 7.

Themes: Evil kids, pregnancy/birth, the undead, skewed realities and although not a theme, almost every film had someone puke in it.

Sharing is good! Shorts films that are available online:
Bat Milk (1m 45s)
Black Dog's Progress, The (3 min 15s)
Git Gob (1m 35s)
Heart of Karl (18m 52s)
Hirsute (13m 40s)
The Killer Bra (20m 38s)
X-Mess Detrius (1m 37s)
Zombie Zombie (6m 26s)

Sharing is good! Fellow TAD'ers
One of the fantastic things about the festival is getting to hang out with friends and meet new people every year. Want to know what they are thinking? Check out there respective sites for festival coverage, film reviews, interviews, vids, vlogs and more: 10 Movies to See Before You Die, Eternal Sunshine of the Logical Mind, The Film Reel, The Horror Section, Pop Journalism, Renerd, RowThree, Toronto Film Scene, Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow, Toronto Screen Shots, Twitch Film and You Bring a Horse For Me? Productions.

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009 ran from August 14-21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.