Latest from Metropolis Japan
Metropolis Japan
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Novocaine
By Don Morton A painless viewing experience When the new love (Amber Midthunder) of a mild-mannered bank assistant manager (Jack Quaid) is kidnapped, he brushes off his 'superpower' and leaps to the rescue. You see, he suffers from something called congenital analgesia (a real thing), preventing him from feeling any sort of pain. I had fun with this slapstick romantic actioner, but it's far from perfect. You can't say the directors, Dan Berk & Robert Olsen, haven't explored every possible aspect of an unfeeling action hero, and the earlier, rom-com scenes are above average and charming. (Fun fact: If Jack's goofy grin and infectious cheerfulness seem familiar, it's because he's the son of none other than Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan.) On the whole, it's surprisingly relatable and deeper than you may think. But the latter, admittedly inventive action and fight scenes get unnecessarily violent and gory. The directing duo's previous work (Significant Other, Villains, Body) are all in the cheapo horror genre. The third act drags on forever, and the villains are not all that threatening. I wouldn't mind if this turned out to be an origin story. I'd watch a sequel before most big-budget Marvel flicks. But the directors need to leave the gore behind and grow up a bit. (110 min)
Metropolis Japan
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Megalopolis
By Don Morton He did it his way A lot of self-appointed cinema experts have commented on what a financial flop this movie is, noting that Francis Ford Coppola spent $100 million of his own money on it and is unlikely to ever see a profit. But what they don't know is that Coppola is admired, not for making moneymakers, but for making the films he wants to make. He made movies like The Godfathe r (I&II) and Apocalypse Now so he could fund The Conversation, One From the Heart and Rumble Fish. Francis has never shied away from risk, and maybe today's film industry needs more of that. So, what's it about? Reader, I have no friggin' idea. The production notes call it 'An epic Roman fable set in an imagined modern America.' Here's some of the critical buzz: 'Dazzling and audacious, uncompromising, satirical yet sincere, magical, meandering and maddening, windy, overstuffed, baffling, too talky, an idea-bloated monstrosity, a garish wonder to behold, a nakedly personal statement.' See what I mean? The massive, often baffled but uniformly committed cast includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, and dozens more. The whole thing eventually buckles under its own weight, but it's a thrilling demolition to behold. In sum, it's precisely the movie Coppola wanted to make. Whether it's a movie you want to watch depends on who you are, and I can't help you there. It's one of those you have to see to believe. Then we'll talk. (138 min)
Metropolis Japan
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Metropolis Summer Issue 2025
Our Metropolis Summer 2025 Issue is out now and the theme is Water! In this issue, we explore water in the city and beyond. From koi streams in shopping arcades to poolside cocktails, sacred rivers to cooling translucent food art, this issue is a love letter to Japan's most captivating element. We trace its symbolic roots in Shinto, its transformation through Tokyo's subcultures and its pure sensory joy at beaches, matsuri and bubbling cafés. Whether you're wading through lantern-lit festivals, sipping cream soda by the bay, or uncovering the stories of sea women and river gods, every page offers a moment of cool in the summer heat. We showcase local businesses to help international residents, top spots for tourists to visit, trendsetters in the spotlight and much, much more in Metropolis Summer 2025. Whether you're a new reader or you've been picking up Metropolis since we first launched, we wish you a warm welcome to our Issue. If all that's still not enough for you, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for the very latest updates on our articles and Tokyo news. Ama Divers: Legendary Women of the Sea Tokyo Events | Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun Good Eats | Where Water Holds You Tokyo | The 'Venice of the East' From the Cheeky to the Horrific | Water Spirits in Japanese Folklore Summer Escapes | The Hottest Destinations to Cool Off Stay Smart this Summer with our Essential Cooling Guide Katsu Kaishu | A Naval Legend to Japan, Forgotten Overseas Some of our favorite spots are: Book 1st Shinjuku Full list Have a great season! Stay tuned for our Autumn Issue 2025.
Metropolis Japan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Yuu Fukuzawa Solo Tour 'The Dark Parade' Set for August
Yuu Fukuzawa, known for his work as an actor, artist, and creator, will launch his first solo live tour, The Dark Parade, this August with stops in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. The tour begins on Sunday, August 10, at Nagoya Club Quattro with guest performer YUKI. On Monday, August 11, Fukuzawa takes the stage at Umeda Club Quattro in Osaka with Bimi. The tour wraps up on Thursday, August 21, at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo, where Abe Renran and YUKI will both join him. Fans can look forward to a mix of familiar songs, brand-new tracks, and special collaborations unique to each night. Tickets are priced at ¥8,500 with entry by ticket number. A drink fee is required, and preschool children will not be admitted. The Dark Parade promises an unforgettable showcase of Fukuzawa's multifaceted talent and creative vision.
Metropolis Japan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
June 19, 2025 Summer 2025 By Jessie Carbutt Jessie Carbutt
A taste of everything in Tokyo The world's ultimate urban dance music festival Sep 16 - 17 An electrifying fusion of angelic and demonic elements through music Fashion serving as a driving power of social change and art liberation Best Parks for Seasonal Flowers in and Around Tokyo 2025 Savor Tokyo's treasure, classic custard donut Your monthly dose of new music from Japan A Lucky Train Delay at Omori Station
