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: Jason Bourne (2D)
In this disastrous summer for China’s box office, even its successes are failures. Already suffering through the first box office decreases in five years, Mainland cinemas welcomed the return of Hollywood films after the unofficial summer blackout period reserved for domestic films. Opened last week, Jason Bourne marks the first time that Mainland audiences were able to see Matt Damon in the titular role on the big screen and of course it topped the box office.
One problem though - in an effort to appeal to China’s appetite for 3D, the film was given a shoddy 3D conversion; a particularly bad idea considering Bourne director Paul Greengress’ fondness for shooting the franchise’s action sequence in a handheld hyper-realistic style. The result: enraged film critics left dizzy from the experience and an online boycott by Mainland movie lovers left with headaches and furious about the blatant money grab for the higher 3D ticket prices. As a result, the film company is rushing to add more 2D screenings of Jason Bourne across the country, although numerous 3D screenings remain. In theaters now.
Film: Star Trek Beyond
Since JJ Abrams successfully rebooted the franchise seven years ago, Star Trek has resumed ‘boldly going where no man has gone before’ Justin Lin (Fast 5) takes over directorial duties while Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto return for a third time to resume their roles as Captain Kirk and Commander Spock. They are joined by cast regulars Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho and Karl Urban, while Idris Elba (The Wire) stars as the film’s baddy – the powerful mutated alien creature Krall. The film has already been one of the summer’s biggest successes, grossing over USD195 million worldwide. Opens nationwide on September 2.
Film: Southpaw
Jake Gyllenhaal has become one of Hollywood’s most intriguing leading men, thanks to memorable performances in critic’s favorites like Nightcrawler. For Southpaw, he goes full DeNiro, packing on an impressive physique to transform into Billy Hope – an undefeated boxer who spirals out of control following a serious eye injury. Rachel McAdams co-stars as his long-suffering wife while The Strain’s Miguel Gomez stars as the cocky young boxer Miguel ‘Magic’ Escobar who goads Hope into one more fight. Released last year after premiering at the Shanghai International Film Festival, Southpaw has been praised for Gyllenhaal and co-star Forrest Whitaker's performances. Opens nationwide on September 2.
Music: Zhaoze - The Relativity of Space and Time
The Guangzhou post-rock veterans have enjoyed an incredible 12 months that included the release of the world’s first electric guqin album, Yesternight, Yes Tonight (which topped our 2015 Mainland Best Albums list) and an epic record release show where they graced their hometown Xinghai Concert Hall - the first Chinese post-rock act to play the hallowed stage. With New York based Trail Records releasing the band’s first American record - the compilation Intoxicatingly Lost - earlier this year, the band continues to reach new heights despite 16 years in the game. Their latest live album celebrates that momentous concert with an additional documentary video as well. Even more exciting, the band is returning home on Sep 24 with their latest bold concept - the 'Near' concert with each of the group’s four members performing inside the crowd. Available at Zhaoze's Bandcamp. For more, check out our 2015 feature on Zhaoze.
TV: Gotham, Season 2
One of the biggest hits in the last days of China’s pre-regulation streaming was the first season of this inventive Batman adaptation. Taking place at a time when Bruce Wayne remains a kid, Gotham follows police officer Jim Gordan as he battles increasingly bizarre foes including ones that will go onto become famed Caped Crusader foes Joker and The Penguin. Season two has finally arrived exclusively to Sohu and its season premiere kicks off with a bang showing off a show comfortable messing around with the long-established Batman mythology. Streamable at Sohu. For more, check out our video interview with Robin Lord Taylor who charmed at last year’s inaugural Shanghai Comic Con.
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