New Releases for December 30th, 2008 (Full List)
Golden Ninja Invasion / Cyber Ninja Expect plenty of free-wheeling ninja action in this double feature. To stop master criminal Mr. Warren and his gang of dangerous ninjas, police officer Richie (Sorapong Chatri) and noble ninja Paul (Stuart Smith) spring into action in Golden Ninja Invasion. In Cyber Ninja, brave warriors team up with the mysterious Cyber Ninja to rescue a princess (Eri Morishita) who has been kidnapped by the Dark Overlord.
Seventeen Ninja / Hero of Swallow / Ninja Power Force / Ninja Phantom Force Enjoy tons of action with this ninja collection, which features ninjas storming an enemy stronghold in Seventeen Ninja, a hero robbing the rich to give to the poor in Hero of Swallow and a ninja standing up against an evil boss in Ninja Powerforce. In the final film of this set, Ninja Phantom Force, a Vietnam War soldier escapes from captivity and builds his own organization of deadly ninja warriors.
The Brave Archer Cheh Chang directs this lavish, star-studded martial arts epic about Kuo Ching (Sheng Fu), a pupil who studies kung fu under several masters in order to get revenge on his first teacher's assassin. And when he falls in love with the beautiful Yung-Er (Niu Tien), he also uses his training to pass a series of grueling tests to win her hand. Lung Wei Wang, Shen Chan, Feng Ku, Danny Lee and Yi-min Li co-star.
Activity TV: Cartooning Expert Take your cartooning to the next level with this easy-to-follow instructional guide led by cartoonist Bruce Blitz, designed to help young artists expand their skills and learn more advanced techniques, such as action poses and facial expressions. Among the lessons included in the program are laughing expression, angry expression, running figure, ghost effect, baseball cartoon, frog prince, horse and circus seal.
Activity TV: Cartooning Intermediate Building upon the techniques introduced in the first entry, cartoonist Bruce Blitz shows aspiring young artists how to take their cartooning to the next level with this series of easy-to-follow lessons on character sketching. Among the lessons included in this installment are man with a broken heart, steamed broccoli figure, face numbers, smiling grandpa, ape shapes, Joe the pirate, bloodhound and cats.
Activity TV: Cooking Lunches & Desserts Led by home cook extraordinaire Carrie Shankweiler and the Activity TV team, this fun, hands-on tutorial helps aspiring young cooks learn their way around the kitchen and how to make a selection of yummy lunchtime meals and dessert treats. Among the lessons and recipes included in this collection are how to read recipes, tools of the trade, pizzetta,¿Caesar salad,¿quesadillas, minestrone soup, fruit fondue, lemon crumbles and baked snowcaps.
Activity TV: Magic: Vol. 2 Abracadabra! Led by magician Ryan Oakes, this how-to guide gives aspiring magicians all the tricks of the trade to pull off many of magic's most tried-and-true illusions, such as the Balancing Glass, the Melting Ropes and Pen Be Gone. Other lessons include Vanishing Knot, the Great Rope Escape, Jumping Rubber Band, Rubber Spoon, Magnetic Spoon, Eye of the Needle and the Amazing Silk Handkerchief.
The Killer Likes Candy Assigned to protect the King of Kifiristan, CIA agent Mark Stone (Kerwin Mathews) journeys to Rome, where he's on the lookout for ruthless ex-Nazi Oscar Snell (Bruno Cremer), an assassin with a killer sweet tooth, in this international thriller. Action and intrigue abound all across the Italian capital, including the twisty catacombs of the Vatican, in a film full of exciting gunplay and beautiful women, set to a late-1960s jazz soundtrack.
An American Carol David Zucker directs a star-studded cast in this comedy about Michael Malone, a sarcastic, unpatriotic documentary filmmaker who wants to abolish the Fourth of July holiday -- at least until he is visited by three ghosts who want him to reconsider. But can the spirits of America's past, present and future spark a genuine change of heart? Kelsey Grammer, Jon Voight, Dennis Hopper and Kevin P. Farley star in this modern-day, Dickens-inspired fable.
Internet Dating Lonely Mikey (Katt Williams) -- a short, bike-riding burger flipper -- doesn't seem to have much going for him. That is, until he enters the world of online dating, where he describes himself as a 7-foot-tall L.A. Lakers basketball player. His profile wins many admirers, but his luck seems to run out quickly whenever he meets the ladies in the flesh. Rap impresario Master P directs this romantic dot-comedy starring Lil' Romeo and Clifton Powell.
Roast of Bob Saget: Uncensored Extended This ain't for the "Full House" crowd. Join a host of comedians and Hollywood personalities as they take playful aim at actor-comedian Bob Saget, best known for his role as the squeaky-clean dad on the long-running ABC sitcom. Among those taking jabs at the man of the hour are Norm MacDonald, Jeff Garlin, Jon Lovitz, Greg Giraldo, Brian Posehn, Cloris Leachman, Sarah Silverman, Jeffrey Ross and Uncle Jesse himself, John Stamos.
Surfer, Dude Laid-back Steve Addington (Matthew McConaughey) lives his dream life as he tours the globe, catching the best waves in every hemisphere. But when he returns to Malibu, things change: The good waves have disappeared, and to his great dismay, they don't return all summer! Soon, Steve begins to question his existence, searching for meaning in his life with no waves to ride. Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson co-star in this comic romp.
The Trouble with Dee Dee About to retire from a successful career, Bill (Kurtwood Smith) cuts off his adult daughter Dee Dee's (Lisa Ann Walter) limitless allowance to make her grow up. As Dee Dee attempts survive in the real world without her father's help, she starts learning how to thrive on adversity. Full of silly surprises and infectious laughs, this lovable comedy co-stars Mason Gamble, J.P. Manoux and John M. Watson Sr.
Baby Convicted of manslaughter at age 11, East L.A. gang member Baby (David Huynh) emerges from juvenile hall seven years later ill-equipped to rejoin society. As he starts running with gangs again, two childhood friends (Peter Cho and Christina Stacey) try to help him turn his life around. A startling look at Asian-American gang culture, this intense drama co-stars Feodor Chin, Ron Yuan, Ryan Andres and Tzi Ma.
Cowboys Don't Cry When a tragic car accident claims the life of his wife, down-and-out rodeo performer Josh Morgan (Ron White) copes with the devastating loss by turning to drink and neglecting his angry teenage son, Shane (Zachary Ansley). So when Shane inherits a small ranch from his grandfather, he hopes the change in scenery will be exactly what he and his dad need to turn their lives around. Janet-Laine Green co-stars in this affecting family drama.
One Way Ticket In the dot-com heydays of Silicon Valley, the lives of three South Indian immigrants cross and connect as they ride the highs of a prosperous industry. But amid the bursting economic bubble, each must face the challenges that fate brings. Jay Shankar is Arun, a conservative married to an independent American doctor, Subbu Krishnamurthy is rich playboy Kris pursuing the American Dream, and Suhail Tayeb is illegal immigrant and drug dealer Abbie.
The Elizabeth Smart Story Inspired by true events, this made-for-television drama centers around the disappearance of and subsequent search for Elizabeth Smart (Amber Marshall), the 14-year-old girl who was abducted from her family's Utah home one fateful night in 2003. Sparking a countrywide search, Elizabeth's shocking kidnapping became a media sensation and captured the hearts and minds of the entire nation for almost a year.
Towelhead Based on Alicia Erian's novel, this coming-of-age tale follows the topsy-turvy life of Jasira (Summer Bishil, with a Best Female Lead nod for the Independent Spirit Awards), a 13-year-old Arab-American girl wrestling with the challenges of adolescence, bigotry and life with an overbearing father. Directed and adapted for the big screen by Alan Ball (American Beauty), this darkly comic film set during the first Gulf War also stars Toni Collette, Aaron Eckhart and Maria Bello.
Bloodsuckers from Outer Space When a sinister alien intelligence invades a small Texas town, it turns the locals into flesh-eating zombies. Now two survivors (Glen Coburn and Laura Ellis) must elude both the undead and a trigger-happy military to solve the mystery and prevent the epidemic from spreading. In addition to playing a starring role, Coburn wrote and directed this entertaining low-budget horror flick that also features Pat Paulsen.
The Sirens / Murderer Two gruesome offerings headline this hair-raising double feature. In The Sirens, three execs get a crash course in mythology during a boys' night out with the lovely ladies of Persephone's Escort Service; the film stars Vincent Bingham and Natasha Smith. Then, in Murderer, a serial killer confined to a prison cell decides to take his own life. But a pesky supernatural enemy does its best to thwart the killer's plans -- with bloody results.
Battle for Haditha True events in Iraq inspire this wrenching documentary-like drama from director Nick Broomfield about a roadside bombing near the insurgent hotbed town of Haditha and the subsequent revenge killing of 24 Iraqis by the U,S. Marine unit that was hit. Told from different perspectives -- the Marines, the bombers and innocent civilians just trying to get by -- this provocative look at the madness of war defies easy answers.
Gamera the Brave The latest installment in the series of Japanese sci-fi actioners starring giant flying turtles, this tale begins as young Toru finds a baby turtle, which he names Toto and brings home. But it slowly becomes clear his new pet is no ordinary reptile. Toto grows rapidly and disappears, and while Toru mourns his loss, a giant monster starts attacking people. Soon, Toto -- now a huge, tusked flying beast -- reappears and battles the creature.
Run Like Hell In the apocalyptic year of 2008, when war and sickness have overtaken the planet, the new government declares unattached women a threat to the human race. Hordes of scantily clad singles are promptly rounded up and imprisoned. Robert Z'Dar stars as the corrupt warden determined to keep the pulchritudinous prisoners locked up in this never-before-released erotic sci-fi flick. Elizabeth Lamont also stars.
Molly and the Ghost Molly must defend herself from her psycho sister Susan, who goes crazy for Molly's husband and even hires an assassin to rub out Molly. But when the plan goes awry, it's Susan who is killed. Problem solved? Hardly. Back from the dead, Susan uses all her otherworldly abilities to seize her living sister's body and soul in this erotic adventure thriller starring Ena Henderson, Lee Darling and Carole Wells.
42 Ways to Kill Hitler Adolph Hitler, whose infamous misdeeds made him one of the most hated men of the 20th century, was the target of more than 40 assassination attempts. This special examines the diverse group of would-be assassins and their respective plots. Featured are meticulous CGI re-creations and the insights of historians and security specialists. Had any of these attempts on Hitler's life succeeded, experts can only theorize how history might have changed.
This Is Our Moment: Election Night 2008 Relive the excitement and emotion of a historic evening in Chicago celebrating the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States -- the first African-American man to ever hold the office. This program includes highlights from the Grant Park rally held on Nov. 4, 2008, with commentary from Chicago Sun-Times columnists Carol Marin, Richard Roeper and Mary Mitchell.
King of the Cage: Cage Girls: Vol. 1 King of the Cage is known for premier mixed martial arts action, but many fans will admit they tune in for the sexy Cage Girls, who keep viewers tuned in between matches. This program includes the Girls' hottest moments. Dee Dee, Daniela, Nena and other Cage Girls strut their stuff, discuss their work and appear in exclusive behind-the-scenes material. Adult stars such as Amy Reid, Lux Cassidy and Tyler Faith are also on hand.
Liquid Asana with Micheline Berry: Vol. 2 Energize your yoga practice with this invigorating vinyasa program designed for advanced beginners and intermediate students by acclaimed dance-yoga instructor Micheline Berry. Focusing on fluidity, the routine combines four flowing dance movements -- the circle, wave, spiral and undulation -- with sun salutations, standing poses and vinyasa flow sequences that emphasize core strength, discipline and stillness.
SWAT Workout: Rapid Tone and Firm Whip yourself into shape with this no-nonsense workout routine from SWAT team commander Tom Stroup that uses resistance bands to help practitioners build lean muscle, burn calories and sculpt a strong core. Consisting of low-impact, highly effective exercises, the routine will help you boost your energy, increase your stamina and transform your body into the lean, defined physique you've always wanted. Resistance bands are required.
$100 Taxi Ride: Season 1 How much of the world can you see on $100 in cab fare? Buckle up and find out with this quirky travelogue series that explores many of the world's most unique and exotic destinations, all from the front seat of a local taxi. Among the locations featured in this 13-episode compilation are Johannesburg, South Africa; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; New Orleans; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Singapore; Dublin; Tijuana, Mexico; Gibraltar; and Reykjavik, Iceland.
Greek: Chapter Two This collegiate drama is back in session for a second season, but Rusty (Jacob Zachar) is still learning the ropes when it comes to being Greek. That doesn't stop Casey (Spencer Grammer) from diving into her new job as Zeta Beta Zeta president, despite her ongoing drama with Evan (Jake McDorman) and constant interference from a perky consultant (Senta Moses of "My So-Called Life") who was sent by ZBZ national.
Kyle XY: Season 2 After Kyle (Matt Dallas) learns some of the secrets of his origins from the man who created him, unexpected circumstances return him to the Trager family. But as he tries to fit in as a normal teenager, he's conflicted about the knowledge he must keep hidden. Meanwhile, Tom Foss (Nicholas Lea) works with Kyle to help him reach his full potential, and enigmatic corporation Madacorp sends the girl in the pod (Jaimie Alexander) to recover Kyle.
Nip/Tuck: Season 5 Doctors Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) and Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) are back for a fifth season of this steamy, groundbreaking series. This time around, the practice heads to the plastic surgery-laden shores of Los Angeles. But the change of scenery will do nothing to ease the drama that constantly surrounds Christian and Sean as they wrestle with love and family, betrayal and guilt. Guest actors include Portia de Rossi and Oliver Platt.
PSI Factor: Season 3 Despite the tumult amid the ranks of the Office of Scientific Investigation and Research, scientist Peter Axon (Barclay Hope), case manager Matt Prager (Matt Frewer) and data analyst Lindsay Donner (Nancy Anne Sakovich) continue their investigations into the world of the bizarre and supernatural. Dan Aykroyd returns as the host of this popular Canadian series, inspired by actual paranormal investigations.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season 1 Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) doesn't seem like the kind of girl who'd be facing an unplanned pregnancy. But at 15, that's exactly what she is -- and her all-consuming secret is going to be kind of hard to hide from her parents (Molly Ringwald and Mark Derwin). The baby's father, Ricky (Daren Kagasoff), has problems of his own: namely that he can't decide between Amy, his current girlfriend (Francia Raisa) and a virginal cheerleader (Megan Park).
This Small Space: Season 1 Decorating small rooms on small budgets is no longer a problem thanks to this exciting interior design series geared toward helping viewers make the most out of their home's diminutive rooms. Join hosts Susan Crenshaw and Peter Fallico as they demonstrate how to transform small areas -- from bedrooms to storage rooms, bathrooms to attics -- into personalized, practical living spaces.
Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands Proving that bad boys are hard to shake, this fanciful Brazilian comedy follows the adventures of Dona Flor (Sonia Braga), a conventional girl who weds a handsome ne'er-do-well (José Wilker) whose only saving grace is his talent in bed. When he dies suddenly, Flor remarries -- but to his polar opposite: an exceedingly dull pharmacist (Mauro Mendonça). Soon, she finds herself longing for hubby No. 1 … and next thing you know, his ghost appears.
Heroes While traveling across India to deliver the last written letters of three deceased soldiers to their grieving loved ones, film students and best friends Sammy (Sohail Khan) and Ali (Vastal Seth) learn valuable lessons in patriotism. Along the journey, the young men encounter a widow (Preity Zinta) supporting her family, a disabled veteran (Sunny Deol) standing up for himself and a father (Mithun Chakraborty) struggling with his loss.
Mane Prem Che, Tane Kem Che? In this engaging stage drama, class struggle is the backdrop for a love triangle between three friends in a Mumbai tenement. As poor Hasmukh pines for Saheb, she desires his rich friend, Jharna. But can Hasmukh find a way into Saheb's heart? When Jharna misleads the tenement residents with false promises, he's challenged by Hasmukh, who may have found a way to win over Saheb. Dharmesh Vyas stars in this Gujarati gem.
Ninjitsu / Ninja Hunt / Purple Hood Ninja / Purple Hood Ninja 2 It's nonstop ninja action in this collection. Rival ninja clans square off against one another in Ninjitsu. Konoe Jushiro stars in Ninja Hunt, which follows several ronin attempting to prevent an evil ninja from harming the Gamo clan and its young heir. In Purple Hood Ninja and its remake, Purple Hood Ninja 2, a daring swordsman stands up against an evil tyrant who is abusing his power and stealing gold from commoners.
Rutu No Hritik In this feel-good romantic comedy, a young couple deeply in love soon finds their lives turned upside down when the girl's meddling but well-meaning father becomes the unwelcomed third wheel in their relationship. The unusual triangle leads to nothing but trouble -- and lots of laughter. Umesh Parekh directs this Gujarati play, while Deepak Dave, Manish Mehta, Santu Rajda, Henish and Grishma Shah star.
Tame Fool Ame Colourful Vipra Raval and Padmesh Pandit star in this stage comedy about a woman who tries to bring joy and contentment to those who have been browbeaten by life. When she finds a willing helper, the laughs are nonstop as she spreads a little happiness among a motley crew of misfits. Siddharath Joshi directs this amusing Gujarati play that stars Ashish Bhatt, Hitesh Sampat, Disha Vakhani, Tushar Joshi, Jayant Bhagvat, Nisha and Tanvi.
Woman on the Beach Stymied by writer's block while crafting his latest script, director Kim Jung-rae (Seung-woo Kim) persuades his friend Won Chang-wook (Tae-woo Kim) to drive him to a beach resort -- where he promptly becomes involved with Chang-wook's girlfriend (Hyun-jung Go). Abandoning her and taking up with another woman, Jung-rae winds up creating enough drama to inspire his writing in this Korean film directed by Sang-soo Hong.
