PARK CITY, Utah (AP) – “Before I Fall” begins by telling the audience that you’re watching the last day of its heroine’s life. Yes, 17-year-old Samantha (Zoey Deutch) is about to die. You don’t know when, or where, or how it’ll happen, but after it does, she wakes up again in her bed, sweaty and disoriented, to find that she has to live that same day over again. And again. And again. It’s no wonder that the film, which debuts Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival in advance of its March 3 theat

The King(Korea)Opened Jan. 18Drama, thriller. Directed by Kim Sung-suProsecutor Park Tae-soo (Zo In-sung) thirsts for unlimited power and wealth in Korean society, and is willing to go to any lengths to obtain them. He meets Han Gang-sik (Jung Woo-sung), a ruthless politician who wields endless influence in the country through his wealth, numerous connections and schemes. The two revel in their power until one day, things come crashing down. Moana(US)Opened Jan. 12Animation, adventure. Directed

Through the ups and downs of his career, the name M. Night Shyamalan has always been synonymous with one thing: twist. While watching his films, it’s easy to spend more time wondering if he will or won’t, and how he’ll twist. It can take away the power of what’s actually on screen -- which is a shame when the filmmaking and performances are particularly exceptional. In the multiple-personality psycho-thriller “Split,” Anya Taylor-Joy and James McAvoy shine as predator and prey who understand eac

American critic Darcy Paquet involved in Korean film industry since 1997

To most Korean moviegoers and fellow actors, Jung Woo-sung is best known for his role in Kim Sung-su’s 1997 gangster film “Beat.” He plays a teenager who drops out of high school -- something Jung also did in real life, due to his family’s poverty and his desire to pursue an acting career -- and is forced into the world of gangsters. Jung is often referred to as “the celebrity’s celebrity” here. Many actors who debuted in later years, including Hyun Bin and Park Hae-jin, confessed to having idol

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - The Sundance Film Festival opens in Utah Thursday, promising to set the agenda for independent cinema and starting the 2018 Oscars buzz a month before this year‘s statuettes are awarded.The annual gathering, founded in 1985 by iconic screen outlaw Robert Redford, turns the lens on 118 independent features, as Hollywood descends on the ski resort of Park City for the 33rd edition.“From the passion and chaos of creativity, independent filmmakers make decisions to harness that e

Korean cinema continues to focus on male-centric plots of crime and political corruption

LOS ANGELES (AFP) -- The producers behind Star Wars said they will not digitally recreate the late Carrie Fisher’s likeness in future episodes of the film franchise.In July, “Star Wars: Episode VIII” wrapped up shooting with Fisher reprising her role as the character initially known as Princess Leia she first performed in the first installment of the franchise released in 1977. Fisher, who died last month days after suffering from cardiac arrest, had been expected to have a role in Episode IX, e

From sidekick to leading man, actor Yoo Hae-jin still finds film sets difficult after 24 years

What is it like for a person of power to live in Korean society?Apparently, it’s like being royalty, according to director Han Jae-rim’s latest flick “The King.”From childhood, protagonist Park Tae-su yearned for power. He reigned over fellow students with his fist before he caught a glimpse of what he called “real power” -- the sight of his thug father being beaten up by a pencil-neck prosecutor. It was then that he decided to pursue a career in law.Park soon realizes that real power comes at a

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hollywood might still be patting itself on the back for its 2016 films, but there‘s a lot to look forward to in film this year -- in all genres. Here are some films to put on your radar for the year. “John Wick: Chapter 2” (Feb. 10), “The Fate of the Furious” (April 14) Two franchises, both unlikely, both silly and both endlessly watchable get new installments this year. Keanu Reeves is back as the vengeful hit man John Wick in the sequel to the 2014 sleeper hit. And the Fast

Theodore Melfi’s buoyant “Hidden Figures” is an old-fashioned feel-good movie with powerful contemporary relevance, spearheaded by a trio of unstoppable actresses playing black women who wouldn’t be stopped. Set in 1961 Virginia, the fact-based “Hidden Figures,” adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction book, is about three peripheral characters at NASA who made important contributions to the space race. Their workplace, at Langley, is segregated (with separate bathrooms and drinking fount