Asian Cinema - 'Assault Girls' - New Poster And Synopsis - 'The Cup Of Tears' - Trailer

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Twitch / Tv Kon / Avery Guerra

For quite some time now you have read on and on about how geeked up I am about Mamoru Oshii's upcoming sci fi action film "Assault Girls".

With the release date quickly approaching, December 19th in Japan, information about the film is now starting to be more forthcoming. Today we have the first look at the films poster and a more detailed synopsis:

The story takes place in an in-game virtual space called "Avalon (f)", a barren desert-like battlefield, resembling a devastated world after a nuclear war. "Avalon (f)" is a world full of gigantic monsters. It is a fictional world where an endless "hunt", known as "play", repeatedly takes place. The drama centers around a sniper who pilots a camouflage fighter plane; a sorcerer who can freely transform herself; a woman fighter equipped with an assault rifle on a horseback; and a large-framed man equipped with an anti-tank rifle. There is also the "Game Master" who watches the players from the air.

In a world where giant Sunakujira (Sand Whales) monsters crawl the earth, storming battleships fly high up in the sky, and assault rifle muzzle flashes go off everywhere, can anyone shoot down the mutant monster, Madara Sunakujira (Spotted Sand Whale)? If so, who?!

That puts a better perspective on things.

And lets not forget that "Assualt Girls" stars the three lovely actresses, Meisa Kuroki, Rinko Kikuchi and Hinako Saeki.

The film just looks awesome!

Speaking of awesome looking films, I stumbled upon the trailer for this upcoming film yesterday. The film is called "The Cup of Tears", and believe it or not, it is actually a sci fi/martial arts film produced by the Irish film company One Punch Films under the direction of Gary Shore.

Give this a look:



Here is the synopsis from "The Cup of Tears":

The narrative follows a scorned geisha who creates a magical cup made of tears that causes any man who drinks from it to fall under a stasis of permanent sleep. One night the cup is stolen, setting off a chain of events that threatens civil war amongst the clans. Taro, a once gifted samurai, and his companion Jin set out to find the cup and the one who can break the spell before inner turmoil.

Again, this one looks awesome as well. Look for "The Cup of Tears" in 2010.

See Also: New Publicity Stills From Mamoru Oshii's 'Assault Girls' / Hollywood Was After Oshii's 'Assualt Girls' Before It Was Even Finished / A New Kick Ass Trailer For Mamoru Oshii's 'Assault Girls' / Meisa Kuroki Struggles With English During Assault Girls Voice Recording / Meisa Kuroki, Rinko Kikuchi And Hinako Saeki Go Sand Worm Hunting In Assault Girls

A Special Effects Video Bonanza - Galactic Raiders - Dinocroc vs Supergator

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Larry Arpin / Jim Wynorski / Avery Guerra

Everyone knows that the backbone of any fantasy or science fiction film is it's special effects. Now, George Lucas can go on and on about how any movie effect is boring without a good story to set it up, but as we know from his "Star Wars" prequel series, good effects can make up for a week story, or even fill in where there is no story at all.

When it comes to movie effects, and in particular monster movie effects, there are three ways to go. The very time consuming art of of stop-motion animation, the sometimes effective and some times not, art of putting a man in a monster suite, like the Japanese "Godzilla" and "Gamera" films use, or the quicker and cheaper computer generated type of effects that are permeating the movie industry.

Well I have good examples of two of those types of effects for you here today.

First, I want to show you a great video by film maker Larry Arpin on how he is doing the effects for his independent film "Galactic Raiders". For the film, Arpin is doing it the old-fashioned way, using stop-motion monsters.

As I said before, this process is very time-consuming. That is probably why "Galactic Raiders" has been in production for over a year and a half.

I do give Larry a lot of props for following in the footsteps of Ray Harryhausen in producing these effects. I honestly wish more people would go back to this.

Now we move to the complete opposite end of the effects spectrum with a clip from Jim Wynorski's "Dinocroc vs. Supergator". As you can probably guess, this film features modern computer generated effects.

Many people are fans of what technology has done to improve the quality of movie effects, and no one can argue that the medium has put the tools for creating impressive effects into the hands of film makers who can now make the kinds of films that were impossible to produce just a decade ago.

Which is better? Well that depends on who you talk to. I personally believe that each has their place in modern film making. Sometimes combinations of all the above methods work out best. The Japanese, for example, have used stop-motion, suite actors and CGI effects in their recent monster movies, with mixed results. Hollywood, on the other hand, likes to throw as much computer generated effects at you as they can.

In the end, I think that film makers will always be discovering new and inventive ways to produce film effects using whatever is available to them, and who can say what the future will hold. Whether you do it 'old-school' like Arpin, or with the power of the computer, like Wynorski, movie effects continue to spark the imagination and inspire future film makers to produce their own fascinating films.

See Also: The Monster Mash - 08/17/09 - A Look At Smaller Monster Movie Productions / Behind The Scenes Photos From Galactic Raiders / Galactic Raiders - Making Larry Arpin's Dream Come True

Jim Wynorski Releases Images Of The Late David Carradine From 'Dinocroc vs. Supergator' / Dinocroc vs. Supergator - Let's Get Ready To Rumble! / Has Jim Wynorski Created The Fattest Movie Monster Of All Time? / Cleavagefield Special Effects Photos / B Movie Celebration Scores World Premiere Of Cleavagefield / The First Trailer For Cleavagefield / The First Image From Cleavagefield / A Brand New Promo Photo From Cleavagefield / Cleavagefield - Giant Monsters And Giant Breasts All In One Movie! / Another Bizarre Hollywood Death: David Carradine

Planet Of Vampire Women - New Trailer - New Photos - Chance To Become A Producer

Written By: Christy Savage

Odds are you're as broke as everyone else these days, but if you're not and you've always wanted to be a movie producer, boy, have I got an awesome and affordable opportunity for you!!!



We are actively seeking a second round of investors for our new movie, which is currently in production- PLANET OF THE VAMPIRE WOMEN, an action-packed tale of the galaxy's sexiest space pirates and their far-out adventure.

See our latest teaser here:



We have set up a CA Limited Liability Company, but because it is a private offering, we are not able to advertise and must rely on the support of family and friends that believe in us. So far, we've been able to raise enough to get us halfway through production and we've even started to attract some interest from potential distributors. But we do need to raise some more to finish and market the film.

Investments opportunities start as low as $500, with the suggested investment being $1000. We can accept credit cards and we are totally willing to do payment plans. We're even offering Finder's Fees for folks that bring us investors (so feel free to send your rich friends our way...we'll make it worth your while!). And investors get lots of nice bonuses, too! :)

Let me know if you'd like to check out an investor packet or just ask some more questions.

Also...if you're interested in helping, but can't afford to invest, we can totally use help with donations of building materials and food for cast and crew, as well as set building help.

Thanks for taking the time to read this regardless and I look forward to talking with you soon!

Christy Savage,
TFO Productions
916-498-9175

See Also: New Photos From "Planet Of Vampire Women" / The First Teaser Trailer For Planet Of Vampire Women / The First Look At "Planet Of Vampire Women" / Bikini Girls And A Monster Invade Phoenix / Trash Film Orgy 2008! / Two More Big Reasons To Go To The Fangoria Weekend Of Horrors / Monster From Bikini Beach - Limited Engagement In Sacramento / Girls Girls Girls! Celebrate Spring Break With The Trash Film Orgy / Donate Trash So That The Queen Of Trash Can Make Her Music Video Debut / Mr Lobo To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award At The B Movie Celebration / Interview: Sara Dunn (Queen of Trash)

Kirin Beer's "Fire" Commercials Featuring Godzilla

Kirin Beer's "Fire" Commercials Featuring Godzilla



This is actually Kirin's coffee.

Famous Monsters Of Filmland - Editor To Be Announced Soon - Magazine Being Pushed Back

Source: Michael / Famous Monsters of Filmland

Since the very first day that famousmonsters.com went online, the question we’ve been asked most often is “when is the magazine relaunching?” Not if, mind you, but when. There seems to have been no doubt whatsoever that a new version of the print magazine would be shortly following on the heels of the web version. Admittedly, we helped to stoke this fire by announcing the “2009 Edition” last spring. Well…things change. When it began to look as though the “2009 Edition” wasn’t going to be everything that either we or you hoped for, we decided to throttle back a bit and regroup.



Inevitably, though, in the absence of regular updates over an extended period, some other information will always find its way to the public, accurate or otherwise. Case in point, some of you have read an interview with Robert Aragon in HORRORHOUND #20 (on stands last week) that contains quite a few details about the upcoming print version of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. Unfortunately, this interview was conducted several months ago, and, well…things change.

As it so happens, we’re only a matter of days away from making an official announcement. What we can tell you today is that Robert Aragon, while a valuable contributor to the current incarnation of FM, will not be the editor-in-chief, nor will we be producing the previously-discussed “2009 Edition.”

We do appreciate our friends and colleagues at HORRORHOUND firing up the legions of FM fandom, but trust us, if there is something to be said, we’ll be saying it here before we say it anywhere else (our Director of Operations hates it when we take our in-house news to other venues first).

As to the identity of FM’s new editor-in-chief, the only clue we’ll give you for now is on the other side of the ellipsis…

See Also: Famous Monsters Of Filmland To Give Carla Laemmle A Grand 100th Birthday Bash / Famous Monsters Of Filmland Is Reborn On The World Wide Web / Dracula (1931) / "Famous Monsters" Trademark Injunction Won By Philip Kim / Forrest J. Ackerman, 1916 - 2008 / RIP Forrest J Ackerman (1916-2008) / Forrest Ackerman's Health Is Failing Now Is The Time For Fans To Contact Him / Mad Monster Party (1969) /

Denis Loubet To Do Artwork For The Giant Monster MMO 'Gargantua' - Testing Begins

Source: Jeff Dee / Nemesis Games

Nemesis Games is pleased to announce that Denis Loubet, illustrator of classic games such as Ultima and Wing Commander, is creating artwork for Gargantua, the giant monster MMO.

Denis is best known for his artwork on games such as the Ultima series and Wing Commander. His creative art adds to and enhances the unique style of the massively multiplayer game Gargantua. More information on Denis Loubet can be found at his website www.io.com/~dloubet/



Beginning on Sunday, November 1st, Nemesis Games began limited testing for their upcoming giant monster game.

Jeff Dee, President of Nemesis Games, said: “Our initial test went quite well, helping us to identify places where we can make improvements while demonstrating that our overall direction and underlying technology are sound.”

Closed testing began for playtesters that had emailed Nemesis Games asking to be included in the first early tests. Further tests will be forthcoming to balance and tune new content that is being added to the game.

Jeff Dee also had this to say about "Gargantua":

"My company, Nemesis Games, is building the first kaiju-themed massively multiplayer online game. The game, named 'Gargantua' (http://www.gargantuagame.com/) will allow players to create their own giant monsters and battle against opponents of ever-increasing difficulty (including one another), satisfying their monsters 'hungers' and gaining new monstrous abilities along the way. While we have not yet announced an official release date, development is already quite far along. We expect to launch in a matter of months."

About Gargantua

The free to play giant monster MMO is being developed and published by Nemesis Games LLC. The game is being developed using If-Else Software’s proprietary Elderlands™ http://www.elderlands.com/ game engine. Additional details on Gargantua features, gameplay and release dates will be announced on http://www.gargantuagame.com/

"V" - There Is No Normal Anymore (Episode 2)(ABC)

Source: ABC (Press Materials)

Erica and Father Jack, having quickly determined they're both against the arrival of the Visitors, suddenly find themselves being tracked by a "Seeker" from the V's. Meanwhile Chad, thinking he blew it for 80 million viewers with his exclusive first interview with Anna, looks to pick himself up and so becomes more investigative in his next newscast; and Dale Maddox's (Alan Tudyk) wife and law enforcement begin questioning Erica about his whereabouts, on "V," TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on ABC.



"V" stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack, Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.

Guest cast: Alan Tudyk as Dale Maddox, Rekha Sharma as Sarita Malik, Britt Irvin as Haley, Scott Hylands as Father Travis, Christopher Shyer as Marcus, Jesse Wheeler as Brandon, Roark Critchlow as Paul Kendrick.

"V" is a re-imagining of the 1980's miniseries about the world's first encounter with an alien race. Simultaneously appearing over every major city in the world, the Visitors (or V's) promote a message of peace. Through their generous offer to share advanced technology, the V's build a following that may actually hide a more malevolent agenda, one that twists a very deep component of human nature: devotion.

While the world quickly becomes fascinated with the V's and their link to wonders just beyond the reach of human understanding, FBI Counter Terrorist Agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) discovers a secret hidden beneath the skin of every V, a secret that may threaten the lives of everyone close to her. Yet for her teenage son, Tyler (Logan Huffman), the V's are his ticket to something big and hopeful, a new chance for mankind to unite in common goals. To Chad Decker (Scott Wolf), a career-hungry news anchor, his exclusive interview with Anna (Morena Baccarin), the leader of the V's, is crucial to his dominating the airwaves. Also unsure about the Visitors is Father Jack (Joel Gretsch), a priest questioning his faith in the wake of the Visitors' arrival. Seeking answers outside the church, Father Jack discovers there are other dissidents who believe the Visitors are not who they say they are, including Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut), who is faced with his own life-altering decision when the V's show up. Never has there been more at stake, it truly is the dawning of a new day.

Meet Actress Elizabeth Mitchell (Erica Evans)

Along with starring as Juliet on "Lost," Elizabeth Mitchell also appeared as Mrs. Claus to Tim Allen in the last two installments of "The Santa Clause" trilogy; time-traveled alongside the likes of Dennis Quaid in "Frequency"; and played the girlfriend to Angelina Jolie in her portrayal of supermodel "Gia" for the Golden Globe-winning telefilm.

Mitchell's additional credits include Neil LaBute's "Nurse Betty," opposite Renée Zellweger, a recurring role as Dr. Kim Legaspi on "ER," Wayne Kramer's "Running Scared," co-starring Paul Walker, "The Lyons Den," with Rob Lowe, and the BBC series "Man and Boy," opposite Ioan Gruffudd. Further solidifying her course on the fast-track was her role opposite Barry Pepper as Teresa Earnhardt in the ESPN original telefilm "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story."

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Dallas, Mitchell transitioned from a performing arts high school to a BFA degree in acting. She further honed her craft at the renowned Dallas Theatre Company. Her stage credits include productions of "As You Like It," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "Chicago."

PERSONAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN Dallas, TX
BIRTHDATE March 27

See Also: "V" - Pilot - Premiere Episode / New Photos And Video From ABC's V Reboot / Battlestar Galactica And V Coming To The Big Screen Retro Style?! / Characters For New V Series Revealed / ABC Going Forward With A More Family Oriented V / ABC Hires Peters To Bring V Back To TV / V Creater Johnson Snubbs Remake - Continues Plans For Film