Phil attends the Midnites for Maniacs "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" Triple Feature at the Castro Theatre-December 7, 2012

Hello again from the City by the Bay! That's right I'm back up here in San Francisco to attend the Midnites for Maniacs triple feature at the historic Castro Theatre. Hosted by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks, the theme for the show was titled "No Pain, No Gain." The theatre screened three modern day films that showcased this perfectly. Plus all three movies were the original 35mm film prints! As always, Jesse handpicked some awesome trailers to show, but he had a major surprise for us tonight, as he screened several Jean-Claude Van Dam's best movie trailers! So let's waste anymore time! Let the pain begin!!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2000)

The first film of the night was the coming of age, cheerleading teen comedy flick BRING IT ON. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as senior Torrance Shipman, who has just become the captain of her cheerleading squad. With the addition of new transfer student Missy Pantone (the sexy Eliza Dushku), the Toro cheerleading squad from Rancho Carne High School in San Diego looks to dominate nationals once again. But soon a problem arises as Torrance discovers that their routines were stolen from the East Compton Clovers by their former captain. The Clovers new captain Isis (the beautiful Gabrielle Union) looks to expose them for the frauds that they are. Soon there's a mad scramble as they must come up with an entirely new and original routine. Things get even more problematic for Torrance as she falls in love with Missy's older brother Cliff (Jesse Bradford) even though she already has a boyfriend named Aaron (Richard Hillman).

I remember seeing this movie in the theaters when it first came out and I thought it was hilarious as well as cutting edge. The film was queer positive, racially progressive, filled with teen angst, and provided a positive message that you cannot fail if you believe in yourself. Now believe it or not, the film spawned five sequels (they were all straight to video releases) and it also became a celebrated Broadway musical in 2011. The film was originally released by Universal Pictures on August 25, 2000. The 35mm film print that was screened came from the fine folks at Universal. Three trailers for the next M4M show was screened before the film: 1992's WAYNE'S WORLD, 2001's FREDDY GOT FINGERED, and 2008's STEP BROTHERS.

Click here to view the film's original trailer.

Original Movie Poster (1988)

Film number two was the classic John Waters' film HAIRSPRAY. The film marked the acting debut of Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, a 'pleasantly plump' teenager who achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick), as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents (Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry). The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963. Aiding Tracy in her cause are her best friend Penny Pingleton (Leslie Ann Powers), her boyfriend Link Larkin (Michael St. Gerard), and her parents (Ben Stiller and the legendary Divine, who passed away shortly after completion of the film).

Like the previous film, I saw this when it first came out and it too was cutting edge. It had a short, chubby teen with big hair who gets the guy at the end, addressed racism and equality, and it was the first John Waters film to receive a PG-13 rating, which at that time was unheard of. The film was released by New Line Cinema on February 26, 1988, earning a modest gross of $8 million. However, it managed to attract a larger audience on home video in the early 1990s and became a cult classic. Then in 2002, the film was adapted into a Broadway musical of the same name, which won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2003. A second film version of HAIRSPRAY, an adaptation of the stage musical, was also released by New Line Cinema in 2007. John Waters makes a cameo appearance in that film as, what else, a flasher. Several later John Waters trailers were screened before the movie: 2004's A DIRTY SHAME, 1998's PECKER, and 1990's CRY-BABY.

Click here to view the film's original trailer.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1989)

The last film of the night was KICKBOXER, starring the great martial arts actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. In the film Van Damme is Kurt Sloane, brother of Eric (Dennis Alexio), the top kickboxer in the United States. Tiring of the generic competition of his native soil, he travels with his brother to Bangkok, where he hopes to dethrone the current champ Tong Po (Michel Qissi), who has a reputation for fighting dirty.  Eric takes quite a beating in the ring but a series of illegal blows cripples him for life. Vowing revenge, Kurt trains for the fight of his life with the help of Xian (Dennis Chan), a kickboxing trainer who lives in a remote area of Thailand.

Probably the most famous of Van Damme's early work, it has some awesome kick ass fight scenes, plus some interesting moments showing the difficulty of training and trying to achieve your best while not losing your focus. Even though it suffers from some cheesy acting, dialogue, music, and a highly disturbing dance scene that must be seen to believe, it still holds up after all these years. The film was originally released to theaters on September 8, 1989. Before the film, Jesse screened seventeen, count 'em, SEVENTEEN Jean-Claude Van Damme trailers, ranging from 2012's THE EXPENDABLES 2, 2008's JCVD, 1994's STREET FIGHTER, and 1992's UNIVERSAL SOLIDER. Yes folks it was indeed a sight to see!!

And another Midnites for Maniacs show has come and gone! The next show will be on January 11, 2013 so mark this date on your calender and come on out to the City by the Bay and join in on this movie magic and fun! To learn more about Midnites for Maniacs, visit their website at www.midnitesformaniacs.com. To view upcoming shows at the Castro Theatre, visit their website at www.castrotheatre.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil sees IP MAN ZERO at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-November 4, 2011

Hello everybody and welcome back to Phil's Film Adventures! After my month long dedication to horror films last month, I really needed to get caught up on what was playing in theaters. So, of course, I went on a massive movie binge! So for Friday night, I went to the Camera 12 in Downtown San Jose and saw three great films. The first film I saw was an amazing martial arts film entitled IP MAN ZERO!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film tells the story of the early years of the "revolutionary grandmaster" who trained the legendary Bruce Lee, Ip Man (portrayed by Yu-Hang To). From his first day of training in the ancient art of Wing Chun with his adopted brother Ip Tin-Chi (Siu-Wong Fan) and their childhood friend Lee- Mei Chun (Rose Chan) from their master Chan Wah-Shun to traveling to Hong Kong to continue his studies. There he meets his deceased master's senior Leung Bik (Ip Man's real life son Ip Chun) an alternative style of Wing Chun, which doesn't sit well with his new master Ng Chung-Sok. However, when politics and corruption threaten to destroy their lives, Ip Man must battle his step order to restore justice and balance to their world.

This was based on the true story of Ip Man, and the film (the third of the series) is the prequel to the previous releases. Director Herman Yau (2006's ON THE EDGE and 2008's TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE) does a great job of keeping the film well paced, focusing on character development when called for, and showing some amazing kung-fu action! Actor Yu-Hang To (also known as Dennis To) is unbelievably fast and just incredible to watch! Great story and great kung-fu equals on kick ass martial arts film!!

IP MAN ZERO is this fall's best action packed, kung-fu movie that fans of the series will love to see, while attracting new fans to the series! Defiantly a movie you should all see!!

IP MAN ZERO is playing in limited release in select theaters, including the Camera Cinemas here in San Jose. However it is ending this coming Thursday, November 10th. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees 13 ASSASSINS at the Camera 3-July 3, 2011

After seeing both BUCK and LARRY CROWNE at the Camera 7 Pruneyard, the third and final film that I've been wanting to see was playing at the Camera 3 in downtown San Jose. So I made a mad dash over there to see one of the most amazing films ever! If you don't believe me, let me tell you what I thought about director Takashi Miike's new film 13 ASSASSINS and why you need to see this film!

Here is the very basic synopsis of the film: A group of 13 samurai assassins have been given a mission to kill the evil Lord Naritsugu from ascending the throne and bringing a rein of terror, chaos, and war to the country. This is all you're going to get. If I told you more, it wouldn't do the film justice. Now the reasons why you should see this film.

To be quite honest, I'm having difficulty with trying to find the right words to describe what I thought about the film, so let I'm gonna let the inner fanboy come out: This was the BEST samurai film that I have seen in a very, very, very, long time! Not since Akira Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece SEVEN SAMURAI  has there been a samurai film of this perfection! Miike's directing was perfect: smooth transitions, beautiful framing, and excellent in your face battle scenes. Like most of his films, there is a wonderful slow build up to the final third act, which in this film, makes a grand entrance. You have never seen a final battle scene quite like this one, and I promise you won't be forgetting about it anytime soon. Violence in the film can be compared to a ballet performance: striking, emotional, raw, and you must admire its sheer beauty. Art and violence sometimes go hand in hand. With this film, it's a perfect marriage, a union made in heaven.

The entire cast of the film is just amazing. There are no weak performances in the film. You'll swear you're watching real life samurais fighting to the death. I cannot list the entire cast for it will take too long (and also I can't speak or write Japanese), but let me just say that they all deserve a standing ovation for the film.

13 ASSASSINS is without a doubt the best film that Takashi Miike had made since 1999's AUDITION. I thought he would never be able to top it, but he has and this film surpasses any and all expectations that you may have. This is the film that all other recent samurai films will be measured to. No matter where you are, if this film is playing near you, take my word, go see this film!! You'll thank me later.

13 ASSASSINS is playing in limited screenings across the nation, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees KUNG FU PANDA 2 in 3-D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-May 25, 2011

For those who may not know me too well, I'm a big kid at heart. I love watching the old Saturday Morning Cartoons of my youth, as well as the kids movies I use to see at the theaters and drive-ins. However I've noticed that recent children films have been a hit or a miss lately. It makes me feel like the kids today are getting cheated out of seeing a good film that really sparks their young imagination while entertaining them simultaneously. Today's film fulfills both requirements, while bringing out the kid in you. Dreamworks' film KUNG FU PANDA 2 is a worthy entry to the series, and gives families something to enjoy together.

 Jack Black returns to voice the Dragon Warrior Po, who is now leader of The Furious Five: Tigress (Angeline Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Crane (David Cross), and Viper (Lucy Liu). When their master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs them that the evil Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) has invented a secret and destructive weapon that he plans to use to conquer China and eradicate Kung Fu, Po and the Five spring into action. To help them on their quest, the team is joined by two new characters: Master Oxen (Dennis Haysbert) and Master Croc (Jean-Claude Van Damme). Along the way, Po befriends a seerer named Soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh), who holds the secrets of Po's origin and of his long lost parents.

 It was great to see that the filmmakers were able to reunite the original cast again, while introducing some new ones to the mix. Black once again gives his all as Po, our wonderful, funny, energetic, and always hungry star. However Oldman's Lord Shen is equally impressive, bringing both drama with a dash of humor to the character as well as dignity and just pure evil. We the audience are supposed to dislike Lord Shen, and Oldman makes sure that we boo the villain and cheer for our furry heroes.

What also makes this film a worthy sequel is that we learn more about our main character, which is something that most sequels fail to do. Not only do we get kung fu action up the wazoo, but we get to travel along with Po on his road of self-discovery, by learning who he is and where does he come from. This alone is a plus for the film. Of course, the story is solid, and while new characters are introduced, it doesn't feel forced. All the characters have their moment in the spotlight, which is a good thing to have, since everyone has their favorite character they like to root for. Also the 3-D effects were fantastic, which will get the audiences even more fired up.

KUNG FU PANDA 2 just reeks of awesomeness, and it's the perfect family summer film. While you're busy with BBQing, family trips, ball games, and hanging out by the pool, remember to take your family to see this film. Your kids will think your just the most awesomeness parent in the world.

KUNG FU PANDA 2 in now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the Cult Movie Series screening of BATTLE ROYALE at the Camera 3-May 14, 2011

For years I was a big fan and supporter of the Camera Cinemas' Midnight Movie series. From May til the end of September, they would show popular, cult and horror films at midnight every week at two locations: The Camera 7 Pruneyard on Friday night and the Camera 12 on Saturday night. For over six years I would be there, winning prizes and watching some true film classics such as EVIL DEAD 2, THE PRINCESS BRIDE, THE PROFESSIONAL, and REPO:THE GENETIC OPERA. This past February it was reformatted and rechristened as the Cult Movie series. Now they show films once a month at the Camera 3 in downtown San Jose, and it now continues until November. For month number four, they screened the most controversial film ever made. A film that still, to this day, has not been released theatrically here in this country. That film is none other than the Japanese cult classic BATORO ROWAIARU, better known here as BATTLE ROYALE.

Original Japanese Movie Poster (2000)

The film (based on the novel by Koushun Takami) was directed by Kinji Kukasaku and released in Japan on December 16, 2000. However upon its release, the film immediately caused an avalanche of controversy. Now I don't want to explain the whole movie to you all, so I will just state the synopsis: In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act.

Yes, you read that right. And no, I am not kidding.

The film's graphic depiction of students killing off one another hit a little to close to home here in the states. Just a little over a year and a half prior to the film's release, on Tuesday, April 20, 1999, the Columbine Massacre accured. This tragic event left 12 students and one teacher dead, and 21 others injured. The massacre lead to debates about stricter gun control laws, the availability of fire arms (especially in the Wal-Mart superstores), and gun violence involving students. Of course, there was no way that BATTLE ROYALE would get to be imported here, especially in the Post Columbine United States. But over the years, the film has been available for the DVD consumers, in numerous versions and variations. Most recently, the UK based Arrow Video made it available on both Blu-Ray and DVD as a Special Edition 3-Disc set, but only as an import. From the American fans' point of view, they believed that they would never see the film released here in theatres. However, that might be changing very, very soon.

Despite the rumors, the film was never officially banned here in the states. Rather there's never been a distribution deal for the film to be shown theatrically. On November 20, 2010, the film was re-released to theaters in Japan in 3D!! Unbelieable as it may seem, but it's this version that will be released here in America sometime this year, thanks in large part to the film's disrtibutor Anchor Bay Entertainment!!

Some saw the film as a violent abomination; a vile and disturbing piece of celliloid that should have never been made in the first place. Some saw it as work of genius; commenting on the social and politcal climate of that time and forshadowing future events. Either way, BATTLE ROYALE still ignites debate, even 11 years after the film's initial release. Soon, American movie goers will finally be able to see it theaters, however, it'll be interesting to see if it will be played at the local mall's googleplex theater. It probably wont, but it would be interesting to see the look on the faces of the masses after they've seen it. Now I'd buy that for a dollar!

To learn more about Camera Cinemas' Cult Movie series, upcoming films, showtimes, etc, visit http://www.cameracinemas.com/midnight.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees CLASH at the Camera 12-March 21, 2011

While attending the SFIAAFF here in San Jose, I realized that I missed out on a lot of films that the festival showed up in San Francisco a couple of weeks earlier. However on Sunday, our good friends at CAAM mentioned that their centerpiece film of the festival CLASH was being shown at the Camera 12 as a regular film release. So today, still riding high from this past weekend, I ventured back to Downtown San Jose to see the film.

Le Thanh Son's CLASH

CLASH stars the sexy, action heroine Veronica Ngo as Trinh (or Phoenix as she is also called), a tough and brooding hitwoman to crime boss known as the Black Dragon. He is holding her daughter captive, so she is forced to do jobs for him. For her "final job," she recruits a motley-looking crew (including her real-life husband Johnny Tri Nguyen who portrays the mysterious Quan) to pull it off, afterwards her boss will release her and her daughter. Soon, it all hits the fan as Trinh and her gang must fight off French mobsters, Vietnamese gangsters, as well as themselves, and of course, the Black Dragon.

Le Thanh Son's directorial debut's tribute to classic Hong Kong martial arts films resonates here, but he updates and infuses it with modern sensibility. Ngo is deadly as she is beautiful, Nguyen is strong and commanding. Together this real life couple kick ass all over the screen, and they make it look so easy. Both were the stars in another feature entitled THE REBEL. Their on-screen personas in this film are entertaining, proud, and, of course, bad asses.

Son's directing is flawless, with quick, precise editing, and solid storytelling makes this an action packed, over-the-top rollercoaster ride. It's been awhile since I've seen an action film that I thoroughly enjoyed. American action films should take notes from this Vietnamese import. CLASH is a fantastic film that really must be seen of the big screen.

CLASH is playing for two weeks only at the Camera 12 in downtown San Jose. To see the times listing visit http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!