On behalf of Anchor Bay Entertainment, we are pleased to bring you the TRAILER and POSTER for the upcoming film THE SON OF NO ONE, in theatres November 4, 2011!
Synopsis: A young cop is assigned to a precinct in the working class neighborhood where he grew up, and an old secret threatens to destroy his life and his family.
Starring Channing Tatum, Tracy Morgan, Katie Holmes, Ray Liotta, Juliette Binoche and Al Pacino and directed by Dito Montiel.
Premise:
Noah (Jonah Hill) is a college student who has been suspended and now lives with his mom. After having a heated argument with his mother, he’s lured into taking a babysitting job caring for the kids of Mrs. Pedulla: the stern and studious Slater (Max Records), no-nonsense wild child Blithe (Landry Bender) and Mafia-esque exchange student Rodrigo (Kevin Hernandez). Soon Noah is invited to a party to have sex with Stephanie (Dreama Walker). He soon becomes entangled with two psychopathic drug dealers and a wild chase through town. The kids run away and Noah has to save them.
Directed by David Gordon Green and stars Jonah Hill, Sam Rockwell, J.B. Smoove,Ari Graynor, and also features Kevin Hernandez, Landry Bender, and Max Records. The film hits theaters December 9, 2011.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE
PAGE ONE: THE INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES
The Revealing Documentary Arrives On Blu-ray Disc And DVD On October 18 From
Magnolia Home Entertainment Under The Magnet Label
“A potent and provocative documentary…Page One is a vital, indispensable hell-raiser.”
Rolling Stone
“Page One offers a respectful, most flattering glimpse inside the Times newsroom…”
–Variety
“Slick, fun, and surprisingly sexy”
–Vanity Fair
“An important document of the paper of record at a crucial, make-or-break juncture in its long, glorious history, and a love letter to the dying art form that is the great American newspaper.”
– The Onion’s AV Club
“Something akin to The Social Network for the news business” (Reuters), Page One: The Inside The New York Times hits stands on Blu-ray and DVD on October 18 from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Label. The “riveting film,” (Slate) gives viewers an inside look at one of the country’s most well-known newspapers in a time where print media is dying and the Internet news business is booming. Through interviews with notable journalists such as Brian Stelter, Tim Arango, Bill Keller, Bruce Headlam and David Carr, the film “effectively brings us all around the campfire” (Los Angeles Times) to reveal the inner-workings of The New York Times newsroom.
From Andrew Rossi, the director of HBO’s Le Cirque: A Table In Heaven, Page One:The Inside The New York Times follows the reporters for The New York Times Media Desk as they work through a tumultuous time in journalism and face new players and platforms such as WikiLeaks, Twitter, tablet computers and more. Editor David Carr “steals the show” (The Village Voice), while offering unprecedented access to the inner workings of the newspaper as well as his personal life. New-media wunderkind Brian Stelter plays the “stolid Sancho Panza to Carr’s Don Quixote” (Slate) and shows the importance of having the ability to straddle the worlds of both old and new media, while colleagues Bruce Headlam, Bill Keller and Tim Arango fight to hold onto the solid reputation of The New York Times.
Page One: The Inside The New York Times Blu-ray Disc and DVD offers even more insightful commentary and extended interviews and will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 and $26.98, respectively.
Synopsis
Page One: The Inside The New York Times deftly gains unprecedented access to The New York Times newsroom and the inner workings of the Media Desk. With the Internet surpassing print as our main news source and newspapers all over the country going bankrupt, Page One: The Inside The New York Times chronicles the transformation of the media industry at its time of greatest turmoil. Writers such as Brian Stelter, Tim Arango and, and the salty but brilliant David Carr track print journalism’s metamorphosis even as their own paper struggles to stay vital and solvent. Meanwhile, their editors and publishers grapple with existential challenges from players like WikiLeaks, new platforms ranging from Twitter to tablet computers, and readers’ expectations that news online should be free.
Bonus Features
Extended Interviews
Commentary
Eddie Griffin is known best for his role in the “Deuce Bigalow” films and “Undercover Brother”. Besides movies, Eddie is constantly touring his comedy Stand-up act. His most recent comedy special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” premiered on Comedy Central on February 19, 2011. Media Mikes was able to get a quick chat with Eddie about his films and also his stand-up.
Mike Gencarelli: You are constantly on the road touring standup, what do you enjoy most about it?
Eddie Griffin: The thrill of the ride. Meaning, I don’t write any material, so when I step on stage it’s like I’m stepping on a thrill ride.
MG: How do you prepare for each show and what is your inspiration for new material?
EG: I don’t prepare for any shows. I just go out there and do it. My material comes from real life experiences that happen everyday.
MG: Tell us about your recent special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” ? Any more planned?
EG: My last special “You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It” was just me talking about everything that was in the news and was on my mind from last year. Yes I am planning another one now, but i haven’t come up with a name for it yet – taking suggestions.
MG: Do you have a preference between stand-up or film/tv?
EG: I prefer the stage because I ultimately write it –freelancing it. TV/film is different because you have to take someone else’s words/character and bring it to life.
MG: Why haven’t we ever seen a sequel to “Undercover Brother”? Solid!
EG: Universal Studios decision – not mine. I’m always ready to get back in the wig!!!
MG: Tell us about your upcoming film “hillbilly highway”?
EG: That was just a cameo I did with my writing partner Damon “Coke” Daniels (who co-wrote “My Baby Daddy” with me). It’s about these hillbilly’s who try to steal weed from a medicinal plant and it doesn’t turn out so well for them.
MG: Tell us about your production comedy front of the bus and what else you have planned?
EG: I have a few scripts at the gate waiting to be let loose, and i will speak more about them when the time is right… but I will tell you they are comedies that i wrote.
Click here to read our concert review @ The Improv Orlando
Directed by: Yuen Woo-ping
Starring: Vincent Zhao, Zhou Xun, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, David Carradine, Guo Xiaodong, Feng Xiaogang, Cung Le, Gordon Liu, Bryan Leung, Jacky Heung
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 116 minutes
Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
I have to say “True Legend” is easily one of the best Kung-Fu movies that I have ever seen. I am huge fan of this genre and I have literally seen hundreds of films. The film is directed by Yuen Woo-ping, in case you don’t known him he did the fight choreography on “The Matrix” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. This is his first returns to directing since 1996. I hope that he doesn’t wait another 17 years before he directs again. Whenever you see his name you automatically expect insane fight scenes but these went WELL above my expectations. If you are a fan of kung-fu movies than this is a must for sure.
Here is the plot for this film, we follow Su Can as he seeks revenge from his evil brother, Yuan for kidnapping his son and sending him and his wife to their supposed death. When Su regains his strength, he returns home to get revenge and redeem his family’s honor. Yuan has since mastered the Five Venom Fist and the two mortal enemies battle the ultimate fight. Epic…right? There is more but I will leave that to you to find out…don’t like spoilers.
Like I mentioned already the fight scenes are a work of genius. I was left sitting with my mouth wide open just staring and even rewinding a few scenes. The cast is not good…it is amazing, ranging from such legends as Vincent Zhao, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, David Carradine (his final screen performance), and Gordon Liu. The Blu-ray presentation was phenomenal, the picture was perfect and the sound was so clear and rocked my 7.1 surround sound. I read that parts of this film were shot in 3D, I would have love to get to experience that since it would probably make this amazing film even better.
The special features are lacking a little bit. Since this film is such a big production I was hoping for a lot of extras. We are given some behind the scenes, storyboards and a QR Code inside to access to more material (cool idea, though). The behind the scenes where good but not as long as I would have liked them to be. The lack of extra does not reduce the fact though of how truly awesome this movie is.
Disney’s The Lion King REIGNS ONCE AGAIN
3D Release Takes Top Spot With $30 Million Domestic Gross; Beloved Tale Continues to Captivate Global Audiences on Screen and Stage
BURBANK, Calif. – September 19, 2011 –The Circle of Life continues as The Walt Disney Studios’ The Lion King 3D opened at #1 in theaters this weekend with an estimated gross of $30 million. The Lion King is now the third highest-grossing animated film of all time at the domestic box office. This release of The Lion King marks the fifth biggest September opening in industry history, the second biggest September opening in Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures history, and the first reissue to open #1 in 14 years. The film will remain in theaters for a limited engagement ahead of its Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™ premiere on October 4.
Meanwhile, the London production of the hugely popular stage show recently celebrated its 5000th performance on September 13. The award-winning musical is also preparing to launch its Spanish premiere in Madrid, the largest stage musical ever presented in Spain. Opening October 21 at Lope de Vega Theatre, it is the first time the musical has been performed in the Spanish language. Since opening in 1997, The Lion King has been performing to sold-out crowds on Broadway with a remarkable 5,757 shows thus far.
“The Lion King has proven again and again the transcendent power of great stories and characters,” said Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “From the screen to the stage, this timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences of all ages around the world.”
Notable Facts:
ABOUT “THE LION KING”
An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets the stage for The Lion King, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.” The all-star vocal talents—including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly—rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, The Lion King is rated G by the MPAA.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, visit www.waltdisneystudios.com.
Directed by: Robert Gordon
Starring: Michael Gough, Jeanne Cooper, Rod Lauren, Virginia Grey, Jerome Cowan, Elisha Cook, Jr.
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 88 minutes
Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars
“When Creature Attack” movies are always fun especially ones that are from the 50’s and 60’s. This one is a little different since they are being controlled by a human. I enjoyed the film quite a bit and I am surprised I have never seen this film in the past. The animal to human interactions are fantastic and probably and also very risky since it looks very real and up close. What drew me most to the film was the amazing old fashioned poster art. Such a classic! The plot is a little cookey with the main baddie being involved with a animal cult…besides that this is a fun romp.
We meet Michael Conrad who is a zookeeper but also leads a cult group who worship animals. Michael cares for the following animals in his zoo: a lion, a lioness, a pair of cheetahs, a tiger, and a black panther; as well as a gorilla but he also uses them to kill anyone who gets in his way. Things get out of control when the cops and his wife catch on to plans and he gets a taste of his own medicine.
This is the first time that this film has been released on DVD, thanks to Warner Bros. Archive Collection. They are responsible for releasing some really great gems and this is definitely one of them. Unfortunately there are no special features on this disc but at least we have a decent transfer to DVD on this disc.
Directed by: Gene Levitt
Starring: Jack Cassidy, Skye Aubrey, Peter Lawford
Distributed by: Warner Bros Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 74 minutes
Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars
I have always been drawn to creature film genre, especially in the 60’s and 70’s. This film is a Hollywood take on “Phantom of the Opera” but no so much on the horror end. A cool notable fact about this is that it was being filmed as they were demolishing the actual MGM back lot, so it was one of the last films shot on it. It is not the best of the creature films but the effects are good for its time and the story is fast paced.
The story takes place on the set of Worldwide Studios as it is being planned to be torn down. In the middle of all this murders are taking place on the back lot by a disfigured actor who will stop at nothing to cease the sale of the back lot to developers.
This made for TV film was never before released on DVD and was finally released by Warner Bros Archive Collection. It is a good transfer but is only released in full screen. The disc unfortunately has no special features either. If you are fan of Jack Cassidy and Skye Aubrey then you must check out this film as it finally make its onto DVD.
Director: Lee Philips
Stars: Linda Blair, Martin Sheen and Jeanne Cooper
Distributed: Warner Bros. Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 91 minutes
Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars
I have no idea how this film got nominated for a Golden Globe in 1976 for Best Television Movie, except for lack of options. The only good thing about this film is the cast which includes Martin Sheen and Linda Blair. The film is slow moving and repetitive. This is the first time that this film has been released on DVD, due to Warner Brothers Archive Collection. It is a nice transfer to DVD but it is only full screen ratio.
The film follows an escaped mental patient who kidnaps a teenage farm girl and takes her to his mountain hide-away. The two over a short period of time become friends and, eventually, lovers. This seems like it would work better as a 30 minute episode on a soap opera then a full length TV movie. Besides the strong performances, this film does not have much going for it.
The major issue I had with this was that it wasn’t convincing with the story. Doris Mae is kidnapped she is scarred at first and then she is in love with her capturer after a few days. Leonard Hatch escapes from a mental institution but he doesn’t even act like he is insane and what is the point of even kidnapping Doris Mae? Overall this TV film did not interest me and I understand why it has never been released on DVD before. Also there are zero extras on this disc…it is totally bare bones.
Director: Emiko Omori
Starring: Ed Hardy
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Run Time: 75 minutes
Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
Having two tattoos myself, I am not against getting inked. In fact, I feel that some tattoos are real works of art. Ed Hardy is known best for his amazing tattoo imagery, especially Japanese inspired artwork. I enjoyed the background on how Ed got started and how he got inspired to create the work he has. The film runs slow, even for a short 75 minutes.
The angle that this documentary takes focuses on Ed Hardy and details his unexpected rise to cult status. The film also shows how he has effected modern tattooing and his phenomenal influence on pop culture. Besides interviews with Hardy himself, there are also interviews from other industry well-knowns and tattoo aficionados.
The extras are decent with deleted scenes, which some are decent to check more. Also there was additional interviews and more tattoos and artwork included. They are worth being checked out but only if you enjoyed the first 75 minutes from this disc. An interesting feature is 2000 Dragon Scroll focuses on Hardy’s scroll painting of 2,000 dragons to commemorate this Millennial Dragon Year.
Directed by: Jeff Lieberman
Starring: Zalman King, Deborah Winters, Robert Walden,Mark Goddard, Brion James, Charles Siebert
Distributed by New Video Group
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 89 mins
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars
I have been a fan of Jeff Lieberman for a long time and have also seen “Blue Sunshine” quite a few times. Along with “Squirm”, this is one of my favorite films of his. I believe it still holds up with each viewing. It is quite a trip and one very interesting film for sure. I also found it strange that this film was listed as horror because it is not really scary, falls more into thriller. This release though is not up to par with the special edition DVD by Synapse Entertainment in 2003, which is a two disc set with a lot of extras.
Certain words have been used to describe this film over the years, like “weird”, “out-there” and “creative” and that describes this quite well. The film follows Jerry Zipkin (Zalman King) who is wrongly accused of murder and tries to gather evidence to prove his innocence with the help of Alicia Sweeney (Deborah Winters). Through his search he discovers that college kids 10 years ago had taken a new form of LSD called “Blue Sunshine,” which causes them to loose their hair loss and become psychopathic murderers. He needs to get proof and clear his name.
The only real extra on this set is a never-before-seen interview with director Jeff Lieberman called “Blue Sunshine, 35 Years Later”. It is a decent length 40 minutes interview and covers good ground. Besides a photo gallery, this is the only feature, which is disappointing.
Camille Mana is co-starring in Jesse Eisenberg on his new play “Asuncion” only with Justin Bartha from “The Hangover” series. She is also co-starring in upcoming film “Norman”. Media Mikes had the chance to chat with Camille about her new play and her upcoming films.
Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about working with Jesse Eisenberg on his new play “Asuncion”?
Camille Mana: I couldn’t be more excited. I think he has so much to offer as an actor, and I really love his taste in projects. To work with him, especially on his writing debut is a really amazing opportunity. Playing the title role, however, is giving me night terrors! Ha.
MG: Tell us about your role which was made specifically for you correct by Eisenberg?
CM: Well, the role of Asuncion was already in place as the female character who comes into Edgar (Eisenberg) and Vinny’s (Bartha) lives. She is an immigrant and is sort of enigmatic to the two boys initially. They are both highly educated and consider themselves worldly, and her arrival gives them and opportunity to demonstrate just how much they know. When Jesse and the creative team began researching actresses who might be appropriate for the role, it was then that they approached me directly to play Asuncion. It felt like it came out of thin air, as I had never worked with anyone involved, so I was quite flattered. Jesse has also been extremely generous in being open to collaborative input from others on the project, including myself, so I am very grateful to have come along during the development process of the piece. It is so rare that we get to do that as actors.
MG: Are you looking forward to working with Justin Bartha?
CM: Very much so. I’ve met him a few times so far, and think he is really bright and has a strong sense of storytelling. And Jesse and he have such obvious chemistry together; they were pretty amazing in Holy Rollers. I am thrilled to be in such great company.
MG: Is this your debut to the stage? How do you feel it differs from TV and film?
CM: Well, I’ve done a lot of plays, dating back to musicals in children’s community theater in my hometown. Ha. But it has been a while, and I’ve certainly never been invited into such a promising piece, sandwiched as a lead between two movie stars! So, this will be a unique experience for sure. The play is running at The Cherry Lane Theatre, which is said to be the oldest and maybe the most historic Off-Broadway theatre. Some of the biggest playwrights of all time have had their works birthed in that space, so I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill on that stage. And The Rattlestick (who is producing the play) is known for bold and edgy work, so it’s an interesting balance, and one I am excited to tackle. I do love film and TV, but there is something special about theatre – energetically – in the same way that seeing a band live is completely different from listening to their album at home. It’s immediate, it is visceral in a way that something that’s been spliced onscreen together by an editor and which ten “higher-ups” had to sign off on… just cannot be. There’s room for true magic to happen, because there is room for failure as well.
MG: Tell us about your supporting role of Helen Black in “Norman”?
CM: Oh, it was a blast playing “Helen”. She is pretty much antithetical to “Asuncion”. Where Asuncion is vibrant and confident and the object of mens affections, Helen is insecure and neurotic and as awkward as can be. They dressed me head-to-toe in Hot Topic garb and I am the only character in the entire school who is more of an outcast than “Norman” is. And him being an outcast is kind of the whole thrust of the story, so that’s saying a lot! I have a fun role and get to have some moments of levity and comic relief to what is at times a very heart-wrenching and beautifully dark film. Adam Goldberg plays our English teacher, Richard Jenkins (who is always phenomenal!) plays Norman’s father, and Emily VanCamp plays the love interest to Dan Byrd’s Norman. Oh, and extra credit points for Andrew Bird doing the original score! They are releasing a soundtrack in October, I cannot wait. It’s a pretty amazing film. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.
MG: We recently interviewed Colin Hanks, tell us about working on “High School”?
CM: “High School” is one of the few teen comedies that has come along in a while that adults may like even more than kids. It was extremely well-received at Sundance and dare-I-say-it, but comparisons were even made to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (I know, gasp). It has a sprawling cast of thousands, but funny you should ask, because I would have to say Colin Hanks is pretty standout in it. It’s really fast-paced and has a very cinematic and edgy look to it. I think kids and adults will enjoy it. I had a blast working on it.
MG: After the play, what do you have planned next?
CM: I will be most looking forward to coming back home to 70 degree weather! I am more frightened about the New York cold than pretty much anything else…
Director: J.T. Seaton
Starring: Peter Stickles, Michelle Tomlinson, Lynn Lowry
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Vicious Circle Films
Run Time: 93 minutes
Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars
I have seen my share of shitty zombie movies for sure and this is definitely one of them. The idea is behind this film gets old after 5 minutes with the whole zombie intervention. What is funny is that the film actually gets better in its third act when it become a zombie slay fest. It is hard to watch these movies because they all claim to be some kind of a mix with “Shaun of the Dead”. “Shaun of the Dead” was a unique film and honestly there hasn’t been anything like it since.
The title pretty much tells the whole plot, there is a zombie named George whose friends surprise him with an intervention. Things go array and George has himself a buffet of his friends, salesman and strippers. Zany antics break out and the victims turn into zombies themselves. The story tries to hard to be funny and it ends up failing.
I have to note that Lynn Lowry gives a genre worthy performance and its super over the top (too bad she gets offed so quickly). Production wise this film is low budget but it does have some decent gore. Although my main issue is that the film goes from extremely gory in some scenes and then in other scenes it has cut away kills.
SPECIAL FEATURES (Not available for review)
Cast & Crew Audio Commentary, Deleted/Alternate Scenes, Lloyd Kaufman Alternate Takes & Bloopers, Zombie Rehab Center Group Therapy, Sunday On The Set With George – Short Film by Mike Justice, Theatrical & Teaser Trailers, Behind the Scenes Footage
Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Featuring: 471 Collaborators on HitRECord.org
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: New Video Group
Run Time: 65 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
“Are you recording?” – This is not your typical DVD review. It isn’t even really just a DVD, it is a collection of art. On this release we get a DVD featuring 36 short films and videos, CD with 17 original songs and a book which includes 64 pages of drawing and writing. HitRECord.org was started by Joseph Gordon-Levitt…yes the same Joseph Gordon-Levitt from last year’s “Inception”. He started this website, which is now a production company, to develop art and media collectively over the internet. Users upload their work on the site and then remixed by its users adding in animation, sound, music, script and video effects. This is a really great idea and a great way to strum up original ideas.
So let’s get to the 36 short films and videos, some of amazing and some are good, nothing bad. The most unique are called tiny stories, which run only a few seconds and rarely longer than a minute. My favorite tiny story was easily “The Hummingbird” and it has me laughing out loud. My favorite short film is easily “Morgan & Destiny’s Eleventeeth Date: The Zeppelin Zoo”, it is so fun and creative. I also really enjoy “Optimistic”, it was very inspiring for young filmmakers. There are a few music videos remixed on the disc as well, “Everything Is On Fire All the Time” is the most notable. Also includes are clips from RegularJoe’s (aka Joseph Gordon-Levitt) tour through colleges, SSW and Sundance.
If you think all that is great…I still haven’t got to the book portion yet with 64 pages of art, lyrics, poems and animation. Then we didn’t even get to the 17 original songs. Since this whole “Recollection” is a remix collection of very fun and interesting songs. They range from all types of music and are definitely some great jams. I enjoyed the music from “Morgan M. Morchestra”. All and all if you are fan of independent and new ideas this set will definitely inspire you. This is an all around hit and I am very anxiously waiting for Volume 2 to be released and I will be visiting hitRECord.org more frequently as well.
James Hong is best know for his role of Lo Pan in “Big Trouble in Little China” and Hannibal Chew in “Blade Runner”. Kids might know him as the voice of Mr. Ping from the “Kung Fu Panda” series. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with James about his classic roles as well as what he is currently working on.
Mike Gencarelli: Did you enjoy voicing Mr. Ping in “Kung Fu Panda” series?
James Hong: Yes I did, very much. There is one scene I liked the most where Mr. Ping says to Po, that “You will be gone, you will go to a place with strange noodle, strange people…don’t go”. He encourages him to go and then names a whole bunch of circumstances not to do. That was funny scene.
MG: You are also reprising that character again in “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”, what can you tell us about that?
JH: I am working on that now. I just finished three episodes. They are all very good. I think people are going to be very pleased. Some of the episodes has a lot of Mr. Ping in it which I am very thankful for.
MG: You are no stranger to voice work, you also voiced Chi Fu in Disney’s “Mulan”, how was it voicing a character for Disney?
JH: I am another kind of crabby old guy, who is very fussy and so forth. I actually saw some of it throughout the drawings. I thought it was some of the best graphics I have seen in animation. Each frame was like a painting. They incorporated a lot of the Asian feeling as well. I am very appreciative that I was involved with that project.
MG: You are known best for your role of Lo Pan in “Big Trouble in Little China”, can you believe this film is still around and finding new audiences?
JH: I just has this huge cult following. Lo Pan still lives. Never dies! [laughs]. He is still floating around in the universe…looking for the girl with the green eyes. When I find her I shall marry her! [laughs].
MG: What was the best part about working on that film?
JH: One day I was walked on the set and I saw the underground tunnel set with the water channel running through it and the monster jumping out. It was a fantastic set. In those days, it wasn’t popular to use a digital sets. That set was an actual set and what amazed me is that each arch that was in the tunnel got smaller and smaller and smaller so that it looked like it went really long. Actually though it was a series of hand made smaller arches leading into the distance. I was amazed at the wonderful work the set director had done. I said to (John) Carpenter, “Wow, this set should win an award”. He said “Well how about you”. I was very impressed what he thought of my acting as Lo Pan. Of course none of us got any awards from the film [laughing]. But the award I think is with the appreciation of the fans. The fans somehow latched onto that character and the whole film. That has rewarded me 100-fold for my performance.
MG: You are in another cult classic, “Blade Runner”, playing Hannibal Chew, can you reflect working that film?
JH: It was a totally different feeling working on this film. To me that was a memorizing film. It just hypnotizes you. You watch each frame and you get drawn into it. Ridley Scott has that know-how of just sucking you into his film. People really got into that film, almost like its part of their souls belongs to that film [laughs]. My character created the replicants in the film. To make the eyeballs was something the character dreamt of doing. Once he saw his children wearing his eyes, he was flabbergasted. Even though he dies at their hands, still they were his creation. He died in his glory in a way. I enjoyed working on this film for sure.
MG: What other projects do you have planned upcoming?
JH: I just did another film called “Safe” with Jason Statham. That movie is being released in October or November, I believe. I am the head of the mafia in the film. It is all done in Mandarin. It is a fun evil part [laughs]. Another film I did, is a younger teen adventure called “The Lost Medallion”, which is going to also be released really soon. In another month I will also be on “Funny or Die”. That is really cool, you will love it. It is a segment called “Fleshlight”. Of course I also have the TV series “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness”, which should be airing in November. I am actually looking to produce my own films. I want to produce an anthology series called “Dark Tales by James Hong”. If you or any of your readers have any good stories feel free to forward along a synopsis and we will go from there. I would even encourage any filmmakers if they would like to make their own short film, I would consider incorporating it into my series. So that is pretty cool! I will be sort of like the Asian Vincent Price [laughs].
