Stirrings of Memory

Yet another shorter post, because I'm still lazy and apathetic. Which begs the question, "If you're so lazy and apathetic, why bother with this blog?" Good question.

Anywho, on with the films. This time, American adolescent horror with The Monster Squad, China's current big hit Ip Man, Korean existential drama Welcome to Dongmakgol, Hong Kong horror near it's worst in Here Comes a Vampire, HK (remake of Hollywood's Cellular) actioner Connected, and Chinese drama Lost, Indulgence.

The Monster Squad
Directed by someone, starring some adults, mostly kids.

The Monster Squad is The Goonies, except with monsters instead of thieves. If you haven't seen it, you aren't missing much.

Ip Man
Directed by Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, and Gordon Lam.

"Wing Chun, Ip Man." If you don't get all kinds of excited at the thought of Donnie Yen saying the preceeding phrase, I don't like you. Also, you probably won't like Ip Man. Loosely based on Ip Man (aka Yip Man), and his life during Japanese occupation of China. Ip Man is fast and exciting, with plenty of kung fu action, and a bit of drama too.

Donnie Yen stars as the man-who-would-be Bruce Lee's Wing Chun instructor, and puts forth a fine performance, with minimal preening. The rest of the cast is good, and the film itself is a solid flick, that provides action, drama, comedy, and a fun way to spend one's time. Say what you will about Donnie Yen's acting ability, he has an incredible presence onscreen. I'm looking forward to the already green-lit sequel.

Welcome to Dongmakgol
Directed by Park Kwang-hyun, starring Shin Ha-kyun, Jeong Jae-yeong, Seo Jae-kyeong, Lim Ha-ryong, Ryu Deok-hwan, Steve Taschler, and Kang Hye-jeong.

Three North Korean soldiers, two South Korean soldiers, and one shot-down American. During the Korean War, all six men end up high in the hills of Korea, in the unknown village of Dongmakgol. While there, they come to realize that no matter which side they fight for, they're still people.

Welcome to Dongmakgol is, at times, a bit silly, but still an incredibly watchable drama. The actors are all superb, and the direction is slick and assured. For a war-based film about humanity, that's engaging, and even a bit hopeful, Welcome to Dongmakgol is definitely worth a look.

Here Comes a Vampire
Crap with a captial "C". Other than unintentional humor and seeing Andy Hui and Sandra Ng in ridiculous roles, Here Come a Vampire is a waste of time. However, if, like me, you haven't the slightest idea of what to do with your free time, except watch films of varying degrees of quality, buy a copy of Here Comes a Vampire today! It's better than staring at a wall. I think.

Connected
Directed by and co-written by Benny Chan, starring Louis Koo, Barbie Hsu, Nick Cheung, Liu Ye, and Eddie Cheung.

With as many plot holes and contrived circumstances as a Hollywood actioner (of which it is a remake) Connected is about what you'd expect. Just about everyone overacts, and there's as much implausibility onscreen as there is product placement. That being said, Connected is still a pretty solid commercial flick, and is filled with unintentionally funny incidents, and more than enough drama. Plus, it stars Louis Koo. Who doesn't like Louis Koo? For a brainlessly good time, Connected is a great.

Lost, Indulgence
Directed by and co-written by Zhang Yibai, starring Karen Mok, Jiang Wenli, Tan Jianci, Eason Chan, Eric Tsang, Ma Sichun, and Duan Bowen.

Art-house cinema and commercial cinema collide in the latest from Chinese Director Zhang Yibai is really good. The direction and acting are top notch, and the story, though a bit too vague at the end, is intriguing. As confusing and engaging as is life, Lost, Indulgence is great, and well worth watching. I really, really liked it.

Next time: My laziness and apathy will have been overcome by my patience and positive outlook. Or, there will be another shorter post. I'd bet on another shorter post.