Latest Reviews

October 11
Artist: Various
Title: Slowjam Sessions Volume One
Genre: Pop/Ballad
Rating: ***

Slowjam Sessions is a compilation CD that features some of the best and brightest Asian Pacific American artists such as former American Idol contestant Jordan Segundo, Hawaii's Forte, Fame-winner Harlemm Lee, and many more artists singing their best love ballads. Some highlights that impressed me were "Journey Together" by Julissa and the remake of "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love" featuring Forte with original artist Glenn Medeiros. Although the production is uneven with some songs on the compilation (as it usually the case in compilations) there is enough good production here to warrant a listen. If you are looking for a taste of what APAs are doing in the music industry you can't go wrong with this one.

Nelson

UC Davis professor Darrell Hamamoto is a man on a mission-- to make the first-ever porn film featuring an Asian-American man and woman. Sure he has dreams becoming the next Larry Flynt and spearheading the Asian-American porn movement, but there's a lot more to that endeavor. The 50-year old professor got the idea from social frustrations over "White-America" stereotypes of Asian men as unsexy and Asian women as exotic and submissive. Despite controversy, Hamamoto is determined to create a product for the masses and change the public image of Asain-American sexuality. Avenue Films follows Hamamoto on his porn-production journey from start to finish with his adult actors, first-time actor Chun Lee and adult actress Layla Lei. "Masters..." also brings insight from various young and old Asian-Americans citizens, actors, filmmakers Justin Lin (Better Luck...) and Eric Byler (Charlotte Sometimes), playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), and UC Berkeley professor Elaine Kim.

"Masters of the Pillow" is worth adding to your library of docs. It is fresh, short, and candid, which leaves you open to disagree or agree with Hamamoto. The interaction between the adult actors seemed dull because Chun's nervousness is so evident, yet it was interesting because you see for the first-time two Asian-American actors in a porn product yet to be released. Extras include TV bits from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart (hilarious!) and Jay Leno's Tonight Show. Avenue Films' acclaimed short comedy "The Pickup" is included as well.

Will Professor Hamamoto succeed as the Asian Larry Flynt? Watch and decide...(please note: this DVD is for audiences 18 and over).

LeRoid

Title: Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (DVD- 2003)
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Starring: Phanom Yeerum (aka Tony Jaa), Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol

The story follows Ting (Jaa), a Muay Thai student who lives in a small and peaceful village. One night the head of the sacred Ong Bak statue is stolen from the village by a thug who sells it profit. Ting then volunteers on a mission to track the thief down in the urban jungles of Bangkok and reclaim the religious treasure in order to save his village. Along the way, Ting seeks the help of con artist "Dirty Balls" (Wongkamlao), but finds himself in a heap of trouble with a merciless druglord. With his astonishing athleticism and traditional Muay Thai skills, Ting combats his adversaries for the sake of honor, respect, and the name of Ong Bak.

Watch out Jackie Chan!!! Tony Jaa is the most talented and flexible martial artist I've seen to date. "Ong Bak" is weak in within the plot and acting, but it is the stunts and fighting that takes the movie beyond the top. Jaa performs all of his stunts and is truly spectacular!

This film will be available for US release in November 2004. For now, it can purchased in various versions-- deluxe 2-disc, uncut, with or without subtitles, through Asian movie speciality stores and eBay. The film was recently purchased from famed director Luc Besson's ("The Professional") Europa company for international distribution with new music and re-edits.

LeRoid

Previous Reviews

September 2004 (Music: Janeska, Elemnop; Books: Total Strength Training for Women)

August 2004 (Music: Benny Mao, Phuz, Bastion, Charlie Liu, Emilio; Movies: Protege De La Rose Noire, Jiang Hu, Moving Targets)

July 2004 (Music: Pam Tan, Mion, Johnny Hi-Fi; Movies: Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle)

June 2004 (Music: Teri Untalan, John Flor Sisante)

May 2004 (Music: Kite Operations, Titofelix; Movies: Star Runner, Herbal Tea, Turn Left Turn Right, Hidden Track, Fantasia, Floating Landscape)

April 2004 (Music: Alvendia, Bryan Chan, Mion, William Hung; Movies: Running on Karma, Anna in Kung Fu Land, Kill Bill Volume 2, Kikujiro, and The Way Home)

March 2004 (Music: Putnam Hall, Organic Thoughts; Movies: Charlotte Sometimes, Infernal Affairs 3; Books: Bringing Down The House)

February 2004 (Music: Vienna Teng, Odessa Chen, Akamai Brain Collective, Justin Young, One Vo1ce, With Love, Stereostar FM)

January 2004 (Music: Chops, One Vo1ce EP, Moulann; Movies: Torque, Good Times, Bed Times, Shiver, Infernal Affairs 2)

December 2003 (Music: The Francis Kim Band, Himalayan Project, Sonic Orange, and Jeff Hsin; Movies: Men Suddenly in Black, My Dream Girl, and The Last Samurai)

November 2003 (Music: Harlemm Lee, Fiona Wong, and Adagio; Movies: Truth or Dare: 6th Floor Rear Flat and So Close)

October 2003 (Music: Kevin So and Kaila; Movies: Marrying the Mafia, Heroic Duo, Kill Bill, and Under the Tuscan Sun)

If you have a have an Asian Pacific American project coming up (CD, video, film, book, more?) and are looking for more exposure let us know about it and we will try to review your project so that others can find out more!

AArisings, along with KQED radio show, Pacific Time, are seeking to increase our Asian American music library for future reviews. If you would like to submit your CD for possible review and/or airplay on the radio, please contact AArisings by clicking here.

If you would like to be a reviewer for AArisings, let us know and we'll contact you with more information.

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