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Archive for ‘June, 2009’

Inglourious Basterds

Inglourious Basterds

Trailer for Inglourious Basterds

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

Based on the long-running STREET FIGHTER video-game franchise, THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI stars Kristin Kreuk (SMALLVILLE) as the title character, a concert pianist who becomes a fiery karate-kicking avenger. Determined to rescue her father (Edmund Chen) from the clutches of Bangkok-based, bad-guy businessman Bison (Neal McDonough), Chun-Li enlists the help of the sage Gen (Robin Shou) and crosses paths with Interpol agents Nash (Chris Klein) and Maya (Moon Bloodgood). Aiding the sinister Bison are the formidable Balrog (Michael Clarke Duncan) and the deadly Vega (Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas), who are determined to eliminate Chun-Li and her allies, leading to numerous explosive martial-arts showdowns. Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak (DOOM, ROMEO MUST DIE), STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI easily outshines the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme adaptation of the video-game series (simply titled STREET FIGHTER) with better casting and, of course, more advanced effects. While Kreuk works well as the earnest Chun-Li, McDonough and Duncan seem to be having the most fun hamming it up as the key villains. Far from Oscar caliber, of course, STREET FIGHTER is enjoyable popcorn fare that has the distinction of having a strong female lead, putting it in line with the LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER movies.

The Invention of Lying

The Invention of Lying

In an alternate reality, lying — even the concept of a lie — does not even exist. Everyone — from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street — speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune. But lies have a way of spreading, and Mark begins to realize that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as, well, gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves.

Homecoming

Homecoming

Trailer for Homecoming

Last Airbender

Last Airbender

Trailer for Last Airbender

Box

Box

From SOMEWHERE IN TIME to I AM LEGEND, writer Richard Matheson’s tales have frequently made their way to the screen, and this adaptation of his story “Button, Button” is no exception. Richard Kelly (DONNIE DARKO) directs Cameron Diaz and James Marsden in this horror film about a couple who find a box that has power over life and death.

Daybreakers

Daybreakers

Edward Dalton is a researcher in the year 2019, in which an unknown plague has transformed the world’s population into vampires. As the human population nears extinction, vampires must capture and farm every remaining human, or find a blood substitute before time runs out. However, a covert group of vampires makes a remarkable discovery, one which has the power to save the human race.

Hurt Locker

Hurt Locker

This thriller from director Kathryn Bigelow (POINT BREAK) travels to Baghdad with a U.S. military bomb detonating unit. THE HURT LOCKER stars Jeremy Renner, Guy Pearce, and Ralph Fiennes.

Amelia

Amelia

Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank (MILLION DOLLAR BABY) takes the biopic route in her title role as Amelia Earhart. Mira Nair (MONSOON WEDDING) directs this drama that also features Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor.

Irene in Time

Irene in Time

Trailer for Irene in Time

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