While it is great news that Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus) will be getting a new gig, the downside is that project is backed by WWE films. I knew you’d be giddy…In any case,
Variety reports:
WWE Studios will revisit the horror genre with “No One Lives,” a co-production with Pathe U.K. that will star Luke Evans (“The Three Musketeers,” “Immortals”), with Ryuhei Kitamura (“Midnight Meat Train”) directing. Plot for the horror pic, penned by David Cohen, revolves around a ruthless gang that takes a young couple hostage in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere. When the captive girl is killed, the tables are unexpectedly turned, and the gang finds itself outsmarted by a seasoned killer.
Evans plays one of the villains
Although I did find Marine 2 with Ted DiBiase Jr to be a guilty pleasure, those of us know the majority of WWE produced films to be less than stellar. That includes Kane in ‘See No Evil’, and the action films with John Cena. So I’m very skeptical- the best of premises will be watered down to a cheesefest because aside from the “bad guys” and other supporting actors. the main roles will be filled with WWE wrestlers. Great director, not so great producers.
What do you think? Can Ryuhei Kitamura rise above WWE expectations? Even if he could, we all recall how Lionsgate treated one of the best horror films to come out in recent years – they all but killed The Midnight Meat Train.
There is some information that is wrong here. First off, there is only one WWE wrestler in the film and he has a minor but important role. WWE was very hands off during the filming. Ryuhei called all of the shots with help from the D.P. (Daniel Pearl). This will definitely become a cult classic and hopefully will bring more attention to it’s stars. I’ve worked on over 20 films so far and this was the most fun by far.
Stop lying bitch God is watching
Ugh, people actually liked Versus? That movie was HORRIBLE. They only reason I was able to enjoy it when I threw a movie day at my house was I was already partially drunk. Versus was at best a mediocre film school movie.
Especially when the next movies watched that day were Kung Fu Hustle and Battle Royale.
I’m diggin’ the Godzilla figure behind him.
What grinds my gears, is that great foreign directors seemingly get stuck with directing shit when they come to the US. Jean Francois Richet comes to the US and gets Assault on Precinct 13, goes back to France and makes a masterpiece (Mesrine). John Woo makes the most inspirational action films throughout the 80s in China and then comes to the US to do Broken Arrow, Paycheck, and Mission Impossible 2. I enjoyed Midnight Meat Train for it’s moody and Hitchcock inspired approach to the story, but it was flawed…Kitamura made Versus and Azumi, two of Japans most fun action films…we need to start treating directors from other countries better…Not everyone has connections like Del toro and Cuaron. These guys want to break into the mainstream with something worthwhile, why be remembered for making tripe?
The John Woo Story, his rise and fall from grace, always brings a tear to my eye. Bullet in the Head and The Killer are so… ugh Paycheck just swam into my head, ruined that thought. Who knew the thing to ruin a Philip K. Dick movie was John Woo, and vice versa?