UAFF & Q4J: Action films get discussional

Last Saturday (07-08-2010) local guerilla filmmaker and good friend Maria Tran held an event: the Urban Action Film Forum, where a number of special guests arrived to join in the festivities and the discussions. Among them were Chris Pang (Tomorrow, When the War Began) and Wang Fei (Shanghai Lady Killer), but the honorary guest of the night was HK director, Antony Szeto whom has graced us with his presence. It was amazing that a small local suburb like Fairfield would be honoured to have Szeto’s company at this forum event, and to have him discuss his experiences in the film industry, especially in regards to the action genre itself.

The event held a number of guest speakers who joined Antony Szeto up on the panel, including:

Craig Anderson, writer/director/actor of ABC TV series Double the Fist.
Ali Khadim, local filmmaker and parkour artist of Team 9Lives.
Warren Coulton, actor/stuntman/director/producer of shorts Yakka Oy! and The Transit, and managing director of Clear Vision Films.
Igor Breakenback, actor/stuntman/filmmaker of upcoming film Good Luck With That, and managing director of Breakenback Films.
Peter Castaldi, managing director of distributor Pack Screen.

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T-Shirts anyone?

We had our laughs, but we got down to the real nitty-gritty about the action film industry, especially the prevalent (and problematic) lack of such genre films in Australia. In fact, it was the main focal point throughout the night. It did bog me down that action films don’t get any attention or say in the Australian film market, and even if they did, it would never get picked up due to the ever-prevalent ‘gods’ of the industry saying “No! You shall not pass! It’s too stressful!” It reminded me of a short conversation I had with a stranger, and with this night fueling that train of thought, it’s only given me this sense of passion and duty to write and make an action genre film… actually, that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time! I have so many ideas that they haven’t been properly written or typed down yet! What the hell am I thinking?!

But I digress, the fact that Australian funding for an action film is rare, it IS possible! Just have a look at Daybreakers and tell me that it wasn’t Australian-funded. It’s a start, but it’s possible! The decline since the late 1980’s is probably the reason why no one’s even thinking about action genre films in Australia. Perhaps the film industry needs to understand the popularity that action can bring, especially in an international market.

For most of the night, after the discussion forum, everyone mingled. Unfortunately, I had to man the front desk, but that didn’t deter the fact that I sold a number of Q4J tees on the way. At least I was useful for something, right Maria? Thanks goes to Lauren Maher for taking a snapshot of me all on my lonesome that night. And yes, those are her balloons. I know a number of familiar faces had attended the night, if not for the forum then for the media coverage for the night. It was abuzz with life, and probably the most I’ve seen people in the PYT.

After the night, it made me think about where I’ve been going with my writing, and a majority of the writings that I have written or kept in backburner in my head. I will still hold onto them dearly, but there will come a time when I want these stories to be told and made for an audience that’ll appreciate them. If not for the bad-assery laced in it, but for the complexity of story-telling itself. Action is what I’m aiming for, just for now.

At the end of the day, I say: “Good on ya Maria!” Best wishes and heaps of luck on your Quest for Jackie Chan!

… see what I did there?

Movie Review: The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid feat. Jaden Smith

Date: Tuesday 13 May 2010
Time: 9.30PM
Location: Wetherill Park Hoyts, Stocklands

Old classic reborn. Let bad-assery ensue. Times two!

Last week my entire family decided to finally watch The Karate Kid. After hearing the good, bad, and mediocre reviews about the film, I decided to wipe my mind blank before entering into the cinema complex. Needless to say, it was pretty insane! Tuesday night was packed full of people lining up in queue to watch the films they had in store. Having not eaten dinner as of yet, my father and I patiently waited in queue while the rest of the family went ahead with dinner for themselves at Pho 76. Give or take half-an-hour later, my father and I finally made our way to the counter for the 8.30PM session. Keep in mind that we got to the complex at around 7PM. You can never guess what happened.

“I’m sorry, that session’s just sold out.”

My jaw would literally drop if it weren’t held up by the sheer excitement for the film. Sold out? Really? That alone spoke volumes about the film and the numbers. Without thinking, we decided to eat dinner with the rest of the family before walking back for the 9.30PM session.

Having indulged ourselves at The Chocolate Room, we made our way half-an-hour early for the 9.30 session. Luckily for us, the hall was empty. By the time there was only ten minutes to showtime, the hall was overcrowded with an eager audience. The queue spread from the door to the stairs (and for those who know of Wetherill Park Hoyts, you know what I mean). No wonder the 8.30PM session sold out. There were even heaps of people willing to watch the 9.30PM session for this film. I can still remember my father with a grin on his face: “Y’see, that’s why it’s all sold out. This movie has to be good!”

And those words will always stick in my mind.

Put simply, I loved this film. Or better yet, I applaud the film. It stayed almost true to the original in style, narrative structure, and thematic issues. Although I was raised watching the original Karate Kid, this rebirth of an old classic had elements that were both old and new to me, and that was refreshing. I heard the audience laugh, cry, and even applaud the film. That’s right. APPLAUD. They literally clapped their hands. This film has done itself the self-righteous justice it deserved.

Young and upcoming star Jaden Smith brought life into his performance as Dre Parker. The one thing that struck me in the changes of the film is how much of a little tank he is. It only shows how dedicated he is to his role, and that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree after all. He exhibited a huge range and brought a strong performance, and that was already clear in his appearance as his own father’s son in Pursuit of Happyness. Jaden has a bright future ahead of him.

And of course, kudos to Jackie Chan and his performance as the wise yet eccentric mentor for Jaden Smith. His role was enlightening to me, being one (if not the only) Hollywood film Jackie plays a character with a serious demeanour. I thought I would never cry at any of Jackie Chan’s performances, but I was proven wrong. He delivered the most heart-wrenching, dramatic, and upsetting performance I have ever seen him act, and it touched me so hard I shed tears. I don’t know how many others were crying with me, but I know that it brought tears to my sister’s eyes, and knowing her, that’s speaks volumes. If this film is the last Hollywood film Jackie will ever star in during his career, it will be an everlasting impression on his legacy as an actor, stuntman, choreographer, and most importantly, an icon.

For the record, although it is traditionally “Kung-Fu”, I’d rather not get into the details between the martial art and the title. It delivered well with great action, great drama, and an absolutely stellar performance from the actors. The Karate Kid had touched my heart. Again. This remake, filled with the wonders of Chinese heritage, culture, and antiquity can only be described as breath-taking. It re-taught us how life is more than what we know. It’s who we are, where we come from, and learning to live without regrets.

Movie Review: The Spy Next Door

The Spy Next Door starring Jackie Chan

Date: Monday, 5th April 2010
Time: 4.45 PM
Location: Wetherill Park, Hoyts Cinemas

Jackie Chan as an awkward, overly lovable neighbour-disguised international agent given the task to babysit three kids next door. Hilarity ensues. Thrice over.

I watched this film with my entire family down at the local cinema to see what it was all about. I found it amusing that the screening attracted over half a house of the audience inside. Although, scanning the cinema, the majority of the audience was a part of my social tribe – the Asians of the western community. Still, I’ve never seen such a communion of fellow Jackie Chan fans in one place, sitting, screening, whatever you want to call it.

The Spy Next Door is your typical undercover story – an international spy (Jackie Chan) stays undercover as a typical joe in the neighbourhood and living a life outside of the CIA. When stuck babysitting his neighbour’s kids, his arch nemesis escapes from prison leading him into a world of more espionage and unprecedented circumstances that bring him to understand the kids he was charged to look after. The film itself had the traditional aspects of Jackie Chan’s action choreography, quirks, and comic gags and moments that brought a few laughs in the house from both parents and kids alike. But in essence, The Spy Next Door was a children’s film, something that I’d watch to give me a light-hearted mood on a downer day.

Needless to say, it’s a fun film. Just not the greatest Jackie Chan’s been in. It had the children’s film feel, and though I am a fully grown adult watching it with my family, I still got my kicks from the comics and quirks. It was a step down from his other films that sprouted from Hollywood, like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon. Truth be told, the story was even more lacking, but that was made up with the action choreography that Jackie Chan is famous for.

Oh well, I know Karate Kid is going to break the ice. Now that’s something I’m looking forward to.