New FINAL DESTINATION 5 Poster!

Here's the latest image of FINAL DESTINATION 5 poster, which hits theaters on August 12 (U.S.) and August 25 (local), 2011. Check it out below.

Steven Spielberg's WAR HORSE Teaser Trailer!

One word: epic. That is how I would sum up for Steven Spielberg's upcoming war drama, WAR HORSE which will be released in U.S. on December 28, 2011 after watching the newly-released teaser trailer. Check out the video below and find out for yourself.

The Ape Shall Rise! Here's The Latest RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Poster

"Evolution Becomes Revolution". And judging by the mean-looking ape leader Caesar in the latest poster released by Twentieth Century Fox, expect all hell breaks loose when RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES invades theaters on August 4 (local) and August 5 (U.S.), 2011. Check out the image below.

Second THE THREE MUSKETEERS Trailer!

Summit Entertainment has released the second trailer for Paul W.S. Anderson's upcoming swashbuckling adventure of THE THREE MUSKETEERS, which will be available in 2D and 3D theaters on October 13 (local) and October 14 (U.S.), 2011. Check out the video below, which contains some new footage.

Update: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL Official Trailer Is Finally Here!

Earlier this week., there was a leaked bootleg French trailer for the upcoming MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL but it wasn't a clear copy and the language is French. But now, Paramount Pictures has finally unleashed the first trailer for the highly-anticipated fourth installment of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise, which hits theaters on December 16, 2011. Check out the action-packed video below.

"I Have The Power!!!".... GRAYSKULL Script Update!

Okay, maybe the word GRAYSKULL doesn't immediately springs to mind. But what about HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE? I'm sure kids who grew up in the '80s will recognize this as among the most beloved cartoon series ever made. The HE-MAN reboot has been long in development but little has been known all this while. But not until a new source has surfaced that Sony Vice President DeVon Franklin has a small update regarding the status of the GRAYSKULL script:

"One of other things I'm really excited about is we're doing a reboot of the 1980s franchise Masters of the Universe. The He-Man franchise. Very excited about that. Should have that script very soon. I'm praying that we can start figuring out how we're going to make it."

As of this moment, no director is attached and no production date has been set.

What Does Anne Hathaway's Catwoman Costume Look Like In THE DARK KNIGHT RISES?

We already seen a glimpse of Tom Hardy's Bane, and I'm sure (everybody) are anticipating how Anne Hathaway will look like in a costume as Catwoman for Christopher Nolan's upcoming THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.

Now according from HollywoodLife.com, there's a source indicated that Anne Hathaway's costume is unlike any other outfits shown from the previous movies. Here's what the source, who is apparently very close to the costume design, had to say regarding about the new outfit.

“Anne’s outfit is more tactical, like the comic book, than the previous Batman movies. She will definitely be wearing the goggles and it’s going to be less sexy than Halle Berry and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costumes. She’s going to look more like a robber. But fan boys shouldn’t be worried. This costume is going to be form-fitting enough to make Anne look smoking hot.”

The source also adds:

“Everything from the looks in her eyes, her head movements, her body–everything is so feline. The role is taking her to new places."

Personally, I can't wait how Anne is going to look like in the costume once the official photo is released online. Likewise, I have faith for both Nolan and Anne especially it is reported that Anne has been working non-stop to get in shape for the role, and even trained very hard to meet the physical requirements.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES hits theaters on July 20, 2012.

Final WU XIA Trailer!

The much-anticipated WU XIA is nearing its release date on July 21, 2011. Take a look at the final trailer below, which includes some additional footage.

300 Spinoff Is Now Called 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA With Noam Murro And Jaume Collet-Serra Eyed As Potential Directors!

Director Zack Snyder was originally going to direct a spinoff to his box-office hit, 300 (2006) but forced to back out when Warner Bros. and producer Christopher Nolan offered him MAN OF STEEL.

And now the producers of the 300 spinoff which originally known as XERXES have retitled their movie 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA. With Snyder out of the director's chair, they have shortlisted two potential candidates for the spinoff: Noam Murro (SMART PEOPLE) and Jaume Collet-Serra (UNKNOWN).

Like 300, the spinoff, 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA is also based on a Frank Miller graphic novel that will be shot with the same highly-stylized green-screen visual style. After all, the particular visual style has boosted 300 raking in at a whopping $456 million worldwide.

Fantastic Fifth TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Trailer!

I must say it's getting more and more spectacular as each new trailers unleashed for Michael Bay's highly-anticipated TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON which hits theaters this Tuesday midnight show. Now check out the fifth action-packed trailer below, with some new footage as well.

Close-Up Looks Of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Character Posters!

The highly-anticipated TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON is about to hit theaters Tuesday at midnight all across the country. Now take a look at the two character posters featuring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, below. In glorious close-ups, of course.

Oh, Wow... TOY STORY 4 Is In Working Progress?

Upon watching TOY STORY 3 last year, I strongly believe that the third entry of the highly-successful TOY STORY franchise has completed the chapter with such an achingly poetic closure. But apparently on the recent BBC's Breakfast News in an interview with Tom Hanks to support his release for his upcoming romantic comedy, LARRY CROWNE, he is being asked about the possibility of fourth installment for TOY STORY movie.

Here's what he had to say:

"I think there will be yeah. Yeah, yeah. They’re working on it now. There you go."

Wow, this is really surprising. Either the filmmakers have fresh idea about continuing the TOY STORY franchise further or the fact is that Pixar smells easy cash-in from the masses.

Well, let's wait and see how it goes from here.

Exciting IMMORTALS Second Trailer!

A brand new second trailer has emerged for director Tarsem Singh's upcoming epic IMMORTALS. Check out the video below, and I must say, this time the second trailer features more action-packed footage than before!

IMMORTALS hits theaters on November 11, 2011 (U.S. and local)

Breathtaking First Teaser Trailer For Pixar's BRAVE!

One word: wow! As usual, Pixar is the undisputed king of groundbreaking animated feature. And their upcoming dark fairy-tale fantasy, BRAVE, is certainly no exception. Check out the first teaser trailer below and be amazed by the breathtaking visuals as well as fantastic voiceover narration.

BRAVE stars Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters. The animated feature hits theaters next summer on July 22, 2012 (U.S.)

Leaked MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL French Trailer!

Oh, how lucky those French are! Take a first look at the lengthy teaser trailer for Tom Cruise's upcoming spy adventure, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL, which has leaked online. Well, it's not clear version and definitely everything is in French, but then again it's worth a look. And I must say, it looks superb, given the fact that this is director Brad Bird's (THE INCREDIBLES) very first live-action feature-movie effort!

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL hits theaters on December 16, 2011 (U.S.)

Fourth COWBOYS & ALIENS Trailer!

DreamWorks Pictures has unleashed the fourth trailer for their upcoming sci-fi western, COWBOYS & ALIENS, which hits theaters on July 29 (U.S.) and Aug 11 (local), 2011. Check out the video, which is basically more of the same but with little glimpse of new footage.

Cut Loose With Second FOOTLOOSE Poster!

Paramount Pictures has released the second poster for the upcoming remake FOOTLOOSE, which hits theaters on October 14, 2011 (U.S.) with local release is reportedly around the same month as well. Check out the image below.

Warner Bros. Is Pursuing GREEN LANTERN 2 Ahead

Despite less-than-stellar box office performances around the world, Warner Bros. has apparently moving forward for a sequel plan to GREEN LANTERN. Looks like the studio is  still believing in their franchise anyway, considering the sizable amount of investment (at a whopping $300 million!) they have poured in for GREEN LANTERN.

We can only hope the studio learn from their mistake and make a better GREEN LANTERN movie in the future.

GADOH (2009)

RATING: 3/5

Recently my friend has requested me to check out a highly-controversial local movie called GADOH (literally translated as "fight"), which was produced back in 2009. What's particularly interest me is that GADOH is banned for public screenings in local theaters by FINAS (or "National Film Development Corporation Malaysia", the central government agency for the local film industry) because of its taboo subject regarding about racism. On several occasions, there are times where FINAS has employed the police force to shut down private screenings. However, GADOH did end up premiering at the HELP University College Teaterrette on 22 May 2009. And thanks to my friend's recommendation, I managed to chance upon this banned movie via online and decided to watch it. First of all, I would like to applaud KOMAS, which is a Malaysian human rights organization, as well as the directing duo of Brenda Danker and Namron, for being daring enough to break the taboo within the confines of the Malaysian filmmaking system. No doubt GADOH is a fascinating but heavily flawed local movie worth checking out for. More on that later.

The story follows two groups of secondary school students -- one Malay gang, lead by Khairil (Mohd Zahiril Adzim) and the other one is a Chinese gang, lead by Heng (Nicholas Liew Davis) -- in which both of them regularly looking for a fight because of their racial prejudice. Because of their ugly situation, the school has been constantly subjected to bad publicity which immediately prompted the principal, Mr. Chua (Chew Kin Wah) and his fellow teachers to find immediate solution to rectify the problem as soon as possible. During the meeting, Ms. Anne (Maya Arissa Tan Abdullah) suggests the school should organize a theater club to put up a show. While the rest of the teachers are puzzled with her unconventional idea, Mr. Chua finds her suggestion particularly inspiring because the establishment of a theater club will benefit him to the politician from the Ministry of Education as well as gaining good publicity to the press.

So Anne enlisted the help of his former university classmate, Azman Hashim (Namron), a non-conformist theater activist to train those particular delinquents.

As a taboo subject that exploits the issue of racial prejudice, discrimination and hatred against each other, GADOH is interesting enough to warrant an attention. The screenplay, which are written by Namron and R.Cong, is well-intentioned. The dialogues are even realistic enough to include profanity (particularly Cantonese words) rarely seen in locally-made movie (Mind you, this is clearly not for those viewers who are easily offended by the movie's constant racial slurs between the Malays and the Chinese people). But the best thing about this movie is how the filmmakers are daring and clear enough to depict the flawed educational system that it's not just the bad students are taking the biggest blame. For a 70-minute movie, GADOH is also well-paced enough to keep me hooked all the time, thanks to the fairly crisp direction by Brenda Danker and Namron.

The actors, all mostly unknowns, are surprisingly credible. Among the noteworthy ones are Namron and Mohd Zahiril Adzim, who both give exceptionally thoughtful performances for their respective roles.

The soundtrack is also well-chosen, with particular standouts being the one from Bin Jidan's Garisan Abstrak ("Abstract Line") as well as the song in the end credits, The A.C.A.B.'s Angkasa (Space), which often accompanies the right mood for the movie.

But as good as this movie does, GADOH, as mentioned earlier, is a heavily-flawed movie. Despite all the thoughtful intention, the filmmakers seem to be taking the easy way out on resolving the situation in the utmost convenient way especially how quick between the Malays and the Chinese students befriended each other in a matter of split second after their involvement in theater club. The other gripe is how the Indian is literally depicted as minority race which is sadly neglected as thankless character (as regretfully shown by Ryan Lee Bhaskaran in his strictly caricature-like role as Raj). For this matter alone, I would like to point out -- is the filmmakers telling us that the Indian people are depicted as victim of circumstances? Plus, it's kind of odd and unrealistic to see a secondary school where the Indian people are non-existent other than Raj character involved here. Because as far as I know, bad students doesn't just occurred on Malay and Chinese people but Indians as well. Had the filmmakers balanced the act properly, the entire situation would have been justified.

Despite all the nitpicking, GADOH remains highly recommended especially for those who are curious enough what Malaysian filmmakers can do to push the boundaries. It's certainly better than most highly-publicized, big-budget local features that shown in theaters all the while. Which I would like to say, it's kind of sad that GADOH has failed to see the light of the day in local theaters because it would have gained more attention as an effective wake-up call for the public awareness.

(For those who are interested to watch GADOH online, you can find it here)

The Wachowski Brothers Are Moving Ahead For Their New Project Called JUPITER RISING!

After the critical and commercial flop of 2008's SPEED RACER, it seems that the once-immortalized Wachowski brothers who made such phenomenal success in the MATRIX trilogy, hasn't been much involved in truly interesting projects lately. That is of course, if you count their upcoming sci-fi ensemble with Tom Tykwer in CLOUD ATLAS, which is scheduled for 2012 release but the project doesn't exactly generate much interest among the public.

However, all this might change when Wachowski brothers and Warner Bros are attached on another new project called JUPITER RISING. Details are sketchy at this moment but the project is currently being prepped as quickly as possible. What's more, Warner Bros. believe that this is the project that will return the Wachowski brothers to their post-MATRIX glory.

A New Kind Of Cinematic Experience: "Smell" SPY KIDS 4 While Watching!

Ahem... smell? Well, looks like Dimension Films has gone one step ahead in digital technology by presenting Robert Rodriguez's SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD, in the revolutionary 4D experience with Aromascope!

Now what exactly is Aromascope? Here's how it works:

With each individual admission ticket, kids and parents will also receive an Aromascope card that is free of charge with easy-to-read numbers outlined. As the numbers flash on the movie screen, the audience will rub the corresponding number on their card. When each of the 8 aromas are unleashed, you will get to experience a special moment in the movie and be transported into scenes in SPY KIDS 4. This revolutionary fun attraction will takes the audience beyond sight and sound, and into a symphony of scents as the movie is coming to life.

Additionally, here's what Robert Rodriguez had to say about the latest cinematic experience.

“Families are going to love the interactivity of this new addition to the movie going experience. And best of all, you won’t have to pay extra for 4D Aromascope, which will be provided to every theater whether it be 2D or 3D.”

Bizarre, but kinda interesting. I wonder whether we get to expose such unique 4D Aromascope cinematic experience at our local cinema in the future.

FAST & FURIOUS 6 Speeds To Memorial Day 2013!

To date, FAST FIVE has raked in $206.8 million in the U.S. box-office for 8 weeks and still counting, while the current international grosses is $385.9 million. And that is a phenomenal achievement in the history of Universal Pictures.

Now Universal Pictures has moving forward with the inevitable sixth installment of the ever-popular FAST & FURIOUS franchise, with a release date has been set for Memorial Day (May 24) of 2013. According to the studio, the sixth installment will reunite its ensemble cast and director Justin Lin is attached to direct again for the fourth time in a row.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON International Poster Featuring The Other Prime... Sentinel Prime, Of Course!

Too many posters you've seen in the Hollywood version are mostly Optimus Prime graced in the front line? How about Sentinel Prime for a change? That's exactly what Paramount Pictures has done for a new international poster, in which you can see below.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON hits theaters on June 29, 2011 (U.S. and local).

COLUMBO Actor Peter Falk Dies At 83

The gravelly-voiced veteran actor, Peter Falk who won four Emmy awards as the raincoat-wearing and cigar-smoking detective in TV's Columbo (1971-2003), died Thursday at his home in Beverly Hills, California at the age of 83 . He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease, although the exact cause of his death was not released by his family.

Peter Falk also received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in two consecutive years (1960 and 1961) for MURDER, INC. and POCKETFUL OF MIRACLES. Apart from his successful stint in Hollywood movies, he was also an acclaimed stage actor who won a Tony Award for 1972's THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE.

But to general public, Falk remains best known for his iconic Lieutenant Columbo role, which happened to be one of the most beloved detective series ever made in television history.

Falk is survived by his two daughters, Catherine and Jackie Falk, and his actress wife, Shera Danese.

Kerry Washington Is In Quentin Tarantino's Shortlist For Lead Female Role in DJANGO UNCHAINED!

With Jamie Foxx already picked by Quentin Tarantino to play the title role of Django, the director has also shortlisted Kerry Washington to play Django's long-lost love, Broomhilda. Ironically both Foxx and Washington have collaborated together before in RAY (2004). Casting Kerry Washington is certainly another inspired choice for Quentin Tarantino, given the fact that she and Foxx's strong on-screen chemistry sparked in RAY. Sign her already!

DJANGO UNCHAINED comes to theaters next year on December 25, 2012.

Julia Ormond In Negotations To Play Superman's Mom, Lara Lor-Van

With Russell Crowe already been offered the role to play Superman's father Jor-El in Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL, Warner Bros. is now looking for potential actress to play Superman's biological mother, Lara Lor-Van. According to Deadline, Julia Ormond is the prime candidate to land for the role.

MAN OF STEEL is set to fly into theaters in 2012.

Heroes Are Made In America... Second CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER Trailer!

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios have released a brand new second theatrical trailer of their upcoming WWII superhero action movie, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER -- now with more footage! Check out the trailer below.

CAPTAIN AMERICA hits theaters on July 22 (U.S.) and July 28 (local), 2011.

New CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER Featuring Unmasked Chris Evans!

Well, well, the latest poster for CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER has arrived where it showcases Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) in his costume minus his trademark mask. Check out the image below.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER hits theaters on July 22 (U.S.) and July 28 (local), 2011.

Mad Magazine's SPY VS. SPY Comes Alive From Director Ron Howard!

Picture this for a moment: a live-action adaptation of the long-running comic strip called SPY vs. SPY from Mad Magazine is getting a movie treatment by.... wait a minute... Ron Howard??? Well, I'm kinda surprised about him choosing this project to direct the feature. I mean, look at his resume.

Anyway, according to Deadline, Warner Bros. is moving forward for this live-action project with Ron Howard in the director's chair, while David Koepp will be overseeing a script written by John Kamps. They promise that the movie will be a physical and highly visual action comedy pitting against two spies in ruthless fashion. Hmm... we'll see about that.

First Images For Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT Are Finally Here!

The first images from Peter Jackson's highly-anticipated prequel of THE HOBBIT have been finally released online via EW. Check out the images below, which feature our first look at Martin Freeman as Bilbo, and of course, Ian McKellan as Gandalf.

The two-part epic extravaganza is currently filming in New Zealand. The first part called THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY will hit theaters on December 14, 2012 and the second part called THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN will hit theaters on December 13, 2013.

Jason Statham. Clive Owen. Robert De Niro. Here's An Action-Packed Trailer For KILLER ELITE!

Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro -- three actors known for their tough-guy roles collaborated together for the first time in one movie, which is called KILLER ELITE. That's like an action fan's dream come true... or not. Judge yourself by checking the action-packed trailer below.

KILLER ELITE, which is directed by Gary McKendry, is based on Ranulph Fiennes' novel The Feather Man in which a group of a group of former British special forces members being hunted by a team of assassins led by Statham's character, who is a former Navy Seal. Clive Owen plays a senior field operative and member of a clandestine group protecting former special forces soldiers and their families.

The movie opens on September 23, 2011in U.S. theaters.

Michelle Yeoh Targets Oscars For THE LADY

Winning or getting nominated for an Oscar is certainly one of the grandest achievements anyone who involved in the showbiz industry. And that's exactly our international superstar Michelle Yeoh is currently aiming for. She is hoping that her upcoming role in a new movie called THE LADY, which based on the controversial life of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, will be nominated for few Oscars next year. Here's what she had to say about her wish during a press conference on the International Ipon Run 2011 recently.

"If the media continues to give the film good publicity and reviews, it could become a reality."

At the same time, she also hoped that she'll garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role. According to her statement, the shooting for THE LADY has been wrapped up early this year.

"I would like to wish her good health and stability for her country and fellow citizens. I will be actively promoting the film around the world until its premiere screening."

THE LADY is directed by Luc Besson, and is scheduled to hit theaters by the end of the year.

First Look Of Pixar's BRAVE Poster!

Pixar has never touched fairy tale stories before. Until now. And frankly it's a refreshingly change-of-pace. Check out the exclusive first look of the poster below for their latest animated feature entitled BRAVE.

Mind you, this is not some typical children's fairy tale fantasy most people might come to expect. After all, this is Pixar studio you are talking about. Always different. Always extraordinary. At least that's what director Mark Andrews is aiming here -- something darker.

"What we want to get across [with the teaser] is that this story has some darker elements. Not to frighten off our Pixar fans — we’ll still have all the comedy and the great characters. But we get a little bit more intense here.”

BRAVE hits theaters next year in U.S. on June 22, 2012.

New ABDUCTION Poster Featuring Taylor Lautner In An Action Hero Mode!

Till now, I'm kinda skeptical about Taylor Lautner being marketed as an unlikely action hero in the same vein of Matt Damon's Jason Bourne character in the BOURNE trilogy. Maybe that's just me. Anyway, Yahoo! Movies has debuted an action-packed poster featuring Taylor Lautner skidding down the glass skyscraper while holding a gun.

ABDUCTION will fight its way into theaters on September 22 (local) and September 23 (U.S.), 2011.

Get Loose! It's FOOTLOOSE Remake Trailer!

Well, like it or not, here's the remake of FOOTLOOSE directed by Craig Brewer (HUSTLE & FLOW). Newcomer Kenny Wormald takes over the role of the rebellious Ren McCormack previously immortalized by then-young Kevin Bacon in the 1984 hit musical of the same name. Now check out the new trailer below.

 FOOTLOOSE cuts loose in U.S. on October 14, 2011.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER - Photos Of Chris Evans In War-Torn Costume!

Take a look at the two new promo images from CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, which features Chris Evans in his war-torn superhero costume.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER hits theaters in July 22 (U.S.) and July 28 (local), 2011.

Jamie Foxx To Lead Quentin Tarantino's DJANGO UNCHAINED!

 

Looks like Quentin Tarantino has finally found the right actor to play the title character in his upcoming spaghetti western movie, DJANGO UNCHAINED. The actor is none others than Jamie Foxx, in which he will go under negotiations before he agrees to sign the dotted line. Will Smith was previously the first choice to play the role. I have to say that the inclusion of Foxx is certainly an inspired choice.

If Foxx agrees, he will join Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson in the ensemble cast.

DJANGO UNCHAINED will head into production later this year, and expected to hit theaters in December 25, 2012.

ATTACK THE BLOCK (2011)

RATING: 3/5

Invasion movie about a small group of people battling against otherworldly creatures is nothing new. Writer-director Joe Cornish's feature debut ATTACK THE BLOCK is one of those typical genre movies. But let me tell you this -- it's a bloody good genre movie. Not great, but satisfying just enough.

The story, in the meantime, is straightforward. Set on a rough neighborhood of a South London housing estate, the movie follows a street gang, Moses (John Boyega), Pest (Alex Esmail), Dennis (Franz Drameh), Jerome (Leeon Jones) and Biggz (Simon Howard) who mugs a nurse named Sam (Jodie Whittaker) one night when a strange object falls from a sky and crashing through the roof of a nearby car. They are curious about the object and decides to investigate, only to discover that there's an otherworldly creature which shaped like a gorilla in jet-black fur and armed with fluorescent blue, sharp teeth. However, Moses manages to kill the creature but what follows next, is that there are more creatures are arriving from the sky via falling objects. With no outside help, the street gang have to rely on themselves to save their neighborhood, which is in particular, the block to retaliate against the creatures with various kind of weapons they can get from -- baseball bats, fireworks, and even a samurai sword.

Combining the '80s monster movies of CRITTERS (1986) and gangster movies of THE WARRIORS (1979) and STREETS OF FIRE (1984), ATTACK THE BLOCK is a consistently entertaining genre mash-ups which is particularly blessed with Cornish's witty screenplay. In fact, it is his screenplay that stands the most from the like-minded genre we often seen all the while. Filled with profanity-filled but smart dialogues, Cornish knows the street lingo very well especially after spending a year researching South London youth culture before writing the screenplay. And it shows, with all the kids (especially the destined-to-be-a-bigger-star turn by John Boyega as the no-nonsense Moses) give their frighteningly believable performances as cruel street thugs who swears a lot. The movie is also frequently hilarious, with spontaneous sense of humor that mostly reflected on the criticism of rebellious youth culture, racism (black, that is), and such.

As a director, Cornish doesn't waste a lot of time with exposition but smart enough to keep the pace fast. That gives a sense of urgency that will keep the fans glued to their seats. Except it's a shame that he and cinematographer Thomas Townend prefer to shoot the action sequences with a lot of tight close-ups and shaky cameraworks. They are shot in such frantic manner that at times, I have difficulty trying to keep track, let alone enjoying the moment of the intensity showing on the screen. Still there's one particularly memorable action set-piece worth mentioning for: the exciting slow-motion finale where Moses makes his exit to outrun a bunch of otherworldly creatures waiting in the corridor. Other technical credits are top-notch, especially for Steven Price's catchy '80s-like techno music score which often keeps the movie in a consistently kinetic rhythm.

Not bad for a first-time feature filmmaker whose prior experience consisting only in TV comedy. I was pleasantly surprised and the name of Joe Cornish is definitely one of the bright filmmakers to look out for in the future.

New SECTOR 7 Poster Featuring Battle-Ready Ha Ji-Won!

Kim Ji-Hoo's upcoming monster movie SECTOR 7 has a new poster unleashed! Check out the image of tough-looking Ha Ji-Won below.

SECTOR 7 hits South Korean theaters on August 4. The movie stars Ha Ji-Won, Ahn Sung-Ki, Oh Ji-Ho, Park Chul-Min, Lee Han-Wi, Cha Ye-Ryun and Song Sae-Byuk.

More Motorbike Action! Here's QUICK Full-Length Trailer!

Finally! Here's the long-awaited, full-length trailer for Jo Beom-Gu's upcoming action thriller QUICK. Check out the explosive video below!

QUICK is set for summer 2011 in South Korean theaters.

Twisted New Teaser For Pedro Almodovar's THE SKIN I LIVE IN!

French distributor Pathe have released the first proper theatrical teaser for Pedro Almodovar's highly-anticipated THE SKIN I LIVE IN (LA PIEL QUE HABITO), which recently premiered in Cannes Film Festival. Check out the video below.

While I admit that one-minute teaser is brief, there's no doubt the controversial subject depicted in this movie should make this one of the must-see lists among movie fans! Check out the synopsis below.

Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault.

In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed a further three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig...

New PUSS IN BOOTS Poster And Trailer!

DreamWorks Animation has released the latest poster for their upcoming PUSS IN BOOTS, which arrives in theaters on November 4 (U.S.) and November 24 (local), 2011. Check out the image, as well as the trailer below.

PUSS IN BOOTS stars Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris. The movie is directed by Chris Miller.

Christina Hendricks Is Nicholas Winding Refn's Top Choice For WONDER WOMAN!

Seriously, does the world really needs a big screen version of WONDER WOMAN? I mean, I find it hard to make her character is relevant for today's era. Need more proof? The recent backlash of David E. Kelley's TV pilot Wonder Woman has been rejected by NBC studio is enough to convince that this once-hot property is no longer as demanding as it used to be.

However, Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn, whose recent movie DRIVE is a hit in Cannes Film Festival, plans to do a big screen version of WONDER WOMAN. And he has already eyeing Mad Men's Christina Hendricks for the title character. Here's what he had to say about his choice.

"If I ever get to do it, [Christina Hendricks is] going to be it."

Nothing has been confirmed yet at this moment, but it seems that the big screen version of WONDER WOMAN remains active every now and then.

Malaysian Martial-Art Movie Goes Thailand-Style With 8 JAM Trailer!

Metrowealth Pictures has recently released their successful action comedy, KONGSI which starred the currently in-demand local actor Shaheizy Sam (Read my review here). And now the studio is collaborating with the actor again in a martial-art movie called 8 JAM (8 HOURS). Check out the trailer below.

According to the trailer, 8 JAM opens in local theaters nationwide within this year. And based on the footage provided, it looks certain that the movie tries to replicate the bone-crunching fighting style ala ONG BAK (2003). Actually it's hardly surprising at all, given the fact that the movie is choreographed by the stunt director who previously collaborated with Tony Jaa in ONG BAK and TOM YUM GOONG. 8 JAM is directed by Ahmad Idham.

KL GANGSTER Is Packing More Punch... This Time With RM11 Million Box-Office Grosses!

Looks like Syamsul Yusof's action thriller KL GANGSTER has made another history in the local movie industry. Just after two weeks of its theatrical release since June 9, the movie has now raked an amazing RM11 million in the box-office! No doubt Syamsul is extremely pleased with his movie's result, and here's what he had to say about the achievement he has gained so far.

“As of today, this moment, I am really thankful. KL GANGSTER has managed to mark a history as Malaysia’s and even international best selling film (Brunei and Singapore). The victory is not just mine and staffs of SKOP Production. It is a success for all national filmmakers and also Malaysians. Congratulations to all!”

KL GANGSTER is still currently showing in theaters nationwide.