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: Max Steel
Based on the hit Mattel toyline, Max Steel hopes to follow in the footsteps of Transformers in becoming a superhero action franchise. Ben Winchell (MTV’s Finding Carter) stars as the titular character - a teen who is bonded to an alien companion, Steel, who together can transform into a supercharged superhero. The unlikely duo must go through growing pains before finally working together to take on mysterious forces threatening the world. Opens nationwide on November 1.
Film: Doctor Strange
Fresh off the critically acclaimed television adaptation of Luke Cage, the Marvel Universe continues to expand with the first cinematic adaptation of Doctor Strange. Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch stars as top neurosurgeon Stephen Strange whose life is turned upside down following a tragic car accident. As he attempts to rehab, he encounters alternative dimensions and becomes a student to the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in the mystical arts. Newly empowered, Doctor Strange must protect the real world from others with his ability to move between alternate dimensions. Academy Award nominated actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams co-star. Opens nationwide on November 4.
Books: Invisible Planets - Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation
Compiled and translated by awardwinning translator and author Ken Liu, Invisible Planets celebrates China’s budding literary sci-fi scene. Genre pioneer Liu Cixin (The Three Body Problem) contributes an essay, but the compilation focuses on younger writers like Hao Jingfang, whose 2016 Hugo Award-winning novelette Folding Beijing is included. Available from November 1 on Amazon.
Music: Bastards of Imperialism - Homeland Insecurity
Emerging from the “unremarkable wasteland of Zhengzhou, Henan” (their words, not ours) as the city’s lone punk band, Bastards of Imperialism has unleashed this full-length after “four years of blood, sweat equity and hardwork.” Now based in Beijing, the unfashionably punk group has linked with scene heavyhitter Yang Haisong of P.K. 14 for nine-tracks of old school caustic punk in the vein of D.O.A. and Dead Kennedys. Available at Bastard of Imperialism’s Bandcamp.
Gadget: Ying Drone Camera
Not content to ruling your phone, WeChat has introduced its Ying drone cameras that allow users to live stream to their contacts. Boasting a collapsible time and a flight time of one hour, the camera has the ability to shoot in high quality 4K video but livestreaming is limited to 720p. Priced at just USD299, it's available for pre-order at ying.qq.com. For more, check out our Ying drone preview.
For past What's New columns, click here.
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