Jackie And Daniel

Keep a lookout of our interviews with Jackie Chan and Daniel Wu in the coming days...

A new place to watch movies!

Cinema goers will have lots to cheer about this month when FilmGarde opens its halls for business at the new Iluma mall. Comprising 1383 seats, the 8 hall Cineplex will offer seating arrangements ranging from approx 120-320 pax. FG Iluma is also the first and only Cineplex in Singapore currently to offer the latest JBL 3-Way Sound system designed specifically for medium size halls. This ensures that regardless of the size of the hall, sound quality is at its optimum, thus giving moviegoers unbeatable sound clarity and enhancing their experience at the movies.

In addition to their regular screenings, FilmGarde will continue their support of selected arts and film events in Singapore this year. FG Iluma will take on the baton to sponsor and play host to the 2009 Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards.

As part of its opening specials, FilmGarde will be offering all movies tickets at a flat fee of $6 across all days and all time belts at both their cineplexes from 28 March for 14 days. The first 500 online transactions for FG Iluma will also stand to win a limited edition FG Launch Card which entitles them to purchase $6 movie tickets until the end of May 2009.

For more information, log on to http://www.filmgarde.com.sg/

DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...

Experience the gruesome beginnings of Mr. Smith and his hotel of horrors in Vacancy 2: The First Cut. The not related sequel to the David Koepp thriller Stir of Echoes 2: The Homecoming stars Rob Lowe as a U.S. soldier who returns home and has encounters of increasingly frightening visions of dead people. The horrifying events that took place in the Hoyt family's vacation home at 1801 Clark Road on February 11, 2005, are still not entirely known. Outright phony? Check it out in The Strangers.

Collect your Night At The Museum 2 Trading Cards now!

Watch (and listen) out for... Hannah Montana!

For Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus fans worldwide, the wait is nearly over. The eagerly anticipated "Hannah Montana The Movie," arrives in movie theaters here on June 18. Setting the stage for the film's premiere is the Walt Disney Records soundtrack CD, which features 18 tracks -- including 14 brand new songs -- performed by Miley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Steve Rushton.

The CD arrives in stores soon, while the debut single, "The Climb," by Miley Cyrus, is already #6 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The fun-filled adventure film stars Miley along with real-life father Billy Ray Cyrus, Vanessa Williams ("Ugly Betty") and all of Miley's young co-stars of "Hannah Montana."

The Walt Disney Records soundtrack boasts plenty of pop gems, including "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home" (co-written by Taylor Swift), "Let's Get Crazy," "The Good Life " "Let's Do This," "Spotlight," "What's Not To Like" and a new version of "The Best Of Both Worlds," all performed by Miley as Hannah Montana.

Watch out for our review of the soundtrack soon. Meanwhile, find out more about Hannah Montana here.

007 Arriving on Blu-ray, DVD and VCD

Get ready for some 007 action, as Quantum of Solace arrives 24th March 2009 on Blu-ray, DVD and VCD from Alliance Entertainment. The title hero returns in the 22nd movie of the James Bond franchise, determined to seek revenge for the death of his greatest love, Vesper Lynd. Together with fiery Camille who has her own agenda, the pair take down Greene Planet, a corrupted organisation.

DVD/Blu-ray Specs:
Quantum of Solace –- 2-Disc Widescreen Edition:
Disc One
5.1 Dolby Digital/5.1 DTS HD Master Audio (Blu-ray)
Audio: English
Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Braz. Portuguese, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Thai, Malay, Indonesia
“Another Way to Die” Music Video
Theatrical and Teaser Trailers

Disc Two
Bond on Location Featurette
Start of Shooting Featurette
On Location Featurette
Olga Kurylenko and the Boat Chase Featurette
Director Marc Forster Featurette
The Music Featurette
Crew Files Behind-the-Scenes Clips

Accessory by Jordyn Taylor from "Confessions of A Shopaholic"

Our review of "Confessions of A Shopaholic" movie soundtrack.

MAGIQUE!

Festive Films is proud to present to all MAGIQUE!, a wonderfully charming film from the director of Le Papillion (The Butterfly), Mr Philippe Muyl. Mr Muyl will be in town from April 5th to April 7th to promote his new movie. He will be attending the Gala Premiere of MAGIQUE! at The Cathay on April 7th. MAGIQUE! is slated for release exclusively at THE PICTUREHOUSE in Singapore on 23rd April 2009

“UP”, “UP” and Away at Cannes Film Festival

Disney/ Pixar’s “UP” will raise the curtains at this year’s Cannes Film Festival on May 13th. A milestone in the history of Cannes as it is for Disney and Pixar, “UP” marks the first ever 3D animated film to open the world’s prestigious film festival. Adding to this historic milestone, “UP” is also the first digital 3D film, and the first Disney film selected for the coveted opening night slot at Cannes. The film is a comedy adventure story about 78 year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who fulfills his dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away only to discover his biggest nightmare stow away - 8 year-old Wilderness Explorer, Russell. “UP” marks the 10th celebratory animated film produced by the legendary studio of Pixar. Disney/Pixar’s “UP” will be released in Singapore theatres on June 4th.

Natasha Richardson (1964 - 2009)

In a tragic turn of events, the wife of actor Liam Neeson, actress Natasha Richardson passed away with a head injury after a skiing accident in Montreal. It happen during a time that Neeson is having one of his biggest hits as an actor with the revenge thriller Taken which is opening here next month. Richardson starred in movies such as The Parent Trap and Maid In Manhattan. She was 45 years old.

Director of "Taken" to promote movie in Singapore

The director of the latest US Blockbuster "Taken", Pierre Morel will be in town to promote the movie.

Arriving in Singapore on 13 April, the cinematographer cum director will be attending the Gala Premiere of "Taken" at The Grand Cathay on 14 April.

The Luc Besson-produced action thriller stars Liam Neeson in the lead as an ex-CIA operative trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter from an international human trafficking ring. Demonstrating unbelievable legs, the film not only topped the US box office chart with a staggering $24.7 million gross six weekends ago, the strong word of mouth has sustained its performance over the weeks (Top 3 for 5 weeks) in the US box office. This sleeper sensation has grossed USD$126.8 million to date, and is now within easy reach of the US$150 milestone.

Watch out for more updates about the movie here!

"Taken" opens 16 April.

DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...

It's straight-to-video horror time with amusingly The Butcher Brothers' take on the original Wes Craven’s slasher hit April Fool's Day. And from the director of Final Destination comes Asylum, a haunted dorm with a mad doctor's ghost on the loose. Lastly, four friends embark on a road trip to Vegas looking for fun and a few cheap thrills but ended up with a vengeful trucker in Joyride 2: Dead Ahead. Enjoy!

Yoshinoya Dragonball Evolution Promo

Simply present your Dragonball Evolution ticket stub & spend minimum $10 in a single receipt to redeem a Dragonball wall calendar. Check out stores for details.

Who Wants To Be A Filmmaker?

On 9 January 2009, the European Commission adopted a new EU Media Funding Programme called MEDIA MUNDUS. This programme is a broad international cooperation programme for the audiovisual industry to strengthen cultural and commercial relations between Europe and third countries (such as Singapore). The EU will provide € 15 million of funding from 2011-2013 for projects submitted by audio-visual professionals from the EU and third countries.

Previous examples of successful funding projects have competed in this year’s 81st Academy Awards. They include “Slumdog Millionaire” (Winner of Best Film and Best Director), “Entre les Murs” or “The Class” (Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival) and “The Duchess”.

If you are a budding producer, director or have a media project in mind and you are waiting for the right opportunity to come along, this seminar is for you.

1700: Registration

1730: Welcome by Mr David Glass, Managing Director, Golden Village

1735: Remarks by HE Dominique Girard, Executive Director, Asia Europe Foundation

1740: Remarks by HE Holger Standertskjold, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Singapore

1745: Mr Christophe Forax, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media

1805: Q and A

1820: Closing by HE Holger Standertskjold, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Singapore

As the seats for this briefing session are limited, priority will be given to those who have indicated their interest by 12 March 2009. Please RSVP with your name, contact number and organization (if any) to info@asef.org.

Hold your breath... it's coming!

Twilight, this year’s most anticipated DVD release, will arrive 21 March 2009 on DVD and VCD from Alliance Entertainment.

Based on the first book of Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling young-adult series of the same title, Twilight follows star-crossed lovers - handsome vampire Edward Cullen and kind-hearted mortal Bella Swan as they find themselves tangled up in a forbidden romance and something far more sinister – a blood-thirsty vampire hell-bent on Bella’s blood.

Helmed by director Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown), the film introduces Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Kristen Stewart (Panic Room) in strong performances which have accelerated their rising status as teen sensations.

Grossing US$370 million worldwide, Twilight smashed local box office with a taking of S$2.3 million, sealing its status as the new phenomenon.

Twilight DVD is chockfull of goodies with music videos from the likes of Linkin Park and Paramore, deleted scenes, insights into the film and characters from Hardwicke and cast, and much more.

Try to hold your excitement as the countdown to owning this DVD begins!

Meanwhile, you can re-read our reviews of the movie and soundtrack to make the wait a little less painful...

Kick up a Storm with Chun-Li!

Based on the ever-popular iconic video game Street Fighter, the game is once again adapted and brought to the big screen. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li stars Kristin Kreuk, Chris Klein, Michael Clarke Duncan, Robin Shou, Singapore's very own Edmund Chen and Hong Kong's veterans Josie Ho and Chen Pei Pei, The movie traces the beginnings of Chun-Li and her quest to save her abducted father from villain Bison. Edmund Chen plays Chun Li's father in the movie.

Tonight, Cathay-Keris Film, InnoForm Media and SG Banking (Societe Generale Group) will present the Gala Premiere of Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.

The Gala Premiere promises to be star-studded event graced by the cast of the movie, Edmund Chen and Chen Pei Pei, who are accompanied by a galore of celebrities including Kenneth Tsang from Hong Kong, local artistes Ivy Lee, Michelle Chia, Shaun Chen, Allan Wu, Wong Lilin, Alvin Ng, Taufik Batisah, Jonathan Leong, Pierre Ng, Andrea De Cruz, Glenn Ong and many more.

Watch out for them if you happen to be in town tonight!

Date: 11 March 2009
Time: Red Carpet starts 7.50pm, Movie begins 8.30pm
Venue: The Cathay Cineplex Level 5 (2 Handy Road Singapore 229233)

Read our interview with Edmund Chen here

Watch out for Jay in... Singapore!

Scorpio East Pictures Pte Ltd is proud to announce its investment and involvement in the production of Jay Chou's latest blockbuster "Ci Ling", an action adventure movie which will be shot at various locations in China and Singapore, between April to June 2009.

The movie is produced by Taiwan's Chang Hong Films and will star a stellar cast of Asian pop king Jay Chou, Taiwanese star Lin Chi Ling, Taiwanese idol Baron Chen, HK veteran actor Eric Tsang and China star Chen Daoming. The movie will be helmed by successful Taiwanese director Kevin Chu whose many previous work includes the successful "Kung Fu Dunk", also starring Jay Chou.

Who knows, on a sunny morning, while taking a stroll in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, you might see the stars in action!

"Ci Ling" is targeting a release in December 2009 or January 2010.

The Only DETROIT METAL CITY Showdown In Town!

The live-action feature adaptation of the popular manga Detroit Metal City will have a Detroit Metal City Showdown at The Heeren on 5pm, 14th March 2009 (Saturday)! This event kicks off with the "Trendy Mushroom Hairstyle Hunt" competition, inspired by the main character's signature mushroom hairstyle. The shortlisted finalists will appear at this event to role-play the Soichi Negishi character in a scene from the movie. The winners stand to win prizes worth more than S$1,000 in total! People who are interested to participate are encouraged to email their photographs (head-only photographs will suffice) to contest@encorefilms.com by 8th March 2009.

Dragonball Evolution Clip - Goku Meets Roshi

The Sniper One Sheet

The latest one sheet and stills from "The Sniper" starring Edison Chen and Richie Jen. More>

DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...DVD...

We turned on our 'chick flick' mode this week to bring you A Mighty Princess, a beautiful martial arts prodigy with super-human strength and prowess. Cyborg She, a romance story between a human and a cyborg. If you are still in the Slumdog Millionaire mood, perhaps you might like a bit of Marigold.

Comedy’s New Legends

Jonah Hill (Superbad), Paul Rudd (Role Models), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up) and Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) spoof the original Vanity Fair cover featuring designer Tom Ford and nude actresses Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson. Insane stuff

Kids Watch for Free at Golden Village!

Golden Village has now made it more affordable for families with their new initiative called KIDS WATCH FOR FREE, it is a great way for families to stretch their dollar in today’s tough economic climate, and have a great time at the movies during the weekends. With effect from 19th Feb 2009, available daily with the exception of Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays and school holidays. Available for movies sessions purchased before 2pm at ALL GV locations across Singapore. Go to gv.com.sg for more details

MARLEY & ME OPENS #1 IN SINGAPORE

Twentieth Century Fox’s latest family-comedy blockbuster, Marley & Me, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, opened to an excellent Number 1 Box-Office in Singapore last weekend. The film grossed a weekend total of S$556,000. Marley & Me is based on the bestselling novel by John Grogan, a heartwarming and unforgettable story of life, love, family and the world's best - and worst – dog, Marley. The film is directed by David Frankel (of The Devil Wears Prada).

Edison Chen's THE SNIPER

He came. He went. Here's Edison Chen's long delayed "The Sniper" trailer. It's obvious the trailer is not focusing on his role but Richie Jen instead. "The Sniper" is tentatively scheduled to open in April.