Movies
Featured Cinema Articles, Interviews and Reviews
Recent Reviews Posted on My Blog
Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
"Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay The only reason I rented Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle a few weeks back is because of seeing the trailer for this, the sequel. The scenes on the plane looked pretty funny and the whole set-up seemed like a no-brainer, so my curiosity was piqued. Anyway, I [...]"
War
"War This should have been the greatest movie ever made. Okay, that's an exaggeration (when have I ever done that?,) but it really should have been at least 75% more fun. With a set-up this preposterous (Yakuza! Ninjas! Triads! FBI! Back Alley Plastic Surgey!), one of the best screen fighters of all time and [...]"
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
"Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (Unrated Extended Edition) This one was about as funny as I'd hoped it would be. It's taken me years, and the release of the sequel, to get me really interested in seeing this movie and that too bad. This is funny stuff. Crude and puerile certainly, but it's [...]"
Iron Monkey, a review and discussion with Donnie Yen
I've been saying this for years and I have no qualms about saying it now, Iron Monkey is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. As a bonus, the version being released here in the States doesn't have me reaching for my revolver. Seriously. Buoyed by the success of Sony's Chinese language Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Miramax has gone and done what would have been unthinkable a couple of years ago- release Yuen Wo-Ping's 1993 classic basically uncut and in the original Cantonese language. Sure, with new subtitles, a new soundtrack and new sound effects it's not exactly the original version; but it's a lot closer than I ever expected to see from one of these Hollywood re-releases. Besides, since I like the new soundtrack, subtitles and sound effects, I'm actually happy with the changes. In all honesty, if they hadn't left out Wong Fei-Hung's theme, I would have no complaints at all with their handling of the film.
Will wonders never cease? Read More>>
Requiem for a Dream, a review and discussion with director Darren Aronofsky
Requiem for a Dream, the second feature from director Darren Aronofsky, provides a rare synthesis of cinematic experimentation and emotionally compelling storytelling. It's a brilliant effort. Taking the potential glimpsed in the low- budget, high energy Pi, and marrying it to Selby's powerful tale of love, dreams and addiction, Requiem for a Dream provides a jolting, heartfelt journey into the depths of the human experience. Read More>>
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
I'm biased (which I'll get into), but this is probably my favorite film of the year.
Ang Lee, the director responsible for films like The Ice Storm and Eat Drink Man Woman, here delivers a fascinating exploration of the traditional Chinese Wuxia Pian (film of martial chivalry.) With a blend of traditional elements and a modern attention to craft and character this film plays like a weird hybrid between the worlds of King Hu , Tsui Hark and Lee's own efforts. With an overalltone straight out of Hu's Dragon Gate Inn or Come Drink With Me, wild bursts of outrageous, fantastic action a' la Tsui's Once Upon a Time in China or Zu, Warrior from the Magic Mountain and Lee's own masterful appreciation of humanity. Crouching Tiger. represents a unique and welcomed achievement in genre cinema- a film that should satisfy both the genre fan and (because of its Academy blessed pedigree) the casual moviegoer. Read More>>
More favorites
District B13 review- Another new review. I'm on a roll. 2006 is ending in style.
My first review in several years- One Nite in Mongkok
A Review of The Tuxedo and an interview with the great Jackie Chan.
In The Mood For Love: If you had to choose one filmmaker working in Hong Kong today that has the requisite critical stroke to win the Academy Award® for best foreign film, Wong Kar-Wai would be the guy. Read More>>
Malena review and Guiseppe Tornatore interview
Bamboozled review and Spike Lee Interview: I spoke to Lee about this film and the review features some of his comments. Pretty cool.
Swordmasters of Hong Kong: Reviews of New Legend of Shaolin, Swordsman 2, Ashes of Time and Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain
Michelle Yeoh: Features reviews of Wing Chun, Holy Weapon, Butterfly and Sword and Heroic Trio
Turn Me Loose, an article I wrote about Hong Kong cinema for Boston's Weekly Dig. I was given free reign for a week so it's not a surprise what I came up with. The films covered are : Beast Cops, Thundering Mantis and The Blade.
City on Fire: The Hong Kong Films of Chow Yun-Fat Features a ton of capsule reviews: A Better Tomorrow I-III, City on Fire, Hard Boiled, God of Gamblers, God of Gamblers Return, Once a Thief, The Killer, Full Contact and Wild Search.
Netflix @ Home
Father Ted: Series 3: Disc 2
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Shipped on 09/23/08.
This disc includes the episode "Christmassy Ted, plus bonus features such as cast interviews and biographies, featurettes and a photo gallery."
Father Ted: Series 3: Disc 1
"Shipped on 09/19/08.
This disc includes the following episodes: "Are You Right There, Father Ted?" "Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep," "Speed 3," "The Mainland," "Escape from Victory," "Kicking Bishop Brennan Up the Arse," "Night of the Nearly Dead" and "Going to America.""
The Forbidden Kingdom
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Shipped on 09/08/08.
Kung fu legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li star in this exciting adventure about a martial arts movie fanatic named Jason (Michael Angarano) who discovers a mystical Chinese staff in a local pawnshop that transports him to war-torn ancient China. When he learns that the staff belongs to the mighty Monkey King, who's been unjustly imprisoned by an evil warlord, Jason joins a group of skilled warriors to free the captive king and return the weapon."