Lee B. Golden III

About Lee B. Golden III

https://mediumblue-gerbil-491410.hostingersite.com

Native New Yorker. Been writing for a long time now, and I enjoy what I do. Be nice to me!

Posts by Lee Golden:

New RISE OF THE MACHINE GIRLS Trailer Guarantees A Ballistic, Femme Fatale J-Splatter Crowdpleaser

Eleven years since Noboru Iguchi contribution to J-splatter hit like wildfire with The Machine Girl, Death Row Family helmer Yuki Kobayashi is back to return the favor with a favorable looking reboot in Rise Of The Machine Girls. The film had its Neuchatel premiere this year and is now looking toward a Japan release on November 22 with actresses Himena Tsukimiya and Kanon Hanakage headlining the iconic IP. They’re joined by actress Toshie Negishi who plays the villain, and actor and cult action star Tak Sakaguchi who seems determined to get me writing about him a little more today. Long gone are the days of freedom. Preying on the weak and defenseless, the Dharma Family rules the town. It is now a time devoid of justice and order. Abandoned by their mother at a young age, Ami and her sister Yoshie scrape by doing fight shows for the Gotai Troupe. […]

BLACK FIVE: Michael Bay Lines Up New Ensemble Action Drama For Sony

Lee B. Golden III

The trades ran pretty light with this one, but once he wraps Six Underground for Netflix, Michael Bay will segue into an early 2020 start for ensemble action drama, Black Five. Details are unknown about the production which is housed at Sony Pictures. Bay is reportedly partnering once more with fellow 13 Hours producer Erwin Stoff to produce the new film. Ehren Kruger, who penned the second, third and fourth Transformer films of the five-part film saga, is penning the script. Bay’s history of making iconic, bustling, fast-talking, set-destroying action cheese and spectacle precedes him further with the likes of Bad Boys 1 & 2, Armageddon and The Island. All guilty pleasure in my book with highs and lows. Indeed, there are legit reasons to critique him but I won’t pretent Black Five doesn’t excite me. That Bay is still directing is pretty good news itself, so now all we […]

MORTAL KOMBAT: Chin Han To Steal Your Souls As Shang Tsung, Hiroyuki Sanada To Breathe Fire As Scorpion

Lee B. Golden III

Lots of hopes may have been dashed for fans of Mortal Kombat who’ve waited for Kevin Tancharoen to steer forward on his own adaptation, but it’s not like New Line isn’t making up for lost time either. News of the past month has awoken the fanbase with a heavy-handed roster of casting news for the new film now slated to begin shooting in less than a few weeks in Australia. The casting totaled to eight by Monday’s reporting this week until Tuesday’s news broken by Variety for the addition of actor Chin Han for the role of evil, manipulative sorceror, Shang Tsung, along with Hiroyuki Sanada for that of undead ninja warrior, Scorpion. The soul-stealing, shape-shifting cohort to Nether Realm’s armies along with the Emperor, Shao Khan, Tsung has popped in and out of the game franchise as a consistent antagonist against Earth Realm’s heroes. Game lore saw Tsung and […]

IRON DRAGON TV Is Now Readily Available To Download For iOS Users

Lee B. Golden III

Among the dozens of apps and channels you’ll find out there, there’s a ample handful to tend to. Iron Dragon TV is one entity pushed by founder Janell Smith and with app itself now readily available in the Apple store as of this week. It’s the latest move for Iron Dragon Productions CEO own Janell Smith, a proficent martial artist herself, who founded the film streaming service back in 2014 in partnership with Nanotech Entertainment to distribute hard hitting and edgy martial arts and Asian action titles to today’s audiences. The app is also available on Amazon, Roku, and on Google Play. Iron Dragon TV is also home to the annual summer events culminating the Iron Dragon TV Action Fest. Its three year history welcomes a worldly roster of shorts and feature film entries, and has seen celebrity attendances like actor T.J. Storm (Revenger, Kickboxer: Vengeance), and Tak Sakaguchi (Versus, […]

THE VINDICATOR: Gu Shangwei Is On The Warpath In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

You have to give it to actor and martial artist Gu Shangwei. Whatever drove him to star in the action drama Bloody Destiny, there’s no question that it was the right move as it has since opened several doors for the burgeoning star now taking the festival circuit by storm. His recent success with Jimmy Henderson’s seething new thriller, The Prey, now awaits a U.S. release with Raven Banner handling international sales, and the two just paired-up once more for The Guardian which also has actor Andy On, and introduces Charlie Ruedpoknanon into the fray. Somewhere in between all this, Gu managed to find time to take his craft back into the jungle for bustling new Rambo-style thriller, The Vindicator…and I say “Rambo-style” given the fitting tone of the images and teaser art I’ve seen online next to the trailer above. Li Bin directs this particular espionage thriller which also […]

LAST NINJA: RED SHADOW Lands In October For ‘Samurai Cat’ Director’s New Ninja Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Director Yoshitaka Yamaguchi’s sixteen-year career can be attributed aptly to having progressed under the auspices of celebrated auteur Takashi Miike. Such credits include assisting on titles like Blade Of The Immortal, Yakuza Apocalypse, Shield Of Straw and 2009’s Yatterman – all noteworthy additions for Yamaguchi best known for helming Samurai Cat, and 2017 beat ’em up thriller, Demekin. Fast forward to 2019 and with Yamaguchi now applying his craft to a heavy-hitting two-part dose of ninja action and spectacle, firstly with Last Ninja: Red Shadow, starring Kanchiro Kan (The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine) and Yusei Yuuki (Lupinranger VS Patranger VS Kyuranger). At the end of Edo era in Japan, when the reign of Samurai was also coming to an end, so-called Ninja was way behind the times. “Ryu”, who is a descendant of “Ge-Nin”, the lowermost of the Ninja society, was commanded to secretly take a princess out of the house […]

Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson and Lewis Tan

MORTAL KOMBAT Finds Sonya Blade And Kano In Jessica McNamee And Josh Lawson, Lewis Tan Also Cast With Mystery Role

Lee B. Golden III

Actress Jessica McNamee, and actors Josh Lawson and Lewis Tan will be joining the opposing forces of Earthrealm and Netherrealm in Simon McQuoid’s Mortal Kombat, due out in theaters March 5, 2021. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, McNamee and Lawson will tackle the roles of warring archrivals, Sonya Blade and Kano, while details on Tan’s role currently remain locked behind the Outworld portal away from prying eyes. Sonya Blade and Kano came into the original game franchise as archenemies with Blade seeking vengeance for the vicious murder of her partner at the hands of the latter, an elusive crimeboss and megainfluencer of the criminal underworld. During her trials with her Earthrealm allies in the games against the forces of Shang Tsung, the Emperor himself, Shao Khan’s and the manipulative gods overseeing the titular tournament, Blade would eventually ascend to the rank of General. Sal DiVita attributed his iconic playable incarnation […]

UK’s GFM, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Producer Partner To Develop Quartet Of Martial Arts Films Starting In 2020

Lee B. Golden III

Reasurring the martial arts action cinema fandom for years to come, producer Shannon McIntosh is reportedly pairing up with UK-based GFM Films genre shingle, Evolution Pictures. A four-picture deal is in place with two productions in Thailand, and another two in North America. Details are pending on the respective titles, casting crewing as the team readies for an early 2020 start. Andreas Wiseman brought the exclusive over to Deadline and elucidates the buzzy bits with quotes from McIntosh and partner H. Daniel Gross (Halloween: Resurrection). According to the team, the movies will feature a mix of “new young martial arts talent and well-established American & Asian stars of the genre.” Gross served as Senior VP Programming and Production for Blackbelt TV from summer 2012 through late 2014. McIntosh is coming off of immense success of having produced director Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood, which garnered nearly $240 […]

D23: STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Highlights Revealed Online

Lee B. Golden III

The first time I ever touched upon Star Wars was in grade school. It didn’t hit me then as it does now and thus, the nostalgia is now setting in with J.J. Abrams readying some franchise closure with Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker on December 20. D23 took hold of the internet something fierce over the weekend with this year’s panels, mentioning talks of The Mandalorian and the forthcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series which films next year among other things. Obviously this includes the new movie which Disney and Lucasfilm highlit on Sunday with a sizeable montage cut with old and new footage. Oscar and John are back! Adam is back! Chewie’s back! BB-8 is back! Kelly’s back! Lupita’s back! Ian, in the name of movie franchise villain longevity is back! Daisy’s back AND THEN SOME!.. …And, our deadly departed and invariably unforgettable Carrie is back as well… for one […]

ART OF DECEPTION: Breaking Glass Signals New Heist Thriller This Fall

Lee B. Golden III

Richard Ryan’s latest film has since found a new home at Breaking Glass Pictures with Art Of Deception arriving on DVD and VOD on October 8. After uncovering the CIA’s ruthless master plan for world domination by gaining complete mind control over the entire population, top scientist Joseph Markham is ultimately left with a choice: save the lives of billions…or the life of his wife, who has been kidnapped, interrogated, and brutally tortured as she viciously fights for her life. As a nationwide manhunt ensues, deadly assassins pursue, and one man’s decision will determine the fate of the world, Art of Deception is about a fight for life, love and world dominance. The film held its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Awards, followed by screenings in Miami and overseas in Milan, with awards reception from International Independent Film Awards and the Depth of Field International Film Festival Competition, […]

DUELING DESIGNS: An Interview With ‘Wu Assassins’ Fight Coordinator Dan Rizzuto

Lee B. Golden III

Nowadays, Twitter seems to be the most bustling window into activity among fans interacting with the cast and crew of hit series, Wu Assassins. Now one of the most viewed martial arts action dramas streaming this summer, hopes are high for a second season returning actor Iko Uwais into the mystical fantasy urban millieu of the show’s San Diego, Chinatown setting. The show has bolstered some hopes and prospects (I know I have mine) – particularly for another season following the conclusion of season one. Either way, it’s a milestone success for everyone involved – specifically stuntman, fight coordinator and choreographer Dan Rizzuto who, along with stunt coordinator Kimani Ray Smith and Indonesia’s own Uwais Team, joined forces in steering the show’s requisite stunt and fight scenery. I initally crossed paths with Rizzuto on Instagram where he manages social media for his professional stunt fighting and performance community, M1 Fight […]

THE MANDALORIAN: The Official Trailer For Jon Faverau’s Disney+ Series Still Has Me Swooning

Lee B. Golden III

D23 is leaving its mark this weekend with a plethora of stunners in television, film and other aspects of its endeavors. In part, this obviously means Disney+ with news much ado with its line-up including The Mandalorian which debuts November 12 on the streamer. The trailer premiered on Friday and the fans couldn’t ask for more. Well… they could, but…ah well, you get it. At any rate, I’m late on this one so I might as well share it here too. I can’t afford to sub to Disney+ at present but it’s worth knowing that the franchise is in good company with the House of Mouse steering things. This trailer above is great. This poster is great. That Faverau is already developing season two with Dope director Rick Famuyiwa is also great. I mean…well, yeah. I’m sold. Now all I need is a friend with a Disney+ subscription who’ll invite […]

METRO 2033: Gazprom Media Sets 2022 Premiere Date For Russian Sci-Fi Novel Adaptation

Lee B. Golden III

Dmitry Glukhovsky’s epic survival sci-fi novel, Metro 2033, is officially on deck for a live-action adaptation. As Leo Barraclough’s Variety piece notes, Gazprom Media holds exclusive rights with in-house banners – TNT-Premier Studios Company, TV-3 Channel and Central Partnership – developing the film. Initially published online in 2002 as an experiment before its 2005 print release, Metro 2033 centers on a young man keen on helping solving the mystery surrounding “The Dark Ones”, creatures feared throughout by the stationed inhabitants of Moscow’s fractitious Metro system following nuclear fallout in 2013. The book has been a major hit around the world in many territories, and is the first of a trilogy of novels. It also spans a wide array of merchandising as it has over the years, including fan novels and video games. Gazprom Media’s acquisition comes nearly decade since Gluhovsky attempted to bring the IP to Hollywood, only to rescind […]

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: REVELATION Announced: Kevin Smith To Shepherd New Animated Netflix Series

Christina Ortega and 1 more

We have just over eighteen months until Sony makes good on its incarnation of Masters Of The Universe by 2021. Fans also have a little over a week until High Octane releases documentary The Power Of Grayskull on DVD and digital while the conversation on Mattel’s popular He-Man brand grants the fans with a new evolution forthcoming in the next few years. Kevin Smith took to the spotlight last weekend to give fans of 80’s cartoon lore a gift: the announcement of upcoming Netflix series, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Smith, whose Jay And Silent Bob Reboot opens this October from Saban Films, is serving as executive producer and showrunner on the new series set in the world of Mattel toys, which will focus on unfinished storylines from Filmation’s original show. “I’m Eternia-ly grateful to Mattel TV and Netflix for entrusting me with not only the secrets of Grayskull, but […]

THE PAPER TIGERS Are Officially Cast As Cameras Roll For The New Kung Fu Comedy

Lee B. Golden III

Bao Tran‘s exhilarating 2015 kung fu proof of concept in The Challenger is taking shape at long last with its current evolution, The Paper Tigers, already underway in Seattle, Washington. The official headline casting for the film has also been laid out as well with Dino-Ray Ramos at Deadline confirming actors Alain Uy (The Morning Show), Ron Yuan (Blood And Bone) and Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Undisputed 3: Redemption). The trio will star respectively as Danny, Hing and Jim – former kung fu prodiges now working as middle-aged men one kick away from pulling a hamstring. When their master is murdered, they must quell their differences in order to seek justice. The actors are joined by 102 Productions’ own Phillip Dang along with sibling martial arts duo, YouTubers Andy and Brian Le (Unlucky Stars, Luc Van Tien: Kungfu Hustle). The three will play a gang of martial artists who come from […]

SNAKE EYES: ‘Warrior’ Series Star Andrew Koji Nabs The Role Of Storm Shadow For Paramount And Hasbro Film Spin-Off

Lee B. Golden III

Regarding some of the best casting news ever, it now appears that the forthcoming G.I. Joe spin-off a la Snake Eyes has found its antagonist in actor Andrew Koji for the role of Storm Shadow. Koji, who is expected to recur for a second season offering in Cinemax series, Warrior, inherits the role from actor Lee Byung-Hun who portrayed the character in 2009 and 2013 under directors Stephen Sommers and Jon M. Chu. Storm Shadow launched via Marvel Comics for Hasbro’s popular G.I. Joe IP in 1984 and its subsequent animated series. His real name is Tomasiburo (or Thomas) Arashikage, once a student of his uncle, the Hard Master alongside Snake Eyes. In a misguided attempt to kill Snake Eyes, Tomasiburo attempted to poison him, only to miss his target. The Hard Master perishes as a result, ensuing a circumstantially complex tragedy that since forged a rift between both warriors […]

UASE SPOTLIGHT: R4 Films, L.L.C To Present THE MAN FROM TIJUANA And FINAL CONTACT: EPISODE III

Lee B. Golden III

Folks looking to attend the Urban Action Showcase can expect to catch film multihyphenate, actor/director Robert Samuels (H.K.S.A.) among the talent line-up emerging for this year’s seventh installment in New York City this November. Going forward, two shortfilm projects will make their way to the floor this year from Samuels’ R4 Films, LLC. banner – firstly with El Hombre De Tijuana (The Man From Tijuana), starring actor Jorge E. Guevara in the title role. The title alone speaks to its inspiration, so you can expect to catch Peralta in similar form taking on that of a fearless, enigmatic badass-on-a-mission. He’s here to rescue a young girl from the clutches of an evil duo, and he’s resigned to fending off a mansion full of soldiers to do it. Storied and produced by R4 partner Robert Jefferson, El Hombre De Tijuana is wall-to-wall action serviced with a neon-lit evening backdrop and a […]

MAKING DEAD END’S MEET: A Word With Actor, Producer And Filmmaker Bryan Larkin

Lee B. Golden III

It’s only a matter of weeks before fans attending this month’s 2-day induction of the Fighting Spirit Film Festival will be able to check out at actor, producer and maverick filmmaker Bryan Larkin’s latest gritty short duration entry, Dead End II: A Justified Kill. I had the privilege of seeing the first two installments in the last few years and I’ve enjoyed them both thusfar in my own excitement of wondering just what would become of this ambitious shortfilm series. For this, I can earnestly say that this was one of the most enjoyable Q&A’s I’ve done, as Larkin’s story is one of tested mettle, faith and tenacity – having pounded the pavement and strived for the very platform he has to maintain his growth. He’s proven himself to be a leader as much as he is an artist in multiple facets. He talks the walk and walks the talk, […]

WE CAN BE HEROES: Robert Rodriguez’s Netflix Superhero Action Comedy Adventure Now Filming

Lee B. Golden III

Trade news made the rounds as of Wednesday with Netflix announcing its cast for superhero action adventure comedy, We Can Be Heroes. Production is already underway with writer/director Robert Rodriguez back at the helm on the Texas set for the story of a team of children who must work together when alien invaders kidnap their superhero parents. Starring are Christian Slater (Mr. Robot, The Wife), YaYa Gosselin (FBI Most Wanted, The Purge), Akira Akbar (Captain Marvel, This is Us), Andrew Diaz, Andy Walken (The Kids are Alright, A Christmas Story LIve!), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Hala Finley (Man with a Plan, Backroads) Isaiah Russell-Bailey (Family Reunion, SWAT), Lotus Blossom (Magic Max), Lyon Daniels (Patriot), Nathan Blair (Best. Worst. Weekend. Ever.), Sung Kang (Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, Better Luck Tomorrow), Vivien Lyra Blair (Bird Box, Waco), Adriana Barraza (Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Babel, Cake, Penny Dreadful) and Christopher […]

WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE: Kirill Sokolov’s Rollicking Action Comedy Debut Acquired By Arrow For U.S. And U.K. Release

Lee B. Golden III

I screened a cool bunch of films at home that premiered in Montreal for the 23rd Fantasia International Film Festival this summer. Unfortunately some were never included in the screener list – one which includes comedic action drama, Why Don’t You Just Die, Kirill Sokolov’s directorial debut centered on the calamity between a young thug, and his girlfriend’s abusive brooding Moscow cop father. The film opened in Russia in April while screening at a raft of festivals around the world in addition to Fantasia, including premiering at Tallinn Black Nights last year 2018, as well as What The Fest in March and Cineopocalypse in June. The film is also due to screen for Arrow Video FrightFest this weekend in the U.K., and with the good fortune of sales agent Reel Suspects selling North American and U.K. rights to Arrow Video according to Elsa Keslassy who elucidates the exclusive buzz points […]