Meet Mark Chao and Ethan Juan In Person!

Mark your calendars, fans of Taiwan stars Mark Chao and Ethan Juan! The stars of the Taiwan action blockbuster "Monga" are coming to town on 5 Apr to promote their movie.

Mark and Ethan will make a mall appearance at Junction 8 at 7 pm to present prizes to the winners of a live "Monga" dance dance competition and sign autographs for selected shoppers.

Their next stop is the red-carpet gala premiere of "Monga" at Vivocity Level 1 Main Atrium at 8 pm. They will depart Singapore the next day.

Monga opens in cinemas 15 Apr with sneaks next weekend.

Kick... Ass!

The fans were all dressed up at the European premiere of Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass. And we are as excited as they are... just that we have to wait till 15 April for the superhero flick to hit our shores!

Meanwhile, we have to make do with what the cast and director have to say in this video (http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=27376)

Also, come early April, embrace yourself for the release of the soundtrack of Kick-Ass featuring pop star Mika's new single!

For more updates, remember to watch this space!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Feast your eyes on the new theatrical poster for the third instalment of the Twilight Saga- Eclipse. Everyone looks darker, gloomier and broodier than before, but hey that probably sounds about right since Bella, Edward and Jacob have more on their hands right now than just their three-way romance right?

For those disappointed with the action in the franchise thus far, know that director David Slade (of the vampire horror 30 Days of Night) is behind Eclipse so expect to see more full-blown action sequences. Eclipse bows in cinemas 30th June.

Hong Kong Film Festival 2010

After a three-year hiatus, the Hong Kong Film Festival (HKFF) is back with a line up of six films to be screened at Cinema Europa, GV Vivocity from 8-11 Apr.

The opening film of the HKFF is the romantic comedy Crossing Hennessy, starring Jacky Cheung and Tang Wei, with writer-director Ivy Ho in town for a special Blog Aloud session on 9 Apr. Besides Ivy Ho, Yonfan will also be in town for the HKFF for a meet-and-greet with audiences after the screening of his film, Prince of Tears, the closing film of the festival.

Other films in the HKFF include the award winning documentary KJ: Music & Life, the Ann Hui drama The Way We Are, the irresistible animation McDull: Kung Fu Kindergarten and the action thriller Black Ransom. What's more, all these 4 titles will also be screened in the original Cantonese language (instead of the watered down Mandarin-dubbed version we usually get).

Ticket sales begin 25 Mar online at www.gv.com.sg and at all GV cineplexes. GV Movie Club members also enjoy $1 off festival ticket price. The HKFF is jointly organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore and Golden Village Multiplex.

We are glad Love Never Dies

The much anticipated worldwide premiere for Love Never Dies was held on 9 March 2010 at London's Adelphi Theatre. The world has eagerly waited for Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to the long running Phantom Of The Opera, and they were treated to the new west-end musical with its flamboyant stage production and moving new music.

The Phantom Of The Opera which opened in London in 1986 is still running at Her Majesty's Theatre, it then opened in New York in 1988 making it Broadway's longest running show ever.

Its sequel, Love Never Dies is set ten years after the mysterious disappearance of The Phantom from the Paris Opera House played by Ramin Karimloo. Christine Daaé, played by Sierra Boggess, accepts an offer to come to America and perform at New York's fabulous new playground of the world - Coney Island. Christine arrives in New York with her husband Raoul and their son Gustave and soon discovers the identity of the anonymous impresario who has lured her from France to sing.

The official website (http://www.loveneverdies.com) provides fans with regular production updates and blogs as well as being able to follow the show's progress on Twitter and Facebook.

You can also check out the first single from the musical "Till I Hear You Sing" here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XegytVAM5WU)

Will Love Never Dies grace our shores soon? While we await with bated breath, watch out for our review of the soundtrack and what's more, bookmark movieXclusive.com, where there will be a promo which gives you a chance to win the soundtrack!

14 Blades on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def, DVD March 29, 2010

With a production budget of US$20 million and a star studded cast, 14 Blades have gross more than S$1.5 million in Singapore box office alone. Directed by Daniel Lee and stars Donnie Yen, Vicky Zhao Wei, Kate Tsui, Wu Chun, Qi Yuwu and special appearance by Sammo Hung. The Blu-ray contains the making of & music video with 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio & 5.1; 2.0 Dolby Digital in Mandarin Language Track and English, Traditional Chinese subtitles.

We Are Credited On the UK DVD of SHINJUKU INCIDENT

The HK Film Industry is Far From Dying Part 4

Life after death of a fetus inside a woman’s body exists as a Womb Ghost. Unnatural termination of such life will turn the baby into the evilest and most vicious kind of spirit. Directed by Dennis Law who shifted his gears into the horror genre with "Womb Ghost", another production out of his Point of View Co. Law previously directed the horrid Fatal Contact and Fatal Move. Check out the stomach-turning trailer here.

The HK Film Industry is Far From Dying Part 3

Andy Lau, Barbie Hsu, Fan Bing Bing and Fan Siu-Wong stars in the Wong Jing's helmed "Future X-Cops". The story is about a cop who travels back in time to take on a corporation that's out to eliminate a doctor who has created a new technology which can break up the monopoly on a energy resources. The movie which employed lots of visual effects was once rumoured to be in dire financial state. Wong of course denied the rumours and the release date for the long-delayed movie is scheduled to be on 30th March in China. It's a surprise they didn't stick to the usual cop-crime action thriller routine, didn't they heard of the disasterous Kung Fu Cyborg: Metallic Attraction? Check out the trailer here.

Sneak Peak At Predators

Take a sneak peek at the Robert Rodriguez-produced, Nimrod Antal-directed relaunch of the franchise, Predators starring sAdrien Brody as Royce, a cold-blooded mercenary whose only allegiance is to those who pay him. He reluctantly leads a group of elite warriors who come to realize they’ve been brought together on an alien planet where they are hunted and eliminated by a new breed of alien Predators. Movie opens 8 July 2010.

There will be a 3rd Batman movie!

Finally Christopher Nolan had confirmed to LA Times that he and his brother will be working on the 3rd Batman movie. Although he didn't reveal the exact details of the highly anticipated sequel to The Dark Knight, there are some points that we were able to gather from the news article.

• Jonathan Nolan is working hard on the script. Based on David S. Goyer and the Nolan brothers came up with the story and as of the moment, Jonathan Nolan is working hard on the script. An epic story has been promised and in Christopher Nolan we trust.
•  No supernatural or super-science characters that are not based on realities ... yup ... that means no Mr Freeze or other villains of such nature.
• The 3rd movie will be the end. It's not like a on going comics series or TV series that goes on and on. It will be a wrap up of things that had been introduced
•  and when they were stuck during their brain storming for the 3rd Batman movie, David S. Goyer came up with a great story concept for a new Superman movie . It managed to excite Christopher Nolan into taking up the producer role for it so we are pretty excited to see what is it all about.

For those who love Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, this piece of news is simply the news of the day and of course, the anticipation for the 3rd movie is going to be all time high from now on.

For the whole story, click here. -RLJ-

IP MAN 2 to debut 29 April 2010

While our little island is still buzzing with the Jack Neo scandal, we are going to reveal the real news that everyone is waiting for. Ip Man will be back to kick more asses (neo's included) come 29 April 2010 in Ip Man 2. The story continues from part one where Ip Man relocates to Hong Kong with his family and encounter arrogant Westerners. Joining the cast is mainland actor Huang Xiaoming and Sammo Hung who remains as Action Director as well. Check out the shooting diary and more information about Ip Man 2 here. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES PREMIERES MARCH 30TH ON BLU-RAY™ & DVD

The action-adventure mystery "SHERLOCK HOLMES" with a box office of more than US$350 million worldwide will premiere on Blu-ray™ and DVD on March 30, 2010. Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray contains the DVDs extras (more then 45 minutes of special features) plus exclusive special features including Maximum Movie Mode: Director Guy Ritchie Walk-On feature. The Blu-ray comes with DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1 and will retail at $49.90 while the 2-Disc DVD at $29.90.

The Ghost Writer Embarks on a Davidoff Adventure

Davidoff unveiled its new Eau Fraîche ad campaign, Davidoff Adventure Eau Fraîche with Ewan McGregor. The line is being positioned as ideal for the rugged yet handsome adventurer, the escapist free spirit who revels in the freshness of nature after a hard day’s exploring. The visual aims to evoke the excitement of the actor’s real-life adventures: Long Way Round, his 20,000-mile round-the-world motorcycle journey in 2004 and his latest expedition Long Way Down from the northernmost point of Scotland to the southernmost tip of Africa. The Scottish actor can be seen next in Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer in May.

The Man Who Stare At Goats and Omega

While George Clooney has yet clinch a golden man for Best Actor, he is still the perfect OMEGA brand ambassador. A complement to the elite ranks of OMEGA's champions and high-achievers from the worlds of fashion, science and sport, all of whom perfectly define the brand and its ethos. Classy. Clooney can be seen in Up In The Air and The Men Who Stare At Goats in April.

Summer Wars scored another Victory

Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars had score another victory at this year 2010 Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. It's a back to back victory for them as their previous animation The Girl Who Leapt through Time won the very first Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. Don't miss our earlier interview with director Mamoru Hosoda -RLJ-

The 82nd Academy Awards Winner List

And here are the winners of the 82nd Academy Awards (happening right now!):

Best Motion Picture
The Hurt Locker (2008) - Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro

Best Achievement in Directing
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side (2009)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart (2009)

Best Foreign Language Film
El secreto de sus ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes) (2009)

Best Achievement in Editing
The Hurt Locker (2008) - Bob Murawski, Chris Innis 
 
Best Documentary Feature
The Cove (2009) - Louie Psihoyos, Fisher Stevens

Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Avatar (2009) - Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andy Jones

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Up (2009) - Michael Giacchino

Best Achievement in Cinematography
Avatar (2009) - Mauro Fiore

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
The Hurt Locker (2008) - Paul N.J. Ottosson, Ray Beckett

Best Achievement in Sound Editing
The Hurt Locker (2008) - Paul N.J. Ottosson

Best Achievement in Costume Design
The Young Victoria (2009) - Sandy Powell

Best Achievement in Art Direction
Avatar (2009) - Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg, Kim Sinclair

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Mo'Nique - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009)

Best Achievement in Makeup
Star Trek (2009) - Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow

Best Short Film, Live Action
The New Tenants (2009) - Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson

Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Music by Prudence (2010) - Roger Ross Williams, Elinor Burkett

Best Short Film, Animated
Logorama (2009) - Nicolas Schmerkin

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
The Hurt Locker (2008) - Mark Boal

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Crazy Heart (2009) - T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Up (2009) - Pete Docter

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Jack Neo: Sex No Enough

Singapore's most renowned filmmaker, Jack Neo (left in a MX file photo) has joined the latest string of celebrities who have extramartial affairs. The Chinese papers has lurid accounts of Neo being entangled with a 22 year old freelance model named Zhong Jia Yan for the past two years. It's believed they have frequent sexual encounters in Neo's luxurious car and hotels. After the affairs were exposed on Friday, Neo, his wife and his girlfriend and Zhong's parents had a  closed door discussion. In a surprising revelation, Madam Kng (Neo's wife) said she had known about the affair for a year but she chose to 'close one eye' and did not confront her husband. Some industry observers believe that it's just a promotional stunt for Neo's latest movie while some netizens are already bent on boycotting the film. The saga continues and from the initial outlook, seems an interesting premise for Neo's next movie.

ETHAN JUAN & MARK CHAO IN TOWN TO PROMOTE "MONGA"

Two of Taiwan's hottest male idols, Ethan Juan 阮经天 and Mark Chao 赵又廷 will be coming to Singapore to promote their upcoming action blockbuster MONGA 艋胛. Both stars will arrive in Singapore on Monday, 5th April 2010! MONGA tells the story of five young men growing up the oldest district in Taiwan named Monga which is famous for its sites like Snake Alley and Longshan Temple, as well as its seedy nightlife. Under the guidance of a veteran gangster, the youngsters are taught the heritage created by the founders of Monga. They have no idea, however, of a storm brewing that will soon break every hint of order and remove the last remaining grandeur of Old Town Monga. MONGA will open in Singapore on 15th April 2010.

Universal Studio Singapore to open 18 March 2010, 8.28am

It's official. Universal Studio Singapore (USS) will open to the public at 8.28am on 18 March 2010. USS will bring to life the best movie-themed attractions packed within seven zones ranging from Hollywood, Far Far Away™, Madagascar™ to Sci-Fi City™ and The Lost World™. Enough said.

TIME by Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks becomes one of the few select actors to grace the cover of prestigious news magazine TIME. Supposedly, it is in conjunction with his new miniseries The Pacific which tells the story of America's island war. Hanks will next be 'heard' not 'seen' in Pixar's Toy Story 3. By the way, the cover looks classy. 

Gucci by Gucci Sport by James Franco

Gucci by Gucci Sport Pour Homme, a new aromatic citrus fragrance consisting of grapefruit, mandarin, cypress, cardamom, juniper berry, fig, vetiver, ambrette and patchouli is fronted by actor James Franco who also fronted the original Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme. In addition to his new ad, the Spider-man star will next be seen in the comedy, Date Night.

Sink Your Fangs Into THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON 20th March

Sink your fangs into The Twilight Saga: New Moon DVD and VCD from Alliance Entertainment on 20th March 2010. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling young-adult series, New Moon is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2008’s box office smash Twilight. The Twilight Saga: New Moon 2-Disc Widescreen Edition is loaded with exciting extras including a 6 Part Documentary on the Making of, deleted/extended scenes, Team Edward vs Team Jacob : The Ultimate Love Triangle, Introducing The Wolf Pack, music videos, interviews and much more. We sense fainting spells everywhere comes 20th March.

ASTRO BOY ON BLU-RAY™ & DVD & VCD 16TH MARCH

Created with breathtaking computer animation from Imagi Studios, the film "Astro Boy" is a thrilling tale of a true hero, the little robot who first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and animator Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga (Japanese comic book) and became an instant icon. Astro Boy will be available on Blu-ray on 16th March 2010 for $49.90 and on single disc DVD for $26.90 with the Blu-ray containing more than 40 minutes of Special Features including 2 All New Animated Sequences.

Zhou Xun Speaks Casio

Perhaps Love actress Zhou Xun is the latest spokesperson for Casio's newest range of digital cameras. The various TV ads apparently show a different side of the usual demure actress we seen on screen. Move your cursor here to view more of her TV ads. The highly-in-demand Zhou Xun is currently appearing in True Legend and can be next seen in the Chow Yun Fat starrer, Confucius.