News

Daniel Wu and Lisa Joy

REMINISCENCE Adds Daniel Wu To Hugh Jackman/Rebecca Ferguson Sci-Fi Action Noir

Lee B. Golden III

Deadline‘s Mike Fleming Jr. is following up his reporting from earlier this year on upcoming sci-fi action thriller, Reminiscence. Actor Daniel Wu (Into The Badlands, Tomb Raider) will join The Greatest Showman stars Hugh Jackman (X-Men saga) and Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible franchise) for the production which has since landed at Warner Bros. after departing from its previous rights holders at Legendary. Hailing from Kilter Films, Michael De Luca Productions and FilmNation Entertainment, Reminiscence depicts an epic, mind-bending noir love story set in a dystopian futuristic Miami, darkly-lit, ravaged by global warming nearly submerged. Jackman plays Nicolas Bannister (described by Joy in March as a cross between Wolverine and Humphrey Bogart), a veteran who makes a living by retrieving memories of any size or value for clients for a small fee. He meets a woman (Ferguson) looking for her keys, and in the wake of what sprouts into a budding […]

Sil And The Devil Seeds Of Arodor

Upcoming Release: DOCTOR WHO Villain Gets Own Drama

Christina Ortega

If you’re a Whovian, you may remember Sil the alien from the planet Thoros from the Colin Baker-era of Doctor Who. Sil will now be the star of their own film. Actor Nabil Shaban plays the title character again in Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor. So what is Sil up to now? Here is the summary from Koch Media: Sil is worried. Very worried… which doesn’t keep his reptilian skin in the best condition! Confined in a cold detention cell on the moon, awaiting a deportation hearing while on trial for drugs offences committed on Earth, he faces a death sentence if the application is successful and he is found guilty. His powerful employers at the Universal Monetary Fund aren’t too pleased about that. Not at all… As time runs out and friends desert him, Sil must use all of his devious, vile, underhanded, ruthless, and amoral business acumen […]

PEDRO PENDUKO: Viva Films’ Engkantos Superhero Universe Launchpad Casts Its Star

Lee B. Golden III

2019 has been much ado with all things superhero-related over in Southeast Asia, particularly the Engkantos cinematic universe announced last summer which is set to include Epik Studios’ superhero adaptation, Pedro Penduko. Actor Matteo Guidicelli (Saturday Night Chills, Across The Crescent Moon) is officially announced to star in the latest incarnation replacing actor James Reid, and with director Jason Paul Laxamana (Instaldo, Bakwit Boys) taking the helm; Respeto helmer Treb Monteras was previously attached to helm after Dan Villegas’ departure, with Reid starring at the time. Regene Estolatan penned the script for the latest Engkantos induction based on his own 2016 VRJ publication, “Pedro Penduko: The Legend Begins”. Here’s a description of the comic from Epik: Peter Harris feels like he doesn’t belong. A Filipino who lived all his life in the US where he grew up being bullied since grade school. Now 20 years old, he has had enough […]

Alex Montagnani

CAGEFIGHTER: UK MMA Fighter Alex Montagnani Replaces Josh Herdman For November Shoot, White Also Out

Lee B. Golden III

January and May saw developments for MMA sports drama, Cagefighter which hadn’t yet come to pass. A new Deadline report now clarifies its return to schedule with cameras set to roll in Saskatchewan on November with Jesse Quinones (Calloused Hands) writing and directing. With five title defences under his belt, knock out artist, Reiss Gibson, is on the cusp of cementing himself as one of the all-time greatest to ever step inside the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) cage. And his career is not about to end there – his savvy promoter, female powerhouse, Max Black, has big plans for Reiss’s sixth title defence, setting Reiss up to face international WWE showman, Randy Stone. With Stone having never set foot in the cage, Reiss – confident in his unparalleled experience – spends the weeks leading up to the fight neglecting his usual training, basking in newfound international attention and the promise […]

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Final Trailer Gives You ‘One Last Look’

Lee B. Golden III

Whatever your takeaway is, the Star Wars franchise has certainly been one of the most epic in sci-fi history since its birth in 1977. More than forty years, eight canon titles and two spin-offs later, J.J. Abrams’s Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker looks to serve as the last diptych to that era this December, and the official final trailer is now online. From the story of Anakin and Luke to the current Rey story arc, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver take one last ride together with a select number of franchise originals including Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, Ian McDiarmid, and the late Carrie Fisher, her utmost, emotional final bow as Princess-cum-General, Leia Organa. December 20 is the date, and with the unveiling of the final official trailer on Monday night, tickets are now on sale, so grab ’em if you can.

UASE 2019 Spotlight: Final Round Of Titles For This Year’s Seventh Action-Packed Event

Lee B. Golden III

There’s more to come as the latest installation of the Urban Action Showcase & Expo readies fans for its explosive ceremony in the next several weeks. A number of shorts will be screen at the event, and Joey Min’s Art School Dropouts is no exception with most of its work this year getting some screentime at the festival, including the Robert Samuels/Sharif Bey two-part tete-a-tete, Duel, a zany retro tokusatsu spoof titled Mizu Sentai Scubaranger and Stephanie Pham’s explosively violent sequel outing in Lady 2. Next to Silverback for Rising Tiger Films, Leroy Nguyen will be sure to thrill the crowd in November with Dropkick To The Chest, while Juan Manuel Olmedo will unleash his Fist Of Fire (more on Olmedo later) with co-directed with Diego Fraga, James Cotton will unleash UK action comedy, Tiger Claw, action comedy Solar will illuminate green energy with Mark Cheng and Jean Goto, and […]

The Age Of Success (LKFF 2019)

LKFF 2019: 100 Years Of Worldly Korean Cinema Outline The Official Festival Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Last month’s official line-up of titles for the 14th edition London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) revealed a worldly collection of films spanning its various segments to comprise the twenty four-day event. Seven cities and over fifty films will screen throughout London and with the promise of what is expected to be nothing short of an immersive cultural film experiemce. For this, we now have an official trailer for the annual festival which shares the theme, A Century Of Korean Cinema, culminating a mix of UK and International premieres comprising the industry’s 100-year milestone. The stands included are Cinema Now, Women’s Voices, Documentary, Hidden Figures: Ha Gil-jong, Artist Video, Animation and Mise-en-scène Shorts. The guests confirmed on Friday for the festival’s Q&As include Kim Soo-yong (The Seashore Village, Bloodline), Kim Sol (Scattered Night), Chung Ji-young (North Korean Partisan in South Korea), Chang Yoon-hyun (The Contact), Lee Byeong-Heon (Extreme Job), Shim Hyejung […]

DEAD KIDS: Netflix Partners With Globe Studios To Stream Coming-Of-Age Teen Thriller Later This Year

Lee B. Golden III

Filipino film auteur Mikhail Red announced several projects late last year in Singapore. Dead Kids was one of them, hailing from Globe Studios and is now the subject of a new venture partnership with Netflix committing to streaming the film globally later this year. The award-winning director behind Neo Manila, Rekorder and Block Z, as well as internationally acclaimed hits like Birdshot and Eerie directs a story based on true events: A socially awkward teen bonds with a group of misfits who plot to take out the school’s arrogant rich kid, that is until their kidnapping scheme turns deadly. Described as a compelling story that “touches on an exciting mix of friendship, coming-of-age, thriller, and crime rolled into one, societal eye-opening movie.” Actress Sue Ramirez and actor Khalil Ramos star along with Markus Paterson, Vance Larena, alongside rising young stars Kelvin Miranda, Gabby Padilla, and Jan Silverio. “It has always […]

Contracts (2020)

CONTRACTS Outlines The Brutal Rules Of Engagement In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

There are only several more days left before the next Toronto After Dark Film Festival reveals director and actor Alex Chung’s latest cinematic arrival, Contracts. Film Combat Syndicate debuted an exclusive inaugural festival trailer a few weeks ago to whet the appetite prior to composing a first-hand review, and now we have an official trailer to set things further in stone. Fight choreographer Alex Chung channels JOHN WICK and JASON BOURNE with this hard-hitting action packed crime thriller about a jaded hitman who finds himself in a fight to the death with a group of vicious assassins. Packed with jaw-breaking fights, intense duels and dangerous stunts, CONTRACTS is a hardcore action movie fan’s delight! Chung and select cast and crew will also be on hand to answer questions for attendees. Tickets are still on sale for the next few days so click here and get yours if you’re going!

‘Hollow Point’ Director Daniel Zirilli Shares A Brief Ceremonial Highlight Reel From Jackie Chan Int’l Action Week [Exclusive]

Lee B. Golden III

Just a ways from the release of his next film, Acceleration, director Daniel Zirilli is sharing with us a small highlight reel from the star-studded fifth annual Jackie Chan International Action Film Week. The director was invited by the legendary action star himself to screen action thriller Hollow Point following its multiple wins at the NOIDENTITY International Action Film Festival Spain (NIAFFS), and the Iron Dragon TV Action Fest in Austin, Texas. The reel above showcases the red carpet/closing cermonies for the event in Datong, China with Zirilli, accompanied by Wu Assassins co-star JuJu Chan who also headlines the film. Chan joins action star Luke Goss, Jay Mohr, Michael Pare, Bill Duke, Roger Guenveur Smith, Natalie Burn, and award-winning lead debut actor Dilan Jay who also produces the film with Adel Nur. Hollow Point centers on a college professor whose wife and daughter are killed in the crossfire of a […]

ROBBERY Review: Corey Stanton’s Feature Debut Brutally Questions Addictions

Lee B. Golden III

Corey Stanton’s new movie, Robbery, packs in an exquisite, artful display of emotive brutality in a revenge story wrapped in addiction, pennance, and the price we pay for the things we give value to. What you may love the most is how much the score magnifies the film’s intensity throughout while keeping up with the unraveling layers of character development and plot twists that reveal the ultimate crux of what Robbery‘s tale truly is. The film begins with a table of casino chips and a painting as we meet Richie (Jeremy Ferdman) and his elderly father, Frank (Art Hindle), who suffers from dementia. When Richie isn’t out authorizing homeowners of their material values throughout his rural town, and seemingly lawless down, he works at a garage with a mechanic named Ellie (Tara Spencer-Nairn). Beyond that, he also sits in on a support group for those addicted to gambling. He meets […]

DANIEL ISN’T REAL Trailer: With Imaginary Friends Like This, Who Needs Enemies?

Christina Ortega

Imaginary friends have existed since before the 1890’s, which is when the first studies on imaginary friends were done. Usually, the person with the imaginary friend understands that they are not real. It seems to be common among children. But what happens when the person is an adult and their imaginary friend comes back? This is the premise for Daniel Isn’t Real. And no, it has none of the light-hearted wackiness that was in Drop Dead Fred. This a dark and twisty take on an adult with an imaginary friend. Here’s the synopsis from the Samuel Goldwyn Films website: Troubled college freshman Luke (Robbins) suffers a violent family trauma and resurrects his childhood imaginary friend Daniel (Schwarzenegger) to help him cope. Charismatic and full of manic energy, Daniel helps Luke to achieve his dreams, before pushing him to the very edge of sanity and into a desperate struggle for control […]

KUNG FU GHOST: Indie Filmmaker Jennifer Linch’s New Supernatural Comedy Developing For Spring 2020 Start

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been several years since actress and independent filmmaker Jennifer Linch landed on my radar following her then award-winning action short, Flowers Of The Night. Her new groove as of late will be to move forward with her first feature, Kung Fu Ghost, casting actor and newcomer Noah Sargent with an eye toward a March start in San Diego. Ivan White is penning the script for a story that centers on Daisy (Linch), a young woman who inherits a spooky old estate in America from her grandfather, a martial arts master whom she had never met. When she arrives to the U.S. and shows up on the property, she soon discovers the house is haunted by her grandfather’s spirit and the ghost of a mysterious man named William (Sargent). When treasure-hunting criminals descend on Daisy’s new home, she is forced to call on her new supernatural friends to fend them […]

THE MATRIX 4: Jessica Henwick In Talks To Play ‘A Female Neo’

Lee B. Golden III

I instantly take issue with anyone who has nothing nice to say about the second season of Iron Fist. I loved its direction and handling of fight choreography, as well the prominence of its female supporting lead in actress Jessica Henwick who gets to display her own martial arts proficiency tenfold in both seasons. The season finale began leaving me feeling cold when Netflix started disassociating with ABC Studios and Disney altogether, and with no hope of a third season that should have, in my view, saw Henwick’s Colleen Wing as the Iron Fist successor. Since then, she’s had I’ve pined for her return to the screen, and now it looks as if that should be happening with Anthony D’Alessandro reporting from Deadline. Much is ado with the upcoming fourth installment of The Matrix saga which is slated to begin shooting in February, and the report is now signaling talks […]

C.O.R.A.: Help Kickstart ‘Black’ Director Frank T. Ziede’s Ambitious New A-List Sci-Fi Action Proof

Lee B. Golden III

Director Frank T. Ziede is poised to return to the director’s chair for sci-fi action adventure, C.O.R.A.. The official Kickstarter is already live and running to help get the project going for the screen talents who’ve come on board, and he’s produced two videos to help pitch his ambitious proof of concept. Ziede has cast Caitlin Ewald (Captive State) for the title role: a government supersoldier genetically and molecularly imbued for top-tier mental and physical fitness and battle readiness. She’s a master killing machine from top to bottom, but her handlers never expected the moment she would become self-aware and flee. Now she’s on the run, and with growing questions about who she is, why she can do what she does, and her own fate going forward. The cast also includes John T. Woods (Dead Bullet, 24, VHS) as well as actress and NAACP award-winner Terri Hayes, and celebrity dancer […]

GOLD COAST LOUNGE: Watch The Official Teaser Trailer For Pascal Aka’s New Afro-Noir Crime Drama

Lee B. Golden III

Ghanan filmmaker Pascal Aka (Evol, shortfilm Redemption, Interception) has been on my radar for a while since I learned of his award-winning feats from 8th Wonder Stunts and his Breakthrough Studios banner. The once Canada-based director who has long since been building his craft for West Africa’s Ghanan audience is now returning with his latest effort, Gold Coast Lounge. The film stars Alphonse Menyo, Adjetey Anang, Raquel Ammah, Zynnell Zuh, Pascal Aka, Cina Soul Akofa Edjeani, Gideon Boakye. An afro-noir film, set in the nightlife of post-independent Ghana. A crime family have to unite, and clean up their act before the government shuts down their lucrative lounge. After their leader is mysteriously poisoned, it is up to Daniel – the eldest – to take power. While struggling to implement his own policies, Daniel has to overcome power struggles, love-triangles, tribalism and a murder investigation. Esi Yamoah produced the film with […]

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DOCTOR WHO Announces Upcoming Comic Series with Some Old Favorites

Christina Ortega

It’s simple math, really: 10 plus 13 equals a roaring good time. How could it not? If you don’t speak Whovian, I’ll break it down for you: At New York Comic Con, Titan Comics announced that in the next series of Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor, the title character will be teaming up with the tenth doctor to take on — pause for dramatic effect — and don’t blink! Yes, everyone’s favorite stone statues, the Weeping Angels, will be returning, too! If you’re a fan of the TV show you might remember when David Tennant was in the iconic role, his doctor faced the Weeping Angels in “Blink” who are, you guessed it, aliens. The two doctors will team up to save London from not one but two alien races. According to David Tennant’s website: “Not only will this second season see the return of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Thirteenth Doctor, […]

THE MATRIX 4 Adds Neil Patrick Harris

Lee B. Golden III

I’m not too inclined to see this as a referendum on my childhood considering I was a fan of Neil Patrick Harris’s 90s teen series, Doogie Houser M.D., and hey, if you weren’t a fan of this series growing up…what even?? Anyway, word is out from Variety that ya boy NPH is gonna star in the upcoming fourth installment in The Matrix saga which already has returning cast members Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, and the newly added Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Aquaman. Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell co-wrote the script with Lana Wachowski who will produce with Grant Hill. Wachowski, who previously co-helmed the blockbuster original trilogy with Lilly (previously named Andy), will return to direct in a solo capacity. As Variety’s Justin Kroll reported earlier, production is to start in February 2020. Harris marks his first studio tentpole following credits on films like Downsizing, Gone Girl and A […]

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DELIVER US FROM EVIL: New Action Drama Underway From ‘Office’ Helmer

Lee B. Golden III

Director Hong Won-chan is currently in production with tentative title, Deliver Us From Evil. I love this title already, and it stars Hwang Jung-min (Veteran, The Battleship Island) and Lee Jung-jae (The Thieves, Assassination) who have been filming the new action drama since last month. The film marks a reunion for Hwang and Lee who last starred in gangster thriller, New World and occult suspense thriller, Svaha: The Sixth Finger. Deliver Us From Evil now reunites the two going forward, telling the tale of a man whose life turns upside down after being assigned to a contract killing. Best New Prize-winning actress Choi Hee-seo (Anarchist From The Colony) also stars along with actor Park Jung-min whose recent South Korean threquel starrer, Tazza: One Eyed Jack, just saw its North American rollout from Well Go USA. Next to his freshman directing debut with 2015 thriller, Office, Hong bares a small list […]

Photo by Mark Seliger

THE BATMAN Lands Its ‘Catwoman’; SNAKE EYES Find Its ‘Scarlett’

Lee B. Golden III

Production on The Batman lands its start date for January 2020 from Warner Bros. for a June 2021 deadline, and the trades are all confirming the finalized deal for the role of Catwoman for actress Zoe Kravitz (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Divergent Series, Kin). Matt Reeves is directing the hotly-anticipated DC adaptation which will star Robert Pattinson in the title role from a script by Reeves, and Mattson Tomlin. Reeves produces with Dylan Clark, and with Michael Uslan executive producing. (DEADLINE) Meanwhile over in Vancouver, production is officially underway for G.I. Joe spin-off, Snake Eyes from director Rob Schwentke and writer Evan Spiliotopolous. The trades have since confirmed Samara Weaving (Ready Or Not, upcoming Guns Akimbo) for the role of fellow ‘Joe’, Scarlett. and Takehiro Hira (Sekigahara, Hara-Kiri: Death Of A Samurai) will join Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Iko Uwais and Ursula Corbero with Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian […]