James Hong Movies

Filmmaker Arthur Dong's documentary Hollywood Chinese pays homage to the first century of the American film industry, as specifically colored and influenced by the Chinese immigrants to whom Hollywood owes an inestimable debt. Dong touches on everyone from actress Anna May Wong, of Limehouse Blues (1934) and Lady from Chungking (1943), to the late cameraman James Wong Howe, responsible for giving the Rock Hudson thriller Seconds (1966) such a creepy and inventive look. Dong also explores the newer generation of Chinese-American filmmakers, including such giants as Wayne Wang and Ang Lee, responsible for such contemporary classics as The Joy Luck Club, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brokeback Mountain. At the same time, a haunting and telling undercurrent of racism and stereotypes weaves its way in, suggestive of the difficulties that Chinese men and women found working in Hollywood -- particularly in the early years. As a historical footnote, Dong also makes film history by rediscovering and editing in footage from what is alleged to be the first Asian-American film ever made: the 1916 Curse of Quon Gwan, directed by Marion Wong. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

When Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the gang head out to Himalayas in order to solve a frosty mystery, the surprise that awaits them at their snowbound destination may prove their biggest challenge to date. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Chappelle's Show writer/producer/director Neal Brennan makes his feature directorial debut with this retro-minded comedy purported to have been produced in the 1980s but never released until 2006. As the Gunderson family sets out on a cross-country road trip to their new home, boyishly handsome Charlie (Mikey Day), blossoming dancer Lori (Dominique Swain), and highly intelligent Max (Trevor Heins) all have their own ideas of what life will be like in their new town. When Charlie is singled out as the least popular senior on the very first day of school, kindly outcast Billie (Nicki Clyne) amiably agrees to show him the ropes and provide him with an illuminating crash course in the clique system. Meanwhile, Lori is shocked to discover that dancing has been banned in her new town and the only place to cut loose is at the clandestine dance sessions held in the garage of current janitor and former dance instructor Gabriel (Chris Kattan). Immediately forbidden from attending the highly secretive shindigs, Lori stealthily sneaks out to be with the kindly Gabriel as her feelings for the dance instructor grow and the pair set into motion a clever plan to usher in a new era of dancing around town. When Charlie vows to win the heart of popular girl Kimberly (Brittany Daniel) by competing against her athletic boyfriend, Kipp (Joey Kern), in the upcoming school decathlon, lovelorn Billie quietly pines for the clueless newcomer from afar as he begins a rigorous training regiment with Japanese gardener Yamagashi (James Hong). As his family struggles to adjust to their new life, reclusive genius Max continues working on a highly advanced home computer that soon draws the attention of the CIA. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

A French apartment building's natural order is disrupted by a young, melodramatic touring actress in The Idol, the third film from director Samantha Lang. Sarah (Leelee Sobieski) moves into an apartment that had been unoccupied for quite some time and begins tormenting her neighbors with frequent sessions of rambunctious lovemaking with her lover Phillippe (Jalil Lespert). Directly across the hall from Sarah's apartment lives an elderly Chinese man named Zao (James Hong), whom Sarah recognizes as a kindred soul and possible confidant. After inviting the old man into her apartment, she boldly opens her soul to him and reveals her intentions of committing suicide as a means of creating a scandal and exacting revenge against her lover, who also happens to be the husband of the actress that Sarah is an understudy for. Zao, rather than attempting to dissuade the young woman from following through with her vow, asks that he be allowed to cook for her until she commits the deed. Sarah and Zao thus begin a strangely unique friendship as they approach what appears to be the final chapter of their respective lives. The Idol was included in 2002 Locarno International Film Festival. ~ Ryan Shriver, Rovi

In her efforts to be "one of the girls" -- that is, one of the benevolent Halliwell witches -- Paige (Rose McGowan) mixes up a potion that causes her to switch bodies with her half sister Phoebe (Alyssa Milano). In so doing, Paige acquires Phoebe's magical powers, and vice versa. Both girls must combine their new and (to them) unfamiliar conjuring skills in order to vanquish an apprentice ninja who is running murderously amok. ~ Rovi

Making TV history as the first-ever American sitcom to film on location in mainland China, The Drew Carey Show takes this opportunity to dish up its most surrealistic episode to date. Pulling off the practical joke to end all practical jokes, Mimi (Kathy Kinney) manages to maroon a sleeping Drew (Drew Carey) on the Great Wall of China with no money or passport. As his friends wonder why Drew didn't show up for his scheduled business meeting in Winnipeg, our hero sells chickens and gives impromptu sock-puppet shows in order to pay his way to the American Embassy in Beijing, 200 miles away. Several disasters later, Drew's only hope for ever getting back to Cleveland hinges upon his rendition of "You Deserve a Break Today" at the Tiananmen Square McDonald's! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Pete (Jon Favreau) enters a grueling "ultimate fight," leading to a lot of hurt and a fateful decision by Monica (Courteney Cox). Ross' (David Schwimmer) new date Bonnie (Christine Taylor) once had a hair problem -- mainly, she didn't have any. Chandler's (Matthew Perry) new boss gives a whole new meaning to the word forceful. And yes, those two guys in the park are just who you think they are. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The direct-to-video Merlin brings the King Arthur legend up to date. The fun begins when a young Californian traces the ol' family tree directly back to Merlin the Magician. The twist: Merlin's descendant is a woman, played by Nadia Cameron. The good news is that the woman is endowed with special powers. The bad news is that the bad guys find out ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Having previously essayed the role of real-life Canadian physician/political activist Norman Bethune in a 1977 TV movie, Donald Sutherland returns to the role in the 1989 theatrical feature Bethune: The Making of a Hero. Over a period of several decades, Dr. Bethune grows increasingly disenchanted with the corrupt politics that have fomented so many wars. Radicalized during the Spanish Civil War, he declares himself by fighting with Mao Tse Tung's Chinese Communist forces against the Japanese in World War 2. He remains a staunch Mao supported in the postwar years, winning him both loyal supporters and bitter foes in the West. This warts-and-all film makes no effort to cover up Bethune's personal demons, notably his boozing and philandering. Still, one emerges from the film wishing to learn just a wee bit more about the good doctor's motivations. Bethune: The Making of a Hero was released in the US in 1993 as Doctor Bethune. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

As the real-life Carpenters singing group is heard on the sound track, Cynthia Gibb stars as Karen Carpenter, with Mitchell Anderson costarring as her brother Richard. Karen's rise to the top is dutifully detailed, while Richard's brief flirtation with drug addiction is handled with discretion. The film takes a tragic turn when Karen's anorexia nervosa overcomes her ability to function, and finally kills her. The Karen Carpenter Story was a ratings winner, encouraging other less tasteful producers to overload the market with bad to indifferent made-for-TV life stories. The film was coproduced by the real Richard Carpenter, who has made the telling of his sister's story something of a lifetime mission. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A young woman learns that she has a lethal, rare kind of cancer. This fact-based, heart-wrenching made-for-TV drama chronicles her struggle to cope with her own personal feelings and those of her family. She then begins looking for alternative ways to treat her disease while her husband deals with his denial. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Magnum (Tom Selleck) approaches his fortieth birthday with fear and loathing--mainly because he has just lost his lucky $2 bill. How will this catastrophe affect his investigation of arms-smuggling ring which moonlights as an extortion outfit? Also, will he be able to win a special surf-ski race? And as long as we're asking questions, what exactly is the connection between Magnum's current woes and the omnispresence of perky TV reporter Linda Lee Ellison (Patrice Martinez)? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi