Film - May 07

31st May

Website up for Russian action blockbuster "Apocalypse"

The website is up and running for the Russian big budget action flick ‘Apocalypse.’ Directed by Vadim Shmelyov, the films stars Anastasia Zavorotnyuk, Vincent Perez, Vladimir Menshov and Alexei Serebryakov. Producer Sergei Zhigunov has announced that the film will likely be shown in 50 to 55 countries and will be released in cinemas between June and October 2007.

Filming has taken place in France, Italy, Norway, Malaysia, Russia and Ukraine. Entirely financed by Russian backers, the film has apparently enjoyed an impressive budget called "a Russian director's dream" which allows limitless imagination.

The story concerns four atomic bombs, ready to explode, which have been placed in four large cities around the world. A female Russian secret agent with the code name ‘Beautiful’ is sent to decipher the codes held by three guards spread throughout the world, to defuse the bombs. Vincent plays Louis Devier, a wealthy French banker who intends to explode the bombs. ‘Apocalypse’ (Official Site)

30th May

New poster for "Anonymous Blood" aka "Anatomy Class"

A new poster is out for 'Anonymous Blood,' one of the many horror movies due out in Korea this summer. The plot revolves around mysterious deaths originating in a Human anatomy lab of a medical college. Plenty of opportunity for cast members to come to sticky end there then. The film stars Han Ji-min, Oh Tae-kyeong and Jo Min-gi. As well as this great new poster, someone has posted the teaser trailer for the flick over on Youtube.

'Anonymous Blood' Teaser trailer

30th May

Book: The History of Hammer Films "A Thing of Unspeakable Horror"

Looks like a must for fans of the films. A new book is out on the history of Hammer horror, one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. All the more relevant too, after the recent news (see post dated May 11th) that Hammer is to start making movies once again.

Synopsis: “When the relatively unknown Hammer Films released "The Curse of Frankenstein" in 1957 it unexpectedly struck gold. The reactions of a lynch mob of critics brought the audiences flooding into the cinemas and the film ultimately recovered its modest production budget thirty times over and launched an international 'brand' that would become a part of the British way of life.

Originally formed in 1934 and previously known for quickie melodramas, police thrillers and monochrome sci-fi features, Hammer was quick to capitalise on the film's success. By 1979, when the studio ceased production, Hammer's trademark combination of gore and décolletage had produced dozens of Frankenstein, Dracula and vampire movies that would continue to be a staple of late-night television for years to come. A family business, it operated from the improbable setting of a Berkshire country house, employed largely British casts and catered to the long-established British taste for grand guignol that teetered on the edge of self-parody.

But its production values were high by the standards of the time and the genre and in addition to establishing the careers of its regular stars like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee it gave a surprisingly large number of British actors and directors their first break and film-makers including Scorsese, Spielberg and Tarantino have all acknowledges its influence on their work. The author has interviewed many of the surviving actors and other employees most of whom recollect their times at Hammer with amusement and affection.”

The book is a U.K release. Cover price £16.99, but a quick hunt around online can soon deliver a better price.

29th May

Website live for Korean Horror "The Black House"

Further to our or original article back on April 13th, the website for director Shin Tae-ra’s new horror "The Black House" is now live. Shins first film was the unusual sci-fi adventure ‘Brainwave.’ The new movie is based on a Japanese novel written by the horror maestro Yusuke Kishi.

The story revolves around a string of mysterious deaths, and stars Hwang Jeong-min (You Are My Sunshine). With him in the cast are Kang Shin-il (Public Enemy), Yoo Seon (The Wig, The Uninvited) and Kim Seo-hyeong (Sweet Sex and Love)

'The Black House' (Official Site)

28th May

"Macbeth" goes Gangland

Never let it be said we don’t cover the greats of literature here at 24fps. Well OK this isn’t quite the Macbeth we would remember from our School days. It’s Macbeth with Guns! Director Geoffrey Wright, (Romper Stomper, Cherry Falls) gives a contemporary retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, set in the gangland crime world of Melbourne.

The story, for those of us that didn’t pay attention in English class: “Triggered by Melbourne’s savage gangland wars. Macbeth (Sam Worthington), a loyal henchman to his crime boss, Duncan (Gary Sweet), is told by teenage witches that he will one day assume a position of great power.

Fuelled by ambition, Macbeth confides in his beautiful drug addicted wife, Lady Macbeth (Victoria Hill) who is grieving the death of their only child. On hearing the witches’ prophecy, Lady Macbeth comes to life, hatching a plot to kill Duncan so her husband can take leadership of the gang for himself.Macbeth agrees to her murderous plan and everything is set to explode.”

For more background on the film you can see an interview with the director, Geoffrey Wright here. 'Macbeth' goes on a Ltd release in the U.S in June.

'Macbeth' (Official Site)

28th May

Billy O'Brien's "Isolation" on R1 DVD

Director Billy O'Brien’s atmospheric horror film 'Isolation' about farm livestock going on a killer rampage, will be released on R1 DVD on June 26th. The movie stars John Lynch, Essie Davis, Sean Harris, Ruth Negga, Marcel Iures.

Synopsis: “In the middle of a cold winter night, a mournful sound echoes through the darkness of the Irish countryside. Farmer Dan Reilly (John Lynch) waits as one of his cattle is about to give birth. The noise of her labour resonates through the barn. The animal’s agony weighs heavily on Dan’s mind, as he has reluctantly allowed a bio-tech corporation to run tests on his livestock in return for financial aid for his debt-ridden ranch.

Camped in a nearby field are Mary and Jamie . The young couple is running away, hoping to get to London for a fresh start. After giving them a surly warning to get off his land, Dan backpedals and asks them for assistance with the troublesome birth. In the dank straw, the warm breath of new life appears on the cold air - and the group is plunged into a blind panic at the realization that something has gone horribly wrong.”

'Isolation' (Official Site)

27th May

Trailer for British frightener "Reverb"

We first covered news on the promising British Indy horror flick 'Reverb' in April of last year. Set in a recording studio, this horror will be the directorial debut of screenwriter 'Eitan Arrusi' ("Long Time Dead").

Synopsis; “Alex is a struggling musician trying to get his rock ’n’ roll dreams back on track. Alone, locked in a studio overnight, he samples an old record with a terrifying voice hidden in the music. As more frightening events occur, the band try to unravel the truth behind the hidden plea of “help me” on the record, leading them into to a life or death battle with evil."

'Reverb' Trailer

'Reverb' (Sub Site)

26th May

New poster and website for "Naraka 19: The 19th Gate of Hell"

A new poster is out for the horror ‘Naraka 19.’ The film based on the best selling Chinese horror novel, written by Choi Shun is slated to open in July.

Synopsis: “The nightmare begins for university student Rain when she receives a text message on here mobile phone – “Do you know what the 19th gate of Hell is?” The same cryptic message goes out to all the other students on campus, involving them in a deadly phone game – in this game, if you loose, you die.”

The website for the film is only partially active as yet, but it might well be one to keep an eye on.

‘Naraka 19' Trailer

‘Naraka 19' (Official Site)

25th May

Theatrical poster for Feng Xiaogang's "The Assembly"

The Theatrical poster has been released for Chinese director Feng Xiaogang's new war film "The Assembly, " during the Cannes Film Festival ongoing in France. The poster, with its slogan of "Every Sacrifice Deserves to be Immortalized" on it, was praised for its design's Chinese flavor. International film companies have showed great interest in the Chinese war story, saying that from the clip alone, they could see the mature techniques and intriguing plot twists of the film.

"The Assembly" is adapted from a short story about a soldier who seeks recognition for his fallen comrades during the Chinese civil war (1945 - 1949). Feng, one of the most successful commercial directors in China, released "The Banquet," - an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," starring Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi. At present he is busy with the post production stages of the film back in China. "The Assembly" (Bootleg clip)

[Source: CRI]

25th May

Flash Gordon "Saviour" R1 edition coming to DVD in August

U.S fans of hugely over the top Sci-fi, look out. Heroic earthling Flash Gordon will save the world again in a new remastered DVD special edition due out August 7th. Flash must do battle with the nefarious Ming the Merciless in this lavish, intentionally camp adaptation of the famous sci-fi comic strip.

The story is as basic as space operas get: Ming (Max von Sydow) has developed a plan to destroy the Earth, and Flash (Sam J. Jones) and his attractive companion Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) are called upon to stop him. Along the way, Flash must battle Ming's goons and the temptations of a luscious space princess.

Previously the basis for a more straight-faced 1930s adventure serial, Flash's story is here mined for exaggerated, cartoon humor by screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., a central figure in the similarly camp 1960s Batman television series. The simplistic plot mainly serves as an excuse for spectacular sets and cartoonish action sequences, all set to an appropriately over-the-top rock score by Queen.

Certainly not a film to turn to for serious excitement, fine (although 'Brian Blessed' as Prince Vultan is fantastic) performances, or character development, Flash Gordon has nevertheless developed a legion of cult fans who admire the film's humorous approach and the detailed, colorful production design.

24th May

Sam Neill joins cast of "Daybreakers"

We are suckers (pun of course intended) for a good Vampire flick. So the news that Sam Neill has joined Ethan Hawke on the cast of Lionsgate's upcoming Vampire thriller Daybreakers,' goes a long way to ensure that this will be well worth a watch. Another big tick in the must see box is the fact the film will be helmed by the "The Spierig Brothers," directors of the fantastic cult Zombie classic 'Undead.'


The story takes place in 2017 as a clandestine group of vampires discovers the key to saving the human race from a plague. It's a race against time to cure the disease, as it is rapidly killing off their only food supply. Sam Neill is an outstanding actor who brings gravitas to all his roles and we are delighted he is joining Ethan Hawke for this exceptional and visionary project," Stephanie Denton, president of Lionsgate international, said.

New Zealand FX Wizards 'Weta workshop' are to handle the creation of the Vamps. 'Daybreakers' is set to begin filming in Australia in July. [Source: Screen daily]

24th May

New stills for Korean horror "Epitaph"

Some new stills have turned up for the Korean period horror ‘Epitaph.' Directed by Jung Sik and Jung Bum-sik. The film stars KIM Tae-woo, KIM Bo-kyung, LEE Dong-kyu, JIN Goo. With its intriguing plot ‘Epitaph’ is one of the summer's most highly anticipated horror films. Set in 1940’s Seoul during the long Japanese occupation, the film is the scary story of a hospital morgue, serial killings and some rather strange doctors. Co-director Jung Bum-sik got his start as an assistant director on several Park Chan-wook films.

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' Pics

23rd May

Alejandro Jodorowsky 6 disc DVD Boxset!

Not satisfied with just releasing Alejandro Jodorowsky’s cult classic ‘El Topo” on DVD, Tartan video has now gone all out with a huge 6 disc edition of all of the directors major work. Arriving uncut and uncensored for the very first time are three of the visionary director’s most celebrated yet rarely seen films - El Topo, Holy Mountain and Fando & Lis. All have been digitally restored and remastered, under the close supervision of the director himself, and presented along with an array of superb extra features, including a rare 1957 short, original trailers and deleted scenes.

Revered for his work as an underground filmmaker, Jodorowsky has also garnered a worldwide reputation as a prolific author, playwright, graphic novelist (in collaboration with high-profile artists such as Jean ‘Mœbius’ Giraud), and a learned Tarot reader. However, it is for his controversial and groundbreaking films that he is best known, and for which he is hailed, alongside other visionary auteurs such as Fellini, Buñuel and Lynch, as a cult director. As challenging and unique now as when they were made, these previously “lost” masterpieces are certain to excite a new generation of film fans, whilst offering a welcome opportunity for others to rediscover these legendary films. DVD specs.

For those in region 1 land, Anchor Bay has just released a similar box set in the U.S.

22nd May

'Barbarella' remake gets a director

An interesting choice. Robert Rodriguez is to helm the "Barbarella" remake for a 2008 release. The "Planet Terror" director is working with writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade on the remake of the 1968 film starring Jane Fonda as a futuristic mercenary. That version was also produced by Dino De Laurentiis, who is teaming up again with Martha De Laurentiis for the new big screen version.
Barbarella first appeared seven years earlier in a French comic book written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Forest.

De Laurentiis recently completed a rights deal with Comic creators son, Julien Forest. "I love this iconic character and all that she represents, and I'm truly excited by the challenge of inviting a new audience into her universe," Rodriguez said. De Laurentiis has also dropped a hint as to what we can expect from the remake: "In our vision, the future is female, and I can't wait to introduce 'Barbarella' to a new generation of moviegoers," he said. We cant wait either, but choosing a director will have been the easy part. Finding the right leading lady. Now that'll be a challenge. [Source]

22nd May

Distant Horizon Picks up Donnie Yen's 'Flashpoint'

Great news for Donnie fans in the U.S. According to ‘Variety’ South Africa based Distant Horizon has acquired North American rights to "Flashpoint," the martial-arts actioner that pairs Donnie Yen with director Wilson Yip for the third time in a row. Their previous work together includes "Sha po lang" and "Dragon Tiger Gate." "Flashpoint" is set for release in August in Asia. Distant Horizon has yet to finalise dates for a release Stateside.

'Flashpoint' (Official Site)

21st May

English subtitled trailer for "Invisible Target"

You’ve got to love fan subbers. They have provided us all with an English subtitled trailer for Director Benny Chan’s (‘Rob-B-Hood’) upcoming action flick ‘Invisible Target,’ on Youtube. The movie stars Nicholas Tse, Jaycee Chan, Shawn Yue, Andy On & Wu Jing.

Synopsis: “An armoured truck is secretly transporting $100 million for a US bank when it is hijacked by a band of robbers calling themselves the "Ronin Gang". The gang blows up the truck and makes off with all the cash. Three young detectives, led by Chen Jin (Nicholas Tse), are soon assigned to prevent another massive bank robbery organized by the Ronin Gang.”

Movie is due for release in Hong Kong, July 19th.

‘Invisible Target’ trailer (Youtube)

20th May

Posters & trailer for Thai horror "Sick Nurses"

Well these are somewhat different to what we were expecting. Considering the title and the tone of the stills we’ve seen so far, at first glance the posters look more like an ad for a pop singer rather than a Thai horror movie. But then you take a closer look. Likewise the trailer takes an unexpected tack. One minute it's playing like a happy holiday home video, and then…..Bang.

Great stuff. This we are looking forward too! Thanks to the guys at Slasherpool.com for the tip.

'Sick Nurses' Posters 1 2

'Sick Nurses' Trailer

19th May

Gordon Chan to create live action "King of Fighters"

Hong Kong action director Gordon Chan ( "The Medallion" & "Fist of Legend") is to direct an English-language, live-action adaptation of best-selling videogame "King of Fighters." The Screenplay is being written by "Fearless" scripter Chris Chow.
Production is by Axis Entertainment's Joseph Chou (currently producing upcoming "Appleseed: Ex Machina") and Tim Kwok of L.A.-based Convergence Entertainment ("Wicked City"). Sumiji Miyake and Yasuhiko Kinoshita of Micott-Basara and Arclight's Gary Hamilton will exec produce. Now word yet as to who will star, but the film starts shooting early in the new year.

19th May

First trailer for Thai fantasy epic 'The Queen of Lung-Gasuka'

Since we first covered news on this project at the tail end of last year, we have been waiting an age to see some real footage from the film. Now the first trailer for the mega budget historical fantasy epic 'The Queen of Lung-Gasuka' has arrived, all we can say is.. WOW!

Directed by Nonzee Nimibutr the film will involve ambitious sequences such as CGI-enhanced underwater fights, giant whales and deep-sea creatures, cannon battles between massive pirate ships and locations as disparate as sea gypsy villages and huge Golden palaces.

Synopsis from the production companies website: "War rages on ... Princes of neighbouring dynasties have formed a coalition with rebel pirates, plotting to seize the powerful cannon from the Land of Lankasuka. The mass destruction juggernaut, capable of obliterating foes in a matter of seconds, is much coveted by any party seeking to tip the balance of power to their advantage. Artillery is deployed, the infantry is mobilized, the Doo Lam force is unleashed ... The clash is critical. The three princesses of the land of Lankasuka must at all costs protect their realm from the evil clutches of the ongoing wave of invaders - even if it means putting their own lives on the line."

As well as the trailer, there is also some great looking concept art for the film that you can see here. Production on the shoot is still in full swing, and it's due for release in 2008. No doubt when it does open it will break every Thai box office record. Props to the guys at Deknang.com for the trailer find.

18th May

New UK DVD label highlights Asian Cinema

Great news for UK fans of Asian film. Third Window Films is a new movie distribution company whose aim is to bring select overlooked and underrated films from the Far East to the attention of a UK audience. This includes films from indie and cult catagories as well as from established directors in the whole range of genres.

First up on their release schedule will be three Korean movies due out May 21st: 'Guns and Talks,' 'Say Yes' & 'No Blood No Tears.' Not happy with just that, they are soon to follow those up with 'Wild Card' & 'Green Fish,' out on June 4th. And to top all of that, Third Window has organised a theatrical release for Johnnie To's 'PTU' at the ICA Cinema, starting June 22nd for one week at 9pm nightly. It's dvd release will be approximately one month after.

For more info on current & future releases, check out their website here.

17th May

Taiwanese big budget actioner "Kung Fu Dunk"

"Kung Fu Dunk," the high school-set martial arts action movie is set to be the biggest budget pic to emerge from Taiwan in recent years. The English-language title has apparently been changed recently from "Slam Dunk" to avoid confusion with a comic book franchise, of the same name. The cast is headlined by pop superstar Jay Chou, who has appeared in "Initial D," "Curse of the Golden Flower"

The martial arts drama is about a young man who grew up in a kung fu school and was recruited by the university basketball team because of his excellent slam dunk skills. Follow him as he juggles his time between training for gruesome matches, fighting a fellow team member for the heart of the girl of his dream and trying to locate his family.

As well as Jay Chou, the movie will also reunites "Golden Flower" action director Ching Siu-tung and cinematographer Zhao Xiaoding. Working with a $10 million budget, the flick is directed by veteral helmer Kevin Chu Yin-ping. It also stars Charlene Choi, Taiwanese model Chen Bo-ling and Hong Kong's Eric Tsang. The Film is due for release around Chinese New Year, in Feb 2008. [Source: Variety]

16th May

2nd teaser poster for "The Warlords"

The first poster can be seen with our original story on the film posted March 16th. On the back of that, here is a version of the teaser trailer without the bold watermarking right across it. And finally, there is also a detailed synopsis to be read....

Synopsis: " It’s the mid-19th century, one of the darkest periods of Chinese history. The country is suffering under the rule of the corrupt Manchus who invaded China from the North and established the country’s last imperial dynasty, the Qing. Natural disasters are wreaking havoc in the countryside, and in the midst of this chaos, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, one of the strongest rebel groups ever to rise up in China, is overrunning the country and staging battles with the Qing army threatening the Dragon throne.

When Ma first met the rough-and-ready bandit, Cao Erhu (Andy Lau) and his trusted Lieutenant Zhang Wenxiang (Takeshi Kaneshiro), he had not an inkling that they will forever change his life. Cao, the charismatic leader of a band of bandits, bonded with the dark Ma when this stranger saved his life. At Zhang’s urging, the three swear blood brotherhood. Ma had a dream – he wants to rid China of both the rebels and the corrupt Qing officials. Ma convinces Cao and Zhang on this noble quest and the trio soon engages in many dangerous battles and win.

With the help of Cao and his men, Ma manages to squelch the rebels and rises through the ranks. Success has the power to corrupt – Ma soon became obsessed with power. Cao and Zhang return to their native village, and Cao reunites for an evening with his beautiful wife, Lian (Xu Jinglei). But when she and Ma look at each other for the first time, the chemistry is overwhelming; and the seed of betrayal is sown. Ma must remove the one obstacle standing between him and the loyalty of the bandit-soldiers and the beautiful Lian." [Source: moviexclusive]

15th May

Trailer for "Naraka 19: The 19th Gate of Hell"

Further to our post on May 8th, the first teaser trail for the horror ‘Naraka 19 – The 19th Gate of Hell’ has turned up on Youtube. It's a sort clip by no mistake, but it has an added bonus of English subs.

‘Naraka 19' Trailer

14th May

Chow Yun-Fat Rejoins "Battle of Red Cliff"

First he’s in it, then he’s not, now he is again? There's been another turn of events in the casting for John Woo's historical epic "The Battle of Red Cliff." A source from one of the film's investors claims Chow Yun-Fat has agreed to rejoin the films cast. He is likely to play one of the smaller roles and has yet to sign the contract. The Hong Kong star generated negative headlines after quitting the cast of the high profile epic.

Previous reports as to why he left are somewhat conflicting. Some claim he was dropped from the cast because he put forward "nearly one hundred unreasonable demands” to the studios bosses. Chow on the other hand, is said to have walked due to being given only one weeks notice to learn the script, which is in (not his first language) Mandarin. So, unreasonable studio execs, or Chow Yun-Fat having a Diva moment or two? Who knows. It would be cool if he is back in it. Hope they just get on and finish the thing now! [Source:CRI]

14th May

Daniel Myrick’s "The Objective"

Dan Myrick’s (co-creator of ‘The Blair Witch Project) new project "The Objective" is to be a supernatural horror tale set in the Middle East. The movie stars Michael C. Williams, Jon Huertas, Jonas Ball, Matt Anderson & is currently shooting in Morocco.

Synopsis: “Four months before the invasion of Afghanistan, six Special-Ops soldiers and one embedded reporter are faced with an enemy that none of them could ever have imagined. While on the mission they find themselves lost in a Middle Eastern 'Bermuda Triangle' of ancient evil.”

'The Objective' (Official Site)

'The Objective' (Production blog)

13th May

Theatrical poster and website for "Men in White"

The theatrical poster and website are up for Kelvin Tong's horror comedy 'Men in White.' As yet the site address is just a holding page, but if you like the looks of the movie it might be one to add to your favorites.

Thanks to the guys over at moviexclusive.com for the steer.

'Men in white' Trailer (Youtube)

'Men in White' (Official Site)

12th May

24Fps Exclusive:Teaser poster for Neil Marshall's "Doomsday"

Small but well formed, we have turned up the first teaser poster for Neil (Dog Soldiers, The Decent) Marshall's upcoming British Sci-Fi horror 'Doomsday.'

The story: Great Britain, 2007. 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 already excellent cast (Including Bob Hoskins & Rhona Mitra) had another boost with the recent news that Malcolm McDowell has also joined the team. The movie is currently shooting in London, and Scotland.

12th May

Danny Pangs "Forest of death" on DVD

The Pang Brothers have earned a reputation for making quality horror films, emerging as prominent directors in the Hong Kong film industry. Instead of telling a ghost story again, their latest piece, Forest of Death, unfolds an X-Files-like supernatural tale with some sci-fi elements, something new for a Pang Brothers movie.

Produced by both and directed by Danny Pang alone, Forest of Death sees Shu Qi as a female detective investigating a case in a creepy forest. Ekin Cheng plays a botanical scientist who develops a theory about plants being able to feel and talk. The movie also stars Lawrence Chou (Happy Birthday), Rain Li (On the Edge), and veteran Lau Siu Ming (Re-Cycled).

'Forest of Death' (Official Site)

Order the Region free DVD here

11th May

Hammer horror films set for comeback!

Cult Hammer horror films will return to the big screen after the company behind the movies was sold to a group headed by Big Brother creator John de Mol. At least $50m (£25m) will be spent on new horror films after British company Hammer Film Productions was sold to Dutch consortium Cyrte Investments.

The new owners have also acquired the Hammer group's back catalogue. It includes almost 300 titles such as the famous Dracula series, which made actor Christopher Lee a household name. The company was bought for an undisclosed sum. Other famous Hammer films include ‘The Curse of Frankenstein,’ ‘The Mummy.’Simon Oakes, head of the management team for the consortium, described Hammer as "a great British brand" and said the group wanted to develop Hammer's "global potential".

The team has plans to target "a new generation of horror lovers" he said. "Hammer is a great British media brand that has lain dormant but lived on in people's imaginations. It is more intelligent and character-driven than traditional 'goreography' and we intend to capitalize on this and make it a global brand." It is the second time Hammer Film Productions has been sold to a private equity group. It was bought in February 2000 by a consortium including advertising guru and art collector Charles Saatchi, but no films have been produced since.

We would hope they go down the route of using the Hammer label to produce good quality, contemporary horror movies. If they get it wrong though..... Fingers crossed. [Source: BBC]

11th May

Teaser poster for Silvana Zancola's "The Shadow Within"

Upcoming from Intandem films is director Silvana Zancola's psychological Horror ‘The Shadow Within." The movie stars: Hailey J. Bailey, Ben Walker, Samantha Giles and Stephanie Cornicard. Silvana Zancola's most well known work to date was the Horror thriller 'La Radice del Male' aka 'The root of Evil.' Currently in production, 'The Shadow Within' marks Zancola's first English language film.

Synopsis: ‘The Shadow Within" is a horror story of the soul that chronicles the life of Maurice Dumont, a nine year old child who has a connection between this world and the next. Overcome by terrible grief due to the death of Maurice's twin brother Jacques at birth, his mother Marie falls under the occult influence of the enigmatic Madame Armand.

With unrelenting pressure, she seduces Marie with the hope that the whole Dumont family will be reunited again by forcing Maurice to act as a medium to the afterlife. When Maurice suffers a mysterious fever, Dr. Prevost becomes intrigued and fearful of the mysterious changes to Maurice's body.As he deteriorates the doctor realizes that Jacques desires the love and presence of their parents but does not want to return to the world of living but wants his parents to join him in the… afterlife.”

11th May

First trailer for Indonesian horror "Suster Ngesot"

The trailer is out for the Indonesian horror "Suster Ngesot." For a rundown on the story (based on a suitably gruesome sounding urban legend) behind the film, check out our previous post back on May 5th.

'Suster Ngesot' trailer (Youtube)

10th May

"GeGeGe no Kitarô" storms Japanese box office

According to 'Variety' "GeGeGe no Kitaro" the live-action fantasy based on Shigeru Mizuki's Manga, has set a new Box office record for distributor Shochiku in its first week on release.

Opening on April 28th, "Kitaro" took Y1,022,528,950 ($8.6 million) in its first week, second (no surprise there) only to "Spider-Man 3." The movie is directed by Katsuhide Motoki ("Drugstore Girl") and stars Eiji Wentz, as the title hero. A Demon himself, he defends humans from the many Yokai (Ghosts and Monsters) that inhabit the human world.

We really want to see this pic. We are just hoping when the DVD arrives, the Japanese R2 release has English subtitles. If not we'll have to hold out for a Hong Kong R3 version.

'Gegege no Kitarô' (Official Site)

9th May

Schatzing's 'Swarm' takes to the big screen

Dino and Martha De Laurentiis will partner with a trio of German producers to turn the bestselling Frank Schatzing novel "The Swarm" into a big-budget ecological disaster film. The couple bought the novel through their production company Zeitspring Entertainment, and are financing development of the screenplay. Dino and Martha De Laurentiis have a first-look deal at Universal, which will be the first stop for the project.

The story is about an aliens that live quietly on the ocean floor until they are compelled to destroy humanity after their eco-system is disrupted by pollution. Scientists race to stave off an apocalypse. The book was a huge bestseller in Germany and other European countries. While the likes of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" trying to stir concerns about the environment, "The Swarm" becomes the latest in a growing number of films based on the philosophy that there will be payback for mankind's abuses of the planet.

M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening," with Mark Wahlberg starring as a man trying to keep his family alive after nature strikes back with deadly vengeance. And James Cameron's "Avatar" also has similar themes. As well as ‘The Swarm,’ De Laurentiis is also working on reinventing (as we previously reported back on April 13th) "Barbarella" with Casino Royale writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. [Source: Variety]

8th May

Teaser poster and flyer for "Naraka 19"

A teaser poster and flyer arrived to us today for the new horror ‘Naraka 19.’ The film is based on the best selling Chinese horror novel, written by Choi Shun. Enormously popular among Hong Kong teenagers, the book is a tale about the mobile phone game ‘Naraka 19 – The 19th Gate of Hell.’

Directed by Carol Lai, the film stars Gillian Chung, Bonnie Xin and Patrick Tam. According to Lai “The story touches upon the subject of technology, the fascination with hell, and the internal enlightenment of sin.”

Synopsis: “The nightmare begins for university student Rain when she receives a text message on here mobile phone – “Do you know what the 19th gate of Hell is?” The same cryptic message goes out to all the other students on campus, involving them in a deadly phone game – in this game, if you loose, you die.”

Currently in post production the movie is slated to open in July.

8th May

Alejandro Jodorowsky: Interview

Chilean-born film-maker Alejandro Jodorowsky, 78, is best known for his 1970 cult surrealist Western, El Topo, which John Lennon and Yoko Ono declared a masterpiece. In an interview for British Newspaper 'Metro' he discusses his films, his beliefs, and Marilyn Manson?

Alejandro Jodorowsky: Interview

7th May

Full trailer for "Men in white"

The full trailer is out for 'Men in white,' the horror-comedy from director Kelvin Tong. Movie opens in Singapore June 8th. Check out our original posts for the film back on April 14th & 25th.

'Men in white' Trailer (Youtube)

6th May

New poster & clips for "Perfect Creature"

The New Zealand theatrical poster for the Vampire thriller ‘Perfect Creature’ has arrived. We have also turned up some new clips for the film posted on a Dutch TV website. The trailer includes new scenes from the movie. Another plus is that it’s far better quality than the first trailer doing the rounds recently.

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. No confirmation as yet to when the film will get a theatrical release stateside. There were reports that 20th Century Fox ran some test screenings in the U.S. back in March, but no word since. More news as we get it ‘Perfect Creature’ (Clip)

6th May

"La Hora Fria" picked up by U.S distributor

The world rights (excluding Spain) to Spanish Horror ‘La Hora Fria’ (aka The Cold hour) have been bought by the U.S based ‘Lightning Entertainment.’ We have covered the film on more than one occasion in the past, but this is the first sign that this great looking movie has gotten any distribution deals. Directed by Elio Quiroga. The film stars Omar Muñoz, Jorge Casalduero, Julio Perillán, Nadia de Santiago, Marco González, Carola Manzanares, Pepo Oliva, Pablo Scola & Sergio Villanueva.

Synopsis: “The world is on the brink of the apocalypse. A group of survivors have found themselves isolated from the remnants of society and under siege living in a subterranean bunker. They dare not abandon the crumbling complex as it is the only security from the enemy that awaits them outside.Living in a constant state of fear, they face the fact that food supplies and ammunitions are running out, giving them no choice but to leave the secure area. Together they start their quest for survival, facing an enemy that is stronger then expected, with a power that can destroy all of mankind.“

As well as a cool new poster, there is a longer (slightly spoilerish) trailer, which you can see here. Viewing it you will just have to ignore the cheesy voice narration running over the top. ‘La Hora Fria’ will also be presented at this years Cannes film festival. ‘La Hora Fria’ (Official Site)

5th May

Upcoming Indonesian horror "Suster Ngesot"

It seems that the legend of Suster Ngesot is ready to replace Nyi Blorong (Nyi Roro Kidul) as the most featured female mythical figure in Indonesian horror.

The plot of the movie is based around the aforementioned urban legend of ‘Suster Ngesot’: A nurse confronts a man she believes is trespassing in the hospital where she works. The man attacks her, as she tries to escape, she falls down the stairs breaking both her legs. The attacker drags her into a ward, and kills her. Now the restless spirit of the nurse is said to haunt the hospital. A ghostly female figure is sometimes seen moving around the hospitals halls, dragging her broken body with her hands along the floor ("Ngesot" in Indonesian).

Directed by Arie Azis, the film stars: Nia Ramadhani, Mike Lewis, Donita, Jajang C. Noer, and Lia Waode. The movie will be released May 10, 2007
‘Suster Ngesot' (Official Site)

4th May

Michelle Yeoh Joins cast of “Mummy: Curse of the Dragon.”

Well this is a turn up. Not happy with one huge name from the world of martial arts movies in the cast, Universal pictures have snagged another. Michelle Yeoh has been confirmed to star in the third episode of "The Mummy" series, opposite Kung Fu legend Jet Li. In “Mummy: Curse of the Dragon” Yeoh will play a sorceress who must battle the evil Mummy.

In the latest installment, the mummy is China's first Emperor of Qin, a shape-shifting entity who was cursed by the sorceress centuries ago. However, the sorceress will try her best to defeat the mummy and his mummy troops, who were unearthed by a father and son.

The pair once collaborated in the Kung Fu movie "The Tai Chi Master", so the latest cooperation between Yeoh and Li is being eagerly anticipated by martial arts movie fans. The film will start shooting on July 27, and later it will come to China to shoot in Xi'an's Terra Cotta Warriors museum. It's the first Hollywood production that has been allowed to shoot in the museum. The movie is due to open to the public in July, 2008.

3rd May

ArcLight picks up rights to "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon"

Arclight Films, the L.A. and Australia-based sales agent has picked up international sales rights to "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon," one of the biggest Asian movies of the year. Arclight will represent the film from Cannes onwards under its Easternlight label.

The $20 million epic actioner is now shooting in China with Daniel Lee Yan Kong ("A Fighters Blues," "Black Mask") as director. The cast is headed by Andy Lau and Maggie Q, with Sammo Hung, Rongguang Yu, Lung Ti, Charlie Yeung and Andy On co starring.

The film is based on "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guangzhong often cited as one of the four most important pieces of Chinese literature. Vast in scale, the literary work has material enough to provide a source for John Woo's "Red Cliff" which is also now filming. Still in production, Kingdoms is due out in 2008.

2nd May

"Circle of iron" gets 2 disc special edition DVD release

Distributor 'Blue Underground' are to release a "Circle of Iron" 2-Disc DVD Special Edition on May 29th. At the height of his international fame, the legendary Bruce Lee - along with his friend and student James Coburn and Oscar -winning screenwriter Stirling Silliphant - began to write what he believed would be the greatest achievement of his film career. Five years after his mysterious death, Lee's vision would finally be realized.

David Carradine, Christopher Lee, Roddy McDowall and Eli Wallach star in this acclaimed cult hit that brings Lee's personal philosophy to the screen with a potent combination of mysticism, humor and martial arts mayhem. Circle of Iron -also known as The Silent Flute - has now been remastered from its original negative and features exclusive extras, including an all-new interview with the star David Carradine.

'Circle of Iron' Trailer

2nd May

WB buys rights to Frank Miller's "Ronin"

After one success turning the Frank Miller graphic novel "300" into a hit, it doesn't take much to work out that the smell of a sure fire money spinner would lead to more. Warner Bros. has optioned the rights to Miller's "Ronin" to adapt into a live-action feature. Sylvain White ("Stomp the Yard") will direct. Gianni Nunnari and Nick Wechsler will produce.

In the story, a Ronin, or disgraced samurai warrior, bears the shame of allowing his master to be assassinated by a shape-shifting demon in 13th century Japan. When the master's sword is unearthed in mid-21st century New York, the Ronin and the demon are brought to life and battle gangs of mutants and thugs to try to take possession of the mythical sword.

"Ronin" will be shot in a fashion similar to that used for "300," in which blue- and green-screen were used with projected backdrops. Costs are comparable for "Ronin," making the film a big step up for White, who graduated from directing videos to helming the film "Stomp the Yard" at a cost of around $14 million. While White has several development projects in the works, he said that "Ronin" is his top priority. With the kind of cash this production will be costing Warner B, I bet it is. [Source:Variety]

1st May

More stills for Thai horror "Sick Nurses"

More stills have surfaced for director duo Thosapol Siriwiwat and Peerapan Laoyont's new flick “Sick Nurses.” The movie, about a group of nurses who get the fright of their lives when they discover that one of their number is actually a ghost, is due out in sometime in June 07.

'Sick Nurses' Stills

1st May

Website live for "Max Neptune and the Menacing Squid"

The website is up for “Max Neptune and the Menacing Squid.” More than a tad cheesy, the film is pure homage to 50's showreel Sci-fi matinee series, and seems to take great fun in not taking itself too seriously.

The plot involves the plans of the evil Dr Agotch who is scheming to destroy the Atomic space patrol, and only Max Neptune can stop him. The movie stars Curt Clendenin (Max Neptune),Michael Ornelas (Dr. Agotch), Dave Uchansky (Reggie Horton) and Keaton Shyler (Mara Shore).

'Max Neptune' (Official Site)

'Max Neptune' (Myspace)