News

Erik Matti’s NYAFF-Selected BUYBUST Opens In The U.S. And Canada On August 10

CORRECTED: Acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti is positioning himself to direct a superhero film in the months ahead. Until then and with the current development of a sequel for his celebrated 2014 crime pic, On The Job, expect to hear more from Matti in the coming weeks while on the road promoting his hotly-anticipated action thriller, BuyBust, following its release date pushback from February in the Philippines. BuyBust will instead have a summer outing in festivals, as well as select theaters with Well Go USA informing us directly that the film will open in select U.S. and Canadian theaters on August 10 (a correction issued following a Facebook post from Matti suggesting initally the film would open on August 15). The August 10 release will succeed from its World Premiere during the 17th annual New York Asian Film Festival which lasts from June 29 through July 15 as one of two Matti pics getting […]

BLEACH Teases A Bloody Supernatural Battle Ahead In The Final Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Sato Shinsuke is gearing up for a hefty summer round at the festivals with the concurrent Japan release of the live-action adaptation, BLEACH. Warner Bros. Japan is rolling out a final trailer this week ahead of a July 20 open and with screenings setting up at Fantasia in Montreal, and at Japan Cuts in New York City where Sato will be in attendance for fans. The following info beneath the new Japanese poster art comes from Japan Cuts where the film will have its U.S. premiere on July 27. The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the mega popular Tite Kubo manga and anime series about the adventures of supernaturally gifted, orange-haired teenager Ichigo Kurosaki (Sota Fukushi). Capable of seeing spirits, Ichigo meets a “Soul Reaper” (shinigami) by the name of Rukia Kuchiki (Hana Sugisaki), who transfers her powers to him after being injured by an evil spirit known as a […]

MADE IN CHINATOWN Casts Newcomer Jay Kwon To Star

Lee B. Golden III

This update comes from left field for me, but the word now is that up-and-comer Jay Kwon has been cast for the lead role of Made In Chinatown, from Tambuli Media and R4 Films L.L.C.. Martial arts stalwart and filmmaker Art Camacho (Half Past Dead 2) will helm the martial arts mob comedy with venerable H.K.S.A. member Robert Samuels (The Red Wolf) serving as co-director in addition to producing and co-starring. Kwon, who replaces actor and martial artist Alfred Hsing in a robust, last minute recast, will make his feature acting debut in the role of Vinny Chow, an underdog Asian American living New York City’s Chinatown. Chow’s biggest goal is to be with the girl of his dreams, Michelle (Michelle Procida), and so with the help of a ragtag group of friends and the aid of his wise Sifu, he will rise in the ranks of the Italian mafia […]

Jackie Chan And John Cena Team Up For PROJECT X From Scott Waugh

Lee B. Golden III

If Tuesday’s reported Jackie Chan’s venture is any bit as thrilling and edgy as The Foreigner, there’s a good chance it’ll be something to remember. Scott Waugh, rebounding from loose 2014 game adaptation, Need For Speed, is at the helm according to Borys Kit and Mia Galuppo at The Hollywood Reporter for tentatively titled Project X with Chan headlining next to actor John Cena. Production plans and further casting details remain pending for the film which Chan will produce as well as star; He will play a Chinese private security contractor called in to extract oil workers from China-run oil refinery in the Middle East when it is attacked. He soon teams up with a former U.S. Marine – to be played by Cena – to stop the attackers when he learns of their real plan to steal a fortune in oil. The report marks the latest evolution of this […]

MARVEL’S LUKE CAGE Season 2 Sets Harlem On Fire In Second Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

For some, June 22 can’t come faster for the Luke Cage fanbase’s binge-crowd. Despite Marvel’s own slight of hand from time to time in the headlines, I’m keen on seeing a certain partnership arise in our title hero’s efforts to clean up Harlem, with actor Mike Colter taken to task. Actress Alfre Woodard leads the bevy of demonic anarchy that follows her reign on the town in the upper-Manhattan neighborhood where she’s claimed the noticeably-departed Cottonmouth’s stronghold. Alas, the notorious Mariah Dillard finds herself a suddenly valued commodity in the wake of the rise of another foe in the form of Jon McIver (a.k.a. Bushmaster) who showed out in stellar form with actor Mustafa Shakir commanding the role. Both are now featured in the latest trailer for the show being shepherded once more by Cheo Hodari Coker for Netflix on the aforementioned date. Check it out!

A VIOLENT MAN Trailer: Murder Mystery MMA Drama Now Available In The U.K.

Lee B. Golden III

An official U.S. release is still pending for Matthew Berkowitz’s MMA crime drama, A Violent Man. Folks in the U.K., however, earned a quieter release of the film by way of Thunderbird Releasing with availability already under way as of May 7. Thunderbird is also apparently revealing its most recent trailer for the film which you can view below. Per the artwork above, the film features NFL running back-turned-actor Thomas Q. Jones in the role of Ty, an MMA champion whose life and career turn upside down when the reporter covering his story and success is suddenly found dead. Rounding out the cast are Isaac de Bankolé, Chuck Liddell, Bruce Davison and Denise Richards.

THE HIT LIST: June 11, 2018

Lee B. Golden III

My weekend was a total blank so any weekend fun will have to wait until further notice. The Sense8 finale was great though and I highly recommend it. TOP: Vanessa Cater, Nick Clapuci, Brendon Huor, Cameron Early, Taylor Krasne Bott: Rustic B., Gee “Lil’ Bomb” Jay, Marie Fink, Wilson Sze, Jon Alagoa The Hit List, however, remains priority this week and so it goes with a nifty round of the latest reels from some of today’s best and burgeoning action actors and stunt performers, starting with Blindsided: The Game star Eric Jacobus who just rolled out his latest reel on Monday via Vimeo. Following that is a playlist comprised of reels from Marie Fink, Rustic Bodomov (a.k.a. Rustic B.), Glenn Chow, Joshua Romeo, Thomas Watson, Jen Bennett, Cameron Early, Wilson Sze, Alexander Kushch, Taylor Krasne, Spencer Davis, Kyle Murillo, Chad Mason, Vanessa Cater and co-star of the newly released action thriller, The […]

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RED NOTICE Casts Gal Gadot

Lee B. Golden III

Fox Gal Gadot is officially set to star in Red Notice for Universal Pictures. The film, which granted the studio its acquisition following a robust auction earlier this year will reunite the actress with actor Dwayne Johnson with whom she appeared in both Fast Five in 2011, and Furious 6 in 2013. The film also reconvenes Johnson with Central Intelligence helmer Rawson Marshall Thurber who also directed Johnson’s next, Skyscraper. According to Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr., Thurber reportedly flew less than 30 hours to London to personally pitch the film to Gadot who is currently production on the hotly-anticipated Wonder Woman sequel. Story details aren’t public yet but the globe-trotting heist action comedy is slated to commence production next year in April with another male star attached. A June 12, 2020 release is set for the film which stands as one of several projects of late that Johnson has been […]

INCARNATION: Filip Kovacevic’s Time Loop Sci-Fi Thriller Now Out In The U.K.

Lee B. Golden III

Folks in the U.K. now get to take a stab at debut director Filip Kovacevic’s Serbian time loop sci-fi, Incarnation. Now out on U.K. DVD and VoD from Matchbox and Jinga Films following screenings at ScreamFest LA, Raindance, Cottbus and Fantasporto among others. INCARNATION follows an man suffering from amnesia who finds himself the target of a relentless gang of assassins. But each time they kill him, a time loop takes him back to the beginning and he is given another chance to survive the ordeal and discover his identity. The buzz this one has been getting is reportedly likening this particular project between Source Code and Looper. I’d say it’s worth bearing in mind for a first timer like Kovacevic having toured the crowds that he has. Check out the trailer now!

INRANG: The Wolfpack Arrives In The First Teaser For Kim Jee-Woon’s Live Action ‘Jin-Roh’ Adaptation

Lee B. Golden III

Kim Jee-woon is back. He’s totally, absolutely back. He’s got Inrang, a live-action adaptation of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade opening late July from Warner Bros. Korea and what’s more, he’s got us a teaser worth every bit of our drool. Gang Dong-won leads the narrative with actress Han Hyo-joo and Jung Woo Sung that transplants Okiura Hiroyuki’s alt-1950s Germany of the 1999 anime film to a dystopian future set amid sensitive peace talks between North and South Korea. This, plus a cat-and-mouse game between police and anti-government rebels wrapped in layers of spy-woven intrigue, stellar action and set-pieces and tragic romance and we could have ourselves a winner. Oh yes. I want this. Watch the teaser now!

VISHWAROOPAM 2 Trailer: From Saving New York City To Saving The World In The Upcoming Kamal Hassan Spy Action Sequel

Lee B. Golden III

Folks familiar with the big scale action spills, thrills and charisma of actor/director Kamal Hassan (Mumbai Express, Thoongaa Vanam) in the 2013 Indian spy thriller, Vishwaroopam, will likely have a blast waiting for them in the upcoming sequel set to arrive on August 2. Raaj Kamal Films just released the official trailer this week doling out plenty in the action the department and indeed, it’s as ridiculous as you might imagine, but in a good way if you’re not too rigid. The Master plan attack of New York City by Al-Quada terrorist Omar Qureshi Was destroyed by an Indian Intelligence Bureau Agent Wisam through investigation. Meanwhile main terrorist Omar and Saleem had escaped from New York, Wisam was given the responsibility to kill Omar along with his co–terrorists. The film hails from Rohit Shetty & Reliance Entertainment and also stars Rahul Bose, Shekhar Kapur, Pooja Kumar and Andrea Jeremiah for […]

Funimation’s Live-Action ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Graduates To U.S. Release In August

Lee B. Golden III

Wild 7 and Over Drive helmer Hasumi Eiichiro is finally being granted the stateside audience for Funkmation Films’ DVD/Blu-Ray/Fun Digital release, Assassination Classroom. Both the 2015 live-action adaptation of Yusei Matsui’s Jump manga and its 2016 sequel, Assassination Classroom: Graduation will get a subtitle-only package deal ahead of its August 7 release telling of the epic saga centered on a group of delinquent students secretly faced with saving the world from destruction at the hands of a teacher in the form of an alien they’ve come to love. The killer manga comes to life in this two-part movie series. Join the students of Class 3-E as they learn to become proper assassins and try to kill their teacher. But he’s no ordinary instructor—he’s a tentacled creature with a thirst for destruction! And while they train to take him out they quickly learn there’s more to Koro Sensei than a will to […]

OCCUPATION: Don’t Miss The Official Trailer For Luke Sparke’s Epic Sci-Fi!I

Lee B. Golden III

One of the more interesting trailers to arise of late is for the upcoming alien invasion sci-fi, Occupation. Saban now has since published it online through their brand after acquiring it several months ago and it looks as impressive as it does hard to pass up. A town is suddenly plunged into darkness. In the sky, a fleet of spaceships appears. The aliens have been watching Earth for centuries; now they have arrived to seize control of our planet. As alien storm troopers cut a deadly swath through the countryside, a ragtag group of townspeople realize they must band together for a chance to strike back at the invaders in this explosive sci-fi film that grips from start to thrilling finish. The film was written and directed by Luke Sparke (Red Billabong) and stars Dan Ewing (“Home and Away,” “Power Rangers R.P.M.”), Temuera Morrison (Aquaman, Green Lantern), Stephany Jacobsen (Alex Cross, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), […]

NIGHTSHOOTERS: Jean Paul-Ly And Co. Fight To Survive In The New Red-Band Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

2018 is the year that things continue taking shape in post-Jailbreak fashion for rising martial arts action star Jean-Paul Ly. Alas, there he is, splashed front and center in all his glory for the martial arts crowd for Colin helmer Marc Price’s new movie Nightshooters. NIGHTSHOOTERS is a non-stop action-thriller about a group of filmmakers who find themselves on the run from a violent mob of criminals, after witnessing a brutal gangland execution. Unable to escape their set, the hapless film crew must use their technical skill and cinematic knowledge to survive. As the hoods draw near to eradicate all witnesses, stunt man Donnie (Jean-Paul Ly) is forced to take his martial arts capabilities off script, putting his skills to practice for survival. The sound team resourcefully use their equipment to track their surroundings as the special effects guru disregards all the rules of set, abandoning safety to set lethal […]

Matthew Vaughn Signals Marv Studios With KICK-ASS And KINGSMAN TV Reboots, Film Sequels And Spin-Offs

Lee B. Golden III

Readers of Empire Magazine can look forward to more details in an upcoming issue that will highlight Matthew Vaughn’s latest plans for the launch of Marv Studios – what he describes “the modern version of what a studio can be,”. The periodical informed fans on Friday for the burgeroning new production banner from Vaughn who plans to further build on Mark Millar’s famed IPs, Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl and Kingsman. “We’re going to reboot Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl,” Vaughn confirms. “Look what Mark Millar is doing with the comic for clues.” According to Empire’s Ben Travis and Chris Hewitt, Vaughn, who directed Kick-Ass for its 2010 release, may focus on the latest iteration, Patience Lee, an African-American single mother and Afghanistan war heroine. The original comic published under Icon with the Patience Lee evolution now housed under Image Comics as of February. Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrayed the title character in both the original film […]

SIBERIA: Don’t Miss The Official Trailer For The Keanu Reeves Crime Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

At a time no better than midway into the production of another John Wick film, Saban is rolling out the official trailer for Matthew Ross’s upcoming crime thriller, Siberia. The Keanu Reeves-led pic is getting a limited theatrical, VOD and Digital HD on July 13 with Ana Ularu, Pasha D. Lychnikoff and Molly Ringwald also starring. The film tells the story of an American diamond merchant (Reeves), who travels to Russia to sell rare blue diamonds of questionable origin. As the deal begins to collapse he falls into an obsessive relationship with a Russian cafe owner (Ularu) in a small Siberian town. As their passion builds, so does the treacherous world of the diamond trade from which he is unable to extricate himself. Check out the trailer now!

SACRED GAMES: Don’t Miss The Explosive Official Trailer For The Upcoming Crime Drama

Lee B. Golden III

Apart from anime, I’ve been hugely keen on some live-action serial content in recent months and I have a few Netflix favorites. Lately it appears Anurag Kashap (Gangs Of Wasseypur) and Vikramaditya Motwane (Bhavesh Joshi Superhero) are ready to oblige the Netflix crowd this summer as well with upcoming crime saga, Sacred Games. The official trailer is out as of the other day, inspired by Vikram Chandra’s 2006 bestseller and it looks purely sensational with actor Saif Ali Khan shepherding the Phantom Films-produced tale. Saif Ali Khan commands the screen as Sartaj Singh, a seasoned, cynical police officer taking on Mumbai’s corrupt underbelly. Radhika Apte and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The eight-part drama hails the prominent streaming platform’s current fortitude with a premiere slated for July 6. Don’t miss the trailer below!

BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE: A Tale Of Faith Amid Hellbound Hospitality In The Official Red-Band Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Before Drew Goddard can have his day on the long-awaited and much-hyped X-Force adaptation, 20th Century Fox first brings us to his latest testament in seething crime storytelling and intrigue with a touch of soul. Enter Bad Times At The El Royale, now online with an official trailer brings all sorts of mystery to its cool with Jeff Bridges leading the all-star cast. Seven strangers, each with a secret to bury, meet at Lake Tahoe’s El Royale, a rundown hotel with a dark past. Over the course of one fateful night, everyone will have a last shot at redemption… before everything goes to hell. Cue the abs and swivel hips of the ever-rugged Chris Hemsworth to further bookend the eye candy with actor Jon Hamm, and actress Dakota Johnson and Widows headliner Cynthia Erivo for the film’s October 5 release with Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman and Nick Offerman also starring. […]

Mark Millar’s NEMESIS Leads Fmr. RSA Pres. Jules Daly’s Big Red Slate

Lee B. Golden III

An adaptation Marvel’s Icon imprint, Mark Millar’s 2010 graphic novel series, Nemesis, had been in the works for years between two different studios back to back. The project is currently slated as a forthcoming Warner Bros. release now housed under former WB marketing chief Sue Kroll’s Kroll & Co. Entertainment which now stands aligned with former RSA Films president Jules Daly. The news comes packed in an exclusive by Mike Fleming Jr. at Deadline that delves into Daly’s departure as she takes off with the launch of her own production banner, Big Red Films in a producing deal with sister company Scott Free. Nemesis, penned by Stephen Chin, tells of an Elon Musk-like inventor who, when framed for the murder of his wife at the hands of a duplicitous corporate megapower, is recruited by a masked vigilante determined to bring down the very corrupt system that burned him the same […]

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB: Lisbeth Salander Returns In The Newest Trailers For Sony’s Long-Awaited Vigilante Sequel!

Lee B. Golden III

David Fincher’s 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s cult novel, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, became such a hit that a sequel almost felt imminent. Fast forward to 2018 and with scripting and creative issues now a distant memory with Sony’s course-change since then, the story none the less continues with actress Claire Foy taking the reigns as cult heroine Lisbeth Salander in the November 9 release The Girl In The Spider’s Web based on David Lagercrantz 2015 publication. Lisbeth Salander, the cult figure and title character of the acclaimed Millennium book series created by Stieg Larsson, will return to the screen in The Girl in the Spider’s Web, a first-time adaptation of the recent global bestseller. Golden Globe winner Claire Foy, the star of “The Crown,” will play the outcast vigilante defender under the direction of Fede Alvarez, the director of 2016’s breakout thriller Don’t Breathe; the screenplay adaptation […]