Girls' Week

Prepare for Girls' Week as the immensly popular spinoff from the TBS drama series, "Boys Over Flowers The Movie" opens on 4 september and also opening is the remake of the Korean hit, "My Sassy Girl" and "Make It Happen". It's a weekend suitable for girls' outing. The guys can stay at home to play their PS3.

A Bug's Life

Col. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) is back to lead his team on a secret mission to rescue a small crew of troopers stranded on the remote planet of OM-1. The bugs and Casper Van Dien are back but not original helmer Paul Verhoeven. Our reviewer ventures into "Starship Troopers 3: Marauder" with Col. Rico and escaped unscathed.

The Sex Files

"X-File" star David Duchovny has checked into rehab. Apparently he is not suffering from depression as a result of his latest movie "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" being a bomb at the box-office but *ahem* to undergo treatment for sex addiction. The truth is out there: Hollywood stars like rehab.

Brad Burns Up Venice

Hollywood megastars George Clooney and Brad Pitt helped kick off the 65th Venice film festival, taking to the red carpet along with their directors the Coen brothers in the quirky "Burn After Reading." The film's kaleidoscopic plot revolves around two gym employees who stumble on the memoirs of a retired CIA agent and try to sell the manuscript, one of them desperate to make herself over with cosmetic surgery. "Burn After Reading" opens 9 October.

Connecting People

Sick of Hollywood adapting Asian movies? How about a reverse take? The Benny Chan's remake of Hollywood "Cellular" is due on 1 October and it stars Louis Koo, Nick Cheung and Big S aka Barbie Hsu. The HK version is called "Connected" and marks the first official Western remake by an Asian studio.

Sammi is Back

After disappearing from the acting scene for almost 3 years, HK pop star/actress Sammi Cheng is back as a Senior Inspector of the Police force in "Lady Cop & Papa Crook". Written and directed by Alan Mak and Felix Cheong, the movie will hit Singapore on 16 October. Click on the link for more details.

Money No Enough 2 Goes Bahasa

"MONEY NO ENOUGH II" will be screening with Malay subtitles at GV Plaza, GV Tampines and GV Yishun from 28 August onwards. Director Jack Neo has decided to include Malay subtitles after gathering positive feedback from the Malay audience on the movie. With the subtitles the elderly Malay audience who are not fluent in Chinese and not able to read the English subtitles are now able to enjoy the movie. "MONEY NO ENOUGH II" has collected a box office of SGD $3.94 million as of 24 August and still remain a strong contender in the local box-office.

HSM3 STARS/DIRECTOR SURPRISE FANS

A thousand lucky fans were surprised when stars from “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”— Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale, Olesya Rulin, KayCee Stroh, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, Justin Martin, Matt Prokop and Jemma McKenzie-Brown— showed up to cheer them on as they participated in the Ultimate Fan Pep Rally, an event which included an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming film. The super fans came donning their Wildcat red and white to show their HSM spirit and view sing-along versions of “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2.” They were also treated to an exclusive sneak peek of HSM3, featuring a never-before-seen musical production number set to new music “A Night to Remember.” HSM3 opens 23 October.

'08 Blockbusters Announced on DVD

Further more to our earlier post on Hellboy Animated DVDs, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" will hit Code One DVD on a 3-disc edition with around 3 hours of bonus content. On a separate note, "The Incredible Hulk" will also comes in a 3-disc edition.

Wall.E DVD

"Wall.E" will only open next week here but the DVD is announced to release on November 25. Extras include Presto Theatrical Short, "UP" Teaser Trailer, Audio Commentary With Director Andrew Stanton, Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds From The Sound Up, WALL•E's Tour of the Universe, Deleted Scenes With Introductions, Alternate revelation scene. Doesn't mean you can skip the theatrical version though. The DVD comes in time for X'mas.

Hellboy Animated

For the past week, the local media headlines are filled with nothing but Olympic medals and baby bonuses. Maybe it's time to do something different for the weekend. How about going for a back-to-back marathon session with two Hellboy Animated DVDs? Sword of Storms and Blood & Iron. Definitely worth checking out if you are still craving for more Hellboy adventures. Retailing at $19.90.

Happy Cloning

In conjunction with the release of the new animated Star Wars movie, there are 18 Clone Wars toys to collect with any purchase of Happy Meal. This offer is ongoing in the States now. Not sure if it will come to Singapore.

DVD/VCD Release of Red Cliff

Scorpio East is pleased to announce the release of "Red Cliff" DVD & VCD, the John Woo's blockbuster based on the Three Kingdoms. This NC-16 version will also see some scenes of intimacy aka 'the juicy parts which were cut from the theatrical version'. Red Cliff is now released in Chinese Dialogue with Chinese and English subtitles.

She's A Cyborg But We Are OK

"Cyborg She" is a strange movie about a dull university student who meets a cyborg. However, our movie reviewer doesn't think quite highly of it, on the other side of the fence, our resident music reviewer feels that the 61 minute "Cyborg She" soundtrack album will appeal to the die hard romantic side of you. Should you just watch the movie and get the OST or you should do just one of them? Our reviews might help you decide.

She Sings Like Sandy

Scorpio East Productions is pleased to announce the completion of Sandy Lam Karaoke Singing Competition held at K Box, K Union Orchard Cineleisure on 17th August 2008. Sandy Lam Karaoke Singing Competition was held in conjunction with her upcoming concert 'Sandy Lam Live In Singapore 2008' on 18th October 2008 at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at SISTIC. (Prices*: $68 / $118 / $138 / $168 *Excludes SISTIC Fee)

Kallang Roar Fustal Fiesta

In conjunction with the release of "Kallang Roar", a fun-filled and adrenalin-pumped event, the Kallang Roar Fustal Fiesta will be happening on 24th August 2008! A variety of performances by BMX Bikers from SunSetTrails, Juz B (Channel U's Superband finalist) and local music acts such as Sound City Radio plus the key highlight of the afternoon would be a 4-aside street soccer match between the cast of the movie and the veterans of the Malaysian Cup 1977 team will be held there. So come down this Sunday between 12:00 noon to 4:15pm at *Scape Youth Park (Somerset Road) to support the Lion Roar!

Smells Like Franco

"Spider-Man" star James Franco landed his biggest endorsement deal of his career by being the spokesman for Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme new fragrance. Franco will next be seen in the stoner comedy "Pineapple Express" on 16 October. He is finally into the big league.

A Word of Caution

If you intend to catch "Death Race" this week, perhaps you want to avoid the front rows. Chop the back seats if you can to take in the full view of the car race sequences unless you don't mind closeup shots of the cars' rear for 105 minutes.

Milk the Panda & All the Creatures You Can Find

Thanks to DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, our children and perhaps our grandchildren will get to enjoy more Shrek, Panda and Madagascar's humour. At least one additional "Madagascar" sequel after "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" will be expected and Shrek 5, 6, 7, 8 is already in the pipeline. Now, an official announcement about a "Kung Fu Panda" sequel could come within two months. Milk the cash cow! Flag the horse! They just couldn't bear to leave on a high note.

START YOUR ENGINES AS SPEED RACER ZOOMS ONTO DVD & VCD

Scorpio East will release “Speed Racer” on 16 September 2008. DVD bonus features include: Spritle in the Big Leagues, Tour the Movie Set with Paulie Litt, Speed Racer: Supercharged!, Explore the Film’s Incredible Cars & Unbelievable Racetracks. To sweeten the deal, every copy of the original SPEED RACER DVD or VCD by Scorpio East Entertainment bought gives consumers a chance to win attractive prizes and premiums including Pioneer In-Car AV entertainment system and limited Collector’s Edition 3D SPEED RACER Poster. By the way, Korean sensation Rain makes a special cover appearance only on the VCD format of “Speed Racer” although we recommend getting the DVD.

Storm Riders Animated & Yip Man

We blogged about "Storm Rider-Clash of Evils" and "Yip Man" earlier on. And now we have the release dates for both. Storm is scheduled on 9 October and Yip Man on 18 Dec. Release dates are subject to change so do check back often for updates.

Japanese Film Festival - 22 August to 31 August 2008

This year’s Japanese Film Festival has an eclectic mix of recent Japanese cinema, from the riotous pop-art sensibilities of SAKURAN (starring rock singer TSUCHIYA Anna) to the subdued, emotionally wrenching HARMFUL INSECT. Hop on this cinematic journey and experience a different kind of cinema. Ticketing details, schedule and films can be found here.

'08 Blockbusters Announced on DVD

"Iron Man" is scheduled to hit Code One DVD on 30th September with a ultimate 2-disc edition. Lucas and Spielberg's CG crapfest of the year, "Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" will also comes in a 2-disc special edition on 14th October. If initial rumours are true, apparently "The Incredible Hulk" green ass is unable to fit into a 2-disc edition so Universal is releasing a hulking 3-disc special edition. So many DVDs and so little money...

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

A fan of serious, heavy dramas? This week we take you to Paul Verhoeven's "Black Book" if you are a fan of Ang Lee’s acclaimed espionage drama thriller Lust, Caution. A crime drama called "The Take" starring the underrated John Leguizamo and the critically-acclaimed drama "Half Nelson" which has Ryan Gosling on the edge of consciousness. All titles are available on DVD, check them out if you prefer more thoughtful dramas.

3G iPhone Confirms August 22

We sidetrack a little to reveal this tiny bit of news. SingTel has finally said that it will be launching the iPhone 3G on August 22, At this point, there's still no pricing information. But the mailer did say that both the cost of the iPhone 3G as well as its accompanying price plans will be unveiled next week. Stay tune...

Spot The Difference

On the left is the original Korean poster of "Fate" and the right, the local version. Can you spot the subtle difference? In the original, Song Seung Heon is seen with a tobacco in his mouth and whereas the local poster is a classic case of 'now you see it, now you don't'. Shibal! We can't even let a guy exudes his coolness. Click here for a closer look. (Heads up to John)

Astroboy & Gatchaman

Check out Imagi Animation's creative director Felix Ip's blog and you will see concept arts for Imagi's upcoming Astroboy and Gatchaman, (the former is scheduled to be release in 2009). Imagi is responsible for last year's CG "TMNT" and is based partly in HK. Ip's blog is pretty generous in releasing the latest updates so do point your cursor there often.

Bernie Mac (1957 - 2008)

Comedian Bernie Mac has passed away after losing his battle with pneumonia. The star was last seen in "Transformers" and appeared in movies such as "Ocean's Thirteen" and "Guess Who". The grapevine has it that Mac was first hospitalized with pneumonia on August 1st. Rest In Peace..

Got Tickets?

This weekend, we are giving away preview tickets to "Kallang Roar", "The Hunting Party" and "4BIA". Not to forget, "Meet Dave" in-season passes as well. So go ahead try your luck at our contests. Please take note of closing dates and try to attend the screening at the stipulated date/time if you are the lucky winner. Good luck!

Warhammer Online Is Coming

EA, the world’s leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment is pleased to announce the release of Warhammer Online®: Age of Reckoning (WAR) on September 18, 2008. Based on Games Workshop’s epic and longstanding tabletop fantasy war game, WAR will offer an incredible in-depth MMO experience. Gamers who pre-order WAR will enjoy special benefits including open beta admission, a live game head start, and bonus in-game items. WAR subscription options include: Monthly Online Subscription of $14.99 USD (through credit card payment) and 60 day prepaid card of $39.90 SGD. For more information about the pre-order program, visit http://www.ea.com.sg/warhammeronline

another victim of The Curse of TDK?

It's rather old news about Morgan Freeman's car accident on Sunday Night but as The Dark Knight breaks another record in the US Box Office (crossed the $400 million marks), we can't help but wonder about the Curse of the Dark Knight and might it take down next ?

let's recap

#1 Heath Ledger's unfortunate Death
#2 Edison Chen's Sex Scandal (yeah that few secs of screentime counts)
#3 Christian Bale's very public family problem
#4 Morgan Freeman's car flip

Thankfully, it's been reported that Morgan Freeman is doing well in recovery after 4 and half hours of surgery.

Not So Secret Obsession

"Ghost Rider" star Eva Mendes models a Calvin Klein perfume ad which has been banned by U.S. networks for its racy content. In the ad, the star caresses herself, rolls around in a bed and flashes a nipple in the 30-second TV spot for Secret Obsession. The sexy star has been flauting her naughty bits in movies such as "Training Day" and the recent "We Own the Night". We believe this is just art, nothing erotic to worry about.

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

Nowadays, no one does more horror than the Thais. In "The Screen at Kamchanod", an outdoor film screening which attract only ghosts. In "The Spiritual World", Ming is an ordinary girl who can contact the dead since she was young, for 15 years she tries to escape from a mysterious ghost that keeps following her...Wish to know more about the screen and spiritual world? Just click on to find out...Tom Yum soup not included.

Who Says Money No Enough?

Money No Enough 2 has collected SGD $1.187 million at the cinemas since the movie opened last Thurday, 28 August 2008. This is the biggest weekend box office opening for a Singapore film outside of the Chinese New Year festive season beating Director Jack Neo’s previous records. Jack Neo huat kao seow liao. Our coverage of the press con is here.

Dancing Around the World

Dance Of The Dragon has swept all major awards at The West Hollywood International Film Festival ‘08, which just took place in LA, USA this past week. The film was awarded for Best Festival Movie, Best Cinematography, Best Director -John Radel, Best Actor -Jang Hyuk, Best Actress -Fann Wong, Best Supporting Actress -Young Mi-Lee, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Original Music Score and the Special Mention Jury Award. And it's still travelling to other film circuits as we speak...

MX - Hitwise Award Winner Apr to Jun 2008

Thanks to your support, movieXclusive.com is again a Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for the quarter ending Apr - Jun 2008 based on market share of visits among all Singapore websites in the Entertainment - Movies industry. (We were also a winner for the quarter ending Oct - Dec 2007 and January - March 2008). Your continual patronage allows us to stand among the big boys. Cheers!