Hong Kong International Film Festival

Film expert David Bordwell writes about his experience and discoveries at this year's Hong Kong International Film Festival. Very interesting and informative read if you're into Hong Kong movies. Read his blog here.

iRing

From The Outlaw Vern.

This week's highlight: Be Kind Rewind

This coming week's slew of movies seem lacklustre. If you're in the US, I would recommend 21, which is likely to be the number one movie of the week. But since it's not showing in Singapore, Malaysia and some say in Batam, you might want to check out Be Kind Rewind, which already premiered last week. Talks about a bunch of video store clerks who reshot the movies they accidentally erased. Instead of being appalled by ridiculously shoddy re-enactments of famous movies, the customers actually loved them! Reviews are mixed, but tell me you're not a little bit curious? Directed by the guy who directed the awesome Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. See other movies showing here.

Price go up fiddy-cent!

Singapore's largest cinema chain, Golden Village has raised ticket prices by fifty cents since last Thursday. Standard prices on weekdays are between $7.50-$8.50 instead of $7-$8. Premium shows and selected promotional items will not be affected. Price increase is due to rising costs and inflation. Two months back, Cathay made the first move, plus slapping an additional 50 cents on "blockbuster" movies. Question: how would you know whether a movie would bust blocks before you start pricing and selling its tickets? If my calculations are correct, that means I'm spending 7% more this year, or have to watch 7% less? (I'm on a budget.) Oh well, I guess I'll be spending more time at the DVD rental shop this year then. Good luck on the price hikes, guys.

Wachowski brothers' next movie: "Ninja Assassin"

Empireonline.com reports The Matrix directors' upcoming movie project, to be directed by V for Vendetta director James McTeigue and stars Korean heartthrob Jung Ji-Hoon a.k.a. "My Name is Rain." Also, he likes black. Black looks good. Article here.