Film - July 07

31st July

One sheet and U.S website for 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'

Cate Blanchett reprises her role to continue the story of Queen Elizabeth's crusade, to secure her position as a major power of the western world. The first film was fantastic, and this long awaited sequel so far seems to promise even better things to come.

Synopsis: "As Queen Elizabeth I's cousin Mary Stuart conspires with Philip of Spain to overthrow the throne of England, Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's trusty advisor works tirelessly to protect her from the many conspiracies against her. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire from the Spanish armada, Elizabeth struggles to balance royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her attraction to Sir Walter Raleigh."

There's not much site content as yet, but its one we'll keep a sharp eye on for updates. 'Golden Age' opens in the UK October 12th and early 2008 in the U.S.

Golden Age website

31st July

At long last! Stuart Gordon's From Beyond on DVD

It’s been a long time coming, but finally director Stuart Gordon’s the little known gem of a film ‘From Beyond’ is to get a release on (but with the worst damn cover, which we are trying our best to ignore) DVD as an unrated Director's cut. Best known to horror buffs as the filmmaker behind the gory H.P. Lovecraft adaptation, "Re-Animator" (1985), Gordon's second released feature, "From Beyond" (1986), was less well know. Another irreverent take on Lovecraft, the atmospheric monster movie was less mad cap than his first feature, but still had imagination aplenty.

Synopsis:" Dr. Pretorius and his colleagues are working on a sensational experiment: by means of stimulation of the pineal gland, they want to open the human mind to higher dimensions. When the experiment succeeds, however, they are immediately attacked by terrible life forms, which apparently are floating around us unseen. When Dr. Pretorius is killed by one of them, Dr. Tillinghast is suspected of murder and thrown into a psycho ward due to his stories. Only the ambitious psychologist Dr. McMichaels believes him and wants to continue the experiment."

So the that's the good news. The bad is that we will have to wait until September 11th to get our hands on it. Pre-order's to automatic then.

DVD Specs:
• Audio commentary by Gordon, producer Brian Yuzna and stars Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton.
• The Director’s Perspective featurette.
• The Editing Room “Lost and Found” featurette.
• Interview with Composer Richard Band.
• Photo Montage.
• Storyboard-to-film comparisons:
-Introduction
-Appearance of Dr. Pretorius
-Death of Bubba
-Hospital Escape
-Katherine Frees Herself

30th July

Three new posters for "Naraka 19: The 19th Gate of Hell"

Yes indeed, 3 no less, new posters are out for the teen horror ‘Naraka 19.’ For more background on the films plot, and to see one of the earlier posters, check out our story posted back on June 29th.

‘Naraka 19' Poster 1 2 3

‘Naraka 19' Official Site

29th July

Website and new trailer for Trackman

The website is now up for director Igor Shawlak's Russian slasher ‘Trackman.’ All the usual goodies lay within, including a new trailer! There is no English (though we suspect there will be soon) version of the site as yet, but it's easy enough to navigate through the blood spatters, with a little trial and error.

‘Trackman’ (Official Site)

28th July

New Indonesian horror 'Hantu (Demon)'

Adrianto Sinaga, previously responsible for art direction on ‘Eliana, Eliana’ and ‘Ada Apa Dengan Cinta,’ marks his directorial debut for the big screen with Hantu (Demon). The Film stars: Oka Antara, Dhea Ananda, Dwi Andhika, Andhika Gumilang & Monique Henry.

Synopsis: “Gali (Oka Antara) decides to go camping in an uncharted forest to find a lake called Setra Wingit. He brings along his girlfriend, Rinjani, and his three other friends: Ray ,Sofie and Indra. Trouble ensues when Gali cannot find the lake, and a weird encounter with an old man leads to Rinjani’s disappearance. Can she be found? What mysterious secret does the forest actually possess?”

The film goes on nationwide release in indonesia, August 9, 2007. Hantu (Official Site)

27th July

Exclusive: Website live for Neil Marshall's "Doomsday"

The official website has just gone live for Neil (Dog Soldiers, The Decent) Marshall's upcoming Brit Sci-Fi horror 'Doomsday.' No trailer as yet, but there’s a load of behind the scenes pics and art work to take a look at. First impressions… Damn it looks good!

The story: “Great Britain. A deadly plague, known as the "Reaper Virus," has broken out, killing hundreds of thousands in its wake. In desperation, the British Government evacuates as many survivors as it can out of the infected area, and then builds a wall, preventing the remainder from escaping. Thirty years later, with the wall still up and the victims all but forgotten, the virus breaks out again. The Government decides to send a crack team of operatives, led by Major Eden Sinclair, into the hot zone to investigate the possibility of a cure.”

The movies excellent cast includes Bob Hoskins & Rhona Mitra. It also had a last minute boost, with the recent news that Malcolm McDowell had joined the team. Currently in post production, the UK premiere is tentatively set for December. 'Doomsday' (Official Site)

26th July

Takashi Mike's "Western Django" to premiere in Venice

Takashi Miike's "Sukiyaki Western Django," a tribute to spaghetti Westerns that features a Quentin Tarantino cameo, will world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival, where Tarantino is hosting a retrospective celebrating the Italo oater (westerns) genre. Shot in English, Miike's eclectic film is centered on two gangs struggling over control of a 19th century Japanese frontier town. The movie is inspired by "Django," the 1965 spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Corbucci, which is also to be shown in the retro.

Also at the fest will be a Sidebar, titled "The Secret History of Italian Cinema 4 -- Spaghetti Westerns," will feature 32 titles ranging from acclaimed classics such as Leone's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," to lesser-known works, such as Corbucci's Burt Reynolds starrer "A Dollar a Head" and Spanish helmer Jose Romero Marchent's "Cut-Throat Nine" - called by some "the most violent Western ever made." The Venice fest will run Aug. 29th -Sept. 8th. For the complete line-up check out the website here. [Source: Variety]

25th July

Website live for ‘Muay Thai Chaiya’

Well partially live. The site is up (but no trailer yet dammit!) for ‘Muay Thai Chaiya,’ director Kongkiat Khonsiri’s new martial arts action pic about three friends from childhood who become arch-rivals, when each of them is trained at a different Thai boxing school. The main protagonist is a prize-fighter who inherits the renowned Chaiya fighting style from his master.

Thai action films do well in the US and Europe, and Muay is obviously an attempt to cash in. However, Kongkiat is able to inject surprises into otherwise well trodden formulas, as he did with the stylish Ghost story ‘The Unseeable’ and the hard core horror ‘Art of the Devil 2.’ The film is due to open in Thailand August 30th.

‘Muay Thai Chaiya' Official Site

New posters 1 2

25th July

'PTU' DVD giveaway winners

We have our winners for our DVD give away. Each will receive a copy of Johnnie To’s hard hitting Hong Kong Cop thriller ‘PTU,’ released via Third Window Films. The lucky three are: Andrew Avis, Kamraan Moghul & Tim Goodson. Congrats guys.

PTU' trailer 1 'PTU' trailer 2 (English subtitles)

24th July

New poster for Donnie Yen's 'Flashpoint'

New poster is out for "Flashpoint," the martial-arts actioner that pairs Donnie Yen with director Wilson Yip for a third time in a row. Their previous work together includes "Sha po lang" and "Dragon Tiger Gate." "Flashpoint" is now set for release in Hong Kong on August 3rd. Donnie tastic.

'Flashpoint' (Official Site)

24th July

New York Korean film festival returns for 2007

For the seventh year in a row, The New York Korean Film Festival, America’s largest showcase of Korean-made films, is providing New York with a chance to see some of the best the country has offer. The Fest will run from Aug 21st to Sept 2nd at Cinema Village and the IFC Center in Manhattan and the BAM Rose Cinématek in Brooklyn.

The festival will have plenty to see, with the likes of action thrillers ‘Bloody Ties’ and ‘A Dirty Carnival.’ More unexpected additions are romantic comedies like ‘Herb’ and the massive Korean box office hit ‘200 Pound Beauty’. The slate also includes taboo-breaking historical piece (The King and the Clown), quirky family drama (Family Ties) and Korean documentaries that Americans wouldn’t be able to see elsewhere. All films will be shown in the original Korean with English subtitles.

Horror will also be a focus, as Tartan Asia Extreme presents Korean Horror Day, a series of special screenings of some of the most blood-chilling work ever produced by Korean directors. Ardent horror fans will be able to catch up on recent Korean screamers like 'The Ghost' and 'The Red Shoe' as well such classics as 'Whispering Corridors,' on August 27–28 at Cinema Village.

For a full schedule of screenings and events available, visit the festivals official site here.

23rd July

Update on Malaysian horror "Orang Minyak"

A while back now we covered news on an upcoming horror from Malaysia ‘Orang Minyak,’ which in English apparently means ‘Oily man.’ At the time the only artwork for the poster we could find was on the small side. Now we’ve found a bigger higher res version for you to view. For the low down on the film, check out our original story, posted back on April 20th.

‘Orang Minyak’ Large poster

22nd July

UK site live for Goro Miyazaki's Tales from Earthsea

In preparation for its UK theatrical release, the website for “Tales from Earthsea” Goro Miyazaki’s animated interpretation of the novels of author Ursula Le Guin, has just gone live. As well as a trailer in crisp Quicktime, there’s a full listing of where the film will be screening. “Tales from Earthsea” opens in the UK on August 3rd.

'Tales from Earthsea' (Official UK Site)

22nd July

Poster art for Eric Bergeron's animated fantasy 'Un monstre à Paris'

We’ve turned up some great poster artwork for animated fantasy ‘Un monstre à Paris' aka 'A Monster in Paris.' The project is the brainchild of French director and animator Eric (Bibo) Bergeron (The Road to El Dorado, Sharks tale,) who has returned to his native country after 8 years in Hollywood, to create his new work.

Better still (continuing it seems with his new fascination of animation) Luc Besson is tipped to produce the movie. The film will apparently employ the latest 3D CGI techniques to produce a “surrealist 3D effect.” Voice talents for the film will include Vanessa Paradise, Eric Judor, Ramzy Bedia and Kevin Kline.

Synopsis: ”Paris, 1910. A terrifying creature spreads fear upon the Capital. Emile - a shy projectionist in a movie theater - and Raoul - a colorful inventor - find themselves thrown into the Monster Hunt. On this wild ride, they meet a big-hearted cabaret singer, an eccentric scientist assisted by a monkey, a ruthless Prefect of Police. And a strange creature who might not be so frightening after all. What if, behind those deceiving appearances, the true Monster was not who you'd think it is?”

All sounds great, the only down side being that the film isn’t due out until 2009! That’s animation production for you. Glaciers can often move faster. 'Monster in Paris' 2nd teaser poster artwork.

21st July

New website and full trailer for J-Horror Densen-Uta

The website for upcoming J-Horror ‘Densen-uta’ (the literal translation 'infectious song') has had a revamp, with a brand new trailer added to boot. "Densen Uta" is directed by Masato Harada, and the script is written by author Yasushi Akimoto, who penned the original horror classic "One Missed Call" series.

The movies story revolves around a group of high school students who discover the deadly song by chance. With the help of third rate gossip magazine reporter, they try to solve the mystery and horror behind the song. But they soon come to know just how real, an urban legend can be.

The story of "Densen Uta" is apparently based on a suitably gruesome urban legend surrounding the Hungarian song entitled "Gloomy Sunday," which was alleged to have caused multiple suicides. Filming began in March, and the movie is set to open in Japan in August.

‘Densen-uta’ (Official Site)

20th July

A gameshow with a dark twist - '13 beloved' wins at Puchon

Thai director Chookiet Sakveerakul's excellently dark thriller "13 Beloved," was crowned best of show at the Puchon Intl. Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) in South Korea yesterday. The Sahamongkofilm - repped feature which was picked up by The Weinstein Co. also won best Asian Film award from the European Fantastic Film Festival Federation.

'13 Beloved' aka 'The 13th Quiz show' tells the story of a contestant in a challenging game show which can be played anywhere. Those playing the game can agree to accept tasks the show offers, but once accepted they must be completed. Completing the task means big rewards. The more you complete the harder they get, but the rewards are far far greater. The harder they get, the darker and more sinister they become.

First released in Thailand in October (and also covered by us in September) of last year, the film was a massive hit nationwide. To see the trailer for the film, select the centre icon on the official sites main menu. '13 Beloved' Official site

19th July

Great new poster for Russian slasher Trackman

We first covered news on this movie in December of last year, then all seemed to go quiet on the project. Now the first new poster has surfaced for director by Igor Shawlak upcoming horror ‘Trackman.’ The movie stars Dmitry Orlov, Svetlana Metkina, Alexander Vsokowski, Julia Wall, Alexei Dmitriev & Oleg Kamenczykov.

Synopsis: “Three robbers commit raid on a bank. Thinking they have the ideal escape route from the crime they retreat into the abandoned tunnels of the Moscow subway. In the course of a robbery 3 hostages were taken and they too are dragged into the depths of the tunnels. From that moment they fall into the domain of the ‘Trackman.’ Methodically he hunts them down, stripping them of their eyes.“

Watching the trailer, the cast perform their roles with gusto, the production looks great, and it seems to promise a good few gore filled scares along the way. 'Trackman's' opening date is set for mid September.

19th July

Hong Kong horror 'The Closet' now on DVD

Francis Ng has shown his versatility in numerous Hong Kong movies, from the insane guy in Crazy 'N the City to the suave hitman in Exiled. In the horror 'The Closet,' Ng portrays a traumatized magician who feels haunted by his late father in a quiet house. Directed by Dick Tso (Those were the Days and Love Cruise), the film also stars Eddie Cheung (Election), TV starlet Michelle Yip, plus new Mainland actress Daisy Yang.

Synopsis:" As a child, magician Fei (Francis Ng) was violently abused by his father, and he is particularly traumatized by the memory of being locked in a closet. Haunted by his childhood nightmare, Fei almost loses his life in a dangerous magic show. His girlfriend (Daisy Yang), without knowing his history, thinks that he is just too tired and takes him to the countryside for rest. They move into a quiet house, where Fei often feels his dead father's presence..."

'The Closet' Trailer

Order the DVD here

18th July

New test trailer for 'Siyama: Village of warriors'

A new test trailer for Thai action epic ‘Siyama: Village of warriors’ is out. Looks pretty good so far. We say 'test' as this definitely isn’t the finished product, the audio and FX aren’t complete as yet.

Here is the rather lengthy synopsis from the production companies website: " Three young lives from the present are mysteriously destined to travel back in time through a portal to an old forgotten city. It is an era of civil war among the people of Siam where the fight is to protect the capital city of Ayuthaya from being conquered and overthrown. Bloodshed is about to unfold among the small group of villagers loyal to their land and prepared to battle to the death with the opposing military troops of Ong Mien, known for their cut throat, piercing swords.

Siyama led by, Kru Jom, uses religious sorcery to protect his small village located amidst a ravine populated by only a mere one thousand villagers and two hundred rooftops.
By being the choice of passage towards the capital city of Ayuthaya, Siyama becomes a targeted obstacle for the gruesome military brigade of Ong Mien. Anna, Gif, and Bote from present day Bangkok are thrown into a gateway through time. They suddenly appear out of no where right at the onset of battle causing utter confusion and havoc among the soldiers. These girls are forced to put their learned history knowledge to the test to see if they can save Siyama from being utterly destroyed."

Sorcery, girls with Swords, and epic battles, yep we'd give that a look. Currently in post production, the movie is due for theatrical release late 2007. Siyama trailer

14th July

Weinstein Co. picks up 'Invisible Target'

According to Variety The Weinstein Co. has picked up multi-territory rights to "Invisible Target," the ultra-violent Hong Kong-China actioner from director Benny Chan ("New Police Story".) Another very astute acquisition on their part.

The company has acquired rights in North America, Australia and South Africa. As we have previously reported, the pic will go on general release in Asia on July 19th. Weinstein Co. has not yet detailed its plans for the pic's release stateside. Take a look at the trailer, and you'll see why we think they should hurry up!

‘Invisible Target’ (Trailer)

‘Invisible Target’ (Official Site)

13th July

Indonesian horror Lantai 13 (The 13th Floor)

A trailer is out for new Indonesian horror 'Lantai 13' (The 13th floor). Written and directed by Helfi Kardit, the movie stars: Widi Mulia, Ariyo Wahab, Virnie Ismail, Tio Pakusadewo & Lucky Hakim.

The plot: “Luna (Widi Mulia) gets a new job in an office located in the 13th floor of a skyscraper building. When she starts the job, she encounters bizarre incidents, such as the sound of woman crying in an empty toilet, and unpleasant smells in one particular lift. The strangeness continues with more illogical unexplained events, but then she finally discovers why.

One year ago, the owner of the building killed 12 women to in a ritual sacrifice so that his business could grow. He needed 13 women, but one woman didn't respond to the invitation letter he sent. The thirteenth woman is Luna. And after one year, Albert, the building owner is still going to complete his ceremony. It is now up to Rafael (Ariyo Wahab), Luna’s boyfriend, to rescue her, before she meets the angel of death in the 13th floor.” Lantai 13 Trailer

DVD giveaway: Win a copy of Johnnie To's 'PTU'

The good folks at Third Window Films have given us 3 copies of Johnnie To’s hard hitting Hong Kong Cop thriller ‘PTU’ to give away. The giveaway is open to all, but please be aware that these are region 2 discs. The comp runs until July 23rd, after which 3 winners names will be picked at random.

To enter simply send us an email to the address on our contact page, with your name, country of residence, and the title "PTU DVD" in the subject field. Good luck!

'PTU' trailer 1 'PTU' trailer 2 (English subtitles)

12th July

UK theatrical release for The Wicker Man

The superb 1973 cult classic horror ‘The Wicker Man’ is to get a new lease of life on U.K Cinema screens, as part of a joint initiative between the the BBC and U.K. Film Council, to highlight classic British film. Directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer, the film stars Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Ingrid Pitt and Britt Ekland.

‘The Wicker Man' follows the story of Sgt. Howie who travels to the Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. However, the entire population of the island, including the girl's own mother, denies that such a girl ever existed and as the righteous Howie investigates further he learns the terrifying truth of Summerisle.

Fantastic. The film opens in selected cinemas on August 24th.

‘The Wicker Man’ trailer (Youtube)

11th July

Promo trailer for Thai action movie 'M4'

We first covered news on this film last year. Now Thai studio Mono films have released an animated promotional teaser trailer for their upcoming action pic ‘M4.’ The movie is to be directed by Taratorn Siriphunvaraporn, who was the man behind the hugely successful 2005 action flick ‘The Tiger Blade.'

Synopsis: “M4…A team of specially trained professionals working for an undercover sect of the government are responsible for handling all the impossible missions that need to be squared away “off the record”. One day the law is used against them, threatening their new found freedom and forcing them to once again take on a mission no one else dared to do. This mission turned out to be a set-up to wipe out the enemy and ultimately eliminate them too. After smelling a rat in the mission, they band together to form an alliance called M4, seeking revenge and the justice they deserve.”

Animation is an unusual but effective choice for a promotional trailer, for what we believe will be a live action film, but it does look great. The film is currently in pre production. More news as we get it. M4 promo trailer

10th July

Fantasy Filmfest reveals lineup

With 77 features scheduled Germanys Fantasy Filmfest is celebrating its 21st anniversary with an increased lineup across the board. The Official Selection sees the world premieres of a range of fare including thrillers and horror pics. Featured are "Black Water," "Kaltmiete," "Botched," "Storm Warning," "Welcome to the Jungle," "The Deaths of Ian Stone," "WAZ" and "Stuck." In it's travels the Fest will visit 8 cities, and runs from July 24th to August 22nd. To see a full run down of all the films on show, check out the whole programme from the link below.

Fantasy Filmfest

9th July

Poster for Takashi Miike's Crows Zero

A poster has turned up for Takashi Miike's ‘Crows Zero.’ Billed as a prequel to the events in the hugely popular Manga (written by Takahashi Hishori) ‘Crows,’ the live action movie is a story of violent warfare between rival high-school gangs. For a taste of what's to come, check out the teaser trailer on the official site. The film is due out in Japan, in October.

‘Crows Zero’ (Official site)

8th July

Production starts on 'The Tournament'

We have been waiting a long time for this news on the British crime thriller “The Tournament,” which we first covered way back in June last year. Production has finally begun! Entertainment Film Distributors has acquired U.K. rights to the AV Pictures thriller, and filming starts July 11th in Bulgaria.

Here's a description of ‘The Tournament’ from the production companies site: "Every ten years in an unsuspecting town, The Tournament takes place. A battle to the death, between 40 of the world’s most lethal assassins. The last man standing receiving the $10,000,000 cash prize and the title of Worlds No1, which itself carries the legendary million dollar a bullet price tag. All fights are monitored 24hrs a day on redirected CCTV cameras and broadcast secretly to a ring of high stake billionaire gamblers. A gritty, multi stranded action-thriller, The Tournament brings together international killers from every imaginable discipline in a blood-bathed contest to the death. We follow the competition favourites through stories of love, betrayal, revenge and redemption as they finally discover the true value of life"

More great news is some of the additions announced to the cast. Joining the film are: Robert Carlyle ("28 Weeks Later"), Ving Rhames ("Pulp Fiction") and Kelly Hu ("X-Men 2"). Keith Bell ("Dog Soldiers") is producing for director Scott Mann. Here is a link to a test trailer for the flick. We imagine it will be several months before an actual teaser trail for the film turns up. Cant wait!

7th July

Warner Bro's Japan to release The God of Death

The NTV network and Warner Bro's Japan are joining forces to produce helmer Masaya Kakehi's new project "Shinigami no seido" (literally translated "The God of Death"), a horror fantasy starring Takeshi Kaneshiro (pic left). Kaneshiro plays a Grim Reaper who appears to his victims in human form and spends a week with them before deciding whether to take them.

The film is Kaneshiro's first to be shot in Japan since the (OK ish) sci-fi pic "Returners" in 2002. Manani Konishi co-stars as one of Kaneshiro's potential victims. The movie is based on a novel by Kotaro Isaka -- the writer's fifth to be made for the big screen. Release in Japan via Warner Bros, is tipped to be spring 2008.

All sounds very ‘Death Note’ esk to us, but we’ll wait and see how it develops. [Source: Variety]

7th July

Full trailer for Russian action pic 'Skalolazka: The seventh cradle'

The first full trailer for Russian actioner 'Skalolazka: The seventh cradle' has gone live on the official site. The film is the adventures of Alyona Ovchinnikova, an expert in ancient languages, archeology, and an all-round action girl. 'Seventh cradle' opens in Russia, in September.

'Skalolazka trailer' Low Res (5Mb)

'Skalolazka trailer' High Res (20Mb)

'Skalolazka: The seventh cradle' (Official site)

6th July

UK DVD release for Jin-Rô: The Wolf Brigade

The classic, beautifully crafted and at times harrowing Anime "Jin-Ro" is finally to get a UK R2 DVD release, through Optimum releasing. Scripted by anime giant Mamoru Oshii (director of "Ghost in the Shell") the movie was directed by first-timer Hiroyuki Okiura, who previously worked as an animator on both "Akira" and "Ghost."

Synopsis: "10 years have passed since WWII changed the face of Japan. A Japan that now burns with the fire of civil unrest. Fuelled by rampant crime and poverty, a well-armed anti-government group has risen amongst the people, with the intent of topping the government through its terrorist plots. To combat this group, an elite group of heavily-armoured soldiers was formed, trained like dogs, these men were to combat the growing unrest with extreme prejudice; these men are the Capitol Police. However, when Constable Fuse, a member of the Capitol Police hesitates to kill a young courier, he is forced to face his own humanity and ultimately decide - is it better to live as a chained dog? Or a free man?"

Extra DVD Features on the disc include: Trailers, director /creator Interviews, cast Interviews & a production art gallery. Disc is due for release on August 20th. 'Jin-Ro' Trailer (Youtube)

6th July

Thai horror 'Video Clip'

Helmer Pakpoom Wongjinda director of the spectacularly gory Thai teen horror ‘Scared,’ has returned to the genre with his new flick ‘Video Clip.’ The film stars Paopon Thephatsadin & Ngamsiri Arsira-lertsiri. Movie opens in Thailand, July 26th.

Synopsis: “Today Cellphones come with huge range of options to entertain the user. Being able to take video clips is just one of them. Three people who's obsession is cell phone clip recording; Ken, a cellphone repairer who likes stealing private clips from his customer's phones, Pub DJ Ood who enjoys having fun with girls and records his clips for sharing, and Keang, a bar owner who runs a porn site on the side, with lots of clips to be seen online. They never realize how the humble cellphone could turn out to be a killer, that threatens their lives more than they could ever imagine.”

Video Clip (Official Site)

Video Clip (Trailer) via the guys at Deknang.com

5th July

Teaser trailer and poster for fantasy 'His Minor Majesty'

A first teaser trailer and poster have arrived for Jean-Jacques Annaud's (Seven Years in Tibet) ‘Sa majesté Minor ‘ aka ‘His Majesty Minor.‘ Billed as a mythical comedy, the story is set on an island in the Aegean Sea before the founding of Ancient Greece. The film stars Vincent Cassel (Sheitan) as the demi God Pan (Satyr). The trailer is only the briefest of glimpses, but gives a real hint at the visual feast to come. Currently in post production, the movie is due for release in France in October.

‘His Majesty Minor‘ (Trailer)

4th July

Production stalls on G.P 506

Horror film "G.P. 506" directed by Kong Su-chang has been suspended in mid-production with 70% of shoot complete, as the filmmakers search for a new production company. A management battle and lawsuit at Korean production house Motis has frozen all funds and stalled the production.

Motis, which was producing its first title with "G.P. 506", had originally committed $1 million to the production, with distributor and international sales rep Lotte Entertainment supplying a further $500,000. Motis are currently in discussion with several other production companies who have shown an interest in taking over the project.

Not the best of starts, but we don’t think it will be long before they find a new backer. The fact that the film is already 2/3 complete, plus the popularity and success surrounding Su-chang’s previous work ‘R-Point,’ should mean they find new funds fairly quickly. For more info on the film, check out our previous story posted back on June 17th. [Source]

4th July

Indonesian horror Malam Jumat Kliwon

Just out is a new offering from helmer ‘Koya Pagayo,’ (director of two of last years hit horrors ‘Hantu Jeruk Purut’ & ‘After midnight’) is the Indonesian frightener ‘Malam Jumat Kliwon.’ The film stars Ben Joshua, Gracia Indri & Debby Kristy. Production is through the local company Indika Entertainment.

Synopsis: Once upon a time, a woman named Suci was brutally murdered. Before she died, she put a curse on the land where she was killed, and she swore that whoever stepped upon that land would die. Cut to the present time, four teenagers are on the run from the police for carrying illegal drugs. When they find a haunted house, they think that it’s a perfect place to escape. Yet, little do they know that soon death falls on to them in many unexpected ways.” ‘Malam Jumat Kliwon’ (Official Site)

3rd July

Closure for Straightheads

This won't be a surprise to ardent U.S fans following news on the British revenge thriller 'Straightheads.' It has been announced via the directors (Dan Reed) web blog that Sony will not be releasing the film theatrically in America. A shame, as it wasn't a bad little thriller, with some excellent acting performances from both the (Gillian Anderson, Danny Dyer) leads.

Better news is that Reed has confirmed that the film will be getting a region 1 DVD release, but with a title change to the slightly baffling new name of 'Closure.' The on sale date for the R1 DVD is currently tipped for October. The region 2 DVD is due out in either Sept or Oct, depending on which online retailer you check.

'Straightheads' (Official UK Site)

2nd July

Website live for Perfect Creature

The official site for the Vampire thriller ‘Perfect Creature’ has finally arrived, probably to coincide with its screening at this years Auckland International Film Festival.

Set during the 1960s in an alternate New Zealand known as Nuovo Zelandia, "Perfect Creature" imagines a world where vampires and humans peacefully co-exist, with the bloodsuckers the next step in human evolution. This delicate balance looks to be destroyed when an influenza epidemic begins to sweep the human population and one vampire turns to preying on humans. The church sends Silus (Dougray Scott) to catch the renegade vampire, Edgar. Silus joins forces with a human police captain Burrows, and discovers that Edgar harbours dark secrets.

The film is still listed as “coming soon” on its New Zealand distributors site. But with the arrival of the site online, a theatrical release cant be too far behind. ‘Perfect Creature’ (Video Clip) ‘Perfect Creature’ (Official Site)

1st July

New poster and trailer for Epitaph

Another poster, and a first trailer for the Korean period horror ‘Epitaph' are out. Its intriguing plot and surreal 40s styling, all go to put ‘Epitaph’ high on our most anticipated horror films list.

Synopsis: “In a modern hospital in 1941, doctors witness weird events and learn death is the sole healer. In 1979, Dr.Park receives an old photo album from his twenties in 1941 when mysterious things befell him and his colleagues. Park was bound by his parents to marry a girl whom he never met, but fell in love with a dead woman who happened to be his arranged marriage. Meanwhile, a little girl who was apparently the only survivor a car accident was haunted by ghosts every night. After two doctors (a married couple) involved in these two stories return to their hospital from Tokyo, a series of serial murders occurs around them.”

‘Epitaph' Trailer (Youtube)

‘Epitaph' (Official Site)

1st July

First trailer for Ang Lee's Lust, Caution

A teaser trailer for director Ang Lee's new film "Lust Caution" has finally surfaced. Caution, his first film since the multi Academy Award winning 'Brokeback Mountain," is an espionage thriller set in WWII Shanghai. Tony Leung ("Hero," "In the Mood for Love') stars as Mr. Yee, a powerful political figure in 1940s Shanghai. Tang Wei, makes her feature film debut as Wang Jiazhi, a young woman who gets swept up in a dangerous game of assassination, power & emotional intrigue. Currently still in post production, the movie is set to get a limited theatrical release in the U.S. in September.