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[2010.11.01] MAG LAM APPEARS IN A LOLITA MAID COSTUME

courtesy of singtao.com


Yesterday Mag Lam Yun Tung began work with "young model" Phoebe Hui Wing and Terence Siufay on the holiday film I LOVE HONG KONG. Mag and Hui Wing appeared in Lolita maid costumes as they played online game women. Siufay played an ad company employee. In the story Mag did not understand how to pose and could not attract photographers. Siufay could not help but show her. Mag at first thought Siufay wanted her to take off her clothes and be sexy, later when she realized that he was teaching her the killer poses and relaxed. In the city she made cute poses. For her first film Mag performed decently and had no bad take. Mag said that she normally would not make young model poses for pictures, even with self pictures. At most she would pose with friends.

Mag thanked the company for giving her a chance to learn. After reading the story she thought it was fresh. Later she will work with Sandra Ng Kwan Yu. She said, "Ng Kwan Yu is a great actress. Before working together I felt the pressure, I was very afraid of dragging her down." Because of school, the production had to accommodate to her holiday schedule.

Siufay wore an orange and green costume that was somewhat "effeminate". After arriving on the set he found out that his co-star was Mag.

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[2010.11.01] THE GRANDMASTERS UNVEILED

courtesy of singtao.com


courtesy of takungpao.com

Wong Kar Wai's first kung fu film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) is still in production. The film company has kept cast costumes and content confidential. The first two film posters will be unveiled at Los Angeles' American Film Market on November 1. The costumes of Tony Leung Chiu Wai who played Wing Chun master Ip Man in the film and lead actress Zhang Ziyi appeared for the first time and immediately became the focus of the foreign media.

In it Wai Jai would a white straw hat and long black coat in the night rain. The foreign media were very interested in his look and even described it as the birth of a Chinese Darth Vader. THE GRANDMASTERS' film introduction cover had a Zhang Ziyi in the midst of the eight diagram palm. Her eyes were full of self confidence. Foreign media pointed out that in a white straw hat, Ip Man was completely different from the image of Ip Man that has appeared in films before. Everyone was the most surprised that without any kung fu background Wai Jai actually had unspeakable kung fu power.

Wong Kar Wai fans could not wait to put the poster online and received a lot of responses. Some online even compared Leung Chiu Wai's Ip Man look and Zhang Ziyi's heroine feel with classic American comic book super heroes, saying that the U.S. had Superman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Catwoman, Ip Man in the poster definitely was China's super hero. Some even suggested making Ip Man's English name into Yeah Man in order to be a part of this group of super heroes.

Since the film started production, everyone has been the most curious about Wai Jai's abilities. After a year of training, Wai Jai's figure could be seen on the poster for the first time. Even foreign media described Wai Jai as radiant. The film's action director Yuen Woo Ping even described Wai Jai's current condition as "the peak". He said that he never worried about his agility because Wai Jai had a high ability to comprehend and absorb quickly. Although he and Donnie Yen Chi Tan played the same character but they each had their own style. He even pointed out that Wai Jai's shape looked better than Chi Tan. The most unexpected was Wai Jai's powerful kicks. He absolutely had a talent for action films.

Wai Jai in the past year suffered a lot too. Responsible for instructing, Wing Chun Grand Master Ip Man's disciple Duncan Leung Siu Hung admired Wai Jai's spirit to overcome hardship. He pointed out that Wai Jai's progress was slower than the average student, half a year more than expected. During the period he stopped training for awhile due to his arm injury. However he recovered and returned to form very quickly. Unlike Yen Chi Tan who had a kung fu background, Wai Jai had an advantage that Yen Chi Tan did not have. He was able to start from zero like a blank piece of paper. Wai Jai gradually and clearly absorbed the spirit of Wing Chun kung fu completely. Every one of Wai Jai's moves now is very naturally convincing, whether punching or with a staff he was able to perform the Wing Chun school feel. He also pointed out that director Wong Kar Wai at first asked Wai Jai to truly spend time to train and made him
understand that slow and steady wins the race.

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[2010.11.01] CHRISSIE CHAU TREATS JIANG LUXIA TO CURRY CHICKEN

Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Jiang Luxia

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Dennis Law Sau Yiu directed new film VAMPIRE WARRIORS (GEUNG SI SUN JIN SI) was not only a vampire film but also had a broke back vampire romance. In the film Chrissie Chau Sau Na and Jiang Luxia played a 100 year old pretty vampire and vampire hunter. Although this romance was not clear cut, but one look and one touch of the face hinted their relationship as extraordinary. In a bed scene, Chau Sau Na had to bite Jiang Luxia on the neck. Finally Chau Sau Na really bit Jiang Luxia's neck and even left teeth marks.

In the story Jiang Luxia asked Chau Sau Na to bite her and turn her into a vampire in order for her to defeat vampire elder Yuen Wah. For realism, Chau Sau Na truly bit. However because she bit too hard, she injured Jiang Luxia's neck and made her scream. Then a small bite mark was found on her neck. Chau Sau Na immediately apologized to Jiang Luxia, but the director was very satisfied with this shot. The crew joked that Jiang Luxia had a "curry chicken" (hickey). At first she did not understand and thought everyone was asking her to eat curry chicken. Later Chau Sau Na explained the meaning to her. Later she joked with Chau Sau Na, "Thank you for treating me to curry chicken."

They also had a bed scene when they exchanged intimate looks. Chau Sau Na pointed out that in the film their relationship was ambiguous, it was also her first same sex romantic scene. She also praised Jiang Luxia as very attentive. Although she looked tough she was very gentle inside. She was even gentler and more feminine than herself. Jiang Luxia joked that in the film she and Chau Sau Na never had any relationship that exceeded friendship but the emotions were complex. She did not resist lesbian friends because she had some. Actually they were no different from ordinary people. Because she always liked short hair she has been mistaken for a lesbian. She said that actually she liked to dress up too. She would not randomly find a boyfriend to dispel homosexual rumors. As for Chau Sau Na trying to achieve fame with her figure, Jiang Luxia said that some in the Mainland knew her. She thought that show business should have different styles. Chau Sau Na was very professional and with her good figure she had no reason to hide it.

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[2010.11.01] WANG QIANYUAN WINS TOKYO BEST ACTOR

Judy Ongg makes Best Actor Wang Qianyuan weak at the knees

courtesy of takungpao.com

The 23rd Annual Tokyo International Film Festival yesterday held its award and closing ceremony. The Best Actor and Best Actress prizes went to Chinese actors Wang Qianyuan and Fan Bingbing. Taiwan actors Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) and Wilson Chen Bo-Lin's BUDDHA MOUNTAIN won Best Artistic Contribution award.

The Best Actress award went to BUDDHA MOUNTAIN's Fan Bingbing. When director Li Yu accepted the award on behalf of Fan Bingbing she said, before coming to Tokyo she asked Fan Bingbing who could not visit Japan "what to do if you win?" Fan Bingbing said she probably would not, all 15 films in competition were great films. Best Actor went to THE PIANO IN A FACTORY's Wang Qianyuan, who received from the award from Judy Ongg. Wang Qianyuan felt very honored to receive the award from his childhood idol Judy Ongg. He said, the award to him was like a child who got a lollipop. Today's award was a lollipop for adults; he even said that
this was his first film, first film festival and first time on stage, it was also his first award. He felt he was very lucky.

The Li Yu directed BUDDHA MOUNTAIN received the Best Artistic Contribution Award. She said that the award was truly very surprising and very toughing. She had to thank this film's actors Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga), Fan Bingbing, Chen Bo-Lin and others. In particular she
had to thank producer Fang Li, without his persistence for the film this film would not be possible.

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[2010.11.01] IRENE WAN PROMOTES NEW FILM

Kenix Kwok


Irene Wan
courtesy of on.cc

Kenix Kwok Ho Ying at a Mainland real estate event
courtesy of takungpao.com

Irene Wan Bik Ha said that earlier she made a film that later will participate in film festivals in Pusan and Canada. She will also promote it in Taipei.

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[2010.10.31] ANG LEE NEVER FORGETS TO LEARN

courtesy of takungpao.com


International director Ang Lee yesterday was honored as "Dr. Lee" when his alma mater Taiwan Art University presented him with an honorary doctorate degree. Ang Lee said that the return to his school brought back a lot of emotions. "This is my favorite school, the moment that I cherish the most." Graduating 34 years ago from the school, Ang Lee returned to it in the morning, put on a purple and black robe and accepted the degree.

Ang Lee graduated from the school in 1976 and earned his bachelor degree in New York University. His work included PUSHING HAND, WEDDING BANQUET, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, LUST CAUTION, in 2006 with BROKE BACK MOUNTAIN he won the Oscar for Best Director. In his speech he honestly said that he went to the school because he could not get into an university. He followed, "One day I stood on the school stage, the spotlight was on my face just like today. Off stage it was the same as well, a bunch of dark human shadows. I can sense my passion for drama. So I told my father, I don't want to take the test again." Receiving his alma mater's honorary degree, Ang Lee reminded the younger generation that life is a continuous lesson. He said, "I never feel that I have learned enough. We are always adjusting to the condition in front of us, trying to keep up the place. Failure has been my best teacher." He also stated that education is not a process but a goal in life.

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[2010.10.31] JOHNNIE TO AND JIA ZHANGKE COLLABORATE

Johnnie To Kei Fung, Jia Zhangke

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Jia Zhangke directed documentary I WISH I KNEW held a screening two nights ago. He said that because he was a Johnnie To Kei Fung fan he invited him in particular and revealed that they will work together on a wuxia film that he will produce and tentatively titled IN THE QING DYNASTY (JOI CHING CHIU). To Kei Fung also said that he was a Jia Zhangke fan. They have admired each other and waited for 3 years before having chance to work together. Would he ask Chow Yun Fat to take part? He said that the cast has not been set and joked that Fat Gor had to play the Jade Emperor and he would have to wait until Chow returned from the Heavenly Palace. Speaking of Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's comeback, he thought it was a good thing and said that show business truly lacked people, the more comeback the better.

To Kei Fung said that despite preparation before the shoot accidents were difficult to avoid, but reducing accidents was a professional's basic job. Over the years he would communicate clearly
and tried to be safe. Jia Zhangke also felt that productions should take clear safety precautions as actor safety should be the foremost concern.

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[2010.10.30] KELLY CHEN CONSIDERS MOVIE ROLES

courtesy of singtao.com



courtesy of takungpao.com

Kelly Chen Wai Lam yesterday attended a West Kowloon culture, entertainment and art district DHL hydrogen balloon event. Kelly revealed that when she made AN EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS (GONG SAN MEI YUN) rode a hydrogen balloon in the Mainland. She said, "At the time we started by the cliff, the place was higher than the hill!" As for whether she would make movies, Kelly said that she was in negotiation. When asked how many days would be acceptable to her, she said, "Three days would be the best, but if it was shot in Hong Kong then it's the best, I can work the entire year!" Did she get stunt doubles in the past? Kelly said, "That depends on the director! Directors now should know what to do and provide doubles. Last time when I injured my arm from falling off a horse I still have the mark! It's already been three years!" Kelly said that directors rarely asked her to make explosion scenes thus she has not worked with big explosions.

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[2010.10.30] EDISON CHEN RETURNS WITH INITIAL D 2

courtesy of takungpao.com


Edison Chen Koon Hei appeared in Beijing for a certain fashion event. Next year he will join the Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) directed INITIAL D 2 (TAU MAN JI D 2). "This movie should start
production next year. My character has a connection with the character in the first film, but you have to ask (Andrew) Lau Wai Keung and Kit Lun about the film overall. They are the director and the producer."

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[2010.10.30] CHRISSIE CHAU DONATES CLOTHING TO CHARITY

courtesy of takungpao.com

Chrissie Chau Sau Na two nights ago attended a second hand clothing donation event. Mona Fong Yat Wa's cousin Wong Ka Hei criticized Raymond Lam Fung for not being able to have a firm footing in the film market yet and dragging down THE JADE AND THE PEARL (FEI CHUI MING JU) box office. Chrissie recently worked with him on PERFECT WEDDING (PO PO CHIU GAI YUN). She expressed that earlier when they promoted in Guangdou, fans were crazy. All four cinemas were sold out as there was a thirst for tickets. Everyone had a lot of confidence in the film.

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Films on TMN in November 2010

Must-See's

  • The Runaways - really stellar biopic centred two band members of The Runaways, and the casting and performances here are great with Kristen Stewart (Twilight) as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) as Cherie Currie. I really enjoyed the femme centric nature of the double female protagonist film that embraces the freedom & fun equally alongside the frantic & gritty time and situations.
Can-Con
  • Chloe - erotic thriller from Atom Egoyan starring Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfred and Liam Neeson. Lovingly set and featuring Toronto as it's setting and from that perspective along it's fun to watch and point out all the familiar haunts. And the acting and tone is very good too :)

Biggies
  • Edge of Darkness - Mel Gibson stars in this eeriely different take on vengeance film that's cut from an older cloth that what I think we are used to in a CSI centric crime world.
  • The Bounty Hunter - couldn't pay me to see this Jennifer Aniston / Gerard Butler ex's and resistant to each others company rom com. Actually, I would watch it if you paid me - but only if you did.
My To See List
  • The Boys: The Sherman Brother's Story - documentary on songwriters for Disney tunes? Yep. I'm there. Trailers certainly looked charming and I'm looking forward to catching up with this one.
  • From Paris, With Love - I'ma little surprzied I didn't get out to this action/thriller in the theatre but it looked like it might be just over the edge of brutal. I loved District B13 / Banlieue B13from director Pierre Morel, but found Taken a little too harsh. But, my curiosity is piqued to see what trouble John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers get up to in this one.
  • Leap Year - sure the rom com looks extremely predictable but it also looks pretty cute and I love the cast of Amy Adams, Matthew Goode and Adam Scott.
Series
  • I know I already talked about both of them last month but with late October starts both In Treatment Season 3 and Durham Country Season 3 continue in November with new episodes on HBO Canada.
For the Twi-Hards
  • Looking to spot Twi-Stars? Along with the aforementioned The Runaways with the ladies of the saga, you can all check out the gents this month in Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson and Valentines' Day starring Taylor Lautner.
Mpix Pick
  • The Taking of Pellum One Two Three - starring Walther Matthau and Robert Shaw, this is an one absolutely fantastic heist drama centred on a subway train. The film is great overall and it features one of my favourite opening ever as it features the funkiest music that won't ever let you forget it came out in the 1970s.
These are just some of the highlights I've picked out of what is new this month on TMN. They have loads more titles and you can check them out all over at the TMN website.

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Films on TMN in November 2010

Must-See's

  • The Runaways - really stellar biopic centred two band members of The Runaways, and the casting and performances here are great with Kristen Stewart (Twilight) as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) as Cherie Currie. I really enjoyed the femme centric nature of the double female protagonist film that embraces the freedom & fun equally alongside the frantic & gritty time and situations.
Can-Con
  • Chloe - erotic thriller from Atom Egoyan starring Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfred and Liam Neeson. Lovingly set and featuring Toronto as it's setting and from that perspective along it's fun to watch and point out all the familiar haunts. And the acting and tone is very good too :)

Biggies
  • Edge of Darkness - Mel Gibson stars in this eeriely different take on vengeance film that's cut from an older cloth that what I think we are used to in a CSI centric crime world.
  • The Bounty Hunter - couldn't pay me to see this Jennifer Aniston / Gerard Butler ex's and resistant to each others company rom com. Actually, I would watch it if you paid me - but only if you did.
My To See List
  • The Boys: The Sherman Brother's Story - documentary on songwriters for Disney tunes? Yep. I'm there. Trailers certainly looked charming and I'm looking forward to catching up with this one.
  • From Paris, With Love - I'ma little surprzied I didn't get out to this action/thriller in the theatre but it looked like it might be just over the edge of brutal. I loved District B13 / Banlieue B13from director Pierre Morel, but found Taken a little too harsh. But, my curiosity is piqued to see what trouble John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers get up to in this one.
  • Leap Year - sure the rom com looks extremely predictable but it also looks pretty cute and I love the cast of Amy Adams, Matthew Goode and Adam Scott.
Series
  • I know I already talked about both of them last month but with late October starts both In Treatment Season 3 and Durham Country Season 3 continue in November with new episodes on HBO Canada.
For the Twi-Hards
  • Looking to spot Twi-Stars? Along with the aforementioned The Runaways with the ladies of the saga, you can all check out the gents this month in Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson and Valentines' Day starring Taylor Lautner.
Mpix Pick
  • The Taking of Pellum One Two Three - starring Walther Matthau and Robert Shaw, this is an one absolutely fantastic heist drama centred on a subway train. The film is great overall and it features one of my favourite opening ever as it features the funkiest music that won't ever let you forget it came out in the 1970s.
These are just some of the highlights I've picked out of what is new this month on TMN. They have loads more titles and you can check them out all over at the TMN website.

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Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010! This is one of the few times I'm coming to you from another part of the globe - I'm in San Francisco! Rice a roni! Streetcars! And most importantly my brother's wedding! It's gonna rock.*

In limited release this week we have the new UK comedy Tamara Drewe along with Handsome Harry and for the documentary fans today we have Inside Job today as well as the much loved documentary comedy Winnebago Man which opened on Thursday Oct 28, 2010 at the Lightbox. More limited release titles for Oct 29, 2010 include Aftershock and documentaries Best Worst Movie and You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo.

In wide release this week we have to completely differently veined film choices for you holiday weekend. My pick would definitely be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes, the third and final film in the Millenium / Men Who Hate Women trilogy and again stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander & Michael Nyqvist and Mikael Blomkvist, and is directed by Daniel Alfredson (who directed part 2 The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden), and completes the saga that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor. We also have Saw 3D. You saw this one coming didn't you? The puzzle of all puzzles. The Saw's of all Saw's. The seventh Saw. Can you believe we've had 6 of them already? One of year since the original back Saw in 2004. So of course it's in 3D and coming out just before Halloween. And it's apparently the last one - but we've heard that before, haven't we?

Looking for scary film recommendations? There are tons a plenty over at my most recent episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast were I take on the supernatural as a film genre. Check it out here.

Have a great Halloween weekend!

Shannon

Special screenings

Halloween weekend at the Lightbox Oct 29 & 30, 2010
A fantastic selection of late night scares and dares come out to play with screenings of Dog Soldiers, The House of the Devil, S&M Man and The Loved Ones along with a Planet of the Vampires & Alien double bill. I highly recommend checking out some of these films, in particular The Loved Ones -it's messed up in all the right ways.
See more information on the screenings see here.

LENNONYC (dir: Michael Epstein), documentary centred on John Lennon, Yoko Ono and son Sean during the 1970s in New York City. LENNONYC screens on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor as a part of the monthly Doc Soup screening series by Hot Docs. Check here for more information.

Festival Watch

International Diaspora Film Festival
October 28 - November 6, 2010 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 3 - 6, 2010 at Lord Dufferin Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thursday October 28, 2010 Releases

Winnebago Man
Dir: Ben Steinbauer - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Friday October 29, 2010 Releases

Aftershock / Tangshan dadizhen
Dir: Xiaogang Feng (The Banquet, A World Without Thieves, The Dream Factory)
Cast: Jingchu Zhang, Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Fan Xu, Yi Lu
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Best Worst Movie
Dir: Michael Paul Stevenson
Documentary with a 'where are they now' vibe on the people involved as well as the fans of the cult classic film Troll 2
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Dir: Daniel Alfredson (The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden)
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist
Sweden/Denmark/Germany
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Handsome Harry
Dir: Bette Gordon (Luminous Motion, Empty Suitcases)
Cast: Jamie Sheridon, Steve Buscemi, Mariann Mayberry, Aidan Quinn
Limited Release
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Inside Job
Dir: Charles Ferguson (No End In Sight)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Saw 3D
Dir: Kevin Greutert (Saw VI)
Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Gina Holden, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor, Dean Armstrong, Chad Donella
Canada/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Tamara Drewe
Dir: Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity)
Cast: Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, Bill Camp
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo
Dir: Luc Côté & Patricio Henriquez - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
Australia/Canada/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 29, 2010**

For this issue only will be estimated releases, to be revised to reflect any additional releases. Revised to include all releases.

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Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010! This is one of the few times I'm coming to you from another part of the globe - I'm in San Francisco! Rice a roni! Streetcars! And most importantly my brother's wedding! It's gonna rock.*

In limited release this week we have the new UK comedy Tamara Drewe along with Handsome Harry and for the documentary fans today we have Inside Job today as well as the much loved documentary comedy Winnebago Man which opened on Thursday Oct 28, 2010 at the Lightbox. More limited release titles for Oct 29, 2010 include Aftershock and documentaries Best Worst Movie and You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo.

In wide release this week we have to completely differently veined film choices for you holiday weekend. My pick would definitely be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes, the third and final film in the Millenium / Men Who Hate Women trilogy and again stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander & Michael Nyqvist and Mikael Blomkvist, and is directed by Daniel Alfredson (who directed part 2 The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden), and completes the saga that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor. We also have Saw 3D. You saw this one coming didn't you? The puzzle of all puzzles. The Saw's of all Saw's. The seventh Saw. Can you believe we've had 6 of them already? One of year since the original back Saw in 2004. So of course it's in 3D and coming out just before Halloween. And it's apparently the last one - but we've heard that before, haven't we?

Looking for scary film recommendations? There are tons a plenty over at my most recent episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast were I take on the supernatural as a film genre. Check it out here.

Have a great Halloween weekend!

Shannon

Special screenings

Halloween weekend at the Lightbox Oct 29 & 30, 2010
A fantastic selection of late night scares and dares come out to play with screenings of Dog Soldiers, The House of the Devil, S&M Man and The Loved Ones along with a Planet of the Vampires & Alien double bill. I highly recommend checking out some of these films, in particular The Loved Ones -it's messed up in all the right ways.
See more information on the screenings see here.

LENNONYC (dir: Michael Epstein), documentary centred on John Lennon, Yoko Ono and son Sean during the 1970s in New York City. LENNONYC screens on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor as a part of the monthly Doc Soup screening series by Hot Docs. Check here for more information.

Festival Watch

International Diaspora Film Festival
October 28 - November 6, 2010 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 3 - 6, 2010 at Lord Dufferin Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thursday October 28, 2010 Releases

Winnebago Man
Dir: Ben Steinbauer - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Friday October 29, 2010 Releases

Aftershock / Tangshan dadizhen
Dir: Xiaogang Feng (The Banquet, A World Without Thieves, The Dream Factory)
Cast: Jingchu Zhang, Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Fan Xu, Yi Lu
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Best Worst Movie
Dir: Michael Paul Stevenson
Documentary with a 'where are they now' vibe on the people involved as well as the fans of the cult classic film Troll 2
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Dir: Daniel Alfredson (The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden)
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist
Sweden/Denmark/Germany
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Handsome Harry
Dir: Bette Gordon (Luminous Motion, Empty Suitcases)
Cast: Jamie Sheridon, Steve Buscemi, Mariann Mayberry, Aidan Quinn
Limited Release
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Inside Job
Dir: Charles Ferguson (No End In Sight)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Saw 3D
Dir: Kevin Greutert (Saw VI)
Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Gina Holden, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor, Dean Armstrong, Chad Donella
Canada/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Tamara Drewe
Dir: Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity)
Cast: Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, Bill Camp
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo
Dir: Luc Côté & Patricio Henriquez - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
Australia/Canada/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 29, 2010**

For this issue only will be estimated releases, to be revised to reflect any additional releases. Revised to include all releases.

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[2010.10.29] CECILIA CHEUNG ATTENDS COMEBACK FILM PRESS CONFERENCE

Chen Zhihan, Cecilia Cheung

courtesy of singtao.com

Frankie Chan Fun Kei, Chen Zhihan, Cecilia Cheung, Jackie Chan, Liu Xiaoqing, Cheng Pei Pei

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Jackie Chan produced, Frankie Chan Fun Kei directed film YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG (YANG CLAN FEMALE WARRIORS) held a production start press conference on the 28th in Shanghai. Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Cheng Pei Pei, Chen Zihan and others attended. The choice to play Mu Guiying was a controversial topic of the film, and the revelation of Cheung Pak Chi was the brightest spot. This is Pak Chi's first costume film since giving birth.

On the day of the press conference, many actresses perhaps to match their characters chose to make handsome appearances. Cheung Pak Chi became somewhat lower key in black; almost fifty years old Liu Xiaoqing also appeared in a trendy look. Chan Fun Kei revealed that he has prepared the script for ten years. This investment also reached 100 million yuan RMB. The film required many actresses, Chan Fun Kei revealed that Jackie Chan hoped that he would give new comers opportunities.

The role of Mu Guiying from the start was rumored to be Fan Bingbing, Vicki Zhao Wei, Li Bingbing, to finally landed with Cheung Pak Chi. Producer Jackie Chan presented a seal to direct Chan Fun Kei and joked that he once was interested in playing the female role of She Taijun. Cheung Pak Chi said that this portrayal of the most well known heroine in Chinese history would be completely different for any of her previous characters. She looked forward to it very much and thus at home she has been strengthening her arm training.

A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, Chen Zihan has focused on television series lately. As soon as she stepped on stage she humbly said that she was a film industry new comer and bowed in appreciation to director Chan Fun Kei for giving her this chance. Every female warrior would have her own trick. Chen Zihan revealed "Sister Eight" was someone who excelled in the use of explosives, relying more on her own intellect to kill enemies.

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[2010.10.29] JOHNSON LEE PROMOTES FILM DVD

Johnson Lee, Spring Roll


Felix Wong Yat Wa, Lai Yiu Cheung
courtesy of mingpao.com

Johnson Lee Si Jit, Spring Roll
courtesy of takungpao.com

Johnson Lee Si Jit yesterday attended an autograph session for his independent film CITIZEN KING DVD. His friends and SOME DAY (TIN TIN TIN CHING) cast mates Lai Yiu Cheung, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Lee Si Kei and others came to support. Even rumored girlfriend "Spring Roll" Wong Bo Bo and her mother came in support.

Si Jit said that the film was made in 2008 and the DVD release has performed well, in ninth place in a chair store. Thus he honestly said that he will make a second film next year about a foreign female star. The last investment was 100,000, this time the budget will be 4 to 5 million. Si Jit said that he definitely will not invest himself because he will have investors.

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[2010.10.29] RAYMOND WONG FEELS LUCKY TO LAND CECILIA CHEUNG'S FIRST COMEBACK FILM

Maria Cordero and husband

courtesy of mingpao.com

Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Maria Cordero,
courtesy of takungpao.com

TLT Lottotain purchased 51% of Maria Cordero's Fountain City for HK$34.5 million. Yesterday a contract signing and a celebration were held. Many industry insiders attended, including Deborah Li (Dik Bor Lai) and her husband Moustache Kong, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Lin Li, Catherine Hung Yun and others. Fat Ma said that Fountain City had many businesses, including food program channel, management company and television and film productions. Its first shot will be a youth musical.

Wong Pak Ming recently invited Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi to work on his Lunar New Year film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (JUI KEUNG HEI SI). He pointed out that the film will start production next year. Pak Chi was in great shape. About Pak Chi's supposed 15 million salary, Wong Pak Ming said that he did not want to publicize actor prices. It was reasonable and well worth the price. He said that early in the year he thought Sandra Ng Kwan Yu was pregnant, he pointed out that two years ago when he asked her to make a movie, he ruined her motherhood plan. Thus this time he did not dare to ask again. Reportedly Derek Yee Tung Sing was at odds with Wong Pak Ming over the first film of Pak Chi's comeback. Wong Pak Ming said that he had no idea, but from another angle, when Pak Chi accepted his film the pressure was not as large as the film had more than one or two stars. Last year his Lunar New Year film clashed with Eric Tsang Chi Wai's and Tsang Chi Wai won. Wong Pak Ming joked that let him have his glory. He joked, "I already said that Chi Wa was jealous. When I made a holiday film, he followed suit. Every year he is fighting for the bowl, but it doesn't matter though. We make money together, whoever wins or loses doesn't matter. He has the support of such a big television station he definitely will win."

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[2010.10.29] JENNIFER TSE IS NOT AARIF RAHMAN'S DANCE PARTNER

Aarif Rahman, Sun Delin


Jennifer Tse, Zhang Yishan
courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Jennifer Tse Ting Ting yesterday guest modeled at a hair show with famous hairstylist Kim Robinson. Tse Ting Ting took place in the film BRUCE LEE MY BROTHER (LEI SIU LUNG). She honestly said that at first she was very nervous and had a lot of stress. Often she looked for opportunities to practice her steps. She ate very little normally. This time with the nonstop dance rehearsals she got dizzy. Luckily the result was convincing.

Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting) as Bruce Lee not only had to study Wing Chun and kung fu for two months but also had to practice the Cha Cha, so Bruce Lee fans around the world would not scold him. The team hired dance instructor Wong Yui to teach dance. Lee Chi Ting and Tse Ting Ting had no dance background. Luckily they picked it up very quickly. Bruce Lee's brother Robert Lee Chun Fai recalled Bruce Lee had more than one woman who would like to dance with him, but in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding Bruce Lee decided not to choose any woman to be a dance companion. He chose his brother Lee Chun Fai.

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[2010.10.29] KATE TSUI SUPPORTS RAYMOND LAM'S IMPROVEMENT

courtesy of on.cc


courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Kate Tsui Tsz Shan yesterday attended a Xbox 360 new dance game event. Reportedly Mona Fong Yat Wa wrote Shaw executive Wong Ka Hei, who said at the new Shaw film PERFECT WEDDING (PO PO CHIU GAI YUN) event that Raymond Lam Fung had no film market and thus the film THE JADE AND THE PEARL (FEI CHUI MING JU) only made 3.15 million. Tsz Shan who worked with Lam Fung in PERFECT disagreed. She said that Lam Fung's acting is improving and as far as she knew PERFECT was performing decently at the box office.

However, even the director Barbara Wong Chun Chun earlier criticized television artists for having no film sense when making movies. Tsz Shan honestly said that she and Wong Chun Chun have discussed the subject and believed that the media misunderstood her meaning. She said, "Chun Chun has confidence in us, otherwise why would she ask us to make the movies? Hopefully I will have a chance to work with her again. (Was your confidence shaken?) No, I will accept all criticism and make myself perform better in the future."

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[2010.10.29] DOU XIAO SUFFERS LEVEL TEN PAIN TO HOLD ZHOU DONGYU

courtesy of takungpao.com


The Zhang Yimou directed UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE's leads Dou Xiao and Zhou Dongyu performed an innocent love and touched tens of thousands of viewers; who knew behind the romance Dou Xiao suffered level ten pain? During the shoot for the more intimate scene, the shy Zhou Dongyu would definitely keep her fingers ready to properly greet Dou Xiao so Dou Xiao dared not try anything.

In the chill they deeply embraced in a big coat, which was very romantic. Dou Xiao said, "This was our first more intimate scene. I followed the director's instruction and had to tightly hold Dongyu; but perhaps she was too shy or something, Dongyu often extended her fingers to poke me and keep me away. That really hurt!" Because in the scene Dou Xiao held Zhou Dongyu in a big coat, Zhang Yimou could not see what was happening underneath and kept telling them to embrace tigher. Yet the tighter they embraced, Dou Xiao hurt more. He even had to make a
loving face. "It wasn't easy to complete this scene. I immediately opened up my shirt to see, my chest had two red marks!" Dou Xiao said.

Having never been in love, Zhou Dongyu felt sorry over this. "Actually I wasn't deliberate, I am just a very shy person. I don't know why the fingers were extended."

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[2010.10.29] ZHANG ZIYI PREPARES FOR MULAN

courtesy of takungpao.com


Zhang Ziyi two nights ago attended a cosmetic promotion in Beijing. Recently she has been busy with the film MULAN, studying archery and horse riding. This was her first archery lesson and she had professional athletes as trainers. However because she was thin, she lacked strength and had to train more. Reportedly the lead actor will be Wang Leehom, she honestly said that she did not know but looked forward to working with Wang Leehom. At the same time she also has been busy with THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI). Zhang Ziyi said that she still has not shot the scene with Zhao Benshen yet.

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2011 People's Choice Awards - First Round of Nominees

I love following the People's Choice Awards. I know it feels like an odd fit as I love to chat about Canadian, indie & foreign film, but there's something really fun about watching the (literal) popular vote. And I'm always curious during the show how many folks will have a Sally Field moment.

The People's Choice Awards have a two-tiered voting system. You can vote now in each category for up to 5 nominees and if you don't see your favourite listed you can add your selection under 'Other'. That's pretty sweet, I'm going to have fun adding some of my own options especially in the action star and comedic star cats that only have 3 ladies out of the 12 nominees, although those 3 nominees are up from 0 from last year - woohoo! Hopefully people voiced their opinions and made that happens. I think they could even things out even further by adding Favourite Drama Star and Favourite Horror Star with a majority of women nominees to balance things out. Lots of final girls and drama queens out there!

One huh moment was seeing Edge of Darkness, Inception and Shutter Island fit as Favorite Drama Movie nominees, but for genre categorization they only to action, drama, comedy, family & horror. So, out of those I can see how drama would be a fit even if I don't see how they quite meet the definition. I can see the effects of the genre analysis on the Movie Moxie Podcast is certainly staying on my mind! Actually, the genre film categories of action, drama, comedy, & horror are all new this year - last year they only had Favourite Family Movie and Favourite Movie. Also new this year is Favorite Movie Star Under 25 which I'm shocked I actually know who most of them are! Woot! Other changes from last year include no more Favorite Independent Film, Favorite Breakout Actor, Favorite Breakout Actress and Favorite Franchise categories.

The awards cover movies, TV and music, but I'm only looking at film here and those nominees are listed below. To see all Nominee Selections go here, and don't wait - get your votes in now as the second round of voting begins on November 9, 2010.

Favorite Movie
Alice In Wonderland
Clash of the Titans
Despicable Me
Grown Ups
How to Train Your Dragon
Inception
Iron Man 2
The Karate Kid
The Last Airbender
Shrek Forever After
Toy Story 3
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck
Bradley Cooper
Bruce Willis
Denzel Washington
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Leonardo DiCaprio
Matt Damon
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Tom Cruise

Favorite Movie Actress
Amanda Seyfried
Angelina Jolie
Cameron Diaz
Diane Lane
Gwyneth Paltrow
Jennifer Aniston
Julia Roberts
Katherine Heigl
Kristen Stewart
Queen Latifah
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scarlett Johansson

Favorite Action Movie
The A-Team
The Book of Eli
Clash of the Titans
The Expendables
Iron Man 2
Kick-Ass
Knight and Day
The Last Airbender
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood
Salt
Takers

Favorite Action Star
Angelina Jolie
Bradley Cooper
Chloe Moretz
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal
Milla Jovovich
Robert Downey Jr.
Russell Crowe
Sam Worthington
Sylvester Stallone
Tom Cruise

Favorite Drama Movie
Alice in Wonderland
Dear John
Eat Pray Love
Edge of Darkness
Inception
The Last Song
Letters to Juliet
Shutter Island
The Social Network
The Town
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Favorite Family Movie
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Despicable Me
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
How to Train Your Dragon
The Karate Kid
Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Marmaduke
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Shrek Forever After
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Tooth Fairy
Toy Story 3

Favorite Comedy Movie
The Bounty Hunter
Cop Out
Date Night
Dinner For Schmucks
Easy A
Grown Ups
Hot Tub Time Machine
Killers
The Other Guys
Sex and the City 2
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
Valentine's Day

Favorite Comedic Star
Adam Sandler
Chris Rock
Craig Robinson
Drew Barrymore
Emma Stone
Jonah Hill
Rob Corddry
Russell Brand
Steve Carell
Tina Fey
Will Ferrell
Zach Galifianakis

Favorite On Screen Team
The A-Team - Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Date Night - Tina Fey & Steve Carell
The Expendables - Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis
Grown Ups - Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Inception - Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao
Iron Man 2 - Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle
The Karate Kid - Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan
Knight & Day - Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz
The Other Guys - Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg
Sex and the City 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Toy Story 3 - Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Bonnie, Slinky Dog, Barbie, Aliens
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner

Favorite Movie Star Under 25
Aaron Johnson
Alex Pettyfer
Amanda Seyfried
Blake Lively
Chloe Moretz
Daniel Radcliffe
Elle Fanning
Ellen Page
Emily Browning
Emma Roberts
Emma Stone
Emma Watson
Hailee Steinfeld
Jaden Smith
Jamie Bell
Jennifer Lawrence
Kristen Stewart
Mia Wasikowska
Michael Cera
Robert Pattinson
Saoirse Ronan
Shia LaBeouf
Taylor Lautner
Vanessa Hudgens
Zac Efron

Favorite Horror Movie
Case 39
The Crazies
Daybreakers
Devil
The Last Exorcism
Legion
Let Me In
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Piranha 3D
Predators
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The Wolfman

This is the first of two rounds of voting, the next round will commence November 9, 2010. The People Choice Awards will be air live on January 5, 2011 on CBS.

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2011 People's Choice Awards - First Round of Nominees

I love following the People's Choice Awards. I know it feels like an odd fit as I love to chat about Canadian, indie & foreign film, but there's something really fun about watching the (literal) popular vote. And I'm always curious during the show how many folks will have a Sally Field moment.

The People's Choice Awards have a two-tiered voting system. You can vote now in each category for up to 5 nominees and if you don't see your favourite listed you can add your selection under 'Other'. That's pretty sweet, I'm going to have fun adding some of my own options especially in the action star and comedic star cats that only have 3 ladies out of the 12 nominees, although those 3 nominees are up from 0 from last year - woohoo! Hopefully people voiced their opinions and made that happens. I think they could even things out even further by adding Favourite Drama Star and Favourite Horror Star with a majority of women nominees to balance things out. Lots of final girls and drama queens out there!

One huh moment was seeing Edge of Darkness, Inception and Shutter Island fit as Favorite Drama Movie nominees, but for genre categorization they only to action, drama, comedy, family & horror. So, out of those I can see how drama would be a fit even if I don't see how they quite meet the definition. I can see the effects of the genre analysis on the Movie Moxie Podcast is certainly staying on my mind! Actually, the genre film categories of action, drama, comedy, & horror are all new this year - last year they only had Favourite Family Movie and Favourite Movie. Also new this year is Favorite Movie Star Under 25 which I'm shocked I actually know who most of them are! Woot! Other changes from last year include no more Favorite Independent Film, Favorite Breakout Actor, Favorite Breakout Actress and Favorite Franchise categories.

The awards cover movies, TV and music, but I'm only looking at film here and those nominees are listed below. To see all Nominee Selections go here, and don't wait - get your votes in now as the second round of voting begins on November 9, 2010.

Favorite Movie
Alice In Wonderland
Clash of the Titans
Despicable Me
Grown Ups
How to Train Your Dragon
Inception
Iron Man 2
The Karate Kid
The Last Airbender
Shrek Forever After
Toy Story 3
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck
Bradley Cooper
Bruce Willis
Denzel Washington
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Leonardo DiCaprio
Matt Damon
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Tom Cruise

Favorite Movie Actress
Amanda Seyfried
Angelina Jolie
Cameron Diaz
Diane Lane
Gwyneth Paltrow
Jennifer Aniston
Julia Roberts
Katherine Heigl
Kristen Stewart
Queen Latifah
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scarlett Johansson

Favorite Action Movie
The A-Team
The Book of Eli
Clash of the Titans
The Expendables
Iron Man 2
Kick-Ass
Knight and Day
The Last Airbender
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood
Salt
Takers

Favorite Action Star
Angelina Jolie
Bradley Cooper
Chloe Moretz
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal
Milla Jovovich
Robert Downey Jr.
Russell Crowe
Sam Worthington
Sylvester Stallone
Tom Cruise

Favorite Drama Movie
Alice in Wonderland
Dear John
Eat Pray Love
Edge of Darkness
Inception
The Last Song
Letters to Juliet
Shutter Island
The Social Network
The Town
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Favorite Family Movie
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Despicable Me
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
How to Train Your Dragon
The Karate Kid
Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Marmaduke
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Shrek Forever After
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Tooth Fairy
Toy Story 3

Favorite Comedy Movie
The Bounty Hunter
Cop Out
Date Night
Dinner For Schmucks
Easy A
Grown Ups
Hot Tub Time Machine
Killers
The Other Guys
Sex and the City 2
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
Valentine's Day

Favorite Comedic Star
Adam Sandler
Chris Rock
Craig Robinson
Drew Barrymore
Emma Stone
Jonah Hill
Rob Corddry
Russell Brand
Steve Carell
Tina Fey
Will Ferrell
Zach Galifianakis

Favorite On Screen Team
The A-Team - Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Date Night - Tina Fey & Steve Carell
The Expendables - Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis
Grown Ups - Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Inception - Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao
Iron Man 2 - Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle
The Karate Kid - Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan
Knight & Day - Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz
The Other Guys - Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg
Sex and the City 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Toy Story 3 - Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Bonnie, Slinky Dog, Barbie, Aliens
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner

Favorite Movie Star Under 25
Aaron Johnson
Alex Pettyfer
Amanda Seyfried
Blake Lively
Chloe Moretz
Daniel Radcliffe
Elle Fanning
Ellen Page
Emily Browning
Emma Roberts
Emma Stone
Emma Watson
Hailee Steinfeld
Jaden Smith
Jamie Bell
Jennifer Lawrence
Kristen Stewart
Mia Wasikowska
Michael Cera
Robert Pattinson
Saoirse Ronan
Shia LaBeouf
Taylor Lautner
Vanessa Hudgens
Zac Efron

Favorite Horror Movie
Case 39
The Crazies
Daybreakers
Devil
The Last Exorcism
Legion
Let Me In
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Piranha 3D
Predators
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The Wolfman

This is the first of two rounds of voting, the next round will commence November 9, 2010. The People Choice Awards will be air live on January 5, 2011 on CBS.

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[2010.10.28] ERIC TSANG RECONSIDERS FILM

courtesy of on.cc


Feng Xiaoming, Chen Daoming

Hostess Coco Chiang Yi asked Chen Daoming for golf tips but was turned down

Eric Tsang Chi Wai
courtesy of mingpao.com

Feng Xiaogang, Chen Daoming, Christian Slater
courtesy of takungpao.com

THe 2010 Mission Hill World Professional Celebrity Invitational Tournament will take place in Haihou, yesterday a press conference was held. Two nights ago Shaw's Wong Ka Hei revealed that Aunt Six Mona Fong Yat Wa did not like the I LOVE HONG KONG script, Chi Wai said, "I think he really had too much to drink." He pointed out that Aunt Six thought the script was not crazy enough, not funny enough, while he wanted to have a little Hong Kong nostalgia and humanity. Now they have been in negotiation and discussion.

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[2010.10.28] SHAW GETS ERIC TSANG TO RECONSIDER FILM


Miriam Yeung and Peter Lam Kin Ngok presented 300,000 for student development

courtesy of mingpao.com

Miriam Yeung Chin Wa performs at the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute
courtesy of takungpao.com

Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Raymond Lam Fung two nights ago attended the film PERFECT WEDDING (PO PO CHIU GAI YUN) celebration. The film's production supervisor Wong Ka Hei revealed under the influence of alcohol that Eric Tsang Chi Wai who originally was working on I LOVE HONG KONG for Shaw will no longer make this film. He explained that because boss Mona Fong Yat Wa thought the story that only revolved with Hong Kong housing project was truly too limited. Chi Wai conducted an analysis afterward and decided against making it. Wong Ka Hei pointed out that Chi Wai felt if the film was made and became a hit, it was an insult to the boss. If it performed poorly, the entire production team had no value to exist. Thus Chi Wai said that the smartest way was not to make it. Wong Ka Hei said that he has also written a letter to Chi Wai to explain to him that if he gave up the production, everyone would suffer even greater losses. Since the cinemas have already been scheduled, if the film was not made then the investment would be lost. He also pointed out that the boss' words could be treated as encouragement for everyone. Chi Wai responded to him and said that he was very pleased to see the letter. He even joked that he would frame the letter, now Chi Wai has decided to continue to make this film. As for PERFECT WEDDING's decent performance, he was very pleased. He also pointed out that his only failure so far was the earlier THE JADE AND THE PEARL (FEI CHUI MING JU) as he miscalculated Lam Fung's film draw.

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[2010.10.28] THERESA FU PERFORMS WITH HALF LIP SYNCH

Theresa Fu Wing


Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau)
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Agan directed first Asian 3D fantasy film DON QUIXOTE held its premiere two nights ago. Director Agan attended the premiere and shared the production experience. Actress Karena Lam Ka Yun's junior colleagues Theresa Fu Wing and Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) also attended and assisted with the film promotion. Other guests included Cissy Wang, Wang Yuanyuan and others. Fu Wing who sang DON's theme song INVINCIBLE (MO DIK) due to her recovering vocal cord yesterday half "lip synch" her performance. On stage he asked the crew to raise the volume of the music. Fu Wing pointed out that her vocal cord has not recovered. The doctor pointed out that she for now could not sing and had to rest for two or three months before complete recovery. Fu Wing said, "Lately I can't sleep constantly. Because I can't record, the pressure is enormous. I can't sing when I perform on the stage. The company told me to 'lip synch', I don't know to pretend to sing so I can only 'half lip synch'." Fu Wing said that earlier she completed her beach volleyball film. She hoped to be able to work on many different characters. As for elder Lam Ka Yun who just gave birth, Fu Wing said, "Ka Yun should rest more, luckily we have Sum Yau in support."

Lau Sum Yau said that lately she put on more pounds and is working on losing weight. She is also preparing for the marathon in February or March. Sum Yau said that lately she has been very busy. She said about Ka Yun becoming a mother, "I too have fantasized about being Mommy, but I never thought about when to get married and have children because the order can't be rearranged. Although I don't have to get married first, I have to have a boyfriend first." As for Lam Ka Yun bravely giving up work for her baby, Sum Yau said, "I don't feel that's daring, maybe at this moment family and baby to Ka Yun are very important."

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LISTEN NOW to the Booth Brothers LIVE from ST. Louis, Dave Glover Show, 97.1

LISTEN NOW to the Booth Brothers LIVE from ST. Louis, Dave Glover Show, 97.1 archive click on 10-26-10 DGS Hour 3 http://www.971talk.com/glover/podcast.aspx The Haunted Boy OCT 28TH TIVOLI THEATER Second Show

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50,000 plus streaming live feed of The Haunted Boy World Big Screen Premiere Event Live on Para X!

50,000 plus streaming live feed of The Haunted Boy World Big Screen Premiere Event Live on Para X! www.para-x.com
The World Big Screen Premiere Event for the hit DVD "The Haunted Boy - Secret Diary of the Exorcist" by the Booth Brothers and Spooked TV will be carried on the Para X Radio Network and Para X Television LIVE Thursday, October 21, 2010, from the historic Tivoli theater in The Loop, St. Louis, Missouri. Interviews with the Booth Brothers, stars from the show, and family members of those involved with the original exorcism, plus much more!!

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AOL NEWS: The Haunted Boy, The Chilling Story Behind the Making of 'The Exorcist'

The 1973 film "The Exorcist" is regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time. But what's even spookier is the true story of the real-life exorcism that inspired it.

With that in mind, paranormal filmmakers Philip and Christopher Booth set out to make "The Haunted Boy: The Secret Diary of the Exorcist," based on the infamous, truly terrifying story of a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly possessed by the devil in St. Louis in 1949.

To delve into the gritty details, the twin filmmakers went straight to the source: tracking down an old, secret journal written by the Rev. Raymond J. Bishop, one of the priests involved in the original exorcism of the boy, who's known by the pseudonym "Robbie Mannheim."

Spooked TV, The Booth brothers' new movie, "The Haunted Boy," stars actor Justin Goodrich.

"There are only six copies of the real, unedited diary floating around the world," Christopher Booth told AOL News. "It's a raw, 26-page account of what really happened to that boy, and it's very intense."

So what really happened to inspire William Peter Blatty's "Exorcist" horror novel and one of the most frightening Hollywood movies of all time?

The Booth brothers said the real-life exorcism case began with a boy in Maryland who developed extremely strange behavior and markings on his chest, one of which supposedly read "St. Louis."

The twins said the boy's family took it as a sign to seek help in Missouri where they had extended family. The youngster stayed at an uncle's house, and there, as the diary reveals, the apparent possession spiraled out of control.

"It started to get really scary, with the boy screaming and growling all night, keeping the neighbors up," Philip Booth explained. "So they took him to an asylum and eventually to Alexian Brothers Hospital, where the exorcism was finally successful."

Along the way, however, the Booths said incredibly chilling things occurred.

"Fourteen signed witnesses saw the boy's bed levitate. The kid broke a priest's nose and threw five grown men off him during a failed exorcism attempt," Christopher said.

"The diary also explained how the boy would write everything the devil told him to say on his bedsheets. He even drew a map of hell," Philip added.

And the spooky stuff doesn't stop there. After going through Bishop's secret diary and deciding to make a movie about it, the Booth brothers experienced their own paranormal encounters.

Along with a team of professional ghost hunters, including St. Louis-based Paranormal Task Force leader Greg Myers, the Booths visited every single location tied to the boy's exorcism, including his bedroom.

They said they set up electronic equipment to catch any paranormal sights and sounds, and what they got back was spine-tingling.

"We got a clear EVP [electronic voice phenomena] in the boy's room that was in some other language. When we had linguists study it, they determined that it was Persian for 'I am Lord, I am master,' " Christopher said. "One of the first signs of possession is speaking in unfamiliar languages."

Spooked TV
For their latest spooky flick, "The Haunted Boy," paranormal filmmakers Philip and Christopher Booth explored the real, untold story that inspired "The Exorcist" book and movie. Needless to say, they haven't been sleeping too well ever since.

They also spent some time tracking down the original furniture from the boy's bedroom, including the bed that allegedly levitated and a desk that is said to have moved on its own.

"To this day, the furniture is locked up at a military base in Illinois under strict guard. They wouldn't let us see it, but we interviewed the people who moved it into storage," Philip said. "It has to be some pretty powerful furniture to have it under lock and key like that."

"The Haunted Boy" will have its world premiere just days before Halloween, on Oct. 28 at Tivoli Theater in St. Louis, and the Booths are confident it'll leave viewers thoroughly freaked out.

"I still see black shadows in my room after making the movie," Christopher lamented.

The flick is also available on DVD, and -- get this -- it comes with a copy of the 26-page diary that made it all possible.

A little light reading, anyone?

Other News Links.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2010/10/haunted_boy_premiere_brings_ou.php

http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/the-chilling-story-behind-the-making-of-the-exorcist/19678606?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978629601

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/204570.php

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[2010.10.27] CHRISSIE CHAU BUSTS OUT UPSIDE DOWN

courtesy of singtao.com


courtesy of takungpao.com

Chrissie Chau Sau Na in the new film VAMPIRE WARRIORS (GEUNG SI SUN JIN SI) had many action scenes, including one in which she hung upside down in mid air. She slept upside down in the film. Due to gravity her figure was busting out of her sexy low cut costume and even changed shapes. For this scene, veins were popping out of her head and blood was rushing toward it.

Chau Sau Na in the film had frequent wire work. For this scene she hung upside down from the ceiling for 5 to 6 hours. She said, "This scene took more than 10 times, the blood was rushing to my head and my eyes wanted to pop out. I was dizzy and nauseous, my face was all red." Her top stood out even more in this scene. She said, "Due to gravity, the crew said it was amazing. I myself felt like I grew a cup size." Actually she was not only busting out, but hanging upside down even changed the shape of her chest. She said, "Did it transform? I don't know, but I
can prove that I am the real deal."

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Movie Moxie Podcast 12: Paranormal Activity 2, Score: A Hockey Musical, The Man from Nowhere plus Genre Look at Supernatural Films

On this weeks episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast Shannon takes a look at the theatrical releases of Paranormal Activity 2, Score: A Hockey Musical and the South Korean action flick The Man From Nowhere. Keeping it spooky just in time for Halloween the genre exploration of the week is Supernatural films. Enjoy!



MP3 File



0:00 – 1:20 - Introduction
1:20 – 9:45 – Paranormal Activity 2 Review
9:45 – 15:00 – Score: A Hockey Musical Review
15:00 – 19:40 – The Man From Nowhere Review
19:40 – 50:30 – Supernatural as a Genre
50:30 – 51:25 –The Right Trailer
51:25 – 54:10 – DVD releases
54:10 – 55:00 – Upcoming up Next Week
55:00 – 57:25 – Outro

The Rite Trailer (release date January 2010)


Show Notes

Supernatural as a Film Genre Show Notes:
Shannon's Definition of Supernatural Film: “Supernatural films is a genre that combines the commonplace natural world with supernatural, paranormal or occult showcasing ideas and encounters that which can not be explained with science.”
Supernatural as defined by Wikipedia "The supernatural or supranatural (Latin: super, supra "above" + natura "nature") is anything above or beyond what one holds to be natural and exists outside natural law and the observable universe.[1] Science limits its explanations for phenomena to natural explanations, a process known as methodological naturalism, and cannot consider supernatural explanations, as they cannot be investigated empirically."
Paranormal as defined by Wikipedia "Paranormal is a general term (coined ca. 1915–1920[1][2]) that designates experiences that lie outside "the range of normal experience or scientific explanation"[3] or that indicates phenomena that are understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure.[1][4] Paranormal phenomena are distinct from certain hypothetical entities, such as dark matter and dark energy, insofar as paranormal phenomena are inconsistent with the world as already understood through empirical observation coupled with scientific methodology"
Occult as defined by Wikipedia "The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden"
2010 Supernatural Films: The Eclipse (2010), The Last Exorcism, Legion, Paranormal Activity 2 and also last weeks release of Hereafter. Charlie St. Cloud has some supernatural elements as well.
List of all reviewed supernatural films

Supernatural Film Sub-genres & Film Recommendations:
Ghost, Spirits, Poltergiests, Haunted Houses, Communication Beyond the Grave: The Haunting (1963), The House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Amityville Horror (1975), Poltergeist, The Changeling (1980), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985), The Fog (1980), Paranormal Activity and Paranormal Activity 2.
South Korean films: The Tale of Two Sisters, Hansel and Gretel
Japan: Onibaba, The Ring and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's films especially Pulse
Thai films: Alone, Phobia & Phobia 2
Religious (i.e. Possession, Exorcisms and Demons): Stigmata, The Last Exorcism, The Exorcism of Emily Rose (drama), The Gate, The Brood, The Omen, The Exorcist (1973).
Folklore & Legend: Blair Witch Project, Sauna, Nymph and Yanggaw
Humans with powers (ESP, Telekinesis): Firestarter, Dreamscape, The Dead Zone and The Gift
Technology & Meets Magic: Brainstorm and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
My Go-to Fave: Night Watch & Day Watch

Post-recording recommendations from folks: The Others, The Orphanage - both are awesome!

Close but no cigar - not categorically supernatural (But still awesome!):
Creatures: Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies, Gollums, Succubi and Aliens.
Witches, spells, curses, magic and magick: but I would still recommend: Practical Magic, The Craft, The Covenant and Serpent and the Rainbow.

Thank you for the recommends:
Anthony Marco, NapiersNews, GenieSea, Chad Nolan, Cinema Neophyte, John, Kurt, Rob, Marjorie and Jamie for contributing suggestion on Twitter and facebook, and helping me through the mental block to remember Dreamscape!

Next Week
I'm adventuring in San Francisco this week so there will be no podcast next week, but be sure to check out the site for more fun film goodness. If you are podcast centric you can check out Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast and this week we're chatting scary film recommendations and next week it's going to be a face off between Near Dark and Lost Boys. If you are a big supernatural fan, be sure to check out Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural podcast which I cohost with my sister Suzie and we chat all about paranormal TV programs.

You can subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Or subscribe through iTunes here.

Questions & comments on the podcast are welcome, feel free to comment on this post or contact me directly by email

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