The big releases this week are both THE KING'S SPEECH and RABBIT HOLE, but the release of the week for TDG is Donnie Yen in IP MAN 2. Yen said in an interview for the film that “Ip Man 2 will incontrovertibly become a classic, bettering the first.” I had similar hopes going into Ip Man 2. The first film in the series (which will become a trilogy sans Yen) had a magic to it, a quiet intensity that escalated to a near perfect ending. IP MAN 2 is not a classic, it's half the film that the first film is, but it's still better than most of the crap that comes out of Hollywood.
IP MAN 2 does have some very creative fights that were choreographed by Golden Harvest legend Sammo Hung who also appears in the film. Unlike the first film however, the fights here seem hollow. They are void of any real consequences which is a let down considering how intense and personal the fights in the first film were. I don't hate this film, I just wish it was the classic Yen thought he was making. This is more than worth watching, just double it up with a Shaw Brothers film or watch the original IP MAN first and you will see what I mean.
Here are the other releases we have our eye on...
TOKYO GORE POLICE is bug ass nuts. This has been out for a while on DVD but it's now out on Blu-ray. This film is full on fucking bananas.
You cant even look at the cover-art for this without that damn theme song in your head. This is not a great film, it's pure sensory overload but it still works for what it is. Plus it has Talisa Soto which is always a plus. MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION is also out today, but that one is just straight crap.
GOEMON is based on Robin Hood, I have not seen this yet but it looks like a slick, effects filled film. The director Kazuaki Liriya made 2004's CASSHERN which was cool, so this is worth a look.
It's been four years since her last picture but Sofia Coppola is back. Though I think she can be inconsistent, when she works in the space of the entertainment industry like LOST IN TRANSLATION, she taps into this emotional disconnect which is fascinating to watch. SOMEWHERE is familiar territory for Coppola, it's about a daughters relationship with her father, a famous actor. This is a fascinating film, Coppola lingers on her subjects, almost like a documentary. While re-watch on this one may not make you jump out and buy it, it deserves to be added to your Netflix queue.
Spike Lee's follow-up to his very touching and sad 2006 documentary WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS which talks about the damage of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. IF GOD IS WILLING AND DA CREEK DON'T RISE is a reminder of what's left to be done, and what promises remain unfulfilled.
Steven Seagal is back in another direct-to-video release. However, and I may regret this, the trailer doesn't look too bad. Proceed with caution.
Finally, Criterion is out with a gorgeous transfer of one of the best British films of all time. KES follows a fifteen year old who, lacking a bond with his father, searches for a spiritual escape. This is a haunting, and memorable film.
That's it for this week. Next week Criterion unleashes some amazing Blu's: BLOW OUT, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, and we also have new Blu's of THE TERROR, THE SECRET OF DORIAN GRAY, EL TOPO, HOLY MOUNTAIN, and MACHINE GIRL.
Here's to good watching, Salute!
See you on forty deuce,
G
