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: Keeping Up With the Joneses
Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fischer star as a suburban couple whose lives are turned upside down when they begin to suspect their seemingly too perfect neighbors (Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot) are actually secret agents. Released last month in America, the film may not have exactly gotten great reviews but it does boast an impressive supporting cast of acclaimed comedians like Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh and Ari Schaffir. Opens nationwide on November 8.
Film: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Academy Award winner Ang Lee directs this British-American-Chinese produced adaptation of Ben Fountain’s celebrated debut novel. Taking place in a single day, newcomer Joe Alywnn stars as the titular Lynn – a 19-year-old army specialist who barely survives a tense battle in Iraq that receives broad news coverage. On his way to being feted during the halftime show of the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game, Lynn struggles with his tragic memories and the raucous welcome he receives when he returns home. Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Chris Tucker (Rush Hour), Vin Diesel (The Fast and the Furious) and Steve Martin co-stars. Opens nationwide on November 11.
Film: Scandal Maker
November 11 is Single’s Day (as declared by Alibaba) and this remake of the South Korean comedy is poised to be the hit of the week. Best known for his horror franchise Bunshinsaba, South Korean director Ahn Byeong-ki revisits his 2008 film that charmed a nation at a time where South Korean cinema was arguably the best in the world thanks to grimy classics like Old Boy and The Host. Scandal Maker is considerably different in tone - focusing on a former teen star turned established broadcaster whose comfortable bachelor life is turned upside down when two people show up at his door - a woman who claims he is her father, as well as her five year old son. Tong Dawei (Lost in Beijing, The Flowers of War) stars with Taiwan pop star/actress Michelle Chen. Opens nationwide on November 11.
TV: Blindspot
QQ scores the exclusive streaming rights to NBC’s acclaimed crime drama. Jaimie Alexander (Thor) stars as a mysterious tattooed woman who wakes up with no memory or knowledge of her identity. When the FBI discovers that each of her tattoos contains a clue to a crime they are trying to solve, she proves to be an integral addition despite her mysterious origins. Streamable on QQ Video.
Sports: UFC 205 - Alvarez vs McGregor
After an epic five round battle where he successfully avenged his loss to the larger Nate Diaz, the charismatic shit talking Conor McGregor puts his UFC Lightweight Championship on the line against Eddie Alvarez on November 12 (Nov 13 morning here in China). Plenty of sports bars around the country will screen the big fight for Sunday brunch. However, if you're looking for a live stream, PPTV Sports has the offical rights.
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