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[2009.10.31] PREGNANT JANICE MAN VISITS CEMETERY
courtesy of mingpao.com
In the Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) and Janice Man Wing Shan's film FROZEN, Janice Man plays Wai Lan's mother. Yesterday they shot at the Happy Valley cemetery as Janice Man's trendy mother look was unveiled for the first time.
Janice Man had curly hair and wore a trendy maternity clothes, while daughter Wai Lan wore glasses and looked like DR.SLUMP's Arale. She was digging up an apple box.
[2009.10.31] NICHOLAS TSE CONFIRMS PREGNANCY
courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of takungpao.comYesterday Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, director Teddy Chan Tak Sum, cartoon PLEASANT GOAT AND BIG BIG WOLF's chief planner So Wing Lok attended a Department of Education celebrity forum as the trio shared with a group of elementary and secondary school students and teachers how art promotes Hong Kong creative industry in film and animation. Ting Fung and Chan Tak Sum also talked about how they got into the business. Ting Fung revealed that when he was young he broke a second hand drum set that he bought in three months. He also talked about how he only focused on learning kung fu when he was a child and did not put an effort in learning
piano, which he regretted very much. In addition, as a Hong Kong film professional, Ting Fung hoped that Hong Kong film one day would be able to shoot on location like THE DARK KNIGHT at the Central International Financial Center. He said, "I feel inferior, why can't Hong Kong people shoot on location in Hong Kong! Foreigners can shoot on location in Hong Kong!" With the current Mainland enormous market, Ting Fung also hoped that his son's Putonghua will be as fluent as his.
Ting Fung yesterday originally stated that he will not answer questions about his wife's pregnancy. After the forum he kept posing for photos with students. Although he had to return to work in the Mainland, he answered questions from the media. Ting Fung honestly admitted that his new film THE STOOL PIGEON (SIN YUN) will start production on November 2. He will begin work on the 10th. As for whether he was willing to shave his head, he said, "I shaved for BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING). I can't do anything about it, I am an actor and not a model. Later I have to work on SHAOLIN TEMPLE. In between I also have another film. I would have to wear a bald cap for the shoots aren't continuous!" Ting Fung this year has had endless film offers. He revealed that his films will shoot until May, but he expressed that earlier he and his wife went to Michael Jackson's new film. When asked whether he will keep his wife company during her pregnancy, Ting Fung said, "Don't waste the movie. The director will accommodate me. I will take time to keep her company."
The media asked whether Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi was truly with child. Ting Fung could not hide his joy and officially made the announcement. He said, "When you ask me I have to ask her back. Yes! Now it is more certain, stop bothering us!" As for whether Pak Chi was with twins as rumored, Ting Fung said, "No, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet." Does Lucas want a little brother or sister? He said, "He is only two!" Ting Fung revealed that many friends called him about his wife's pregnancy. Yesterday he admitted that Pak Chi is two months pregnant. Ting Fung said, "She knows about my film production schedules, we will have to see how her condition is."
[2009.10.31] LAVINA STEALS POKER KING SPOTLIGHT
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of takungpao.comThe film POKER KING's cast Louis Koo Tin Lok, Lau Ching Wan, Lavina Chung Wai Chi, Suey, Wong Yau Nam, Jacky Heung Jor, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heung Wa Keung yesterday attended a Macau hotel's Poker King club opening. The event even invited Michael Wong Man Tak, Eric Yuen Nei Ming, Chelsea Tong So Kei for a charity poker tournament.
However, the event was 45 minutes late. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, because the stage was too small Goo Jai, Ching Wan, Yau Nam and Heung Jor were forced to the edge of the table. During the toast, they toasted themselves. Non leads Lavina and Suet successfully landed
in the stage center. After the ceremony, the actors moved to the table for the tournament. Reporters and other players rushed to take pictures. Ching Wan expressed that he was not much of a gambler. He joked that with just one movie how could his abilities be so easily honed. Was being forced to the edge of the stage awkward? He said no, earlier he was told that they were accompanying other bosses on stage. He expressed that he rarely visited Macau except for movies. Earlier when his wife visited, they was caught on a walk outside.
Goo Jai won a little money after a short while. He felt that gambling required patience. He was afraid of losing money because he was too nervous. Reporters said that if his wife was a gambling addict then he was in trouble. He joked, "Don't worry, I definitely won't. If she
slowly learns after marriage then I can't do anything." He also pointed out that gambling should be moderate. Earlier when he performed in the U.S. he went gambling with his mother. She refused to leave because she was losing money. Later he won the money back with just a coin. He felt that no gambler should feel luck was on their side. They lose money because they won earlier.
Lavina dressed up for the contest. She explained that she was in the center because the venue was very crowded and she just stood anywhere with room. With so many stars how could she steal the scene?
[2009.10.31] DANIEL WU FEARS HIS GOLDEN HORSE NOMINATION
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of takungpao.comDaniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) two nights ago introduced a cell phone with his girlfriend Lisa S. Daniel's assistant expressed that he will attend the Golden Horse Award in Taiwan in November because his film LIKE A DREAM (YU MUNG) received numerous nominations. He was also nominated for Best Actor, he immediately asked reporters not to mention that as soon as he heard it because he was already very nervous. He said, "I have a defeated mentality because I am afraid of going on stage. I have to dress up too and pretend to be very calm. Actually I would be very frightened. Seeing so many people I don't know what to say on stage. (You can think about winning in advance.) Thinking in advance isn't good, it's too pretentious!" He also said that he was very introverted before he got into the business and even had a fear of crowds. Now he was much better, but he still feared any event with over 100 people. Will he go with Lisa to reduce his stress? He said, "I would be just as nervous! When we get there I have to mid her too and I have to work. I have family that wants to go but I told them no."
[2009.10.31] LAM KAU PASSES AWAY AT 88
courtesy of takungpao.com
Veteran artist Lam Kau (Uncle Mosquito) yesterday collapsed at a shopping center near his home. After being rushed to the hospital he passed away at the age of 88.
In Lam Kau's over half a century of performance career, he performed in over 200 films. Many were classics. In recent years his health has deteriorated and hospitalized numerous times. Lam Kau was born in 1923. Originally named Lam Tat Sing, when he starred as an action
actor in opera his stage name was Lam Yuk Sing. When he made movies his stage name became Lam Kau. He mostly performed in martial art films. In film and television many called him "Uncle Mosquito" (Because the Chinese characters for mosquito and Kau were similar).
Lam Kau came from a wealthy family. Because his parents enjoyed opera, at the age of 11 he studied acrobatics with a retired stunt choreographer from the opera troupe. During the Japanese Invasion he and Mastre Kwan Tak Hing enlisted to save the nation. At the time he already was an action actor. After the war, because of his Northern style expertise he was called the new martial art scholar as he was paired with veteran opera stars like Hung Sin Nui and Man Kok Fei. In 1949 he came to Hong Kong. Lam Kau's first guest starring film was SHATTERING THE COPPER NET ARRAY (DAI POR TUNG MONG JUN), to which he was invited to perform when he visited the studio in 1950. At the time without safety precaution, he used real kung fu to flip from over 40 foot height (around four stories now) to land safety on the ground. His fame immediately spread throughout the studio. The next day he was invited to be the male lead in the new film THE HEROINE (FONG GONG NUI HUP), in which he displayed all that he learned and became an overnight success. That year he made over 50 films.
Lam Kau spent his life helping others. Once he self funded the founding of the Jade Dragon Opera Academy to cultivate new comers like Alan Tang Kwong Wing, Ti Lung, Chan Kuan-Tai and Jason Pai Piao. Last in life he became a famous horseracing analyst. In August 2006 he even donated over 50 years of membership admission passes from 1953 to 2003 to the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
[2009.10.31] STEPHANIE CHENG GIVES UP BROKEBACK KISS
courtesy of takungpao.comStephanie Cheng Yung in SEVEN 2 ONE (GUAN YUN 7 SI) was the most unfaithful character as she had both William Chan Wai Ting and Wylie Chiu Shek Chi in her palm of her hand. To bring live to this lesbian character, Yung even gave up her first on screen kiss to female new comer Carolyn Chan Chor Kiu. Although it was not considered fiery, it was still a breakthrough performance.
Upcoming: Canadian Western Guns, Antichrist & Red Cliff Release Dates
One of the things I love about going to the movie theatre is looking for new posters, and the moment I saw the above poster for Gunless I was intrigued. A western, called Gunless. Starring Paul Gross. Can you get more Canadian? Yes, yes you can! It's written & directed by William Phillips (Foolproof, Treed Murray) and here's the story: "A hardened American gunslinger is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to mount a showdown in a friendly town in Canada where no one seems to understand or appreciate the brutal code of the American Wild West." (source). I can't wait, but I'll have to - but only until March 2010. The teaser trailer shows a comedic edge for sure, but story reminds me of this Canadian Heritage Minute.
See more about Gunless on it's Official Website with teaser trailer and IMDb Page.
Closer around the corner we have several exciting release dates. The controversial Antichrist (dir: Lars von Trier) will hit Toronto on Friday November 13, 2009. The film stars Willem Dafoe (Daybreakers) and Charlotte Gainsbouroug who won Best Actress at Cannes 2009. See more at the Official Film Site or watch the trailer.
Looking for some action, historic-style? How about a John Woo film? Sounds good to me! Red Cliff / Chi ba hits theatres on Friday December 4, 2009 and stars Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi and Chang Chen. Check out the trailer to get a taste of this one.
A buzz at TIFF'08, in part for still being 'in process', New York, I Love You finally hits theatres here on November 27, 2009. To job your memory it's an omnibus film featuring shorts from directors Mira Nair, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner, Fatih Akin & more. See more at the Official Film Site.
Film about theatre always gets my curiosity going, so hearing that Me & Orson Wells is coming to town on December 11, 2009 was good news. The film stars Zac Efron as a young actor participating in a production of Julius Ceasar directed by Orson Wells (Christian McKay). Add to that it's directed by Richard Linklater. I'm hooked! See the trailer at the official film site.
Looking for more upcoming movies? Check out the 2009 and 2010 Upcoming Film Release Lists
Upcoming: Canadian Western Guns, Antichrist & Red Cliff Release Dates
One of the things I love about going to the movie theatre is looking for new posters, and the moment I saw the above poster for Gunless I was intrigued. A western, called Gunless. Starring Paul Gross. Can you get more Canadian? Yes, yes you can! It's written & directed by William Phillips (Foolproof, Treed Murray) and here's the story: "A hardened American gunslinger is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to mount a showdown in a friendly town in Canada where no one seems to understand or appreciate the brutal code of the American Wild West." (source). I can't wait, but I'll have to - but only until March 2010. The teaser trailer shows a comedic edge for sure, but story reminds me of this Canadian Heritage Minute.
See more about Gunless on it's Official Website with teaser trailer and IMDb Page.
Closer around the corner we have several exciting release dates. The controversial Antichrist (dir: Lars von Trier) will hit Toronto on Friday November 13, 2009. The film stars Willem Dafoe (Daybreakers) and Charlotte Gainsbouroug who won Best Actress at Cannes 2009. See more at the Official Film Site or watch the trailer.
Looking for some action, historic-style? How about a John Woo film? Sounds good to me! Red Cliff / Chi ba hits theatres on Friday December 4, 2009 and stars Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi and Chang Chen. Check out the trailer to get a taste of this one.
A buzz at TIFF'08, in part for still being 'in process', New York, I Love You finally hits theatres here on November 27, 2009. To job your memory it's an omnibus film featuring shorts from directors Mira Nair, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner, Fatih Akin & more. See more at the Official Film Site.
Film about theatre always gets my curiosity going, so hearing that Me & Orson Wells is coming to town on December 11, 2009 was good news. The film stars Zac Efron as a young actor participating in a production of Julius Ceasar directed by Orson Wells (Christian McKay). Add to that it's directed by Richard Linklater. I'm hooked! See the trailer at the official film site.
Looking for more upcoming movies? Check out the 2009 and 2010 Upcoming Film Release Lists
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009! With Halloween just around the corner you'd think we'd have lots of spooky releases, but.... we don't. Only one with The Collector, however the theatres still have scarefests playing with Paranormal Activity along with last weeks releases of Saw VI and the vampy Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant for still spooky but not so scary fare.
In limited release this week we have the majority of our releases with five films to choose from. First up is Bronson, from Valhalla Rising director Nicolas Winding Refn, a biopic on a man in prison who supplanted his own personality with that of Charles Bronson. Wonder if Nicolas Winding Refn well ever try out something light like a romcom, he always picks such harsh subject, but his films are so good. Next up is award winning (Cannes Film Festival 2009 and Grand Jury Prize Sundance Film Festival 2009) Amreeka, a comedy/drama about the dreams of a better home that won. We also have the sport documentary More Than a Game following basketball's The Arkon Fab Five including LeBron James, Bollywood musical London Dreams and Australian drama Three Blind Mice.
In wide release this week we have just one film! The Collector marks the one horror release for Halloween and it's from "The Writers of Saw IV, V an VI!". That's a new one. It looks pretty creepy though and has a reverse home invasion feel to it. Also, released earlier this week was behind the scenes concert documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It!
Have a great weekend & a happy Halloween!
Shannon
Festival Watch
CMAST Pan-African Film & Literary Festival
October 30 - November 1, 2009 at University of Toronto, William Doo Auditorium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 1 - 8, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 4 - 7, 2009 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Spanish language film festival featuring dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries
November 6 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
October 30, 2009 at the Revue Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Wednesday October 28, 2009 Releases
Michael Jackson's This Is It
Dir: Kenny Ortega (High School Musical)
Michael Jackson musical documentary on preparation for London concerts
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday October 30, 2009 Releases
Amreeka
Writer/Dir: Cherien Dabis - feature film directorial debut
Limited Release
Bronson
Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy,
Cast: Tom Hardy, Matt King
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Collector
Dir:
London Dreams
Dir: Vipul Amrutal Shah (Waqt: The Race Against Time)
Cast: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Asin, Om Puri
India/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
More Than a Game
Dir: Kristopher Belman - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Three Blind Mice
Writer/Dir: Matthew Newton (Right Here Right Now)
Cast: Matthew Newton, Brendan Cowell, Alex Dimitriades, Bob Franklin, Barry Otto, Pia Miranda, Ewen Leslie, Toby Schmitz, Tina Bursill
Australia
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, YouTube Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 30, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009! With Halloween just around the corner you'd think we'd have lots of spooky releases, but.... we don't. Only one with The Collector, however the theatres still have scarefests playing with Paranormal Activity along with last weeks releases of Saw VI and the vampy Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant for still spooky but not so scary fare.
In limited release this week we have the majority of our releases with five films to choose from. First up is Bronson, from Valhalla Rising director Nicolas Winding Refn, a biopic on a man in prison who supplanted his own personality with that of Charles Bronson. Wonder if Nicolas Winding Refn well ever try out something light like a romcom, he always picks such harsh subject, but his films are so good. Next up is award winning (Cannes Film Festival 2009 and Grand Jury Prize Sundance Film Festival 2009) Amreeka, a comedy/drama about the dreams of a better home that won. We also have the sport documentary More Than a Game following basketball's The Arkon Fab Five including LeBron James, Bollywood musical London Dreams and Australian drama Three Blind Mice.
In wide release this week we have just one film! The Collector marks the one horror release for Halloween and it's from "The Writers of Saw IV, V an VI!". That's a new one. It looks pretty creepy though and has a reverse home invasion feel to it. Also, released earlier this week was behind the scenes concert documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It!
Have a great weekend & a happy Halloween!
Shannon
Festival Watch
CMAST Pan-African Film & Literary Festival
October 30 - November 1, 2009 at University of Toronto, William Doo Auditorium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 1 - 8, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 4 - 7, 2009 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Spanish language film festival featuring dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries
November 6 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
October 30, 2009 at the Revue Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Wednesday October 28, 2009 Releases
Michael Jackson's This Is It
Dir: Kenny Ortega (High School Musical)
Michael Jackson musical documentary on preparation for London concerts
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday October 30, 2009 Releases
Amreeka
Writer/Dir: Cherien Dabis - feature film directorial debut
Limited Release
Bronson
Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy,
Cast: Tom Hardy, Matt King
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Collector
Dir:
London Dreams
Dir: Vipul Amrutal Shah (Waqt: The Race Against Time)
Cast: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Asin, Om Puri
India/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
More Than a Game
Dir: Kristopher Belman - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Three Blind Mice
Writer/Dir: Matthew Newton (Right Here Right Now)
Cast: Matthew Newton, Brendan Cowell, Alex Dimitriades, Bob Franklin, Barry Otto, Pia Miranda, Ewen Leslie, Toby Schmitz, Tina Bursill
Australia
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, YouTube Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 30, 2009**
[2009.10.30] CHERIE CHUNG DECIDES AGAINST COMEBACK AS ELDER
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of takungpao.com
After years away from the film industry, Cherie Chung Chor Hung has returned to advertising but still was reluctant to make movies. Yesterday when she attended a cosmetic event she expressed that no screenplay has motivated her yet.
In recent years many actors of the previous generation returned to acting, Hung Goo said, "Isn't that telling me to play older support? No thank you!" She expressed that she was not afraid of the hard work, because after years of acting she already became very tough. Yet no script has been able to move her. She asked reporters, "Has anyone asked to play old character? That's pretty hard, in addition the roles that I can play are very limited."
[2009.10.30] WILLIAM CHAN TRAINS TO BE ROMANTIC WITH VIVIAN CHOW
courtesy of takungpao.comWilliam Chan Wai Ting two nights ago attended a Halloween event. He expressed that he will be busy with a movie and will not have time to celebrate. He is currently busy with Ann Hui On Wa's new film with Vivian Chow Wai Man. They even had many intimate scenes. He said,
"On the first night of the shoot I already had to be romantic with Chow Wai Man." He said that for now he did not know whether he will need to appear topless, but earlier he already made time to train in the gym. He said, "In this scene Chow Wai Man and I were trying to be romantic. Days ago we rehearsed. I didn't dare to move too much, Vivian gave me confidence and told me if I didn't treat her like Chow Wai Man then I was able to perform at ease."
William expressed that Chow Wai Man was a goddess of his youth. "When I saw Vivian in person, my heart beat really fast. After finding out that I will work with her, I was very worried and didn't know what to do." For his first intimate scene William did not tell rumored girlfriend
Angelababy in advance. He said, "In these few months I didn't even have time to go home. I didn't even have a chance to see her and my family. On top of that she is also very busy."
Was he confident about winning the Hong Kong Film Award under Hui On Wa's leadership? William pointed out that Hui On Wa is a good director who has given him a lot of freedom and has been able to lead him to good performance as an actor. Yet he has never thought about winning any award. He said, "I worry that I would perform poorly because I think too much, so I only focus on my job as an actor."
[2009.10.30] PATRICK TAM COMPARES ALAN TAM TO YOUNG BEAUTY
The Arthur Wong Ngok Tai produced, James Yuen Sai Sun directed Lunar New Year comedy CHOI SUN DOH (FORTUNE GOD ARRIVES) recently shot in Beijing. Alan Tam Wing Lun and Patrick Tam Yiu Man will work together on a movie for the first time.
Tam Yiu Man is not only busy with CHOI but also with Pang Brothers' latest film THE DETECTIVE II (B+ JING TAM) in Thailand. Thus this time he went to Beijing for the shoot on his free time. Ah Tam expressed that since July he worked on four movies and a television series in Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Yinchuan, Xinjiang and Thailand. It was a rare occasion that he was able to run into so many old friends in the film industry in Beijing. In addition in the business artists with the last name Tam could be counted in a single hand, so the "Tam Duo" first meeting was extra joyous. Tam Yiu Man did not change his humorous ways. As soon as he arrived he and Principal Tam had an emotional embrace. He joked, "I waited for you for 25 years." He often kissed up to the Principal, "How come I am shooting you at such a close distance, your skin is still so smooth? You are prettier than a young beauty!" The Principal
joked, "You really have grown up, you have such a way with words." The film will be released during the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day. Tam Yiu Man's other Lunar New Year comedy TIME TRAVELLER (YUET GUONG BO HUP) will also be released around then.
[2009.10.30] ANGELABABY GETS SICK FROM GETTING WET
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of takungpao.comAngelababy yesterday attended a HTC new phone press conference. Just returning from working on her new film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL TOO 2010 (FA TIN HEI SI 2010) in the Mainland, Angelababy had a wet scene. Although she wrapped herself up in plastic wrap to keep warm, she still got sick. She said, "I don't have any fever so it's not the swine flu." Angelababy said that due to work she will not spend time in Hong Kong until November.
Earlier her model agency boss had a birthday celebrate. She and other models went to the boss' home to celebrate with big crabs. She showed her ALL'S male disguise. She said, "Qi Qi after seeing it said that I looked very much like Chang Chen. I was very happy to hear that, at least Chang Chen is handsome. When I dressed up like a guy I looked like a guy. I don't know if the girls there will like me."
Week in Film Vlog
Films Discussed
In Theatres: Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
New Avatar Trailer
Random Watching: Frozen River, Jet Li's Fearless, Exiled
It Used to Scare Me Tuesdays: "V" (1983)
Vampathon: Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned
I also saw Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night 2 and The Machinist but totally missed them on my list - hopefully I'll remember to talk about them next time!
Week in Film Vlog
Films Discussed
In Theatres: Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
New Avatar Trailer
Random Watching: Frozen River, Jet Li's Fearless, Exiled
It Used to Scare Me Tuesdays: "V" (1983)
Vampathon: Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned
I also saw Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night 2 and The Machinist but totally missed them on my list - hopefully I'll remember to talk about them next time!
Queen of the Damned
Dir: Michael Rymer (Perfume, "Battlestar Galactica" 2004)
Source Material: The Vampire Chronicles novels by Anne Rice
Cast: Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, Aaliyah, Vincent Perez, Lena Olin, Paul McGann
USA/Australia, 2002
Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD
Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *
Queen of the Damned has several unfortunate barriers to reviewing it. The biggest being the tragedy that Aaliyah, one of the main actors, died in a plane crash after principle photography which makes it really hard talk tactfully about the film, especially because her acting in the film isn't that strong. Another barrier is that the film, in general, just isn't that great. It had a lot to live up to after Interview with the Vampire and seeing that none of the major players continued from one film to the other we should have seen it coming. Being someone that always looks for the good, it feels harsh to say those things, but in this case it's the straight-up truth.
Although this film is based on The Vampire Chronicles series as a whole, I don't understand why it's called Queen of the Damned and not The Vampire Lestat. It's obvious that Lestat is the main character and Queen Akasha is more like the big boss. It'd be like calling Gladiator Commodus instead. Even so, Stuart Townsend as Lestat is the big highlight of the film. His version of the character is much more alighted to the my impression from the books over how he is portrayed by Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire. The Lestat here is fame hungry, defiant and of course sexy as all get out. Throwing him into the goth & industrial world fits perfectly. That brings me to the two other things I enjoyed about the film: the clothes and the music. And, that's pretty much it.
As a vampire film, I enjoyed that we saw a number of different kinds of vampires and different styles from old world tradition to jumping into the current times. I also like the idea of a historical society that traces the vampires through history.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed parts of it
I own it
I'd recommend it as a fun throwback to late 90's/early 2000's goth/industrial stylings
Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Queen of the Damned
Dir: Michael Rymer (Perfume, "Battlestar Galactica" 2004)
Source Material: The Vampire Chronicles novels by Anne Rice
Cast: Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, Aaliyah, Vincent Perez, Lena Olin, Paul McGann
USA/Australia, 2002
Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD
Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *
Queen of the Damned has several unfortunate barriers to reviewing it. The biggest being the tragedy that Aaliyah, one of the main actors, died in a plane crash after principle photography which makes it really hard talk tactfully about the film, especially because her acting in the film isn't that strong. Another barrier is that the film, in general, just isn't that great. It had a lot to live up to after Interview with the Vampire and seeing that none of the major players continued from one film to the other we should have seen it coming. Being someone that always looks for the good, it feels harsh to say those things, but in this case it's the straight-up truth.
Although this film is based on The Vampire Chronicles series as a whole, I don't understand why it's called Queen of the Damned and not The Vampire Lestat. It's obvious that Lestat is the main character and Queen Akasha is more like the big boss. It'd be like calling Gladiator Commodus instead. Even so, Stuart Townsend as Lestat is the big highlight of the film. His version of the character is much more alighted to the my impression from the books over how he is portrayed by Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire. The Lestat here is fame hungry, defiant and of course sexy as all get out. Throwing him into the goth & industrial world fits perfectly. That brings me to the two other things I enjoyed about the film: the clothes and the music. And, that's pretty much it.
As a vampire film, I enjoyed that we saw a number of different kinds of vampires and different styles from old world tradition to jumping into the current times. I also like the idea of a historical society that traces the vampires through history.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed parts of it
I own it
I'd recommend it as a fun throwback to late 90's/early 2000's goth/industrial stylings
Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Interview with the Vampire
Dir: Neil Jordon (The Good Thief, The Crying Game, We're No Angels)
Source Material: Interview with the Vampire novel by Anne Rice
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater
USA, 1994
Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD
Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *
This is where we get to vamp films where I have very strong memories of seeing when they first came out. At the time we were starting to see a resurgence of vampires in film with both Bram Stoker's Dracula and Buffy the Vampire Slayer hitting theatres in 1992. Then here in 1994 we have Interview with the Vampire, which had pretty big hype around this film as the Anne Rice books were already very popular which led the big question of whom could fill such big shoes? The casting was very controversial, with Brad Pitt cast as Louis after only having a few big credits under his belt (Thelma & Louise, A River Runs Through It) and Tom Cruise as Lestat even though he's always the charmer was at the time still considered a star over being a serious actor, even though it was post Born of the Fourth of July he was still known better for roles in films like Days of Thunder, Cocktail and Top Gun. Controversy aside, both actors deliver bringing two very different vampires to life: the emotional and guilt-ridden Louis & the lively and decadent Lestat.
Revisiting the film now, I enjoyed it much more than the first time now. I really appreciated the complexities in all the various relationships, and it captures the consistent vampire theme of loneliness very well. Exploring the ideas of the creators and demonstrating the effects of different approaches with mentors we get very rich and complicated relationships. We also see the distinct separation of human society once anyone becomes a vampire. Very little crossover here between the two worlds of day and night.
Although the settings of New Orleans as well as Europe are fantastic backdrops, the strength of the film is in the characters themselves. There are very different personalities portrayed, giving viewers different portraits to latch onto. I've never been a big Louis fan, even though he's a lot nicer than anyone else in the film, trying to retain his humanity. Lestat is no angel, but his exuberance is compelling. Out of the performances, I continue to be astonished by Kirsten Dunst as the young vampire Claudia who comes alive on the screen. It's always a treat to see Antonio Banderas, as he perfectly cast as the old world vampire Armand. In fact, on of my strongest memories of this film overall is hanging out at a friends house as we watched the Pay-Per-View previews loop endlessly just to catch the few seconds of Antonio Banderas in the preview.
As a vampire film, it feels like a turning point in the genre where be begin to see the concept of a vampire resisting their vampiric and trying to hold on to or at least respect humanity. It brings up the interesting question of the choice to go with or fight against what is consider your nature.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it much more than expected
I ended up buying it
I'd recommend it as fans of vampire films, especially those who enjoy a historical flair
Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The DVD has great extras including interviews, commentary with director Neil Jordon and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Even the menu is awesome as it features a fade in/out of the major characters of Lestat, Louis, Claudia and Armand:
Interview with the Vampire
Dir: Neil Jordon (The Good Thief, The Crying Game, We're No Angels)
Source Material: Interview with the Vampire novel by Anne Rice
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater
USA, 1994
Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD
Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *
This is where we get to vamp films where I have very strong memories of seeing when they first came out. At the time we were starting to see a resurgence of vampires in film with both Bram Stoker's Dracula and Buffy the Vampire Slayer hitting theatres in 1992. Then here in 1994 we have Interview with the Vampire, which had pretty big hype around this film as the Anne Rice books were already very popular which led the big question of whom could fill such big shoes? The casting was very controversial, with Brad Pitt cast as Louis after only having a few big credits under his belt (Thelma & Louise, A River Runs Through It) and Tom Cruise as Lestat even though he's always the charmer was at the time still considered a star over being a serious actor, even though it was post Born of the Fourth of July he was still known better for roles in films like Days of Thunder, Cocktail and Top Gun. Controversy aside, both actors deliver bringing two very different vampires to life: the emotional and guilt-ridden Louis & the lively and decadent Lestat.
Revisiting the film now, I enjoyed it much more than the first time now. I really appreciated the complexities in all the various relationships, and it captures the consistent vampire theme of loneliness very well. Exploring the ideas of the creators and demonstrating the effects of different approaches with mentors we get very rich and complicated relationships. We also see the distinct separation of human society once anyone becomes a vampire. Very little crossover here between the two worlds of day and night.
Although the settings of New Orleans as well as Europe are fantastic backdrops, the strength of the film is in the characters themselves. There are very different personalities portrayed, giving viewers different portraits to latch onto. I've never been a big Louis fan, even though he's a lot nicer than anyone else in the film, trying to retain his humanity. Lestat is no angel, but his exuberance is compelling. Out of the performances, I continue to be astonished by Kirsten Dunst as the young vampire Claudia who comes alive on the screen. It's always a treat to see Antonio Banderas, as he perfectly cast as the old world vampire Armand. In fact, on of my strongest memories of this film overall is hanging out at a friends house as we watched the Pay-Per-View previews loop endlessly just to catch the few seconds of Antonio Banderas in the preview.
As a vampire film, it feels like a turning point in the genre where be begin to see the concept of a vampire resisting their vampiric and trying to hold on to or at least respect humanity. It brings up the interesting question of the choice to go with or fight against what is consider your nature.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it much more than expected
I ended up buying it
I'd recommend it as fans of vampire films, especially those who enjoy a historical flair
Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The DVD has great extras including interviews, commentary with director Neil Jordon and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Even the menu is awesome as it features a fade in/out of the major characters of Lestat, Louis, Claudia and Armand:
[2009.10.29] JANICE VIDAL AND JANICE MAN START NEW FILM
courtesy of takungpao.comThe Kwok Chi Kin directed FROZEN yesterday held a production start ceremony. Two lead actresses Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) and Janice Man Wing Shan earlier were rumored to be at odds over role sizes. Yesterday they got along rather well.
In the film they play mother and daughter. Janice Man plays Wai Lan's mother. The film was a 80's story. Yesterday attending were actors Ti Lung, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung and new comer Aarif Lee Chi Ting. How did the director address them? Wai Lan said that to avoid confuse the director called her Vidal but mispronounced it. Janice Man said that it was her first time playing a mother, which was a challenge for her. She said, "I have to grasp how to interpret a 80's person, but I am a complete blank in this era. I wasn't born then so I had to learn how to dress and act. I will ask Mommy and study Sister Mui (Anita Mui Yim fong)'s performance." Wai Lan awkwardly expressed, "I am much older than she is. I was born in 1982, she was born in 1989." Janice Man honestly said that she felt very stressed playing a mother, but she will definitely become a trendy mother in the future and will not mind dressing
trendy like her daughter.
In addition, new comer Lee Chi Ting was asked whether he had any emotional scene with Janice Man. He only revealed that they should have an embrace. He still did not know whether they will have any kiss scene but definitely no bed scene. Will he be very passionate? He joked,
"friction between coats!" Lau Ho Lung pretended to complain, "He gets to hold the girl, I only get to hold the baby." Lau Ho Lung in the film plays a private investigator who is looking for both Janice's roots. He joked that he will have a nine month old baby who he was confident that he will take care of comfortably. This year he has already made five movies, four have been scheduled for release next year. He felt that after he shaved his lucky indeed was better.
Fave Vamps / Pop Culture Vamps
My Cineplex recently placed their Top 10 Pop Culture Vamps. Curious to who they picked? So was I! This is their list (or click through to visit their site & see images of the vamps themselves!):
10. Eli - Let the Right One In
9. Selene - Underworld
8. Barnabas Collins - Dark Shadows
7. Edward Cullen - The Twilight Saga
6. Eric & Bill - True Blood
5. David - The Lost Boys
4. Count Orlok - Nosferatu
3. Angel and Spike - Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel
2. Lestat - Interview with a Vampire (novel & 1st film noted)
1. Dracula
Interesting choices. I have to agree with Selene from Underworld, especially since she made my favourite characters list, and I'm a big fan of many of the TV vamps like Eric, Angel and Spike and of course the original Dracula. What makes a vamp hit a fave list though? Do they embrace or resist their vampiric tendancies? Are they seducers? Are they saviours? Or are the bad ass?
Some of my favourite vampires are Darla from Buffy/Angel, Godric from True Blood, Victoria in The Twilight Saga, Kostya and his father in Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Boya from Blood & Donuts and Damon from Vampire Diaries.
Who are your favourite vampires?
Fave Vamps / Pop Culture Vamps
My Cineplex recently placed their Top 10 Pop Culture Vamps. Curious to who they picked? So was I! This is their list (or click through to visit their site & see images of the vamps themselves!):
10. Eli - Let the Right One In
9. Selene - Underworld
8. Barnabas Collins - Dark Shadows
7. Edward Cullen - The Twilight Saga
6. Eric & Bill - True Blood
5. David - The Lost Boys
4. Count Orlok - Nosferatu
3. Angel and Spike - Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel
2. Lestat - Interview with a Vampire (novel & 1st film noted)
1. Dracula
Interesting choices. I have to agree with Selene from Underworld, especially since she made my favourite characters list, and I'm a big fan of many of the TV vamps like Eric, Angel and Spike and of course the original Dracula. What makes a vamp hit a fave list though? Do they embrace or resist their vampiric tendancies? Are they seducers? Are they saviours? Or are the bad ass?
Some of my favourite vampires are Darla from Buffy/Angel, Godric from True Blood, Victoria in The Twilight Saga, Kostya and his father in Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Boya from Blood & Donuts and Damon from Vampire Diaries.
Who are your favourite vampires?
Déjà vu Week: Canadian, North American & UK Box Office October 23, 2009 Weekend
I had a sense of déjà vu when looking up the new box office numbers as they are similar to last week with Law Abiding Citizen being #1 again in Canada and the same with Up being #1 in the UK. The #1 in North America did shift from Where the Wild Things Are to this week with Paranormal Activity. Looks like folks are getting revved up for Halloween scares! Saw VI follows suit and debuts at #2 in North America and the UK but only hits #5 in Canada. The more kid-friendly releases of Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant and Astro Boy both debut at in the #5-10 range, perhaps they were their own competition? Promising UK debut of Wes Anderson jump into animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox debuting at #3, it will be released here in Canada on Wednesday November 25, 2009 oddly for American Thanksgiving weekend.
Top 20 Movies in Canada for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Law Abiding Citizen
2. Couples Retreat
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Paranormal Activity
5. Saw VI *
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
8. Zombieland
9. The Metropolitan Opera: Aida
10. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
11. The Stepfather
12. Amelia *
13. The Invention of Lying
14. A Serious Man
15. Surrogates
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. 5150 Elm's Way
18. Coco Before Chanel
19. An Education *
20. Whip It
Top 20 Movies in North America for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Paranormal Activity
2. Saw VI *
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Law Abiding Citizen
5. Couples Retreat
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
8. The Stepfather
9. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
10. Zombieland
11. Amelia *
12. A Serious Man
13. Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Double Feature in 3D
14. Good Hair
15. The Invention of Lying
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. Surrogates
18. Whip It
19. An Education
20. The Informant!
Top 10 Movies in the UK for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Up
2. Saw VI *
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox *
4. Couples Retreat
5. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
6. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
7. The Invention of Lying
8. Zombieland
9. Fame (2009)
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
* indicates opening weekend in noted location, red text indicates Canadian film release
Source: Canada & North America info, UK info
Déjà vu Week: Canadian, North American & UK Box Office October 23, 2009 Weekend
I had a sense of déjà vu when looking up the new box office numbers as they are similar to last week with Law Abiding Citizen being #1 again in Canada and the same with Up being #1 in the UK. The #1 in North America did shift from Where the Wild Things Are to this week with Paranormal Activity. Looks like folks are getting revved up for Halloween scares! Saw VI follows suit and debuts at #2 in North America and the UK but only hits #5 in Canada. The more kid-friendly releases of Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant and Astro Boy both debut at in the #5-10 range, perhaps they were their own competition? Promising UK debut of Wes Anderson jump into animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox debuting at #3, it will be released here in Canada on Wednesday November 25, 2009 oddly for American Thanksgiving weekend.
Top 20 Movies in Canada for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Law Abiding Citizen
2. Couples Retreat
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Paranormal Activity
5. Saw VI *
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
8. Zombieland
9. The Metropolitan Opera: Aida
10. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
11. The Stepfather
12. Amelia *
13. The Invention of Lying
14. A Serious Man
15. Surrogates
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. 5150 Elm's Way
18. Coco Before Chanel
19. An Education *
20. Whip It
Top 20 Movies in North America for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Paranormal Activity
2. Saw VI *
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Law Abiding Citizen
5. Couples Retreat
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
8. The Stepfather
9. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
10. Zombieland
11. Amelia *
12. A Serious Man
13. Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Double Feature in 3D
14. Good Hair
15. The Invention of Lying
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. Surrogates
18. Whip It
19. An Education
20. The Informant!
Top 10 Movies in the UK for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Up
2. Saw VI *
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox *
4. Couples Retreat
5. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
6. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
7. The Invention of Lying
8. Zombieland
9. Fame (2009)
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
* indicates opening weekend in noted location, red text indicates Canadian film release
Source: Canada & North America info, UK info
[2009.10.28] LAU CHING WAN AVOIDS TRAGIC ROLES
Lau Ching Wancourtesy of mingpao.com
Louis Koo Tin Lokcourtesy of takungpao.com
Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok and young model Lavina Chung Wai Chi and Rainbow Woo Sum Lok starred film POKER KING two nights ago held a celebration to announce that after five days in release the film passed 3 million at the box office and that the Macau StarWorld Hotel
will has a Poker King Hall.
Koo Tin Lok expressed after POKER's release, friends said that more people are playing poker at bars. Goo Jai said that he will work on a Lunar New Year film in Hengdian. When asked whether Goo Jai will return to television, he honestly said that TVB has sent scripts to him but he was truly too busy. Who would he like to work with on the series? He joked, "Ching Wan would be the best." Goo Jai honestly said that he still had series contract with TVB, the last time was STEP INTO THE PAST (CHUM CHUN GEI) ten years ago. He believed that it will not happen in a year or two since series production will take a long time. What kind of script would attract him? He said, "I like some science fiction subjects. It will be the best if I can take place in coming up with the story or give some suggestions." Goo Jai was asked who was his best television actor favorites. Goo Jai expressed that he has worked with Lai Yiu Cheung on
movies and knew that he was a good actor. As for actresses, Goo Jai honestly said that he rarely watched women series because he would be completely lost if he missed one episode.
Lau Ching Wan revealed that he will soon work on the Johnnie To Kei Fung directed film DEATH OF A HOSTAGE (DUET MING GUM), which was unrelated to To Sir's first film THE ENIGMATIC CASE (BIK SHUI HONG SAN DUET MING GUM). He joked, "If To Sir will remake it it will be very interesting, because it is many years after." Ching Wan expressed that
DEATH will be a modern drama. In it he will play a thief who is mean and evil. Will his emotions have a lot of upheaval? He joked, "To Sir's movies are rarely like this, but many people are offering me tragic films. I don't want it to be too tragic." He was reluctant not because his emotions would not settle but only that sometimes he would ask himself
why! Ching Wan said that he only knew Denise Ho wan Si and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) will take place. Ching Wan had no idea whether To Sir will make his friend Anita Mui Yim Fong's protege Ho Wan Si the female lead as reported.
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