Joe Hallett

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Tech Driven Anthology “Merge” Hits Prime

A Technology themed anthology film has just been released on Amazon Prime in the UK titled “Merge” check out the trailer here -Here is what we thought of the unique and somewhat intriguing combination of short films brought into one.”Merge” brings together five individual short films between 15-20 minutes in duration each all with a connection to Technology. As filmmaker myself I always praise anyone who tries to think outside the box and try something unique and different from the rest of the crowd. With that in mind I will give perks to the filmmakers behind “Merge” Bela Baptiste, Dalano Barnes and Richard Fenwick for their originality . However this is a pure case of huge ambition outgrowing their realistic budget. When you are relying heavily of the use of VFX the money really does speak on the screen and at times these short films felt very student like. With […]

Review: Jackie Is Back With Action Fueled THE SHADOW’S EDGE

Joe Hallett

For many years we have received a mixed bag of Jackie Chan films often missing the mark when it comes to the fight action that his fans crave. In recent outings the over use of CGI and latest technology in his films hasn’t satisfied the audience’s pallet however in his latest feature “The Shadow’s Edge” Jackie has delivered on every level. POSTER COURTESY OF TRINITY CINEASIA The premise of the story is keeping up with modern times where all our lives and security are beholden to technology. A group of very talented and very agile criminals give the police the run around when they steal a large sum of crypto currency right from under their noses. They have exhausted all avenues trying to catch the criminals with no luck, time to employ a new tactic sourcing the help of former detective Wong Tak Chung (Jackie Chan). Time to go old […]

KARATE KID: LEGENDS Review: A New Chapter In The Karate Kid Saga

Joe Hallett

KARATE KID: LEGENDS stars Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, Joshua Jackson, Ming Na Wen, and Aramis Knight.

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER: Out Now on UK DVD, Blu-Ray & 4K- Review

Joe Hallett

Courtesy of Dazzler Media UK Film fans have the opportunity to support physical media and purchase the latest Horror/Action offering of the Dracula saga “The Last Voyage Of The Demeter” out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and HD. Based on the one chapter 7 in Bram Stoker’s Dracula “Captains Log” tells the story of the cursed ship and it’s passengers who transported the blood thirsty count to Whitby, London. Which is a breath of fresh air, a new story that hasn’t been done before on the screen. I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the film alongside my Horror fan dad and this is what we had to say about it. The opening of the film shows the aftermath of the shipwreck of the Demeter and the finding of the captains log. The cut to a much brighter second scene is somewhat a surprise taken that there […]

Jackie Chan’s Last Dance At Action Comedy With PANDA PLAN Review

Joe Hallett

On 17th January the Martial Arts action legend Jackie Chan’s final outing in an action comedy film “Panda Plan” hits cinemas in the UK. I was honoured to be invited to the UK Premiere at the Vue West End and here is what I thought of JC’s last dance in action comedy. The film starts out with a bang indulging us with high tempo action sequences which leave you with hopeful thoughts for the remainder of the film. However, your bubble is burst when it is revealed this is just a movie set and Jackie is playing another re- incarnation of himself in the film. The plot is quickly explained in that he is adopting a social media famous Panda, however a rich Arab has other plans and enlists a group of mercenaries to capture the Panda for his own gains. Jackie arrives at the Zoo and has the opportunity to […]

RED ONE – A Streaming Success Review

Joe Hallett

The latest film fair from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is slightly different to his usual action packed, muscle pumping, adrenaline rushing flicks. Instead, he delivers a festive feature which all the family can enjoy. Released early last month on 6th November in theatres it didn’t go to plan as the studio hoped, with it only making $82 million domestically. I think this was down to a number of factors one – it being too early for a Christmas film and two – the decline in cinema goers which is very sad to see. Either way DJ has been saved by the millions of streamers with the film breaking Amazon prime records with a 50 million streams debut. And I was one of those millions who sat down and enjoyed the Christmas tale with a twist. Here is what I thought of it. J.K. Simmons (Santa Claus) and […]

SUPERMAN – DID THE DOG STEAL THE SHOW!?

Joe Hallett

On Thursday 19th December 2024 DC fans from around the World were treated to the highly anticipated teaser trailer for James Gunn’s Superman. There has been much speculation surrounding the film’s cast and storyline. Check out the teaser trailer below –

Review: Christian Sesma’s LIGHTS OUT Delivers A Knock Out Blow!

Joe Hallett

Christian Sesma’s latest gritty action packed feature is hitting cinemas, digital platforms and on demand services from 16th February 2024. I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview and here are my thoughts on the film. (Poster courtesy of Quiver Distribution) Starring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jaime King, Dermot Mulroney and British Action Man Scott Adkins. The synopsis of “Lights Out” A homeless veteran, Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Grillo), meets a talkative Ex-Con, Max Bomer (Phifer) who notices Duffy’s skills after he gets into a bar fight and offers him a well-paying “job” competing in underground fight clubs. The pair form an unlikely partnership after their first fight and decide to travel to LA so Duffy can atone for his past and Max can pay back a crime boss, Sage Parker (Mulroney). Duffy enters Sage’s fight club and eventually wins, but it also gets him tied up in the crime […]

XYZ Films Acquires Domestic Distribution Rights To Sci-fi Actioner ‘SKYLINE: WARPATH’ STARRING IKO UWAIS AND SCOTT ADKINS

Joe Hallett

In Los Angeles, California on 16th January 2024 XYZ Films has acquired all US rights to distribute the martial arts sci-fi action film SKYLINE: WARPATH, written and directed by action mastermind Liam O’Donnell (Beyond Skyline) and starring Iko Uwais (The Raid Franchise) and Scott Adkins (Undisputed), with Louis Mandylor, Randall J. Bacon and Yayan Ruhain rounding out the cast. The film is produced by Matthew Chausse and Evangelo Kioussis. XYZ Films will release the film domestically in early 2025. The rights deal was negotiated by Matthew Chausse on behalf of the filmmakers with Maxime Cottray from XYZ Films. Set within the “Skyline” universe and five years after the events of BEYOND SKYLINE, Sua (Iko Uwais) leads The Resistance against the aliens. When Sua discovers the powerful alien Radial Gauntlet, he must deal with both the corrupt Eric (Scott Adkins) and the army of alien invaders. In a partnership with XYZ Films, the original […]

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JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 Brings A Whole New Meaning To The Word Action!

Joe Hallett

This weekend audiences around the World were treated to the return of Mr Wick in the fourth continuation of the John Wick saga. The brain child from actioners Chad Stahelski and David Leitch of 87 Eleven Action design and based on the character created by Derek Kolstad, a character that we have all come to love and root for while he goes on his violent revenge rampage against the organisation only known as “The Table”. The hype surrounding this film escalated after release on character posters and one in particular sparked much interest and debate as we got to see action star Scott Adkins in a very different way compared to his typical Boyka style characters, playing “Killa Harken” who has a much larger frame than Adkins usual characters. Alongside main man Keanu reprising their roles were of course Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane and the late Lance Riddick with new […]

Review: Michael B. Jordan Lands A Knockout Blow With CREED III

Joe Hallett

The highly anticipated third instalment to the Creed franchise is hitting cinemas this week on 3rd March. I was lucky enough to check out the film at an early press screening thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures UK in glorious IMAX and I was not disappointed. In the opening sequence we are introduced to a young Adonis Creed sneaking out of his home to hang with his older friend Damian. They head over to a shady night club hosting a boxing show where Damian fights inside the ring winning by spectacular fashion. On the journey home we learn of Damian’s aspirations to become Olympic champion and turn pro and eventually become Heavyweight Champion of the World. Unfortunately these dreams come to a staggering halt and his World comes crashing down when a violent altercation derails any sort of a future for him. Cut to modern day and we find ourselves sharing […]

CREED III – New BTS Images Released

Joe Hallett

The anticipated third instalment of the “Creed” franchise is nearly upon us with a set USA release of 27th February with the UK following shortly after on 3rd March. With Michael B. Jordan reprising his role as Adonis Creed son of the famous Apollo Creed, but also taken on the huge challenge of his directorial debut. In the previous two films we indulged in the relationship between his fathers former rival turned best friend Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and his rise to glory inside the ring with Rocky’s help and guidance. This time round we won’t be treated to any Rocky nostalgia which has left some fans a little deflated. With recent comments from Sylvester explaining his frustration and anger over the handling of the rights of “Rocky” explaining it has been an “rough, emotional ride” which points to the fact he has most likely closed that chapter of his […]

David Harbour Serves Up A Seasons Beatings In VIOLENT NIGHT

Joe Hallett

Christmas has certainly come early for film goers with “Violent Night” being released in the cinemas Worldwide. Produced by David Leitch’s stunt driven 87North Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Starring Stranger Things David Harbour as the big man in red and John Legiuzamo as the main antagonist aptly code named in the film Scrooge, supporting cast members are Beverly D’Angelo, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder and someone to keep an eye out for Leah Brady who plays the sweet innocent girl who still believes in Santa. Poster Courtesy Of Universal Pictures UK The official synopsis – When a group of mercenaries attack the estate of a wealthy family, Santa Claus must step in to save the day (and Christmas). Check out the action packed adrenaline fuelled noel themed trailer below. In the opening sequence you are introduced to a haggard old Santa at a bar drinking […]

Superhuman To Superhero

Joe Hallett

For the part two weekends running Black Adam has become No.1 Movie in the World. To celebrate this momentous achievement we take a look into how the leading man the legend himself, Dwayne Johnson went from superhuman to superhero physique. Images Courtesy Of Warner Bros UK As we all know Dwayne Johnson is never shy of hard work, going by his personal slogan “Hardest Worker in the room” and if you ever tune into his live workouts on Instagram you would fully agree with that statement and some. Black Adam has been 15 years of Johnson’s life from the concept of bringing the character to the big screen to finally opening in cinemas around the globe on 21st October 2022. Over the course of those years DJ has committed and sacrificed blood, sweat and tears in his personally built portable training facility “The Iron Paradise” where he goes, it goes. […]

First Look Trailer For Judge Dredd Fan Made Short, JUDGEMENT CALL

Joe Hallett

The long awaited first look trailer for a fan made Judge Dredd Short Film has finally arrived. Titled “JUDGEMENT CALL” directed by award-winning Stunt Coordinator Peter Pedrero. The short film is based on the eponymous 2000 A.D. anti hero Judge Dredd. The character hasn’t materialised onto the big or small screen since the 2012 lukewarm received feature film directed by Pete Travis, the thought of Dredd returning in any form gets us excited and after seeing this trailer we are most certainly pumped. Check out the trailer below – In the trailer you we get to see Dredd in multiple storylines based on the character created by John Wagner, and a 35 minute full short is set to be released over the coming months. The film was mostly shot by Mr Pedrero during the Covid lockdown of 2020, using family members and friends, but at all times he adhered to […]

Dwayne Johnson’s Brings The Anti-Hero To Life With Black Adam

Dwayne Johnson Brings The Anti-Hero To Life With BLACK ADAM

Joe Hallett

It has a long 10 year plus journey for Dwayne Johnson’s “Black Adam” passion project, a superhero he loved since childhood “I gravitated towards Black Adam because he was one of the very few of the superheroes, supervillains, antiheroes—however you want to categorise him—who had brown skin and looked like me. “, based on DC Comics characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck, produced by New Line Cinema in association with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and distributed by Warner Bros Pictures, the film finally opened in cinemas on 21st October 2022. Was it worth the wait or did it fall short as per it’s DC Comics recent predecessors. Poster Courtesy of Warner Bros UK The opening 10 minutes provides a brief but detailed backstory to Johnson’s “Teth Adam” and the history of the fictional ancient city of Kahndaq along with the powerful crown of Sabbac, which gives it’s owner […]