Movies
Featured Cinema Articles, Interviews and Reviews
Recent Reviews Posted on My Blog
Cloverfield
"Cloverfield A SPOILER FILLED REVIEW FOLLOWS. I figured I'd make that warning since so much about this movie was secretive and I'm sure there are people, like me, who still only have a vague notion about this film ("hand held?" "A monster movie?") Anyway… Hell yeah. Not only did I enjoy this movie as a fine piece of [...]"
300
"300 : I have a few notes to get out of the way: I haven't seen a movie (any movie) in nearly a month. That sucks. It's the downside of being in demand, I guess. Good with the bad, or something like that… I can't believe it's taken me this long to see this movie. Seriously. [...]"
Contempt (Le Mépris)
"Contempt Le Mépris While not my favorite of Godard's films, Contempt is still a film worth seeking out- especially in a newly restore print making the rounds. While any of Godard's films from the period are worth the time on their own merits, Contempt is most noteworthy, at least to these eyes, for being a [...]"
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
Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Collection: Vol. 3
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Shipped on 05/20/08.
This disc includes the following episodes (11-15): "The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still," "She Said, 'Don't make others suffer for your personal hatred,'" "Lilliputian Hitcher," "Weaving a Story" and "Lies & Silence / Those Women Longed for the Touch Others' Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kissed."
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Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Collection: Vol. 2
"Shipped on 05/19/08.
This disc includes the following episodes (6-10): "Rei II," "A Human Work," "Asuka Strikes!," "Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!" and "Magma Diver.""
Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Collection: Vol. 1
"Shipped on 05/16/08.
This disc includes the following episodes (1-5): "Angel Attack," "Unfamiliar Ceiling / The Beast," "The Phone That Never Rings / A Transfer," "Rain, Escape & Afterwards / Hedgehog's Dilemma" and "Rei, Beyond Her Heart / Rei I.""