No Time to Die - Movie Review

The Movie: No Time to Die

The Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga

The Cast: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes

The Story: James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Ascension - 2021 LAAPFF Domumentary Review

The Documentary: Ascension

The Director: Jessica Kingdon

The Story: This observational documentary presents a contemporary vision of China that prioritizes productivity and innovation above all.

Aimee Long Interview for A Shot Through the Wall at #LAAPFF2021

Aimee Long joins the TwoOhSix Podcast during the 2021 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to talk about her movie A Shot Through the Wall. We talk about releasing a movie that dives right into the heart of some of the more culturally relevant topics of our time, putting together an amazing cast, and the difference between virtual and in person film festivals.

Patricio Ginelsa interview for Lumpia with a Vengeance at #LAAPFF2021

Patricio Ginelsa joins the TwoOhSix Podcast during the 2021 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to talk about his movie Lumpia with a Vengeance. We talk about how the film was crowd funded and wouldn't have been possible without community support, making a movie focused on Filipino culture, and growing up with comic books and super heroes.

Haven Everly Interview for The Girl Who Left Home at #LAAPFF2021

Haven Everly joins the TwoOhSix Podcast during the 2021 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to talk about her movie The Girl Who Left Home. We talk about how she got the role, making a movie focused on Filipino culture, and Haven even graced the podcast with her amazing singing voice.

TwoOhSix Podcast Interviews for #LAAPFF: Aimee Long, Haven Everly, and Patricio Ginelsa

One of my favorite parts of covering films festivals is having the opportunity to speak with filmmakers from all over the world. The conversations are always entertaining and I have learned so much from speaking with directors, producers, and actors who are so passionate and knowledgeable about their craft. The 2021 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival was no exception as I was able to set up interviews with three amazing individuals and now here are the results of those conversations.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - Movie Review

The Movie: Venom: Let There be Carnage

The Director: Andy Serkis

The Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Woody Harrelson

The Story: There really isn't one. At least not one that makes any sense.

Coming Home in the Dark - Movie Review

The Movie: Coming Home in the Dark

The Director: James Ashcroft

The Cast: Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson, Matthias Luafutu, Miriama McDowell

The Story: A family’s idyllic outing at an isolated coastline descends into terror when high school teacher Alan ‘Hoaggie’ Hoaganraad, his wife Jill, and stepsons Maika and Jordon unexpectedly come across a pair of murderous drifters​.

A Shot Through the Wall - 2021 LAAPFF Movie Review

The Movie: A Shot Through the Wall

The Director: Aimee Long

The Cast: Kenny Leu, Ciara Renee, Tzi Ma, Fiona Fu, Lynn Chen, Clifton Davis

The Story: A Chinese-American police officer's life unravels after he accidentally shoots an innocent Black man. Facing trial, he wades through his guilt as he navigates the complicated worlds of media, justice, racial politics and his own morality.

Lumpia with a Vengeance - 2021 LAAPFF Movie Review

The Movie: Lumpia with a Vengeance

The Director: Patricio Ginelsa

The Cast: Mark Muñoz, April Absynth, Danny Trejo, Francis Custodio, Edward Baon, Katrina Dimaranan, Caelan Scrivener, Earl Baylon, James Lontayao, Darion Basco, Joy Bisco

The Story: The lumpia-armed hero reappears in Fogtown and teams up with high school student Rachel to prevent a mysterious crime syndicate from destroying their town, and her parents' dream wedding.

Ever Since We Love / 万物生长 - Movie Review

The Movie: Ever Since We Love / 万物生长

The Director: Li Yu

The Cast: Han Geng, Fan Bingbing, Qi Xi

The Story: A young man navigates multiple loves in his life while trying to get through medical school.

Dear Evan Hansen - Movie Review

The Movie: Dear Evan Hansen

The Director: Stephen Chbosky

The Cast: Ben Platt, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Danny Pino, Colton Ryan, DeMarius Copes

The Story: Film adaptation of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical about Evan Hansen, a high school senior with Social Anxiety disorder and his journey of self-discovery and acceptance following the suicide of a fellow classmate.

TwoOhSix Picks - 2021 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Hey guys, welcome back! This is my second year covering the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and holy movie lineups Batman, this year's roster of scheduled films and events looks better than ever! There's several I have seen and even more that I'm looking forward to watching and maybe I'll be talking to a filmmaker or two so stay tuned as my coverage rolls out. See below for my list of the films that you won't want to miss during this year's festival.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye - Movie Review

The Movie: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

The Director: Michael Showalter

The Cast: Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, Cherry Jones, Vincent D’Onofrio

The Story: An intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.

Copshop - Movie Review

The Movie: Copshop

The Director: Joe Carnahan 

The Cast: Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo, Alexis Louder

The Story: On the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station—but when the hitman turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop finds herself caught in the crosshairs.

Blue Bayou - Movie Review

The Movie: Blue Bayou

The Director: Justin Chon

The Cast: Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham, Emory Cohen

The Story: As a Korean-American man raised in the Louisiana bayou works hard to make a life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past as he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home.

The Card Counter - Movie Review

The Movie: The Card Counter

The Director: Paul Schrader

The Cast: Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe

The Story: Redemption is the long game in the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler haunted by the ghosts of his past.

Small Engine Repair - Movie Review

The Movie: Small Engine Repair

The Director: John Pollono

The Cast: Jon Bernthal, Shea Whigham, Jordana Spiro, John Pollono, Ciara Bravo, Spencer House

The Story: Events spin wildly out of control when three lifelong friends agree to do a favor on behalf of the brash young woman they all adore.

The Fatal Raid - Movie Review

The Movie: The Fatal Raid

The Director: Jacky Lee

The Cast: Patrick Tam, Michael Tong, Jade Leung, Jeana Ho, Min Chen Lin, Hidy Yu, Sin Hang Chiu, Andrew Yuen, Jadie Lin

The Story: Two elite police teams head up a secret operation following a dangerous smuggling ring across the Macau border, but when their presence is discovered, the mission ends in a deadly firefight. Twenty years later, an escort mission brings the survivors back to the scene of the tragedy—and fosters a highly unwelcome reunion.

Hellbender - Fantasia 2021 Movie Review

The Movie: Hellbender

The Director: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser

The Cast: Zelda Adams, Toby Poser, Lulu Adams, John Adams

The Story: A lonely teen discovers her family's ties to witchcraft.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Movie Review

The Movie: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

The Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

The Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng

The Story: Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.

Yakuza Princess - Fantasia 2021 Movie Review

The Movie: Yakuza Princess

The Director: Vincent Amorim

The Cast: MASUMI, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Tsuyoshi Ihara

The Story: The heiress to half of the Yakuza crime syndicate forges an uneasy alliance with an amnesiac stranger who believes an ancient sword binds their two fates.

Midnight Diner / 深夜食堂 - Movie Review

The Movie: Midnight Diner / 深夜食堂

The Director: Tony Leung Ka Fai

The Cast: Tony Leung Ka Fai, Deng Chao, Eddie Peng, Vision Wei

The Story: Year after year, people flock from far and wide to the mysterious Midnight Diner to share their stories, savor delicious home cooking, and finally, to leave refreshed, feeling equally full and ready for their next adventure.

Little Q / 小 Q - Movie Review

The Movie: Little Q / 小 Q

The Director: Law Wing Cheong

The Cast: Simon Yam, Gigi Leung, Him Law, Charlie Yeung, Shanshan Yuan, Angela Yeun, Frankie Lam, Roger Kwok Chun On

The Story: Little Q, a yellow lab with a curious birthmark, is training to become a guide dog for the blind. When his training is complete, Little Q is sent to help Lee Bo Ting, a famous, recently blinded chef.

The Protégé - Movie Review

The Movie: The Protégé

The Director: Martin Campbell

The Cast: Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton

The Story: Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world's most skilled contract killer. But when Moody is brutally killed, Anna vows revenge.

The Night House - Movie Review

The Movie: The Night House

The Director: David Bruckner

The Cast: Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg, Vondie Curtis Hall, Evan Jonigkeit, Stacy Martin

The Story: The Night House follows a widow who begins to uncover her recently deceased husband’s disturbing secrets.

Raging Fire / 怒火 - Fantasia 2021 Movie Review

The Movie: Raging Fire / 怒火

The Director: Benny Chan

The Cast: Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, Qin Lan

The Story: Bong Cheung is a righteous cop who is admired by the police force to have solved many cases. One day, his past comes back to haunt him when his sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by his former protégé.

Free Guy - Movie Review

The Movie: Free Guy

The Director: Shawn Levy

The Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Taika Waititi

The Story: A bank teller discovers that he's actually an NPC inside a brutal, open world video game.

Escape from Mogadishu / 모가디슈 - Movie Review

The Movie: Escape from Mogadishu / 모가디슈

The Director: Ryoo Seung-wan

The Cast: Kim Yoon-seok, Huh Joon-ho, Zo In-sung, Koo Kyo-hwan, Joung Man-sik, Kim So-jin

The Story: Based on a true story: as civil war rages in Mogadishu, rival North and South Korean diplomats are left trapped. With no aid from either government, their only shot at survival may require uniting with bitter adversaries to escape.

Nine Days - Movie Review

The Movie: Nine Days

The Director: Edson Oda

The Cast: Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, Bill Skarsgård, David Rysdahl, Arianna Ortiz

The Story: A reclusive man conducts a series of interviews with human souls for a chance to be born.

The Suicide Squad - Movie Review

The Movie: The Suicide Squad

The Director: James Gunn

The Cast: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Alice Braga, Pete Davidson, Joaquín Cosio, Juan Diego Botto, Storm Reid, Nathan Fillion, Steve Agee, Sean Gunn, Mayling Ng, Flula Borg, Jennifer Holland, Tinashe Kajese, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis

The Story: Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

TwoOhSix Picks - 2021 Fantasia International Film Festival

The Fantasia International Film Festival is back! This is seriously one of my favorite film festivals of the year and once again, it is jam packed with a lineup of genre films with both virtual and in person screenings from August 5th through August 25th. I had a hard time narrowing down this incredible list of films so I went with 25 "TwoOhSix Picks" this year.

Jungle Cruise - Movie Review

The Movie: Jungle Cruise

The Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

The Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti

The Story: Based on Disneyland's theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.

The Green Knight - Movie Review

The Movie: The Green Knight

The Director: David Lowery

The Cast: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, Kate Dickie, Barry Keoghan, Ralph Ineson

The Story: A fantasy re-telling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Settlers (2021) - Movie Review

The Movie: Settlers

The Director: Wyatt Rockefeller

The Cast: Sofia Boutella, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Brooklynn Prince, Nell Tiger Free, Jonny Lee Miller

The Story: Settlers on the Martian frontier do what they must to survive the cosmic elements and each other in this science-fiction thrill ride.

Pink Opaque - Movie Review

The Movie: Pink Opaque

The Director: Derrick Perry

The Cast: Elijah Boothe, Ruby Park, Chaim Dunbar, Daniel C, Jeremy Ford, Susan Elle, Aaron Dominguez, Chris Markle, Bill Miltenberger, Kris Kil, Milo Scott

The Story: While struggling to finish his thesis documentary required to graduate, Travis Wolfe reconnects with his estranged uncle and navigates a budding romance against the wishes of his girlfriend’s older brother.

Changing Directions Podcast Series: Erika Cohn - Director of Belly of the Beast

Filmmaker Erika Cohn joins the Changing Directions podcast interview series to talk about her game changing documentary Belly of the Beast. You can watch the film for free on PBS Independent Lens through the end of July.

Joe Bell - Movie Review

The Movie: Joe Bell

The Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

The Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Reid Miller, Connie Britton, Gary Sinise

The Story: The true story of a small town, working class father who embarks on a solo walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his son is tormented in high school for being gay.

Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins - Movie Review

The Movie: Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins

The Director: Robert Schwentke

The Cast: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving, Haruka Abe, Tahehiro Hira, Iko Uwais

The Story: A G.I. Joe spin-off centered around the character of Snake Eyes.

Hydra - Movie Review

The Movie: Hydra

The Director: Kensuke Sonomura

The Cast: Masanori Mimoto, Miu, Tasuku Nagase

The Story: After retiring as an assassin, Takashi leads a quiet life as a chef at a sushi bar, where he secretly watches over the daughter of a former associate. His peace is short-lived: soon, he is recruited for a final job that he simply can’t refuse.

Changing Directions Podcast Series: Lou Nakasako - Producer of Try Harder!

Producer and cinematographer Lou Nakasako joined the Changing Directions interview series during the Sundance Film Festival to discuss the premiere of Try Harder!, a documentary that is continuing to play at festivals throughout the year including the Austin Asian American Film Festival and the Bentonville Film Festival.

The Witches of the Orient - 2021 NBFF Documentary Review

The Documentary: The Witches of the Orient

The Director: Julien Faraut

The Story: The story of the 1964 Japanese Olympic volleyball team, the "Oriental Witches."

Stranger Than Fiction Competition - 2021 North Bend Film Festival

The 2021 North Bend Film Festival is jam packed filled with feature films and short films as well as both virtual an in person experiences so there's no shortage of quality entertainment for anyone to enjoy. The festival includes a selection of films that are in competition for various awards and the organizers asked me to be on the jury for the Stranger Than Fiction category which for me is quite the honor. See below for a few thoughts on each of the six films that are part of the competition.