So Long! 2008

In a matter of hours, 2009 will be right at our doorstep. We hope the year has been good to you and we can only wish for the best in the coming year. - Don't forget our columnists' top 10 movies of 2008 , The year's top 5 soundtracks and - Our favourite top 10 posters. So Long! 2008. Meet you right here in 2009!

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Here's your chance to see this Werner Herzog film which never got a theatrical release in Singapore, "Rescue Dawn" starring Christian 'Dark Knight' Bale. Academy Award Winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. on the other hand is a Border Patrol Officer in "Linewatch" while the handsome Wu Chun and bubbly Charlene Choi are torn apart by fate in "Butterfly Lovers". So much choices if you intend to stay at home.

LOST: The Complete 4th Season

What's going on? Who is that? What the hell happen? When is this? Where are they REALLY? These question may be ultimately the main goal for such avid viewers but fear not, some are answered in this season but alas as any good JJ Abraham TV series, they throw back at you twice as much new questions. So did Lost Fourth Season got its wow back? Read More>

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The home entertainment releases get into a biting frenzy with "Anaconda 3: Offspring". Which is scarier? David Hasselhoff or the CG reptiles? The Derek Yee produced horror thriller "Forget Me Not" might end up better than expected. As for the younger ones, the direct-to-video animation "Open Season 2" should help to glue them on their seats for an hour or so. Just Relax. Watch Movies.

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It's the festive season and most of us should be taking a break from work before 2009 strikes upon us. Time to check out some new releases from the home entertainment section. If you prefer a comedy, you might like "The Luckiest Man" starring Nat Chan and Bosco Wong. Or something thought-provoking? The Chen Shi-Zheng directed "Dark Matter". Prefer a little gore and thrill? "The Devil's Chair" might do the trick. More coming right up...

Ai Iijima (1972 - 2008)

While everyone is celebrating X'mas, former Japanese AV superstar Ai Iijima (飯島愛) was found dead in her apartment yesterday. Police is still investigating the cause. Ai Iijima was a legend in the AV circle in the 90's, later on she ventured into singing, writing and hosting after her retirement from her reel career. She was 36 years old.

InnoForm Media invests in King of Fighters

InnoForm Media is proud to announce that it will be co-producing King of Fighters with Taiwan's Double Edge Entertainment, Japan's Micott & Basara, US’s Inferno Entertainment and U.K.'s Scion Films,
Axis Entertainment and Convergence Entertainment. InnoForm Media will be handling the distribution rights in Singapore and Malaysia. The film will be a life-action adaption and is budgeted at US$12 million and features Maggie Q (Three Kingdoms, Mission Impossible 3) Sean Faris (Never Back Down, Pearl Harbor) and Ray Park (Star Wars, X- Men). King of Fighters is directed by Hong Kong director, Gordon Chan (The Medallion, Painted Skin). With Hollywood’s hottest action choreographers working on King of Fighters, it presents itself as a unique international hybrid of Hong Kong and Hollywood film making which will attract crowd beyond the gamer audience. The production is scheduled to be completed in mid-January and slated for international delivery in third quarter of 2009.

IP MAN TAKES NO. 1 SPOT THIS WEEK AT THE BOX OFFICE

'Ip Man' smashed into the box office this weekend grossing over $700,000 (up to Sunday 21st December) making it the No. 1 release of the week! The martial arts genre film opened island wide on 18 December along side other holiday releases including 'Twilight' and 'Yes Man'. Find out why Ip Man deserved a 4 star rating from us!

CLIMBER'S HIGH GARNER 10 NOMINATION AT THE JAPANESE ACADEMY AWARDS

Climber’s High has just garnered 10 nominations at the 32nd Japan Academy Award including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. From the Japanese best seller Hideo Yokoyama (Sea Without Exit) comes another compelling story directed by Masato Harada (Inugami, 2001). Based on the actual event that occurred in 1985, Climber’s High tells the story of the world's worst aircraft disaster and the aftermath of the incident reporting by a local newspaper. The winners will be unveiled at the 32nd Japanese Academy Award awarding ceremony on the 20th February, 2009. Climbers High will be in local cinemas in early 2009.

WIll Jaime Get A Golden Globe?

Jamie Cullum has been nominated for at The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in the category "Best Original Song" for his work on the title song from Clint Eastwood's new film Gran Torino. The song, also called 'Gran Torino', was co-composed by Jamie and Clint, together with Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens.

His competitors in the category include a certain robot (Wall.E), a certain American White Shepard (Bolt), a certain musical era from the 1940s to 1960s (Cadillac Records), and a certain comeback wrestler (The Wrestler).

Will Jaime's song for the movie bring home The Globe? Watch out as the results are announced on 11 Januray 2009.

Meanwhile, check out Jaime's website for further updates and information: http://www.jamiecullum.com/latest

Happy Birthday

This Blu-ray review of "Kung Fu Panda" is dedicated to our long-time resident reviewer, Richard whose birthday falls on today. Many happy returns and a secret prophecy awaits - Signed, The Furious Five.

RED CLIFF MOVIE MARATHON

Golden Village will be showing both installments of John Woo's epic film Red Cliff back to back to coincide with the release of the movie sequel, RED CLIFF II. Tickets are available at Golden Village box offices and Golden Village's website: www.gv.com.sg . Details of the three movie marathon screenings are as follows: 9th January 2009, GV Plaza, GV Tampines and GV Jurong Point, $28 each (inclusive of Red Cliff II popcorn combo).

Die Hard 5 or Surrogates

That's Bruce Willis in Jonathan Mostow's "Surrogates". The sci-fi thriller is about people purchasing unflawed robotic versions of themselves. But based on the still released by Disney, it can easily pass of as "Die Hard 5.0". Time will tell.

Missing You Meet and Greet Session

Some pictures from the "Missing You" Meet and Greet Session at Jurong point on 13 Dec.

Australia: An Epic of Heart

Qi Long Zhu aka Dragonball Evolution

"Dragonball" the Hollywood live-action version based on the popular Japanese manga is due to hit screens next march. Here's the official trailer from Fox. Is your childhood dream tarnished or finally realised?

THE WEDDING GAME FEATURING TEAM SINGAPORE!

Four national athletes from Team Singapore will be making their film debut in the upcoming Chinese New Year film, THE WEDDING GAME. The four athletes are: Swimmer Tao Li, Shuttler Kendrick Lee Yen Hui, Bowler Jazreel Tan Shi Hua and Alumni Athlete (Table Tennis) Jing Jun Hong. Tao Li plays a reporter from an entertainment variety programme, who interviews the couple. Paddler Jing Jun Hong will play herself in a scene with lead actor Christopher Lee. And the other two have special cameos in other scenes. Directed and co-written by Director Ekachai Uekrongtham, THE WEDDING GAME will open in Singapore on 22 January 2009.

Wolverine at the Oscars

"Australia" star Hugh Jackman has been chosen to host the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony on Feb 22. This is the first time the reigning Sexiest Man Alive is hosting the event.

Jennifer Aniston Wears A Tie

39 year old Jennifer Aniston goes nude in the January 2009 issue of GQ and looking ravishingly sexy. She can be seen next february with Owen Wilson in "Marley & Me". Wish we had a friend like her...

Missing You

Remember to meet the cast from "Missing You" and get their autographs at Jurong Point, 5pm tomorrow, 13 December. Bring along a copy of the DVD if you have.

Flywheel

We are not really a bunch of religiously inclined lot here. But once a while, we come across a film that represents a realignment to God’s will and His way of life. That film is "Flywheel".

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The school holidays are here again. Here's some ideas to keep the little ones at home occupied while you slogged away in your cubicle. The Little Mermaid Trilogy" is a breathtaking 3-disc set, swimming with exciting bonus features or journey into the secret world of Pixie Hollow and hear Tinker Bell speak for the very first time in "Tinkerbell". For more charming adult fare, check out "The Piano Forest", a touching story of two young boys who are equally passionate about piano.

NY premiere of The Sky Crawlers

For our overseas readers who are interested in "The Sky Crawlers" and happen to be residing in New York. Here's your chance to catch the New York premiere with a special video intro by director Mamoru Oshii. More details here...

The 45th Golden Horse Awards

Not a suprise, the biggest winner of the day - THE WARLORDS and CAPE NO. 7

Best Feature Film - THE WARLORDS
Best Director - Peter Chan (THE WARLORDS)
Best Leading Actor - Zhang Han-yu (ASSEMBLY)
Best Supporting Actor - Ma Ju-Lung (CAPE NO. 7)
Best Screenplay Adaption - Liu Heng (ASSEMBLY)
Best Cinematography - Cheng Siu-Keung (SPARROW)
Best Visual Effects - Ng Yuen-Fai, Chau Chi-Shing, Tracy Kok (THE WARLORDS)
Best Action Choreography - Li Chung-Chi (CONNECTED)
Best Original Film Score - Fred Lu ; Lo Chi-Yi (CAPE NO. 7)
Best Original Film Song - (CAPE NO. 7)
Best Film Editing - Yau Chi-Wai (CONNECTED)
Best Sound Effect - Steve Burgess (MISSING)

You can view the full list of winners right here

SINGAPORE MOVIE SCRIPT WINS AWARD

Jack Neo’s company, Neo Studios Pte Ltd won an award for one of the top three scripts short-listed at the Golden Horse Film and TV Co-production Conference in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday. Blog Stories, a movie to be released in mid 2009 competed against 24 other movie scripts sent in from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Blog Stories is a thriller about bloggers competing for popularity on the internet. With bloggers from all over Asia competing, young people begin to publish ‘ghost stories” online but in doing so, became reckless in their competition for pageviews and cyber popularity. Strange things begin to happen in real life when the bloggers get carried away by unbridled ego and pride. Neo Studios had been putting in a consistent effort to develop the pool of commercially savvy script writers and movie directors. Since the company began its effort to identify talent earlier this year, more than 50 aspiring movie directors and script writers had submitted their works for evaluation.

The Final Battle Is Push Forward

Scorpio East Pictures, MediaCorp Raintree Pictures and Golden Village Pictures are proud to announce the highly anticipated sequel, RED CLIFF II will be opening in Singapore on 9th January 2009 instead of Chinese New Year. The first film achieved an excellent box office of SGD $2.61 million in Singapore when it opened on 10th July 2008, amidst a crowded Hollywood Summer Blockbuster environment. There will also be plans for special RED CLIFF marathons at selected Golden Village cinemas.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE SWEEPS BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE won three awards at the British Independent Film Awards on 30 November, namely Best British Independent Film, Best Director and actor Dev Patel as Most Promising Newcomer of the Year, and was nominated for three other awards including Best Screenplay. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE will be distributed by Golden Village Pictures in Singapore and it’s slated to open on 5 February 2009.

“TERMINATOR SALVATION” INTERNATIONAL TRAILER ON DECEMBER 9TH

Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) announces the international online launch of its trailer for the highly anticipated release of “Terminator Salvation,” the latest installment in the “Terminator” franchise. The trailer is scheduled to go live on December 9th at 7.30 p.m. PST (December 10th, 11.30am Singapore time) with SPRI’s online launch partner MSN internationally. In addition, the trailer will also be available on the international website URL: http://TerminatorSalvation-Movie.net Terminator Salvation opens in Singapore on May 28th, 2009.

Movie Warehouse Sale 2008!

The much-awaited Movie Warehouse Sale by Innoform Media and Alliance Entertainment is here! Thousands of Hollywood/ Asian movies/ Drama and Kids Entertainment to clear! Up to 90% off with DVDs from $5! Date: 6-8 December 2008 (Sat- Mon) Time: 10am – 6pm
Address: 31 Ubi Road 1 Aztech Building, Lobby A
Bus Services: 63, 66, 65, 61, 22, 8
Nearest MRT station: Aljunied/Paya Lebar

Golden Village Plaza Singapura – New Look, New Lease on Life, New Entertainment Experience

Cinema-going at Golden Village Plaza Singapura will never be the same again come 6th December 2008. Ten years after establishing itself as one of the premiere cinemas in the Orchard Road belt, Golden Village Multiplex (GVM) has transformed the 7th floor of the mall into an expanded entertainment experience. Despite the economic downturn, Golden Village Multiplex splashed out S$2 million to give the 7th floor a facelift since 1998. A majority of the renovation cost was dedicated to creating a sophisticated, modern and entertainment-focused ambience. Nine new stores now occupy the refurbished 7th floor, with one more due to open in January 2009. Live out your movie fantasies at GV Plaza’s 7th floor. Come experience it for yourself at the re-launch on 6th December 2008, and look out for the specials available only on the day.

Nominations for The Visitor

The Visitor garners three satellite awards nominations including Best Director at the 13th Annual Satellite Awards including Best Director and Screenplay for Tom McCarthy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama for Richard Jenkins. The Visitor also received yet another push from the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards, garnering three major nominations, including Best Director, Best Male Lead and Best Supporting Male for up and coming actor Haaz Sleiman. The Visitor opens 11th December 2008.

Milk It

The biopic about assassinated San Francisco gay pol Harvey Milk tabulated $1.4 million in three-day boxoffice from just 36 inaugural engagements in the U.S. "Milk" will likely remain one of the awards season's most closely watched releases, with Sean Penn's performance in the title role generating early plaudits. James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch and Diego Luna are also featured in supporting roles. "Milk" opens in Singapore 15 January 2009.

Love Matters "No-Handphone" policy trailer

After the well-received handphone-off trailer for MONEY NO ENOUGH 2, Director Jack Neo has produced a brand new trailer for LOVE MATTERS, a humorous and entertaining look at love, happiness and issues concerning matters of the heart in contemporary Asian society. Cinemas audience will be able to catch Love Matters "No-Handphone" policy trailer this thursday, 4 December 2008. It will be screened widely in all cinemas islandwide.