Editor’s Note: To coincide with its limited release staring on October 19th, we’re republishing our Fantastic Fest review of Tai Chi Zero. Have you ever found yourself wondering “what would a film look like if you threw Street Fighter II Turbo, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, Shaolin Soccer and Red Cliff in a blender?” Well if so then you’re in luck because Stephen Fung has just that hybrid combination to offer us at the 2012 Fantastic Fest. A highly stylized period piece it shows its fondness for manga and video games that at times overshadows the story since the gimmick gets old. Still it’s really fun at times and the pick me…
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Vintage Litwak's Arcade Game Commercials From Disney's 'Wreck-It Ralph'
Back at D23 (and then again for San Diego Comic-Con) Disney unveiled the promo arcade game of Fit It Felix Jr. to promote the upcoming computer animated film Wreck-It Ralph. Then a few weeks ago they released one of their fun vintage trailers as if the actual game existed in the 8-bit arcade era. But as Fit It Felix Jr. is just one of the many games (some real, some made up) in the film, Disney has gone the extra mile and created fake trailers for each of the main games featured in the film. Anyway, the trailer for Hero’s Duty (the Halo inspired game that plays a role in the…
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Sweet Trailer…'Tai Chi Zero'
Making waves at the Toronto International Film Festival and surprising lots of genre fans at Fantastic Fest (check out our review) is the insane martial arts flick Tai Chi Zero. A bizarre hybrid of traditional kung fu films (brilliantly choreographed by Sammo Hung) and video games that you have to see to believe. It’s wacky, it’s funny, it’s all kinds of wow and perfect for the ADHD crowd as evidenced by the trailer. Have a look and let absurdity and awesomeness of Tai Chi Zero begin… If that was a bit off putting take a look at the more toned down but impressive first trailer… In the film, the first in a planned series, Yang travels to Chen…
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Some Personal Thoughts on the Legacy and Future of Ghostbusters
Among the many dreadful remakes and reboots (those already released and those in some form of production) there has been one property that, thanks in large part to production snags, has seemingly retained its dignity and integrity. Well, it looks like those hurdles have been removed, or rather disregarded because as of right now, we are going to get *shudders* a third Ghostbuters. But that’s if this ins’t just another rumor/failed promise…ugg, getting so very tired of that. So whether or not this actually pans out I thought, after a long week, I’d use this post as the perfect way to clear my head of the ongoing Ghostbusters concerns and mental threads that have just had the…
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Ohhh, Look…Nintendo Characters Reimagined In Stunning Japanese Woodblock Artwork
A few months back our friends at Geekologie featured some stellar artwork from artist Jed Henry and printmaker David Ball (of Ukiyo-e Heroes). The duo’s work in Japanese woodblock should more than delight art enthusiasts and those from the 8-bit generation. Below are some signature pieces from the collection which show their take on the more famous Nintendo properties. Among them are some stunning renditions of The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong and Castlevania to name a few. Have a look and be amazed. Also, at the bottom, are two videos that show the intricate and painstaking color process for the Mario Kart piece. The Japanese word for Wow is Sugoi, but what’s the translation for effen amazing?!…
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Official Synopsis Revealed for 'Kick-Ass 2'
In 2010, Kick-Ass had a pretty favorable cinematic run. Thanks to Matthew Vaughn‘s stylized direction and the likable cast, it successfully blended a Spider-Man level origin story with the boundary pushing content from the comic that inspired it. While I still think the film feels a little flat (despite Cage killing it as Big Daddy and Chloë Moretz giving one hell of a performance) things look more full-bodied as the returning cast and newcomers already make this sound like a home run. For those curious about what’s in store for our off-kilter heroes, read the official synopsis below: Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit:…
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Sweet Trailer…'Jack Reacher'
When it comes to action, Tom Cruise isn’t known for playing by the rules. As an operative, agent, even a vampire, he’s known to put the hurt on someone. So when justice needs to be done, he goes full on vigilante. We got just a taste of the bad-assery to come this Winter in the teaser for Jack Reacher, but now we get an deeper and more incendiary look at this story…Enjoy!! When a gunman takes five lives with six shots, all evidence points to the suspect in custody. On interrogation, the suspect offers up a single note: “Get Jack Reacher!” So begins an extraordinary chase for the truth, pitting…
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Director Tom Harper Taking the Helm of Hammer's 'The Woman In Black: Angel of Death'
A few months back we learned that Hammer films was going to make a sequel to their worldwide box office hit The Woman In Black. News just broke today which claims BAFTA nominated director Tom Harper (The Scouting Book for Boys, BBC Channel 4’s “Misfits”) has signed on to direct the next installment in the series titled The Woman in Black: Angel of Death. The announcement was made today by President & CEO of Hammer, Simon Oakes who said: “We are assembling a terrific team to bring The Woman in Black: Angel of Death to the big screen and Tom is a great addition to that family. His unique visual approach and storytelling style perfectly compliments the smart, sophisticated horror…
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[Fantastic Fest Interview]…’Sinister’ Director Scott Derrickson and Writer C. Robert Cargill
It’s been a long standing and understood notion that it is getting tougher and tougher to scare movie goers. Sometimes however, a film comes along which takes us by surprise and really give us chills. Not jump scares mind you, or excess for the sake of excess, but legitimately scary sequences that stay with us long after leaving the theater. One such film that fits the bill is the brainchild of on C. Robert Cargill and director Scott Derrickson. The duo knows their stuff and getting away from purely trite hack/slash horror that populated the 80’s, they offer not only an ultra tense ride that is pure nightmare fuel, but tangible characters…
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AMC Theatres' 'Lincoln' Q&A with Steven Spielberg & Daniel Day-Lewis
It’s getting close to the holiday season and that’s when studios unleash some of their most anticipated and sensational films. Among them is the Spielberg period-piece Lincoln. AMC Theaters recently held a Q&A with Steven Spielberg & Daniel Day-Lewis and the two, extremely talented and respected film personalities sat down to a whopping 42 minute session following the screening of their upcoming film. Spielberg always gives entertaining and immensely insightful interviews so have a look if you’re at all interested about the film (which between you and me looks like the duo can just collect their Oscars now). Enjoy! Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal…
