[EDITORS NOTE: This K-POP and J-POP podcast contains tracks from Sekitova, Crystal Kay, After School, Ann One, Masia One, Tasha (Yoon MiRae), SNSD and 2NE1.]

Welcome to 2012 and our long awaited 51st Episode of POP88. I’ve missed you and being here! For those in the San Francisco/Berkeley, California area January 28-29th, I will be speaking at the KPOPCON conference hosted by KPOPCON. They asked me to talk about critiquing and reviewing Kpop. Come by, say hi. Tickets are only $10 and it’s bound to be a fun day of Kpop fandom. For more information and to register, please visit KPOPCON.com – Thanks Divina for reaching out to me!

Don’t forget to Like our Facebook Fan Page and follow the Twitter at @Popcast88. Also, it would be greatly appreciated if you could write a review or rate the podcast over at iTunes – it’ll help us a lot.

Playlist
1. My Song 66 – Sekitova
2. Superman – Crystal Kay
3. Lady – After School
4. Crush on You – Ann One
5. Warrior’s Tongue – Masia One
6. Get It (Epitone Remix) – Tasha (Yoon MiRae)
7. The Boys (DJ Amaya vs Groovebot Remix) – SNSD
8. I’m The Best (Areia Remix) – 2NE1

Spellbound casts its genre mixing dust across major cities in the US and Canada to create a magical web that entertains as it spooks.

Street magician Jo-Gu (played by LEE Min-ki) gets inspired when he meets pale and ghastly Yu-ri (played by SON Ye-jin) to turn his act it into a horror illusion show. The show is a big hit selling successfully for over a year. Wanting to repay his gratitude to his inspiration, he attempts to coordinate staff parties to get Yu-ri to attend, of which she excuses herself every time despite also being a staff member. Curious and exasperated from all her evasiveness, Jo-Gu forces her to appear at a staff event and unwittingly stumbles upon her secret: dead people visit her.

While I found myself entertained through most of its 114 mins run, it did feel that it was far too long. The mix of horror and romantic-comedy slowly turned into a Korean melodrama where at times it felt like the stories were being dragged out to fill a requisite time frame. For the most part, it was like I was watching a mash-up of The Sixth Sense, The Eye 2, and Never Been Kissed.

What I really did enjoy was that the film had a great deal of heart. Despite all its ridiculousness and whether or not you believe that the dead walk among us, the grounding heart of the film solely rests on the performance of its leading actors.

Leading Man LEE Min-ki does what he does best; he’s likeable charming and suave and balances his character’s misfortune with great comedic timing. SON Ye-jin takes a break from her usual glamourous and sophisticated roles for a more homely, other worldly and bumbly character. And while I’ve enjoyed both of them in much better roles, SPELLBOUND is a nice genre-mix to be able to see them flex their skills in different genres they’re not normally cast for.

A cute film that delivers both laughs and spooks that will even entertain the most skeptical of boyfriends.

North American audiences in major cities across the US and Canada will be able to see Spellbound on the big screen.

January 6th 2012

AMC Cupertino (San Jose)
AMC Loews Ridgefield Park 12 (New York)

January 13th 2012

AMC Showplace Niles (Chicago)
Cineplex Odeon Sheppard (Toronto)
Cineplex Silvercity Coquitlam (Vancouver)

Having enjoyed a #1 spot on the iTunes Dance chart, former KAT-TUN member, Jin Akanishi’s single ‘Test Drive” feat. Jason Derulo is quite the impressive US debut. I say US, because if you’re elsewhere in the world, you’re S.O.L. in being able to buy this single and its club hopping remixes. (Of course a little thing like borders doesn’t stop international fangirls from supporting their idol.)

Critical thoughts after the jump.

Let me start by saying I like “Test Drive.” It’s catchy, has clever lyrics and a decent club beat. Yet despite all of that, I’m disappointed; it doesn’t bring anything new. It sounds like every other dance tune on the market. This can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. Skeptical fans on AramaTheyDidn’t agree while sharing in his small success into a tough market.

The music video for “Test Drive” doesn’t help. For one thing, the Gone in 60 Seconds concept, while cool, may turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’m all about keeping it covered, but…a beanie, dark sunglasses AND a hoodie? Perhaps he’s going for a mysterious feel, but comes across more aloof than charismatic. It’s kind of hard to get noticed if your gear keeps you incognito for 99.99% of the entire video. Which probably also explains why it feels like Akanishi is getting upstage by Jason Derulo. Why is the featured guest getting more moves than the supposed star of the show? In fact, he’s the ONLY one dancing in a music video to a dance track and Akanishi CAN dance. I don’t get it. I mean, I get it … I’m just rolling my eyes.

Don’t get me wrong, I wish him success and I like the track. The Funky Stepz Dub Remix is quite the fist pounder. It’s just the track record for a successful Asian artist debuting into the US hasn’t been a good one: Coco Lee, Utada, Toshi Kubota, BoA, Se7en, the Wonder Girls, have all been loved by their international fans but have also been met with a tempered glass ceiling and varying levels of success. Girls Generation’s recent attempt with ‘The Boys’ is boring and while many are banking on 2NE1′s US debut to be the ceiling crasher, I have better faith in Korean Hip Hop Royalty, Drunken Tiger and T (Yoon Mirae)’s upcoming collaboration with Amerie.

(Tangent note: I seriously believed that if the four ladies who made up the Korean group The Grace actually debuted in the US in latter part of the decade, they would’ve been the ceiling crasher. They were a Destiny’s Child without a Beyonce. Now, I can only hope to hear Lina’s voice again. *sadface* /end soapbox)

The good thing about Akanishi and the other Asian artists prepping for the US debut is that it is flooding the market making it more ‘common’ and acceptable to mainstream that this is happening. I mean, instead of a British Invasion that happened the 60s … it’s well … not an Invasion per se, but more like an Infiltration. It helps that shows like America’s Best Dance Crew feature a wide variety of dancers that are seemingly colour blind and that Ellen DeGeneres’ team are YouTube scavengers. (I swear at least one staff member is a Kpop fan.) And let’s not forget the gentlemen from Far East Movement truly pioneering, although I classify them as American, not Asian and not part of the Infiltration so-to-speak.

My prediction for Jin Akanishi: he will enjoy a certain level of success and perhaps even gain a few fans. The lynchpin would be that it gets massive airplay on the radio more so than video rotation. My boyfriend said he found the tune catchy, better than some of the dance stuff out there now but still kinda forgettable. As for the video, “As a male viewer, there is nothing that needs to be followed.”

More after the jump.

For those who enjoy a rich and intellectually stimulating movie going experience should look no further. Not much is actually said throughout the 92 minute run where the ambient sounds of nature with the music score are character onto itself. It’s quite a refreshing choice for the filmmakers to have its characters carry the story, some without uttering a single word. (Side note: I’m reminded of one of Kim Ki-Duk’s 3-IRON.)

All seven stories are linked by a themes of longing and desire. One particularly stand out story is set on a deserted island where a young woman (singer/actress Ngo Thanh Van) grows increasingly uncomfortable with her feelings of desire for the man she lives with. Another features writer Minh Ngoc Nguyen, whose award-winning stories that inspired the film, as a fashion designer reminiscing about the beloved wedding gowns she designed but never got to wear. Veteran legend, Vietnamese-American actress Kieu Chinh (Journey from the Fall, Joy Luck Club) makes an appearance as a retired performer stuck in the monotony of life after the stage.

As much as I really enjoyed the film, there was far too much non-dialogue and symbolism that it kinda hurt my head to fill-in-the-blanks and make interpretations. Because there is so little dialogue, your eyes are glued to the screen in order to pick up every nuance and witness every gesture. A part of me feels I’m missing out on some subtle cultural complexities where the silent gaps would fill. Still, it certainly does not take away from the strong performances of its ensemble cast truly beating home, “the less said, the better.”

Stunning to watch. Captivating performances. – Highly Recommended

FULL-METAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS
(Japan)

Long-time fans of the Elric brothers will have much to look forward to in their latest adventure.
On the trail of an escaped prisoner, the duo find themselves on Milos, a border city with a secret. and blood-soaked past. Deep within its caverns and labyrinths, lies a treasure of great power – the Sacred Star of Milos.

More after the jump.

Edward and Alphonse Elric are certainly the odd couple, a juxtaposition of motor-mouthed fiery temper, versus steel-calm shyness. Ed, the older of the two, leads with his mouth first, and Al generally ends up cleaning up after him. However, in this film, it is Al leads, as he helps the mysterious Julia, a political prisoner who’s fate is also tied to the city.

Filled with fantastic character designs, great fight scenes, and a final battle of volcanic proportions, TSSoM is a great romp for fans of the manga and series, and is a visual treat for the casual anime lover. But as for the title? That’s Ed’s nickname. Dare you to try say it in Japanese. (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi!)

*review by Franz Ombico

SURROGATE VALENTINE
(USA)

Singer/ Songwriter Goh Nakamura stars as himself in this quiet story about going after the one that got away. You can read a full review 8Asians already posted.

As a favour to his friend, Goh agrees to teach TV actor Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) guitar for his role in an upcoming film. Danny wanting to give his character authenticity attempts to embrace and imitate Goh’s every move. What starts off as being an utter disruption to Goh’s mellow and chill life, turns out to be the shake he needed to finally get Rachel who he’s pinned for since they were teenagers.

The highlight of this film is not the dialogue, but the meaning in the silences between its characters. A definite leap forward for director Dave Boyle from his previous film, White on Rice. Entertaining – Recommended.

GOH NAKAMURA performs at Rancho Relaxo as part of LIVE SCORE ENCORE music night, Fri., Nov. 11

BLEAK NIGHT
(South Korea)

*Writer’s note – I couldn’t find a trailer with English subtitles, but the film is fully subbed.
Three friends attending the same all-boys school study, play and joke as boys cruelly do. As if overnight, one starts to distance himself away from the group only to be harassed for his sudden awkward behaviour.

Misunderstandings, turn into violent confrontations causing the father of one of the boys to try to understand and piece together what happened.

An intimate and almost too realistic portrayal of the growing pains relationships between boys go through. Nothing is ever fully explained, leaving the audience wondering like the father, what happened?

Intriguing

BLEAK NIGHT will also be screening in Richmond Hill on Sat. Nov 18th.

Voted one of Toronto’s Best Little film festival, Reel Asian has grown leaps and bounds from its humble independent roster, to screen world premieres of International Asian films. Check out my reviews for Lover’s Discourse, Saigon Electric, Piercing, I, and Jump Ashin after the jump.

LOVER’S DISCOURSE
(Hong Kong)

Reel Asian’s Opening Night Film LOVER’S DISCOURSE weaves four stories about the multiple faces, good and ugly, of love in Hong Kong. Directed by Canadian-bred Derek Tsang, the film starts with Eason Chan and Canadian actress Karena Lam who play former lovers enjoying a rare evening together catching up on old times. A girl working at a laundromat fantasizes about one of her customers, but is far too shy to even strike up a conversation. A student becomes obsessed with his friend’s mom and the last part tracks the collateral damage when two people follow the other’s lover to confirm their cheating.

What starts off strong, gets somewhat clumsily pieced together by the end. The performances by its ensemble cast save and forgive where the film lacks making it an enjoyable viewing. Recommended (because the writer has a bias towards Karena Lam.)

ARTIST TALK with Dir. DEREK TSANG on NOV 10.

SAIGON ELECTRIC
(USA/ Vietnam)

Think of every dance film Hollywood has ever put out, set it in Vietnam and you’ve got SAIGON ELECTRIC. And perhaps that is what makes this film great, for all the wrong reasons.

A country girl moves to the big city to audition for the dance school. But her ribbon gets tangled throughout her performance and fails the audition. Unable to go back home, she gets a job waitressing where she is befriended by the dishwasher who dances with a crew at the community centre. Her friend, having a bit of a temper, gets disrespected by a rival crew in an informal street dance battle and quits the crew in a huff. At the same time, the community centre has been bought by developers and will be levelled to build a new hotel unless the crew can win the Championship dance battle and save their dance space.

There is a part of me that feels bad liking this film for the wrong reasons. Apart from its gorgeously colourful cinematic landscape, everything else is rather middle of the road and passable. It is everything one can imagine a dance film to be, and yet my indie art film heart is actually moved by its characters struggles and passion to do what they love to do. – Recommended, (if you like films like Step Up or Honey.)

*SAIGON ELECTRIC enjoys a special afternoon screening in Richmond Hill Sat., Nov. 18th.

PIERCING, I
(China)

Big business corruption against the angst and struggle of disaffected youth in China sets the stage for the unraveling of characters in a small factory town in the satirically dark animation film, PIERCING, I.

Accused of stealing from a supermarket, Zhang, educated and unemployed, on the persuasion of his friend, attempts to go after the supermarket’s owner, a wealthy businessman. His goal, a few more dollars for emotional damages on top of his already paid medical expenses from injuries incurred by the supermarket’s security guard. What starts as a feeble attempt at squeezing a few more dollars from a rich and powerful man, results in them unwittingly becoming intertwined with him and his competitors.

What’s most striking is that despite the film being set in 2008 during the financial crisis, it is still relevant today, perhaps more so. Zhang, ultimately is a good person, who wants to do the right thing, but is surrounded by people who do the exact opposite in order to survive – he is the only one barely getting by.

Intriguing and thought-provoking, Zhang nightmare-life is a frustrating look at what modern-day China has become for its youth. – Recommended

JUMP ASHIN!
(Taiwan)

Based on a true story, JUMP ASHIN! is about the fall and rise of the young gymnast. After a life revolving around gymnastics training and preparation, Ashin’s mother’s doubt pulls him off the team to concentrate on the family business in their small town. Disheartened, Ashin (Canadian actor Eddie Peng) and his friend Pickle (Lawrence Ko) start getting into gang fights, which eventually escalates forcing them to leave town and hide out in the big city. Another tragedy brings him back home to resume his gymnastics training despite all obstacles and conditions put on him.

Gripping and intense – Recommended.

*JUMP ASHIN! will also be screened in Richmond Hill Sat., Nov 18th.

For the month of October, we tackle ghosts of the past, namely the issues and topics that keep popping up over the last five years or so since 8Asians launched. In this episode we trap Gil Asakawa into the podcast and then chat about China’s Breast-Touching Festival. (Photo after the jump.)

Take a listen and subscribe to our iTunes channel and get all A-Word podcasts automatically downloaded to your computer!

For the month of October, we tackle ghosts of the past, namely the issues and topics that keep popping up over the last 5 years or so since 8Asians launched. In this episode we look back at the origins of how we got here as a community. Take a listen!

Subscribe to our iTunes channel and get it automatically downloaded to your computer by clicking here!