What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
Film: xXx - The Return of Xander Cage
After a brief and unfortunate foray into serious fare, Vin Diesel is back to reprising his asskicking characters and the world is much better for it. After shattering box office records with the Fast and Furious sequels, Diesel has resurrected his extreme athlete-turned-government operative Xander Cage 15 years after the original. Donnie Yen stars as the villainous Xiang who is trying to find a powerful weapon called Pandora’s Box. Thai action star Tony Jaa and Academy Award winner Samuel L. Jackson co-star. Opens nationwide on Feb 10.
Film: Journey to the West - Demon Chapter
After years of unprecedented growth, China's box office cratered last year. Thankfully, there are still a couple guarantees in the industry - a bountiful Spring Festival and Stephen Chow producing a hit. Both came true this year, as the Stephen Chow produced sequel to his 2013 mega-hit Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons set a new record for highest opening day, raking in over USD50 million. In nine days, it has grossed over USD182 million, however the Jackie Chan starring Kung Fu Yoga is just behind, its success leading to Chinese film regulators to increase India's film quota. For more, Spring Festival domestic films, click here. In theaters now.
Music: Do Hits Year of the Rooster
The Beijing future-music electronic collective continues a Spring Festival tradition with this compilation celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Boisterous beats are supplied by label stalwarts like Howie Lee, Guzz, Jason Hou and ZHI-16, as well as other contributions from acclaimed peers like Lofimaker and Damacha. Available at Do Hits' Bandcamp.
Music: Guangzhou Underground, Label Sampler Vol. 3
Down south, the electronic collective Guangzhou Underground has been holding it down for the city's underground. They're kicking off the Year of the Rooster with their own compilation showcasing their eclectic roster from Abstract Now's funky house to Lady Blaktronika's soulful techno. Available at Guangzhou Underground's Bandcamp.
For past What's New columns, click here.
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