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:

SAMURAI MARATHON 1855: The Race Is On In The Newest Official Trailer

It all comes down to actor Satoh Takeru to prevent the worst case scenario as a secret government agent in Candyman and Anna Karenina helmer Bernard Rose’s latest, Samurai Marathon 1855. The film is based on Dobashi Akihiro’s 2014 novel, “Bakumatsu Marason Samurai”, and currently sits as one of our Five-A-Day entries of titles to look forward to in 2019. At the end of Edo period, a lord of Annaka clan gathers his retainers and announces to hold a marathon to train themselves for potential attacks from overseas. With a carrot dangled in front of them, retainers join the marathon to get a prize. In the meanwhile, the central Edo government sends an assassin to kill the Annaka lord, after receiving a message from their spy Jinnai who has mistaken the assembly as a sign of rebellion. To straighten out the fatal misunderstanding, Jinnai and other retainers run desperately to […]

MUSINGS OF A RONIN: A Word With SWORD OF THE DEAD Director Stephen Vitale (Reprint)

Lee B. Golden III

As important as it is to know how to make a film to begin with, what also matters is your vision, and how well you package it. Such is the case for the lot of independent content that I’ve covered in the last five years, and surprisingly, of which only a handful I notice are given the festival treatment. And I’ve seen my fair share of short films to be fascinated and amazed, as well as even befuddled that they would go straight online. It’s a tough road though, and so opportunities like that, I reckon, need to be planned and timed in such a way that at least the initial steps can be covered toward garnering the attention of investors. And today’s film market is one that is vastly full of ideas ranging from some of the most top-notch and intriguing, to the less-than-impressive that are otherwise still shamelessly […]

FIVE-A-DAY COUNTDOWN: Assassins And The Missing Gold, The Brink, Invincible Dragon, Escape Plan 3, and Master Z

Lee B. Golden III

Time to end the week on a high note with some hotly-anticipated titles and I guess we’re bringing our focus in on action star Max Zhang to bookend things some! Assassins And The Missing Gold: Formerly Ten-Ton Assassin and Heavyweight Assassin, this one comes from Jeffrey Lau. With an overzealous sheriff hot on his tail, an ex-assassin is forced to reunite with his estranged and equally-skilled wife to help rescue their son from their former leader following a botched gold heist. Date pending. The Brink: This one was one of a few early-announced Well Go USA acquisitions that this article will dive well into featuring the work of Max Zhang. Zhang plays a cop in pursuit of a smuggling ring, one that sets aboard a casino cruise ship where intertwining politics offsets an explosive high seas showdown. Coming to the U.S. on DVD and Blu-Ray March 12. Invincible Dragon: Fruit […]

Cinemax’s WARRIOR Signals ‘Dangerous Times’ In The Second Series Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

2019 is flying the flag for a new year of action on television with Cinemax staking its claim with period action drama series, Warrior. Birthed as the long-standing brainchild of the late Bruce Lee, the concept has since been brought to fruition by series creator Jonathan Tropper (Banshee), and exec producers Shannon Lee and Fast franchise helmer Justin Lin. Enter actor Andrew Koji who now brings us a fresh first look at the role of Ah Sahm, newly arrived to San Francisco in the late 1800s and ready to throwdown with a riotous bunch of axe-wiedling gangsters. If this is your first time seeing Koji in action, you’re actually in for a real treat – and you needn’t look further than in the right places for his shortfilm work, proving he’s got both the acting AND screenfighting departments. Inspired by an idea from martial-arts legend Bruce Lee, this gritty, action-packed […]

THE MAN FROM KATHMANDU Is The Hero We Need In The Official Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

In just shy of a decade, breakout Puerto Rican action star, actor Jose Manuel has proven himself to be a purely prospective candidate for genre fans who love films of the fightin’ kind. Well on his way to a second feature lead outing in the long-developed The Man From Kathmandu, the film’s regional Nepali release now has its own official teaser for local filmgoers following its international trailer from a few months back. A disaffected American – Nepali half Hindu – Muslim boy detours to Kathmandu on his way to find his father who thinks has joined the war in Syria, but his battle against a local don who kills his grandfather grounds him to the reality of his relationships and and in the process he re-connects with his roots, culture and traditions of the Himalayan nation, which he had forgotten and both his external and internal journey changes. Expect […]

CITY HUNTER: SHINJUKU PRIVATE EYES Open Up The Nostalgia Flood Gates In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

The nostalgia will run pretty strong by February 8 when Japan sees its release of City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes from Aniplex. That’s sort of the hint you get if you’ve grown up with the anime and remember the show’s closing theme, TM Network’s “Get Wild” theme like the back of your hand, and if it’s working, you can especially thank the new film’s general director, Kodama Kenji, whose DNA with the franchise runs as far back as 1987. The franchise that started with the Hojo Tsukasa-penned manga is now back in nearly 20 years since its last TV series, now setting in modern day Shinjuku with our titular skilled marksman and perverted private-eye and bodyguard Saeba Ryo, assigned to protect a woman named Ai (Marie Iitoyo) – a job that unravels a conspiracy that involves the president of an IT company, and a threat that may very well endanger […]

FIVE-A-DAY COUNTDOWN: Musashi, Red Blade, Crazy Musashi, Love’s Twisting Path, and Samurai Marathon 1855

Lee B. Golden III

Looks like we’re going Japanese as of Thursday as we wrap up week three of four in counting down through 100 movie titles to keep an eye on in 2019. It’s been a pace of five-a-day (hence the title, and so here are five more! Musashi: Bushidou director Mikami Yasuo’s return to the helm will now see Hosoda Yoshihiko leading the upcoming period pic about the legendary swordsman and his fated duel with rivaling Sasaki Kojiro, to be played by Matsudaira Ken. August saw the film’s latest teaser poster which you can view below. Red Blade: 2018 was a banner year for Sakaguchi Tak who made the rounds in Austin, Texas in time for the Iron Dragon TV Action Fest. The Re:Born star’s legendary career has seen something of a rebirth in its own right after recent troubles led to talk of retirement and as such, his return to the […]

MVD To Unleash DOUBLE DRAGON On Blu-Ray/DVD In January

Lee B. Golden III

I’m still sort of pining for the day someone snags the movie rights to classic Technōs Japan video game property, Double Dragon; The 1994 live-action film adaptation wasn’t so hot, save for at least one explosive moment on set that led to hundreds of calls from panicked Northeast Ohioans about the set. For this, the film still remains a cherished relic for a targeted film niche, and niche distributor MVD Entertainment Group is more than willing to oblige with a first time-ever Blu-Ray/DVD Collector’s Edition. MVD made the announcement earlier last month and pre-orders are currently up-and-running at this link ahead of its January 22 release. From director James Yukich (Shawn Mendes: Live at the Greek Theatre), producers Don Murphy (Transformers, Natural Born Killers), Jane Hamsher (From Hell) and Alan Schechter (Showdown), with a screenplay written by Michael Davis (Shoot ‘Em Up) and Emmy® Award Winner Peter Gould (Better Call […]

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Sony’s HARBINGER Circles Dylan O’Brien To Star

Lee B. Golden III

It’s always best to take comic book movie updates with a grain of salt unless the news is official or if it comes from the usual trade sources. The same goes for Valiant Comics IP, Harbinger, which is at the center of its own brewing cinematic universe at Sony Pictures, and though nothing has reportedly been officiated, the word is that American Assassin and Maze Runner trilogy star Dylan O’Brien is being tapped for the lead. Ex-Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter and artist David Lapham created Harbinger in 1992, telling of Peter Stanchek, a young telekinetic who, after running away from home, eventually finds himself recruited into the secretive Harbinger Foundation. Arrival and upcoming Bird Box scribe Eric Heisserer is providing the script with Neal Moritz of Original Film producing next to Valiant’s Dinesh Shamdasani. Justin Tipping (The Chi, Kicks) is reportedly circling the director’s chair. The Valiant Universe is slated […]

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RAGE: Richard Norton Joins John Balazs’ Indie Noir Crime Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Pre-production remains for director John Balazs’ feature debut, Rage, set to commence in the first quarter next year. Casting also continued in the months since newcomer Matt Theo was attached to star and the latest word now brings aboard actor and martial arts star Richard Norton to the fray. Toned as a throwback noir thriller in the vein of a 1950s/1960s look with a David Fincher feel, Rage spawns a tale of vengeance, psychological intrigue and mystique when a violent home invasion leaves mild-mannered Noah (Matt Theo) in a coma, and his wife Madelyn (Hayley Beveridge) deeply traumatized. Sans other details toward the plot, Norton will play the hard-hitting detective Rudy Bennet of the story from a script by Michael J. Kospiah (The Suicide Theory). A great among greats, Norton stands out as one of the foremost celebrated athletes and film stars in martial arts and movie history, training from […]

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Scott Derrickson To Helm DOCTOR STRANGE 2

Lee B. Golden III

Director Scott Derrickson may have lost his home amid the SoCal Woosley Fire last month, but he hasn’t lost his creative spirit now that he’s bound for the director’s seat once more for Doctor Strange 2. It’ll be a peculiar nut to crack following the events of Avengers: Infinity War, but the word is that a screenwriter is still in search with Benedict Cumberbatch back to star as he will along with Marvel’s fourth phase entry, Avengers: Endgame. Actor Benedict Wong and actress Rachel McAdams will return as well. Folks looking to re-live the Marvel action from this year’s $2 billion+ grosser can catch Infinity War via Netflix this Christmas, whilst penning in future films like the March release of Captain Marvel, Black Panther 2, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi, and maybe even a new Blade movie for future reference. (THR)

Malaysian MMA Drama, SANGKAR, Bodyslams Online With A First Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

The task of delivering cinematic MMA action now lies with director Kabir Bhatia whose newest drama, Sangkar, is set for a release in May next year. Headlining the cast are major local film stars Zul Ariffin and Remy Ishak from a script by Mira Mustaffa following an idea that spawned on the set of Ariffin’s 2017 actioner, J Revolusi, with action choreographer Saiful Reza. For this, the first teaser is finally here. There ain’t much to show, but there’s plenty to sample from in hard-hitting action that will unfolds – host to a glimpse of the MMA-laced choreography from the aforementioned Reza and his four-man team. From Infinitus Productions and Primeworks Studios, Sangkar centers on two ruthlessly competitive MMA rivals from impoverished families who form a bond when tragedy strikes one of them. Joining in the cast are Niezam Zaidi, Mira Filzah, Adam Mika, Ray of Era FM and Arman […]

BIRD BOX: Fear Is For The Birds In The Newest Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Leave it to Academy award-wining Suzanne Bier and screenwriter Eric Heisserer to take Josh Malerman’s award-winning 2014 novel, Bird Box, and turn it into what looks to be possibly one of the most entertaining thrillers going into the new year. You can gather as much from the brand new official trailer now running, host to Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock who leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, actress Sarah Paulson and actor John Malkovich for a story that pits mankind against an evil, mysterious, existential force. When a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they’ll […]

FIVE-A-DAY COUNTDOWN: Bodies At Rest, Yasuke: Descendants, Limbo, Godzilla: King Of The Monsters, and A Lifetime Treasure

Lee B. Golden III

The countdown continues as we list up to 100 movies to look toward for the new year at five-a-day! Here are five more: Bodies At Rest: Renny Harlin’s latest outing with Nick Cheung, Richie Jen and Yang Zi sees the Chinese-language action thriller following a group of masked thugs who break into a morgue demanding access to a body that contains evidence of a crime they committed. Written by David Lesser, an April release is expected… Yasuke: Descendants: Following a hard-pushed crowdfunding campaign, actor and director Calvert David Miles is at the helm for an inspired tale that spans across time pitting samurai vs. samurai. Casting is underway… Limbo: Soi Cheang’s newest thriller gave off quite a different tone with its chilling teaser back during its HK FilMart premiere than perhaps intended. Despite its horrific brood, the Wilson Yip and Paco Wong-produced action drama centers on a veteran detective hot […]

Hey New York City! Catch YES, AUNTIE!: MY ASIAN AUNTIE Season Two At The Museum Of The Moving Image In January!

Lee B. Golden III

East coast film professionals and indie kung fu fans in the tri-state area are invited to attend the official theatrical screening of Yes, Auntie!, the sequential second season of Art School Dropouts’ hit webseries, My Asian Auntie. Curated by Warrington Hudlin, select cast and crew will be in attendance at the Museum Of The Moving Image in the Astoria section of Queens, New York City on January 4, 2019. This kung fu action–packed nine-episode web series is filled with more kick ass fight scenes, comedic characters, and feel good vibes for all ages! In Season Two, Auntie (Joey Min) and Niece (Stephanie Pham) return alongside crime fighting DEA head, Momma (Legendary Hong Kong Action Star – Bobby Samuels) While mob boss Lester (Leroy Nguyen of Rising Tigers Films) gathers his minions, Assassin Angelo (Angela Jordan) and his mole Jefferson (Robert Jefferson of R4Films), to take care of business, Momma, Auntie, […]

ULTRAMAN Goes Global With Plans For Live-Action Series Reboot

Lee B. Golden III

The word is out this week via The Hollywood Reporter that popular tokusatsu property, Ultraman, is being stirred for a reboot from Jeff Gomez’s Starlight Runner Entertainment in partnership with The Licensing Group. The goal will be to reintroduce the highly acclaimed Japanese superhero property with a live-action TV series across multiple platforms including cable, streaming and SVoD, and with licensing and merchandising for U.S. and intermational markets. Created in 1966 and housed at Tokyo-based Tsuburaya Productions, Ultraman, a follow-up to Ultra Q, centers on the futuristic police force known as the Science Patrol, assembled to defend Earth from alien invaders and giant monsters. When patrolman Hayata is killed in the calamity between Ultraman and his pursuit with a space monster, he merges with Hayata’s body; imbued with supernatural powers that allow him to transform into Ultraman, Hayata becomes the force’s most essential member. The series spawned dozens of shows […]

Chris Messina Cast As Victor Zsasz In BIRDS OF PREY (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn)

Lee B. Golden III

All it seems we have now is time with Warner Bros. as fans of all things DC await further notification on the studio’s long (and often quietly) talked-about plans to reboot its DC Comics-based cinematic universe. For now, the banner is playing in a few universes with at least one character sharing her way in from Suicide Squad with Margot Robbie now staking her claim in Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn). Cathy Yan is directing from a script by Christina Hodson, and previous reports have all but outlined our primary headliners Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress and Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary. Others include Rosie Perez in the role of Renee Montoya, while Ewan McGregor is set to reign as the villain, Black Mask. As of Tuesday however, that roster grew by one with the addition of Chris Messina (Sharp Objects, Argo, The Newsroom) […]

AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS: Tika Sumpter Scrambles To Unravel The Truth In The First Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

The first official trailer arrived on Monday for Joe Chapelle’s new movie, An Acceptable Loss. It definitely picks up in the second half sampling both compelling drama, as well as the kind of ample danger and suspense you might take a liking to if subversive political thrillers are more your speed. This one features a pretty sinister Jamie Lee Curtis of Halloween fame, opposite Ride Along and Ride Along 2 actress Tika Sumpter from a script by Chapelle. For this, you have to give it to the folks at IFC’s marketing – I can’t remember the last time I saw ambigrams applied and here it’s pretty brilliant, and cool. She was the ultimate patriot. Now, what she knows could bring down the government. Libby Lamm (Tika Sumpter) is a former top national security advisor who, while working with Rachel Burke (Jamie Lee Curtis), a ruthless, steely-willed political veteran, signed off […]

FIVE-A-DAY COUNTDOWN: Strega, Contracts, The Paper Tigers, The Outlaw Johnny Black, and Johnny Z

Lee B. Golden III

Yesterday we reached past the halfway point of our goal in listing 100 movies to keep track of in 2019. As always, here is another list of five: Strega: After Gun Caliber, actor and filmmaker Bueno is ready to set forth his newest milestone achievement for a rollout this year following suit from his 2016 debut feature. Upgraded to a sleeker black-and-red toned outfit, the gun-toting, perverted suit hero is now faced with new evil, and he’s got a sexy sidekick for good measure in AV star, actress Miori Mai. Contracts: As much as I’ve iterated my support for independent action cinema, Canadian stunt performer and filmmaker has been one of the best, foremost examples invoking why. His latest feature debut is still brewing – formerly titled Contracts 3 – an assassin thriller in which he stars and directs, and I actually got to screen an earlier version of this […]

THE HIT LIST: December 10, 2018

Lee B. Golden III

Two more weeks until the holidays! Have you guys laid out Christmas plans yet? I have, and if I’m fortunate then they’ll mostly include sleep. Indeed, it’s another week and THAT means another installment of The Hit List, brimming with medleys of stunt and indie action talent from around the world. Rising action star Jean-Paul Ly (Jailbreak, upcoming Artemis Fowl) unveils his calling card with a new demo reel, followed by reels from Alexey Minaev, Milena Brewster, Ishigaki Shinji, Frank Alfano Jr., Alyson Pickett, Sebastian Andrade Heinatz, Drew Reade, Heidi Pascoe, Gene Freeman, Xanthia Marinelli, Ryan John, Wilson Sze, Camran Bostanabad, and Aaron Hakala. Time to promote some projects and the first of which comes from our own Nicholas Ortiz with an exclusive look at three stills from the next installment of Power Rangers: Unworthy. The first episode from Kamen Ramen and Ortiz’s Deviant Children banner arrived back in August […]