Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Wong Kar-Wai: Zhang is bold juror

Cannes Film Festival jury president Wong Kar-Wai said that actress Zhang Ziyi was bold in giving her opinions despite her young age.

Cannes jurors Wong Kar-Wai, Zhang Ziyi and Samuel L. Jackson on May 28.
Cannes jurors Wong Kar-Wai, Zhang Ziyi and Samuel L. Jackson on May 28. Reuters photo from Yahoo News.

"Even though she's very young, she's made quite a few movies. She's bold in expressing herself, so there isn't an issue of being timid because she's less experienced," Wong said.

Zhang and Wong worked together in the movie 2046 released in 2004.

The Cannes jury announces major awards on Sunday.

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Monday, May 29, 2006

Tiger Woods may be preparing for U.S. Open

Tiger Woods practiced Saturday at Winged Foot golf course, site of next' month's U.S> Open, according to the golfer's official website.

Woods has been on leave from the pro circuit since April when he played the Masters to be with his dying father Earl, who passed away on May 3.

File photo of Tiger Woods with dad Earl in 2005.
File photo of Tiger Woods with dad Earl in 2005. Canadian Press photo from Yahoo News.

If Tiger wins, it will be his 11th major tournament win bringing him one step closer to Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles.

The world number one player has only one other tournament at Winged Foot, the 1997 PGA Championship where he came in 29th place.


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Tiger Woods may be preparing for U.S. Open

Tiger Woods practiced Saturday at Winged Foot golf course, site of next' month's U.S> Open, according to the golfer's official website.

Woods has been on leave from the pro circuit since April when he played the Masters to be with his dying father Earl, who passed away on May 3.

File photo of Tiger Woods with dad Earl in 2005.
File photo of Tiger Woods with dad Earl in 2005. Canadian Press photo from Yahoo News.

If Tiger wins, it will be his 11th major tournament win bringing him one step closer to Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles.

The world number one player has only one other tournament at Winged Foot, the 1997 PGA Championship where he came in 29th place.


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Saturday, May 27, 2006

Hanks hires bodyguards, Da Vinci Code prequel in works

Tom Hanks has reportedly hired bodyguards to protect himself and his family after release of The Da Vinci Code movie.

Police patrol outside an Indian theater showing the Da Vinci Code.
Bombay police patrol outside a theater showing The Da Vinci Code on May 26. AP photo from Yahoo News.

According to a British newspaper, Hanks considered it a necessary precaution as some religious people might be taking the movie too seriously.

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures has hired Akiva Goldsman to write a rush prequel script based on Dan Brown's novel Angels and Demons.

The movie will also have the same production team as The Da Vinci Code but no word yet on whether director Ron Howard or Hanks will return to their old roles.




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Friday, May 26, 2006

Michael Jackson headed to Japan for Asian tour

Michael Jackson is headed to Tokyo to accept an MTV Japan "Legend Award" and to kick off the start of his Asian tour.

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is set to kick off Asian tour. EOnline Photo from Yahoo News.

Jackson will also be performing in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. This is his first tour and public appearance since acquittal last June.

The pop idol's spokesperson Raymone K. Bain said Jackson was looking forward to seeing old friends and fans in Japan, and that he continues to work on a song to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.




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Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Da Vinci Code cracks record

The Da Vinci Code movie established a new record opening earning a whopping $152.6 million in five days.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith held the previous record set the same time last year at $144.8 million.

US actor Tom Hanks, right, stands with French actress Audrey Tautou, below right, and US Director Ron Howard, front left with Paul Bettany, top left, and Sir Ian McKellen, top right, following the naming of a Eurostar train 'The Da Vinci Code' at Waterloo Station in London, Tuesday May 16, 2006. The Train is named after the book by author Dan Brown which has been made into a film staring Hanks and Tautou playing the leading roles, which has its World Premier in Cannes on May 17. The train which left with the cast and director of the film was attempting a world record time for the longest international non-stop train journey from London to Cannes. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ron Howard, Paul Bettany and Sir Ian McKellen following the naming of a Eurostar train 'The Da Vinci Code' at Waterloo Station in London, Tuesday May 16, 2006. AP photo from Yahoo News.

A record was also established in Japan where the movie opened in more theaters than any other film. The Da Vinci Code did extremely well in Latin America and Europe. According to Sony Pictures, the film set a record or second best debut in each Latin American opening.

Records also fell in two strongly Catholic European countries -- Italy and Spain -- despite calls for a boycott from conservative Catholic groups.



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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro recovering from injury

After a severe injury during the running of the Preakness Stakes, Barbaro appears to be making a comeback from a potentially life-threatening situation.

Many thought the undefeated colt had a chance at becoming the first Triple Crown winner in decades after easily winning the Kentucky Derby.

Barbaro rests in his stall after surgery to repair his broken leg at the intensive care unit of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for Large Animals, Kennett Square, Pa., Tuesday, May 23, 2006.
Barbaro rests in his stall after surgery to repair his broken leg at the intensive care unit of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for Large Animals, Kennett Square, Pa., Tuesday, May 23, 2006. AP photo from Yahoo News.

Barbaro's leg was broken into 20+ pieces, a type of injury that often leads to euthanization. Horses can suffer from circulatory problems and other complications if they cannot evenly distribute their weight on all four legs.

So far Barbaro is recovering well and is resting all day long in his stall. If he fully recovers he may become a stallion used for breeding other horses.

It seems rather peculiar to me that horses, animals that depend on their running ability in the wild to survive, could severely break their legs just by galloping. And it appears this is a rather common occurrence.

Are the horses overtrained? Have they been bred too large in frame for the type of racing in which they compete?




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Monday, May 22, 2006

Jet Li recalls Aaliyah while shooting "Rogue"

Martial arts star Jet Li said he was haunted by memories of singer and actress Aaliyah while filming Rogue in Vancouver, Canada according to a quote at the IGN.com website.

Aaliyah and Li filmed the movie Romeo Must Die in the same city.

Aaliyah
Aaliyah in 2001 file photo. AP photo from Yahoo News.

"I have some memories of this very beautiful city ... but it still makes me think about Aaliyah because I feel still we worked together here for a few months."

In other news, Li is said to be negotiating a deal with fellow martial arts sensation Jackie Chan for the first movie to feature both actors.



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Friday, May 19, 2006

Review of The Da Vinci Code

With all the hoopla this movie is causing in Asia, I've decided to review it myself as I differ with most of the reviews out so far.

To start off with I'm not a big movie buff and mostly watch independent-type films. I rarely see Hollywood blockbusters unless I'm tagging along on a family outing.

Also, I was not one of the 50 million or so people who read the Da Vinci Code book. So many of the scenes may have been more suspenseful for me than for reader-viewers. My expectations might also have been lower although I was not immune to all the publicity. I've seen more than a few documentaries and news specials devoted to the theme of Dan Brown's novel.

Another thing that might color my opinion is that I have more than a passing interest in things like "symbology," history and archaeology. So parts that may have bored others waiting for more action-packed gore, I found quite stimulating.

Character depth and development probably suffered because this film had a lot of historical matter to convey to the audience in a relatively short time. You won't find much going on romantically here, no heat generated between Langdon (Hank's character) and Sophie (Audrey Tautou).

That fact alone may have disappointed some critics. The need to relay much information cuts down on the time needed to convey emotion. Therefore, the action is not of the roller-coaster type and there are some disconnects in the emotional train.

However, the flashback scenes, especially the cuts to the medieval period are well done. The film has a fairly good medieval air, which is important to the atmosphere that one expects.

Sophie's character could have used more development in certain dimensions that are best not revealed here. The audience really needs to connect with her more in the early parts of the film. The car scene, though, when she flashbacks to her childhood is memorable.

Overall the acting is good, but not sensational. Probably the most intriguing relationship is that between Silas, the albino hitman, and the Opus Dei leader. Silas' character is well-developed from the emotional perspective.

Ian McKellan also does a great job as the scholarly expert on the "Priory of Sion." His acting though falls apart a bit, in my view, near the end.

Action in this film was quite good enough except maybe for hardcore adrenaline seekers. Not the type of thing that keeps you gripped to your seat, but more mental movement in trying to solve the next step of the puzzle. That could be a negative issue for those who have read the book, although as I understand Howard made some important story alterations with this in mind.

Not sure why the last 10 minutes of the film drew chuckles at the Cannes pre-preview. This was the same part of the movie that was cut out by Thai censors, but latter allowed after Columbia Pictures appealed the ruling. The ending to such a film must have been tremendously difficult and I think it was pulled off reasonably well.

In the end, it seems like the idea of the "sacred feminine," an underlying theme in the movie is ticking off both the church and critics, but maybe for different reasons. That might be an interesting study in itself. Some Catholic church leaders have characterized the book and film as the greatest challenge the faith has ever faced, which in my view is perplexing.

For those who like a good mystery, or a film that examines thoughtfully the history of the human condition, this film is recommended. Otherwise, you may want to follow Howard's advice and wait for reviews coming through the grapevine.





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Thursday, May 18, 2006

Wong Kar-Wai orders casual style for Cannes jurors

Cannes jury president Wong Kar-Wai emphasized that smoking and sunglasses would be allowed during jury meetings as the 2006 Festival de Cannes kicked off Wednesday.

Wong dressed in his trademark dark sunglasses was greeted at the opening with a clip from his movie 2046 and a live opera performance.

Cannes jury president Wong Kar-Wai with fellow jurors Monica Belluci and Zhang Ziyi.
Cannes jury president Wong Kar-Wai with fellow jurors Monica Belluci and Zhang Ziyi. AP photo from Yahoo News.

His compatriot, Zhang Ziyi, joins him on the jury and both fielded questions in Mandarin from the journalist pool. Zhang at age 27 is one of youngest Cannes jurors ever.

The entire jury consists of Palestinian director Elia Suleiman, U.S. actor Samuel L. Jackson , Argentine director Lucrecia Martel, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, Italian actress Monica Bellucci , British actor/director Tim Roth , British actress Helena Bonham-Carter and French director Patrice Leconte.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Critics pan Da Vinci Code, but controversy still swirls

Hard to say whether the negative reviews of critics at the Cannes film festival will have any impact on The Da Vinci Code's box office.

The movie is bound to do well simply because of the success of the book. However, will the critics keep some people from seeing the film?

Strangely the movie is creating the most controversy in Asia where countries like India, Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines have talked of banning the film.

Audrey Tautou at the screening of The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes film festival on May 17.
Audrey Tautou at the screening of The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes film festival on May 17. AP photo from Yahoo News.

Despite approval of censors, the film's opening may be delayed in India, and in Thailand they cut the last 10 minutes of the drama, but later reversed the decision after an appeal by Columbia Pictures.

It's likely all the hoopla from protesters will boost visibility of the Da Vinci Code, and thus may in the end increase sales for the Sony Pictures production.

A screening in China actually beat out the Cannes' "premiere" by about an hour, and the film appears to be generating much interest in that country.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Indian Muslims and Christians band together for Da Vinci Code ban

An unusual coalition of Christian and Muslim groups in India called for a ban on the controversial film The Da Vinci Code.

Leaders from both groups said the film, which depicts Jesus as a married man with progeny, insults the common beliefs of both groups.

Indian Christians demand ban of The Da Vinci Code movie on May 9 in Mumbai, India
Indian Christians demand ban of The Da Vinci Code movie on May 9 in Mumbai, India. Reuters photo from Yahoo News.

Muslims also believe in Jesus as a prophet although they disagree with Christians on details of his life and on the question of his divinity.

Both groups called for protests if the film airs, and Syed Noori, president of the Mumbai-based Raza Academy even threatened a violent response.

The Da Vinci Code movie, if it follows the path of the novel, also portrays the conservative Opus Dei organization as a murderous group bent on hiding the truth of the life of Jesus.


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Sunday, May 14, 2006

Fireknife dancers vie for world title

Contests for the World Fireknife Competition are set to begin Thursday, May 18 and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawai`i. The event runs until Saturday.

More than 40 competitors will compete for the title of world's best fireknife dancer won last year by Mikaele Oloa.

Fireknife Dance Competition

The dance form, which originated in Samoa, is now practiced by dancers coming from many different cultures.

A flaming knife is whirled around at high speeds as the dancer performs acrobatic dance moves and gyrations.


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Friday, May 12, 2006

Bishops sound off but won't ban Da Vinci Code

Catholic bishops in the Philippines condemned the yet-to-be-released The Da Vinci Code, but said they would not call for a ban of the movie.

The announcement comes after some Catholic church leaders had asked censors to nix the film from Philippine theaters.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a "guide" to the movie outlining its fallacies, according to the church, but said they would respect freedom of expression.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said the movie presented the greatest challenge to the church since the Arian heresy of the 4th century.

The film inspired by the novel by Dan Brown and produced by Sony Pictures is due for release in May.


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Thursday, May 11, 2006

Production retarts on "The City of Golden Armor"

Production on Zhang Yimou's The City of Golden Armor staring Chow Yun-Fat amd Gong Li as emperor and empress repectively restarted at Hengdian World Studios.

The film with its 44+ million budget is the most expensive Chinese production yet. A full-scale replica of buildings at the Forbidden City has been decorated for the shoot.

Gong Li in Memoirs of a Geisha
Gong Li in Memoirs of a Geisha. Columbia Pictures photo from Yahoo Movies

Based on the the modern play Thunderstorm by Cao Yu, the movie depicts a power struggle between emperor and empress during the T'ang Dynasty.


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Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Bollywood prepares for Cannes invasion

Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai arrived in Cannes Wednesday for the International Cannes Film Festival in May.

Aishwarya Rai arrived in France for the Cannes International Film Festival this month.
Aishwarya Rai arrived in France for the Cannes International Film Festival this month.

Studios in India plan an all-out assault on European markets hoping to sell Indian-style melodramas to a hefty film audience.

Despite its prodigious output, Bollywood has barely made a dent in Western markets as opposed to its success in a number of other countries.

In 2005, India made 1,000 films, more than any other country, but garnered only about 1 percent of global film revenues.

Indian films may falter because little effort is made to adapt them to non-Indian audiences. Typical Bollywood flicks feature spontaneous song-and-dance numbers that for the most part have disappeared from cinema in other parts of the world.

A few films have attempted to craft these numbers in a style somewhat similar to what appears in Western music videos.


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Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Dancing with Stars' Cheryl Burke will be honored in San Francisco

Cheryl Bautista Burke, who took top honors as dancing partner of Drew Lachey in the popular Dancing with the Stars competition, will be honored by Filipinos in San Francisco on May 30.

Dancing with the Stars champion Cheryl Bautista Burke at The Amberwatch Foundation Star-Studded Initiative Launch Party on April 25 in Hollywood.
Dancing with the Stars champion Cheryl Bautista Burke at The Amberwatch Foundation Star-Studded Initiative Launch Party on April 25 in Hollywood. Photo by Fashion Wire Daily/Maria Ramirez from Yahoo News.

The Bay Area Filipino Community and the Philippine Consulate General will hold a benefit reception for the Filipino American dancer at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Powell Street.

SF Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez is among those expected to attend the event.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Private service held for Tiger Woods' father

Private funeral services were held for Earl Woods, father of golfing great Tiger Woods on Friday.

Among those in attendance were Earl's wife, Kultida, Tiger and his wife Elin.

Former basketball player Charles Barkley at funeral for Earl Woods.
Former basketball player Charles Barkley at funeral for Earl Woods, father of Tiger Woods. AP photo from Yahoo News.


Also in attendance were former basketball player Charles Barkley, volleyball player and model Gabrielle Reece, and professional golfers Mark O'Meara and John Cook.

Earl Woods has long suffered from prostrate cancer, and this year Tiger interrupted his schedule twice to visit his father. He missed the Mercedes Championship at the start of the season in his longest absence from the tour since turning professional.

Tiger reportedly is on a hiatus of indefinite length following his father's death.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Dante Bacso leads in "Take the Lead"

Filipino-American actor Dante Basco co-stars with Antonio Banderas in Take the Lead a true story of professional dancer who volunteers to teach in the New York public school system.

Dante Basco

Dante plays an aspiring young Latino dancer named Ramos. Filipino Americans may think the role is timely given the victory of Filipina professional dancer Cheryl Bautista Burke in Dancing with the Stars. Basco was joined in the cast of Take the Lead by Filipino-Canadian actor Darryl Reyes.

Lately the actor has worked mostly as a voice talent on animated series like Disney's American Dragon: Jake Long and Nickelodeon's The Last Airbender.

Antonio Banderas praises co-star Dante Basco


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Saturday, May 06, 2006

Maggie Q gets combat training for Mission: Impossible III

Maggie Q, the half-Vietnamese actress from Honolulu, said that working besides Tom Cruise was a breeze compared to training on how to rescue a hostage for Mission: Impossible III.

Maggie had special combat training for the film which stars Cruise as Agent Hunt who battles an international weapons dealer played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Maggie Q at the opening of Mission: Impossible III at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York
Maggie Q at the opening of Mission: Impossible III at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Fashion Wire Daily photo from Yahoo News.

Maggie recently posed before the cameras at the Hollywood screening of the movie at Grauman's Chinese theater on May 4.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Korean TV dramas continue to make inroads in Asia

Korean telenovelas like Winter Sonata and Jewel in the Palace have not lost steam across Asia as ratings continue to go up.

The dramas have sparked pan-Asian Koreamania that has even penetrated to the South Pacific island of Saipan with a government deal for filming of new soap opera.

Korean actress Jeon Ji Hyun at Singapore news conference for her new film 'Daisy'
Korean actress Jeon Ji Hyun at Singapore news conference for her new film 'Daisy'

Korean dramas draw 19 percent of the Japanese TV audience, 24.5 percent in Taiwan, 18.6 percent in China and 3.3 percent in Hong Kong.

They have also become increasingly popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The dramas have helped the South Korean tourism industry and even helped local Koreans make it big outside of Korea.

In the Philippines, Sandara Park, a Korean expatriate raised in Manila rose to stardom possibly with some help from the popularity of Korean soaps.


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