LAND OF NEW MOVIES

Sex Drive

2008-10-02T17:47:00.003+07:00

Sex Drive
Opens October 17, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 49 min.

Synopsis :

Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, and James Marsden star in this teen sex comedy concerning an inexperienced adolescent who rounds up the gang for a road trip from Chicago to Knoxville after receiving a particularly enticing message from a girl he met on the Internet. Ian (Zuckerman) has just turned 18, and he feels like the last American virgin. He works at the mall donut shop, he's taunted by his womanizing older brother, Rex (Marsden), and he's even losing ladies to his 14-year-old brother. Having struck out time and again with his dream girl and longtime best friend Felicia (Crew), Ian finally resorts to logging on and looking for a date online. In a stunning turn of events, Ian manages to chat up a beautiful blonde named Ms. Tasty, who's eager to be his first. She's fun, she's sexy, and she's everything that Ian has ever wanted in a girlfriend. The only thing preventing them from consummating their relationship now is the distance between them; Ian lives in Chicago and Ms. Tasty lives 500 miles away in Knoxville. But it's easy to pretend that you're someone you're not online, and Ian hasn't exactly been honest about his appearance in the first place. Still, he's sure he could charm Ms. Tasty all the same once he meets her in person, so he takes the advice of his best friend Lance (Clark Duke) and prepares to take Danielle up on her offer to "go all the way" for him if he "drives all the way" for her. But everyone knows that a road trip is no fun alone, so in order to keep him company on the road Ian invites Lance and Felicia along for the ride. Later, after stopping off to party at an Amish rave and facing a series of hilarious setbacks, Ian finally meets the girl of his dreams. Unexpectedly, things don't go quite as planned, leaving a conflicted Ian to wonder if he's gone out searching for something that he could have found back home, had he only known where to look. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Clark Duke, Amanda Crew, James Marsden, Seth Green

Director: Sean Anders

Genres: Road Movie, Teen Movie, Comedy

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Max Payne

2008-10-02T17:34:00.002+07:00

Max Payne
Opens October 17, 2008

Synopsis :

Rockstar Games' double-gunned action franchise comes to the big screen thanks to director John Moore (The Omen) and Mark Wahlberg, who embodies the title character of Max Payne, a widowed cop hell-bent on delivering justice no matter what the cost as he investigates a string of killings in his city. Mila Kunis and Chris O'Donnell head up the supporting cast, with Beau Thorne adapting the screenplay for the 20th Century Fox production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Chris O'Donnell, Beau Bridges, Ludacris

Director: John Moore

Genres: Action Thriller, Action

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Quarantine

2008-10-02T17:28:00.004+07:00

Quarantine
Opens October 10, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 29 min.

Synopsis :

Jay Hernandez, Jennifer Carpenter, and Johnathon Schaech star in this remake of Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza's successful, Spanish-language horror film [REC], which follows a television reporter and her cameraman as they fall under a mysterious quarantine issued on an inner-city apartment building. Television reporter Angela Vidal (Carpenter) and her trusty cameraman (Steve Harris) were documenting a night in the life of a Los Angeles fire station crew when the firefighters were summoned to a nearby apartment building to answer a routine 911 call. Upon arriving at the scene, Angela and company discover that police have already arrived to investigate the blood-curdling screams ringing out from one of the apartments. One of the women living in the building has been infected with something terrible, but what? When a few of the other residents are viciously attacked, they try to escape and discover that the CDC has quarantined the building. The officials in charge won't relay any information to those trapped inside the building, and it's impossible to seek information from the outside since telephone, Internet, television, and cell-phone access have all been cut off. By the time the quarantine is lifted, the intrepid cameraman's chilling footage provides the only evidence of the horrors that unfolded on that terrible night. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Columbus Short, Jay Hernandez, Johnathon Schaech, Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris

Director: John E. Dowdle

Genres: Horror

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The Express

2008-10-02T17:21:00.003+07:00

The Express
Opens October 10, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 9 min.

Synopsis :

Finding Forrester star Rob Brown steps into the cleats of Heisman Trophy-winning gridiron giant Ernie Davis in director Gary Fleder's inspirational sports docudrama. As a young boy reared not far from the northern Pennsylvania state line, Davis dreamed of blasting through the end zone and scoring a triumphant touchdown while fans rose to their feet and cheered. When Davis later became a star running back for the Syracuse Orangemen, his dreams were finally on the way to becoming a reality. Under the wing of coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), it seemed as if there is nothing that could stop Davis from entering into the annals of sports history; even during an era in which the civil rights movement was just gaining momentum, this fledgling gridiron giant never once doubted his ability to rise to the top. When Davis was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after being drafted into the NFL, however, his will to survive soon eclipsed his dreams of success. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Omar Benson Miller, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Charles S. Dutton

Director: Gary Fleder

Genres: Biopic [feature], Sports Drama, Drama

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City of Ember

2008-10-02T17:14:00.006+07:00

City of Ember
Opens October 10, 2008

Synopsis :

Oscar-winning Monster House director Gil Kenan takes the helm for this children's fantasy concerning two teens who attempt to solve an ancient mystery in time to prevent their illuminated city from being swallowed by darkness. The cast includes Bill Murray, Toby Jones, Saoirse Ronan, Tim Robbins, and Martin Landau, with a script by Tim Burton collaborator Caroline Thompson from a book by Jeanne DuPrau. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Bill Murray, Toby Jones, Saoirse Ronan, Tim Robbins, Martin Landau, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Harry Treadaway

Director: Gil Kenan

Genres: Children's Fantasy, Fantasy Adventur

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Body of Lies

2008-10-02T17:02:00.004+07:00

Body of Lies
Opens October 10, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 8 min.

Synopsis :

Fresh off of their success with director Martin Scorsese's The Departed, star Leonardo DiCaprio and screenwriter William Monahan team with director Ridley Scott for this screen adaptation of David Ignatius' novel Body of Lies. When CIA operative Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) uncovers evidence indicating that a major terrorist leader may be operating out of Jordan, he enlists the aid of CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) in infiltrating the elusive saboteur's vast underground network. During the course of his dangerous mission, Ferris gradually comes to question how much he can trust his presumed allies -- who include not just Hoffman, but the outwardly helpful head of Jordanian intelligence as well. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac

Director: Ridley Scott

Genres: Political Drama, Drama

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Eagle Eye

2008-10-02T16:56:00.003+07:00

Eagle Eye
Opened September 26, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 58 min.

Synopsis :

Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monaghan star in Disturbia director D.J. Caruso's race-against-time thriller concerning two strangers thrust together by a mysterious telephone call, and their frantic efforts to discover why they have inexplicably become the nation's most wanted fugitives. Jerry Shaw (LeBouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) were complete strangers at the beginning of the day, but that changed the instant a strange woman called to threaten both their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Suddenly forced into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, Jerry and Rachel must now take orders from a woman who's using everyday technology to track and control their every move. As the situation intensifies and the hapless duo are deemed the country's most wanted fugitives, they must work together in order to discover who it was that turned their lives upside down, and what they can do to thwart the criminal mastermind's cunning yet diabolical plan. Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, and Anthony Mackie co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie

Director: D.J. Caruso

Genres: Chase Movie, Sci-Fi Action, Thriller, Paranoid Thriller

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Nights in Rodanthe

2008-10-02T16:49:00.003+07:00

Nights in Rodanthe
Opened September 26, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 37 min.

Synopsis :

Adapted from author Nicholas Sparks' popular romance novel, director George C. Wolfe's Nights in Rodanthe tells the tale of a doctor (Richard Gere) en route to reconcile with his estranged son when his benevolent mission is sidelined upon checking into a North Carolina beach-town inn. When the doctor arrives at the inn, he enters into a passionate affair with an unhappily married woman (Diane Lane) who is currently considering divorce. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis, Becky Ann Baker, Scott Glenn

Director: George C. Wolfe

Genres: Romantic Drama, Romance

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Lakeview Terrace

2008-10-02T16:37:00.004+07:00

Lakeview Terrace
Opened September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 50 min.

Synopsis :

An interracial couple moves into their California dream home, only to find themselves the target of their volatile next-door neighbor -- a racist LAPD officer -- in this tightly wound thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington, Ron Glass, Justin Chambers

Director: Neil LaBute

Genres: Psychological Thriller, Thriller

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Fireproof

2008-10-02T16:29:00.004+07:00

Fireproof
Opened September 26, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 2 min.

Synopsis :

A heroic fireman locked in a failing marriage accepts his father's challenge to take part in a 40-day experiment designed to teach both husband and wife the true meaning of commitment in this faith-based marriage drama starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. When he's battling blazes, Capt. Caleb Holt (Cameron) adheres to the old firefighter's adage about never leaving your partner behind; back at home, it's an altogether different story. Caleb and his wife Catherine (Bethea) have been married for seven years, but lately arguments over career, housework, finances, and outside interests have driven the once-happy couple hopelessly apart. Just as Caleb and Catherine prepare to officially dissolve their marriage, Caleb's father John (Harris Malcolm) presents his son with a most unusual challenge: commit to a 40-day experiment called "The Love Dare," and take one last shot at saving his marriage. While at first Caleb agrees to take a chance on "The Love Dare," the discovery that it's closely tied in with his parent's newfound faith causes him to momentarily reconsider. Still, Caleb carries on with the experiment despite being constantly rejected by his skeptical, embittered wife. When Caleb asks his father how he can be expected to love someone who refuses to give him a fair chance, John tells his son that this is precisely the same love that God shows for humankind. Now, with a little help from above, the man who makes headlines for saving lives will fight to be a hero to the one person who matters most -- his wife. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Jason McLeod, Stephen Dervan

Director: Alex Kendrick

Genres: Marriage Drama, Drama, Religious Drama

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Igor

2008-10-02T16:12:00.005+07:00

Igor
Opened September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 26 min.

Synopsis :

John Cusack leads an all-star voice cast featuring Jay Leno, Molly Shannon, John Cleese, Jeremy Piven, Steve Buscemi, and Jennifer Coolidge in this computer-animated comedy about a gifted scientist who happens to have been born with a most unfortunate deformity. Igor (voice of Cusack) may have been born with a brilliant mind, but unfortunately everyone around him is too distracted by his pronounced hunchback to notice. Forced to serve as a lowly lab assistant to nefarious scientist Dr. Glickenstein (voice of Cleese), Igor longs for the day he will become a mad scientist, take top prize at the Evil Science Fair, and finally win the heart of village vixen Gretchen. Every year, mad scientists from all of the local villages converge on Malaria to compete in the annual Evil Science Fair -- an event that always features an abundance of death rays, earthquake generators, and man-eating plants. This year, Igor's village manages to take the top prize, too. But despite the fact that his lab receives a substantial government reward, the king confiscates the invention to be used in Malaria's defense program. Unlike the other Igors, this hunchbacked genius longs to change the world in ways his master could have never imagined, and when Dr. Glickenstein dies just two weeks before the latest Evil Science Fair, he seizes the opportunity to shine. Carefully covering up Dr. Glickenstein's death, Igor enlists the aid of angry brain-in-a-jar Brian and insecure re-animated rabbit Scamper to create an enormous, hideous creature of unparalleled strength. Trouble arises, however, when the creature turns out to be a female monster with a heart of gold. Unable to comprehend the concept of evil, the creature believes that Igor has named her "Eva," and longs for the day she will become a respected actress. With the Evil Science Fair fast drawing near, Igor has just two weeks to turn Eva the sweetheart into Evil the rampaging nightmare. Now, in order to win the competition, Igor works tirelessly to convince Eva that the Evil Science Fair is actually an audition for a twisted stage version of Annie, and that in order to win the lead role she must immerse herself in the evil character and never reveal her inner goodness. But as the "rehearsals" get underway, the nosy villagers come snooping around the castle, the malevolent Dr. Schadenfreude schemes to claim Eva as his own, and Igor slowly starts falling in love with his creation while realizing that life as a mad scientist may not be so glamorous after all. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Eddie Izzard, Arsenio Hall, Sean Hayes

Director: Tony Leondis

Genres: Creature Film, Comedy, Family-Oriented Comedy

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My Best Friend's Girl

2008-10-02T16:02:00.005+07:00

My Best Friend's Girl
Opened September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 43 min.

Synopsis :

Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, and Alec Baldwin star in this romantic comedy about a man (Cook) who makes his living convincing women to run back into the arms of the men they have recently dumped by taking them on the worst possible dates imaginable. The nightmare lothario's lucrative scheme hits an unexpected hitch, however, when he is hired by his best friend to take out the beauty he longs to win back. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Alec Baldwin, Jason Biggs, Lizzy Caplan

Director: Howard Deutch

Genres: Romantic Comedy, Comedy

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Miracle at St. Anna

2008-10-01T16:11:00.003+07:00

Miracle at St. Anna
Opened September 26, 2008 | Runtime:2 hr. 40 min.

Synopsis :

Spike Lee's World War II film Miracle at St. Anna begins in 1983 with Hector Negron, a veteran of that war, unexpectedly shooting a customer dead. Police discover that the suspect, a quiet postal worker, kept a statue head worth millions of dollars in his apartment. An eager young reporter (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) interviews Negron in his cell about the mysterious artifact. While serving in the all minority 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" division, Negron and three comrades managed to sneak deep into enemy territory in Italy. One of the men, Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller), had picked the head up while they were serving in Florence and believes it brings him good luck. Negron (Laz Alonso), along with their sergeant (Derek Luke) take refuge in the Italian village of St. Anna, harbored by locals who are resisting the Nazi's - who themselves surround the area. Train also protects an injured Italian boy he discovers while investigating a seemingly abandoned dwelling. Eventually, the soldiers make contact with their superiors, and are ordered to capture a German so that he may be interrogated about an upcoming attack. Lee adapted Miracle at St. Anna from a novel by James McBride, who also penned the screenplay. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Cast: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Valentina Cervi

Director: Spike Lee

Genres: War Drama, War

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Ghost Town

2008-10-01T15:30:00.005+07:00

Ghost Town
Opened September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 43 min.

Synopsis :

Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear star in director David Koepp's fantasy comedy concerning a dentist who gains the ability to communicate with the dead after momentarily dying during a routine dental surgery. When the dearly departed begin requesting that the dentist act as a point person between the living world and the spirit realm, he does his best to ensure that the messages of the dead reach their intended recipients. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell, Dana Ivey

Director: David Koepp

Genres: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy Comedy, Comedy

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Choke

2008-10-01T14:59:00.004+07:00

Choke
Opened September 26, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 32 min.

Synopsis :

Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) has got some problems -- when he's not at Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings haunting for women to bed, he masquerades as a choking victim in restaurants as a scheme to to gather money from unsuspecting strangers, which he uses to keep his ailing mother (Anjelica Huston) in a high end extended-care facility for her extreme dimensia. But what happens when this messed up Colonial-era theme-park employee finds Mrs. Right in the guise of his mother's doctor -- and how can he give their relationship a try when she tells him he's the next coming of Jesus Christ? Based on Chuck Palahniuk's (Fight Club) pitch-black comedic novel, Choke is adapted and directed by David Mamet alumni Clark Gregg, whose career spans stage, screen, and TV work as well as a screenplay credit for Robert Zemeckis's 2000 thriller What Lies Beneath. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston, Kelly MacDonald, Brad Henke, Clark Gregg

Director: Clark Gregg

Genres: Black Comedy, Sex Comedy, Comedy

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The Duchess

2008-10-01T14:44:00.004+07:00

The Duchess
Opened September 19, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 49 min.

Synopsis :

Director Saul Dibb takes the helm for this period drama adapted from Amanda Foreman's best-selling novel Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, documenting the romantic entanglements of the beautiful Georgiana Cavendish (Keira Knightley), a beautiful and clever woman who becomes a celebrity of British high society when she marries the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes) and becomes consort to one of the most powerful men in England. Beloved for her trend-setting fashion designs as well as her political activism, Georgiana's fire and wit make her a beloved figure everywhere but her own home, where her cold and distant husband's control over her is stifling, soon sending her into the arms of a another man - an act that soon forces her to learn about the brutal difference in the rights afforded to 18th century men and women. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell

Director: Saul Dibb

Genres: Romantic Drama, Period Film, Drama

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Superhero Movie

2008-09-13T22:49:00.006+07:00

Superhero Movie

Synopsis :

After spoofing disaster films in Airplane!, police shows in The Naked Gun, and Hollywood horrors in Scary Movie 3 and 4, producer David Zucker sets his satirical sights on the superhero genre with this anarchic comedy lampooning everything from Spider-Man to X-Men and Superman Returns. Shortly after being bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly, high-school outcast Rick Riker (Drake Bell) begins to experience a startling transformation. Now Rick's skin is as strong as steel, and he possesses the strength of ten men. Determined to use his newfound powers to fight crime, Rick creates a special costume and assumes the identity of The Dragonfly -- a fearless crime fighter dedicated to keeping the streets safe for law-abiding citizens. But every superhero needs a nemesis, and after Lou Landers (Christopher McDonald) is caught in the middle of an experiment gone horribly awry, he develops the power to leech the life force out of anyone he meets and becomes the villainous Hourglass. Intent on achieving immortality, the Hourglass attempts to gather as much life force as possible as the noble Dragonfly sets out to take down his archenemy and realize his destiny as a true hero. Craig Mazin writes and directs this high-flying spoof featuring Tracy Morgan, Pamela Anderson, Leslie Nielsen, Marion Ross, Jeffrey Tambor, and Regina Hall. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald, Kevin Hart, Brent Spiner

Director: Craig Mazin

Genres: Parody/Spoof, Comic-Book Superhero Film, Absurd Comedy, Comedy

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Surfer, Dude

2008-09-13T22:19:00.003+07:00

Surfer, Dude
Opened September 12, 2008

Synopsis :

Hands on a Hard Body director S.R. Bindler directs this wave twisting tale of a soul searching surfer (Matthew McConaughey) in the midst of an existential crisis. Steve Addington (McConaughey) is an herb-toking long-boarder with a keen sense of balance and a mellow outlook on life. Upon returning to his hometown of Malibu to spend the summer with old friends, Steve begins to sense that the good vibes he remembers as a boy have been hopelessly corrupted by the powers that be. When the earthen surfer is faced with the prospect of expanding into virtual reality video games and reality television or risk being rendered irrelevant, he opts to keep riding the majestic Southern California waves rather than participating in this new digital reality. Fate seems to intercede, however, when the ocean simply ceases to produce any suitable waves. His finances dried up, his sponsored expense accounts suddenly cancelled, and his friends flocking off to bluer pastures, the surfer without a wave suddenly realizes that he has but two choices in life: he can either sit tight and try to keep his sanity until the waves come rolling in again, or finally give in to the Man and his intoxicating world of artificial amusements. Perhaps with a little wisdom from his trusted manager (Woody Harrelson), his ageing mentor (Scott Glenn), his guardian angel (Willie Nelson), and his newfound muse (Alexie Gilmore), Addington can somehow manage to maintain his mellow just long enough to put it all into perspective and get back to the basics. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Alexie Gilmore, Jeffrey Nordling, Woody Harrelson, Scott Glenn

Director: S.R. Bindler

Genres: Comedy

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Macross F

2008-09-13T21:42:00.002+07:00

Macross F
Kuwashima Houko | Fukuyama Jun | Kamiya Hiroshi | Kawamori Masaharu (Director)

Premiering in April 2008, Macross Frontier is the third television anime series to spin from the popular Macross universe. Produced in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the original series with Kawamori Shoji onboard as supervising director, the series is a mixture of 2-D and 3-D animation from studio Satelight which also animated the Macross Zero OVA. Macross F revolves around stunningly fair-featured pilot-in-training Saotome Alto. The aloof teen is in constant friction with his father who disapproves of his flying. Other than that, galactic teen life on Macross F is as normal as ever, between listening to pop idol Sheryl Nome, competing with friend and rival Mikhail, and fulfilling his duties as a member of the S.M.S. Skull Squadron. Alto is called into action to man the new VF-25 aerospace fighter when alien mecha called Vajira begin attacking the Macross fleet.~yesasia~

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Shamo

2008-09-13T21:38:00.002+07:00

Shamo
Shawn Yue (Actor) | Francis Ng (Actor) | Annie Liu (Actor) | Pei Wai Ying

Soi Cheang, the director behind the nihilistic hit Dog Bite Dog, veers into even more extreme territory with the unique comic adaptation Shamo. Based on a manga by Hashimoto Izo, Shamo assembles one of the coolest casts in recent memory to tell a dark, funny, and exceptionally violent tale of madness, revenge, and the will to survive. The ubiquitous Shawn Yue adds to his diverse filmography by taking on the demanding lead role, and is joined by Francis Ng (The Mission), Bruce Liang (Kung Fu Hustle), Annie Liu (Exodus), Dylan Kuo (Taiwanese drama The Outsiders), Japanese kickboxer Masato (Lethal Ninja), and Terri Kwan (Turn Left, Turn Right). An extreme manga movie told with skewed angles, unexpected art direction, and more than a little creative craziness, Shamo is as entertaining a mix of Japanese and Hong Kong pop culture as you'll find. Convicted of murdering his own parents in a fit of insanity, Ryo Ishibashi (Shawn Yue) is thrown in a harrowing juvenile detention center, where he's physically and sexually assaulted, pushing him to the brink of suicide. But Ryo is rescued from the abyss by Kenji Kurokawa (Francis Ng), an eccentric karate teacher who instructs Ryo how to become a human weapon. The training gives Ryo the will to live, and once he leaves prison, he decides to test his skills in the extreme fighting tourney Lethal Fight, challenging reigning champ Naoto Sugawara (Masato) to a winner-take-all match. But Ryo is still searching for his missing younger sister, Natsumi (Pei Pei, Dog Bite Dog), who descended into prostitution after Ryo was jailed. During his search, Ryo chances upon another prostitute, Megumi (Annie Liu), who comforts him and gives him the strength to move forward, leave his past behind, and battle for his ultimate goal: defeating Sugawara in the Lethal Fight championship.~yesasia~

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Sparrow

2008-09-13T21:32:00.002+07:00

Sparrow
Kelly Lin (Actor) | Simon Yam (Actor) | Gordon Lam (Actor) | Lam Suet

Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival with stops at the Udine Far East Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival, Johnnie To's Sparrow is certainly well-traveled. The award-winning director took three years to make this gorgeous little film characterized by vibrant locations and heaps of entertaining style. To enlisted many of his regular players for Sparrow - including Simon Yam, Kelly Lin, Gordon Lam, Lo Hoi Pang, and Lam Suet - and each plays their part with solid, practiced charisma. But this is clearly Johnnie To's show, and the director delivers an engaging cinema love letter demonstrating his affection for both his city and the movies. This whimsical thriller creates a glamorous Hong Kong filled with gentleman pickpockets, elegant damsels, and unspoken honor amongst thieves. As lovely and enjoyable as it is breezy and smart, Sparrow is a Hong Kong movie with grace, wit, and abundant cinematic pleasure.

The dapper Kei (Simon Yam) leads a four-man team of pickpockets (played by Gordon Lam, Kenneth Cheung, and Law Wing Cheong), each adept at relieving unsuspecting tourists of their valuables. But their daily thievery is interrupted when Chung Chun Lei (Kelly Lin) enters their lives, bringing with her an elegance and mystery that immediately attracts. She approaches each man separately, drawing each in like moths to a flame, but what's her angle? Is she a thief? A damsel in distress? And why is she constantly on the run from suit-wearing thugs? Chun Lei most definitely means trouble, as her interference - and a sultry cry for help - threatens the foursome's solidarity. Ever the experienced leader, Kei knows that it's best for pickpockets to keep a very low profile, and desires for his men to attract as little attention as possible. But when Kei's skills are challenged by an elder, more experienced thief, he goes all in, risking everything to help Chun Lei.~yesasia~

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Hong Gil Dong

2008-09-13T21:23:00.002+07:00

Hong Gil Dong
Sung Yu Ri | Jang Geun Suk | Kang Ji Hwan

Throw away any preconceptions you may have about Korean period dramas 'cause imagination runs wild in KBS's outrageous new drama Hong Gil Dong! Touted as Korea's first ever small-screen fusion period comedy, this quintessential drama puts a major comical spin on one of the most notorious fictional characters in Korean history - Hong Gil Dong, Korea's own Robin Hood. Kang Ji Hwan (Capital Scandal) stars as Hong Gil Dong opposite Sung Yu Ri (The Snow Queen) who plays his romantic counterpart. Jam-packed with hours and hours of spectacular martial arts scenes and wire action combined with witty, funny episodes, the drama breaks through the stereotypes of its genre, meshing in modern day culture into the plot. (Look for Hong Gil Dong's perm hairdo and cool sunglasses, and also disco lights and techo music setting up the mood in a geisha brothel.) Moreover, the drama features plenty of outrageous parodies and an unusual parade of characters from famous Korean folk tales like Sim Chung and Choon Hyang.

Born the illegitimate child of a nobleman, Gil Dong (Kang Ji Hwan) was bullied and ostracized throughout his childhood. Always in deep resentment, Gil Dong grows up to be the town's menace, wreaking havoc everywhere he goes. But with the help of a monk who sees more in Gil Dong, the once lowlife troublemaker transforms into a man of greatness fighting against social injustice by stealing from the wealthy and distributing to the poor. Meanwhile, Chang Hui (Jang Geun Suk) who was betrayed by his own brother, the current King of Joseon, carefully plans to take over the throne. While heading back to Joseon from China, he runs into Yi Nok (Sung Yu Ri), and later develop feelings for her. Young and carefree, Yi Nok, who was raised by her grandfather in China, befriends Gil Dong and Chang Hui. Both Yi Nok and Gil Dong help Chang Hui to see the light in what makes a true king.~yesasia~

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Sex is Zero 2

2008-09-13T21:20:00.005+07:00

Sex is Zero 2
Lim Chang Jung | U Che Young | Song Ji Hyo | Yoon Je Kyun (Director)

Sex is Zero, the wild, raunchy sex comedy that exploded the Korean box office with over 4.5 million moviegoers in 2002, unveils its sequel Sex is Zero 2. Prepare for an upgraded suite of sexual gags and bathroom humor surrounding a bunch of hormone-raging college students. All of the original gang is back in action for the second installment with the exception of Ha Ji Won who makes a brief cameo appearance in the opening scene. Leading the pack of testosterone-wired hyenas are Lim Chang Jung (Scout) and Choi Sung Kook (Master Kims) who offer plenty of ad-libs (and libidos!) throughout the film. The sequel sold 1.5 million tickets in just two weeks with much media buzz over its sexual content, language, and nudity, plus the film's new additions Song Ji Hyo (Wishing Stairs) and Lee Hwa Seon (Seducing Mr. Perfect). Keeping in tune with the current trend, the visually enticing aerobic girls from the original are now flashing more flesh than ever as varsity swimmers and the martial arts club is sporting more kicks and punches as a K-1 fight club. Also be sure to indulge in a little guilty pleasure as the film's funniest bloopers roll out during the end credits. Though not for the faint of heart as many of the scenes are larded with shocking, in-your-face sexual innuendoes, the film sprinkles in some heartwarming, tender moments that makes this comedy classic sweeter the second time around.

How to advance beyond first base? That's what Eun Sik (Lim Chang Jung) wants to know. Although into the third year of their relationship, Eun Sik and his curvaceous varsity swimmer girlfriend Kyung Ah (Song Ji Hyo) have yet to venture beyond the kissing stage. Deeply frustrated, Eun Sik explores other ways of relieving himself from the growing demands of his raging hormones with a little assistance from a naked female statue outside campus. Appalled at his friend's desperate and somewhat embarrassing measure, playboy Sung Kook (Choi Sung Kook) comes to Eun Sik's rescue and offers his invaluable "wisdom" on making a home run, but Eun Sik's new behavior shocks Kyung Ah. Just as Kyung Ah's agonizing over why her wholesome boyfriend has suddenly turned into a pervert, dashing prosecutor Ki Joo shows up to sweep her off her feet with his suave lady-killer charm, signaling the start of a very tight race for the bed.~from yesasia~

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Unforgettable

2008-09-13T21:08:00.002+07:00

Unforgettable
Lee Chang Hoon | Yoo Seung Ho

Going Home's young hero Yoo Seung Ho returns to the silver screen in Unforgettable, a film that is likely to be his very last child act as the young actor has transformed into a dashing teenager since the completion of the film. Set on a remote island in South Jeolla province during the '70s, this touching tale revolves around a group of rural youngsters who dream of going on a school field trip to the big city of Seoul. Evoking fond memories of one's childhood, the story takes the audience back in time to the age of innocence and offers a refreshing break from the growing number of problems plaguing today's Korean educational system.

Gil Soo (Yoo Seung Ho) lives on a small remote island - so tiny that only twelve students make up his school's entire constituency. One day, his schoolteacher tells them of an upcoming field trip to a cookie factory located in Seoul. It's a dream come true for Gil Soo and his schoolmates, but their hopes are quickly crushed when their frugal parents refuse to send them. Nonetheless, the kids decide to raise the fund for the trip by themselves, finding odd jobs selling dug-up clams and ice cream on the streets. But as time passes, the prospect of seeing those skyscrapers looks increasingly bleak.~yesasia~

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Santamaria

2008-09-09T23:18:00.002+07:00

Santamaria
Jung Woong In | Shoo (S.E.S.) (Actor) | Sung Ji Ru

Chungmuro unveils its new comic duo Jung Woong In (My Boss, My Teacher) and Sung Ji Ru (The Customer Is Always Right) in Santamaria, a hilarious comic romp about a pair of longtime rivals who simply can't stand each other. Sparks fly between the two leads as they duke it out on screen trying to thwart and outwit each other every chance they get; but an unexpected event sheds new light into their relationship, bringing them closer than ever. Filmed entirely on location in the tranquil seaside town of Youngduk, Santamaria catches nature's breathtaking scenic views on camera. Also watch out for the debut acting performance by singer-turned-actress Yoo Soo Young (better known as Shoo of pop sensation SES) and the highly charged free-style brawl scene that will have you at the edge of your seat.

Il Doo (Jung Woong In) and Ho Cheol (Sung Ji Roo) are inseparable, though not by choice. Call it karma or fate, they share a long history that spans fifteen years, starting from high school to military service, and now here in the beautiful town of Youngduk where Ho Cheol works as a reckless taxi driver and Il Doo as a traffic cop. Both carry a deep resentment towards each other: Ho Cheol for having lost his first love to Il Doo when they were attending high school and Il Doo for undergoing a life in hell during his time in the military service thanks to his senior officer Ho Cheol who saw the opportunity as perfect payback time. Nevertheless, when Il Doo's son is kidnapped, it's none other than Ho Cheol who comes to his friend's rescue. ~yesasia~

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