|
|
June 9, 2008
"Sex," "Panda" have audience appeal
Written by Dave McNary
Foreign fans of "Sex and the City" pushed the romantic comedy to the top of the weekend's international box office with $37.2 million at 4,000 playdates in 40 markets, edging the third frame of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The frame also saw healthy perfs from a pair of family pics with domestic winner "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" both topping $20 million.
"Sex" turned in its top launches from Australia with $7.7 million, South Korea with $2.8 million, Denmark with $1.5 million and Mexico with $1.2 million. After a sensational Brit debut, Blighty biz fell 62% to $6.6 million, while Germany declined 50% to $3.7 million and France added the same amount in their soph seshes.
With its promising start and Japan, Russia and Spain still not open, "SATC" could wind up its foreign run in the same neighborhood as "The Devil Wears Prada," which topped $200 million internationally two years ago.
"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" came in a close second with $36 million at 8,352 in 60 markets, declining about 50% in its third frame. With the start of the Euro Cup providing ample distraction for the male demo, biz still held decently with a 49% decline in the U.K. to $5.6 million, a 50% slide in France to $4.3 million and a 51% decrease in Spain to $3.1 million.
After the fifth-biggest foreign opening frame ever, "Crystal Skull" has totaled an impressive $326 million internationally -- the best offshore cume since "I Am Legend" reached $327 million earlier this year. It should easily eclipse the $400 million mark, becoming the 29th pic to do so, with Japan launching on June 21.
Par kicked up a socko offshore launch for "Kung Fu Panda" with $20.7 million at 1,398 -- a sterling $14,807 per location -- in only nine markets with each posting the top result for a DreamWorks animated pic. The booming Russian market led the way with $9.2 million, 158% better than "Ratatouille," followed by $7.5 million in South Korea, more than triple "Ratatouille."
"Panda" also set records in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines for the best three-day animated launch ever, underlining the strong offshore appeal of CGI animated titles. Par's holding back the pic in Western Europe until July to take advantage of holidays and the start of vacations.
Disney's also opting for the go-gradual approach with "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," which grossed $20.3 million at 5,500 in 28 markets as the sequel topped the $100 million mark overseas. Biggest contributions came from its Oz launch with $3.9 million and its Chinese debut with $3.2 million, 60% above the original "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."
"Caspian" also took in $2.5 million in its third Japanese frame, off 43%, and opened with $1.3 million each in Brazil and Taiwan.
Fox's female-skewing "What Happens in Vegas" led the rest of the pack with $7.8 million at 3,000 to push international cume to nearly $108 million. The romantic comedy's already shown unexpectedly strong traction offshore and is $35 million ahead of the domestic total.
"Iron Man" struck more gold with $4.8 million to lift the foreign cume to $249 million -- the second biggest total for a 2008 title after "Crystal Skull." Combined with domestic, the Par/Marvel tentpole's totaled $538 million worldwide, 47th highest of all time.
Sony's "21" stayed in the game with $4.4 million at 1,575, including a $1.9 million French opening, to push the gambling thriller's foreign cume to a decent $59.3 million. And its "Made of Honor" charmed its way to $2.9 million at 1,645 for a $35 million cume from 34 markets.
Sony's "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" scored first with $2 million at 401 in Mexico in the biggest launch for an Adam Sandler film in that market. Studio's holding off launching "Zohan" in most of Europe until August.
Source: Variety Asia
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6237/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2008
Korean Characters Gain Overseas Attention
Pucca, Dooly, Robot Taekwon V, may sound rather unfamiliar to many of our viewers.
These are all famous characters in Korean animation.
And now it seems these national characters may be catching on in the rest of the world, as well.
The Korea Culture and Content Agency says foreign companies showed great interest in licensing the rights to these characters during the TWENTY EIGHTH Licensing International Expo in New York this week.
While organizers did not disclose what deals were made, they said several licensing agreements were likely to come out of the expo and that American and European companies had talks about licensing the character Pucca.
Reporter : [email protected]
[ Last edited by katt at 16-6-2008 07:19 PM ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2008
Top directors assemble for short film fest's jury
The Mise-en-sc鑞e Short Film Festival (MSFF) assigned a high profile jury consisting of Korea抯 leading mainstream and independent directors. PARK Jin-pyo heads a jury further comprised of: KIM Tae-yong, KIM Yong-hwa, CHO Chang-ho, KIM Hyun-seok, KIM Tai-sik, KIM Han-min, JEON Kye-soo, CHOI Dong-hoon, and NA Hong-jin.
The Mise-en-sc鑞e Short Film Festival will open its doors on June 26 at Yongsan CGV in Seoul. The festival will finish on July 2. Among the upcoming directors, the festival also screens actor YOO Ji-tae抯 directorial short film effort Out of My Intention (Nado Moreuge) in the competition section.
PARK Jin-pyo directed You Are My Sunshine (Neoneun Nae Woonmyeong) and Voice of a Murderer (Geu Nom Moksori). KIM Tae-yong received acclaim for his Family Ties (Gajokui Tansaeng). KIM Yong-hwa was the man behind the box office hit 200 Pounds Beauty (Minyeoneun Gwereoweo). CHO Chang-ho competed at several international film festivals with The Peter Pan Formula (Peter Panui Gongsik). KIM Hyun-seok helmed the romantic drama When Romance Meets Destiny (Gwangsigi Dongsaeng Gwangtae). KIM Tai-sik抯 Driving with My Wife抯 Lover (Anaeui Aeineul Mannada) was praised at festivals. KIM Han-min scored a hit with Paradise Murdered (Geukrakdo Sarinsageon). JEON Kye-soo directed the comedy Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theatre (Samgeori Geukjang). CHOI Dong-hoon抯 gamble film Tazza: The High Rollers paid of successfullyin cinemas. NA Hong-jin recently graduated from short films to feature films, his debut feature film The Chaser (Choogyeokja) is, so far, this year抯 most popular Korean film, and earned him an invitation to this year抯 Festival de Cannes.
Yi Ch'ang-ho (KOFIC
http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFI ... mp;Gesimul_SNO=1006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 8, 2008
Comedian Kim Steps Up as Host of English Program
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Comedian Kim Young-chul
Kim Young-chul started off as a comedian, with a natural ability of making people laugh and an expertise in impersonating other stars. But now, he's wearing a new hat: the host of an English program "Let's Speak Korean."
He's among the growing breed of "multi-entertainers." While actors have released albums and singers have crossed over to the big screen, 32-year-old Kim has paved his path toward English.
"Being unique meant being better off. I wanted to find my own specialty, a comedian who can speak fluent English. But this doesn't mean English will take up 100 percent of my life," Kim told The Korea Times.
Although he was comfortable enough to speak several sentences in English during the interview, the offer of co-hosting an English program aimed to help foreigners learn Korean was a challenge.
"If it was a 50 minute program, I would have said no. The producers and crew told me that it was okay to make mistakes, but it still took me a long time to make my decision (to host it),'' said Kim.
"Let's Speak Korean" is a program aired on ArirangTV, an all-English broadcast. English lecturer and co-host Lisa Kelley will introduce important Korean terms, while Kim will offer easy-to-understand sketches and examples.
"There will also be a sitcom that will show the real use of the expressions. ArirangTV wanted me to become a role model. I've never studied abroad, but look at me. I'm teaching Korean in English!'' he laughed.
This is not the first time for Kim to show his English skills to fans, for he published his book "Brave Young-chul English," and gave lectures at universities. He is also planning to attend the 26th Just for Laughs festival held at Montreal, Quebec next month.
When asked of his past in learning English, Kim quoted the words of famous American poet Maya Angelou.
"At a talk show, Angelou said if you want to change something change it, but if you can't, change your attitude and don't complain. There is a certain phase that needs to be crossed when learning English. It's hard to be consistent, but once you've passed that phase, it gets easier," said Kim.
So what is the most important factor in learning a new language?
"Practice makes perfect. Yes, it's what we always hear but it's so true. Vocabulary is very important to learners. Looking at it three times and thirty times makes a big difference,'' he said.
Kim added the importance of patterns. When learning a language, for example Korean, try to memorize the patterns of a certain expression.
"For instance, 'maseyo' means 'don't do something.' Use it. 'Haji maseyo (don't do it),' 'meokji maseyo (Don't eat it),' and 'geokjeong maseyo (Don't worry).' And most importantly, have fun with it,'' he added.
The next goal for the popular comedian, author, and co-host?
"I'm dreaming of performing stand up comedy in English at perhaps a small theater in New York, or maybe even Carnegie Hall. I can imagine myself starting with `ladies and gentlemen.
"Many people say I'm better than they expected. This has given me confidence. I've always been a 'big mouth,' which helped me learn English, and I'm planning to stay that way,'' Kim said excitedly.
"Let's Speak Korean" airs Monday-Friday, 12:15 p.m. on Arirang TV.
[email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/06/178_25531.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 16, 2008
TVXQ attracts 390,000 fans to their concert tour
Korean boy band sensation TVXQ (known as Dong Bang Sin Ki in Korea and as Tohoshinki in Japan) has proved its popularity across Asia once again.
According to TVXQ抯 agency SM Entertainment, the band抯 huge fan base across Asia, riding on the Korean Wave or Hallyu, has attracted about 390.000 people to their second Asian concert tour (entitled 揟VXQ 2nd ASIA TOUR CONCERT 扥 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News Index PAGE 18
June 16, 2008: Park Yong-ha's 'On Air' to Air in Japan
June 17: Pamper yourself at Jeju抯 stylish getaways
June 17: Singer Andy's First Solo Concert in Tokyo a Huge Success
June 17: 'Samsooni' Is Back; Drama Hightens Awareness on Cultural Assets
June 13: Collaboration: Lee Hyo Ri & Kim Gun Mo
June 13: 2008 MTV Asia Awards
June 13: Byul抯 5th album: Like a Star_Showcase
June 18: [TV Review] Something to yell about in new debate show
June 18: Public enemy #1 swaggers back to cinema box office
June 18: Album sales to support starving North Korean kids
June 18: American and Japanese bands to support Seo Tae-ji gig
June 18: Online rumors about celebs and military duty denied
June 16: Good Storytelling Wins Over Movie Audiences
June 18: Why Was 'Speed Racer' a Box Office Flop?
June 18: Q Channel to Air Special Documentary on N. Korean Refugees
June 18: Panda sets Korean B.O. records
June 18: Top Celebrities Join Hands to Help Starving Children of N.Korea
June 18: 'My Mighty Princess' is bland, cliche
June 19: Renowned Musicians to Perform at Seo Taeji's Comeback Concert
June19: Shinhwa's Jun Jin Makes Summer Memories at Okinawa
June 19: Sul 'Returns' as Kang Cheol-jung
June 19: Yoo Ji-tae Receives Japan Short Film Award
June 17: Karaoke chart-topper: Taeyeons抯 揑f |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 16, 2008
Park Yong-ha's 'On Air' to Air in Japan
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Actor Park Yong-ha
The Japanese media spotlight shined brightly upon hallyu star Park Yong-ha and his "On Air" co-star Song Yoon-a in Tokyo, Thursday. The actors visited the country to promote their popular Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) TV series, which will start airing in Japan next month.
Some 150 members of the press and about 800 "VIP" guests attended the event held at Toho Cinema in Ropponggi Hills, Yonhap News reported Sunday. Video footage showed hordes of fans that couldn't enter the venue waiting outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the actors.
"I'm very nervous because this is my first time appearing before you as an actor," said Park. "I will try my very best to continue my growth as an actor. I also plan to remain active as a singer in Japan," he said.
The 30-year-old is better known in Japan as a singer. In 2005 he gave sold-out concerts across eight cities and this year won Japan's Golden Disc Award for the fourth consecutive year.
Song is also well known in Japan for acting opposite megastar Bae Yong-joon in the TV soap "Hotelier." In 2005, the 35-year-old had her own large-scale event for her Japanese fans. "It's been a while since I've been here, and I'm so happy 'On Air' is popular. It's all thanks to my co-star Park Yong-ha," she said, smiling.
"On Air" is about the drama of making Korean TV dramas, the driving force of hallyu or the Korean wave. Park stars as a young producer while Song is his love interest and soap opera writer. Melodrama ensues as a high-maintenance actress (played by actress Kim Ha-neul) and her manager (Lee Beom-soo) get involved in the production and love web.
"On Air" will begin broadcasting July 30 on M.net Japan.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/06/139_25978.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 17, 2008
Pamper yourself at Jeju抯 stylish getaways
An ocean view at Rose Princess pension house.
If you抮e organized, you抳e probably planned your summer vacation already. If you抮e not, you might be wondering where you should go for your next holiday.
There are several options. You could choose your destination based on leisure facilities, sightseeing or good food. Or one place that fits all three conditions: Jeju Island.
Jeju, a volcanic island off the southernmost shores of the Korean Peninsula, is famous for wind, rocks and women. But you can also enjoy great ocean views, oreum, or volcanic rocks, overlooking the city, and Mount Halla rising 1,950 meters (6398 feet) above sea level.
So for travelers who want more than the usual convenience offered by a standard hotel, here are some resorts and pension houses on Jeju Island that will make your vacation special without you having to fly long-distances abroad.
Top: The plush interior of the six-star Haevichi Hotel.
Bottom: Seaviews from the resort My Sea Garden. [JoongAng Ilbo]
Bali in Jeju
The place is located on Jongdali Beach, which overlooks Seongsan Peak and Udo Island. It抯 designed with a countryside theme, complete with an outdoor spa. A deluxe room for two costs 160,000 won ($154)during high season weekends. A smaller room for two costs 90,000 won. The house offers an outdoor spa and summer barbecue buffet including fresh seafood and pork for 25,000 won. Call (016) 358-2161 for reservations.
My Sea Garden
You can stroll through the beachside manicured garden of this pension house located near Seogwipo, a well-knwn scenic spot on the island. The pension house stretches out for 284,664 square feet (26,446 square meters). Prices start from 100,000 won. Call (064) 739-4680 for reservations.
Sound of Waves Nearby
This getaway is located just 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown Jeju. Standing in the house抯 backyard, it feels like waves will sweep into the room at any moment. The front yard of the pension house is connected to the beach. Rooms start from 90,000 won. Call (064) 743-7436 for reservations.
Dream House
Overlooking Mount Halla and several islands, Dream House is surrounded by a beach, a lighthouse and a ravine. You can rent a fishing boat upon request. Jungmun Tourist District is within five minutes drive. Call (064) 738-9800 for reservations.
Rose Princess
The Rose Princess near Jocheon Beach is a two-story pension house where many group visitors hold seminars and workshops. All rooms here have ondol, a heated floor and bed. A room for five costs 170,000 won on weekdays and 190,000 won for weekends. Call (064) 782-1667 for reservations.
Shineville Resort
The resort originally gained fame as a location for the popular TV drama 揫b]All In. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 17, 2008
Singer Andy's First Solo Concert in Tokyo a Huge Success
Singer, TV actor and musical actor Andy recently held his first solo concert in Japan.
Andy's "The First Proposal in Tokyo" concert was held on June 14 at the Prince Hotel in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
The concert was held at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm. in front of 3,000 Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese and Japanese fans.
The concert was a huge success with Andy performing his songs accompanied by four backup dancers and a four-member live band.
Andy wrapped up the concert with his latest hit song "Propose."
Andy's management agency TOP Media said he plans to start recording his second studio album once he returns to Korea, then plans to return to Japan at the end of the year with a new song.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1529809_11858.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks to kdramafanusa at soompi.com for the highlight
June 17, 2008
'Samsooni' Is Back
Drama Hightens Awareness on Cultural Assets
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Poster for "Night After Night,''
which stars Lee Dong-gun, left, and Kim Sun-a
When National Treasure No.1 Namdaemun burned down in a fire in February this year, Koreans emotionally fell down with it. Although the government vowed that it will restore the beloved treasure, it was evident that cultural assets needed more attention. Followed by the disastrous reminder and the on-going demand for attention to these treasures, MBC is airing its new drama "Night After Night'' next week.
"Night After Night'' is the first drama to tell the stories of national treasures and the people who dedicate their time and effort to protect and preserve them. Written by Yun Eun-kyeung, the writer from KBS' "Winter Sonata (2002),'' the 16-episode drama is expected to raise awareness of the vulnerable treasures and cultural assets dotted around the nation.
"The drama is about the love and work of young and passionate characters. Many worried that the story may unfold a bit complicatedly because we touched on the issue of the preservation of national treasures,'' Son Hyeong-suk, the producer said at a press conference held at the National Museum of Korea.
Actress Kim Sun-a will star as the patriotic national treasure security agent Huh Cho-hee, while actor Lee Dong-gun will play the smart but two-faced treasure restoration expert Kim Bum-sang. The two actors will not only show the viewers their trademark charms and charisma, but also the process of restoring and preserving important treasures including books, vases and scrolls.
"Huh has a secret about her father ― He was the reason she became a treasure-keeper. The story will unfold as the heartbroken Huh meets Kim and starts to open her heart,'' Kim said.
"As I saw the Namdaemun Gate falling on the news, it broke my heart. I regretted that we were just so ignorant. It was a chance for not only me, but for the whole public to realize the importance of our treasures. The drama will hopefully help people realize what we have to do in the future,'' she added.
It is her first television drama in three years after her success in "My Lovely Sam-soon(2005). The image of a comical woman stayed with her, and when asked if she was worried of her Sam-soon image, she laughed. "I don't expect the viewers to rub off that image easily. But I hope they will watch the new drama and discover and focus on the new character Cho-hee,'' she said.
Lee, from the SBS drama "Lovers of Paris'' (2004), also admitted that he has been ignorant. "I play an expert in the drama, so I studied a lot. I learned about Korean treasures, their features and what they mean to our culture. I'm sure everybody in the crew has learned a lot and I hope the viewers will too,'' he said.
"We just hope the drama will help people realize what the most important treasure is in their own lives. It may be a cultural asset, or even a family member. Look around, and there are many treasure that we need to take care of,'' Son said.
"Night After Night'' will start airing at 9:55 p.m. June 23 on MBC.
Source: The Korea Times |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collaboration: Lee Hyo Ri & Kim Gun Mo
June 13, 2008
Creating a lot of interest at the moment is the news of Lee Hyo Ri and Kim Gun Mo’s duet song, which is included in the former’s 3rd album. This track was recorded with utmost secrecy and was only revealed to the public a month before Lee Hyo Ri releases her anticipated new album.
“The album is scheduled to be out in mid-July. Park Geun Tae, Kim Do Yeon and other new composers have all pitched in for Hyo Ri’s new album, which will have a different feel from what she did before,” announced an Mnet Media official.
Kim Gun Mo, on the other hand, is also preparing for his new album.
Source: Chosun + krnloop
-----
2008 MTV Asia Awards
June 13, 2008
Who will be this year’s “Favorite Artist - Korea” award winner at the 2008 MTV Asia Awards?
The poll for this year’s winner of the said award will open on June 14 at MTV Asia Awards’ official homepage. Vying for the title of “Favorite Artist - Korea” are BIG BANG, Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls and Super Junior. These candidates were selected through a survey among music industry officials and journalists and the winner of the award will be based on an online poll, which will end on July 25.
Previous winners of the “Favorite Artist - Korea” award were Rain, in 2005, and Se7en, in 2006.
The 2008 MTV Asia Awards will be held on August 2 at the Arena of Stars in Genting, Malaysia.
Source: Chosun + krnloop
-----
Byul’s 5th album: Like a Star_Showcase
June 13, 2008
Byul is making a comeback in the Kpop scene with her 5th album entitled “Like a Star_Showcase,” which will be out in online music sites on the 19th.
To start promoting the release of her new album, Byul posted jacket pictures of it in her mini homepage. According to Byul, she wanted to first show these pictures to her fans who have waited for her for a year as a testament to a new stage in her music career for she was involved in producing this album.
Source: Newsen + krnloop |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
[TV Review] Something to yell about in new debate show
A scene from the rowdy 揅loser Debate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
Public enemy #1 swaggers back to cinema box office
慣he action scenes might be less impressive, as I tried to emphasize character and drama more.抂/b]
Kang Woo-suk By Yang Young-seok
Cheol-jung, the stubborn detective from 揚ublic Enemy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
[Talk of the town] Life history of satirical artist goes into production, and more
揚ortrait of a Beauty, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
Album sales to support starving North Korean kids
Actor Cha In-pyo and some 40 popular singers including In Soon-e and Park Sang-min will record a joint album, 揅ry with Us, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
American and Japanese bands to support Seo Tae-ji gig
The lineup for the come-back concert of legendary performer Seo Tae-ji has been decided.
Marilyn Manson, The Used, Dragon Ash and Monkey Majik will headline Seo抯 concert at 揟he 4th ETPFEST, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
Online rumors about celebs and military duty denied
Local Internet portal site My Daily reported Monday that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is promoting plans to offer hallyu stars like Rain alternatives to military service.
The site claimed that Culture Minister Yoo In-chon and some 18th National Assembly lawmakers are hoping to amend the laws.
The Ministry denies the report.
揑t is true we submitted a form asking to reduce the military service period for hallyu stars, but nothing has been decided yet, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 16, 2008
Good Storytelling Wins Over Movie Audiences
We all know big budget movies don't necessarily translate into big hits.
Even if the film is smaller in scale with no-name actors, some low-budget film directors believe they can win over the audience if their works have a great story.
Nam Kiyung has more.
A motion picture production is in progress at a school that's nestled near the bottom of Jiri Mountain in southern Korea.
The coming-of-age film is about a group of children at a rural elementary school in the 1970s.
The film's total budget is about half a million US dollars.
By Hollywood standards that's chump change and a very low-budget film compared to other Korean movies, which cost on average four to six times more.
The film's director Bae Haeseong, however, is unfazed by how little money he has at his disposal.
[INTERVIEW : Bae Haeseong, Film director] ''My friends jumped right in to help me make this film because of its story.''
The director is just grateful for the conviction of his staff and actors who long to make a quality film with a tight story despite the low pay and difficult working conditions.
On the film set, the 50-something filmmaker is also known as the ''OK director'' because he rarely calls for a retake so as to save on expensive rolls of film.
[INTERVIEW : Park Chulmin, Actor] ''More low-budget movies will spring up if the work is judged by the public and not by film distributors.''
Multimillion dollar budget movies haven't always turned into blockbusters just as low-budget films have become the toast of Tinseltown.
Directors like Bae want to prove just that.
Nam Kiyung, Arirang News.
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=81566&code=Ne6&category=7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
Why Was 'Speed Racer' a Box Office Flop?
A recent edition of Variety magazine featured a column written by deputy on-line editor Anne Thompson on why the film 'Speed Racer' ended up being a box office flop. The film, which opened in more than 3,500 theaters nationwide in the United States on May 9, only raked in 42 million dollars, which is less than the 80 million dollars spent on the film's promotion.
The magazine pointed out that the the target audience was way too limited for the 200 million-dollar movie to succeed. It also pointed out that the collaboration between Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers didn't really work for the film, which mainly targeted a young audience.
Although the filmmakers originally targeted the parent generation who grew up watching the cartoon series 'Speed Racer' during the 1960s and 1970s, the film appealed instead to children who had never even heard of the cartoon series. The film's 120-minute running time was deemed too long for the children audience, who found the dynamic speed of the storyline and complex computer graphics a little exhausting to watch after a while.
The magazine article concluded by saying that Warner Bros. had perhaps tried too hard to compete with sequel films such as Harry Potter, Superman and Batman.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1530057_11858.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 18, 2008
Q Channel to Air Special Documentary on N. Korean Refugees
The cable channel Q will broadcast a special two-part documentary on the 1.5-generation North Korean escapees to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Korean War. The documentary will air on June 25 and June 26.
If the soon-to-be-released film "Crossing" portrays the devastating reality of North Korean families and their escape from the communist state, Q Channel's "North Korean Refugees 1.5" portrays the lives of the escapees in South Korea.
Should the two Koreas reunite in the near future, the younger-generation North Koreans in South Korea would become the bridge that links the two sides. However, their newfound lives in the South appear just as difficult as their escape from the North. The program offers viewers a chance to take an objective glimpse at the lives of the younger-generation North Korean refugees and to reflect on what the people of the South as well as the government can do to make the children an integral part of this society.
An official at Q Channel said most of the documentaries dealing with North Korea tend to stress the darker aspects and realities. However, the documentary aims to objectively portray the lives of the North Koreans in the South without the sensational stories.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/culture/1530055_11676.html |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Author
Post time 17-6-2008 10:49 PM
