Trailers

SILAT WARRIORS: DEED OF DEATH: Areel Abu Bakar’s Celebrated Malaysian Martial Arts Thriller Nabs June And July Release Dates On Hi-YAH!, And On Digital, Blu-Ray And DVD

Lee B. Golden III

Director Areel Abu Bakar’s debut breakout actioner, Silat Warriors: Deed Of Death, proved to be a hit with some deserving prospects. It was last month when our own Cathy LaFrance managed to sit in for an online zoom discussion sponsored by NYC-based Columbia University’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month organization, and took a great deal of note down about the film’s history, meaning and much more. Here’s an excerpt: Director Abu Bakar, who spoke courtesy of the translator, said he was initially derided for deciding on a martial arts film. Most Malaysian films tend to be romances or family dramas, which are less expensive to make. Also serving as the movie’s cinematographer, Abu Bakar had a lot riding on this endeavor. He cast many first-time actors, 90 percent of whom are practicing martial artists who were trained in silat. But his risk seems to have paid off. He recounted the […]

AMC’s Shudder Guarantees VICIOUS FUN In June

Lee B. Golden III

AMC Networks’ premium horror streamer, Shudder, is bolstering with some fine picks for subscribers, all set to launch in June. Joining the line-up will be Cody Calahan’s fifth film to date, Vicious Fun, having already picked up some film festival recognition from this year’s virtual Panic Fest and at Brussels both back in April. The award-winning horror comedy will land as a Shudder Original premiere on Tuesday, June 29, and the streamer has also released a clip to help set the mood proper. Given it’s about a guy forced to attend group counseling for attendees of the psychotic and murderous kind, I’d say it’s fair to allude to what that mood just might be. Joel (Evan Marsh, Shazam!), a caustic 1980’s film critic for a national horror magazine, finds himself unwittingly trapped in a self-help group for serial killers. With no other choice, Joel attempts to blend in with his homicidal surroundings […]

MARVEL’S THE ETERNALS Teaser Trailer Newly Introduces Heroes Out Of Hiding

Lee B. Golden III

While Disney+ subscribers continue to get their fill with a lean-and-mean line-up of hit streaming programs, those viewers can still fully expect to see their butts in movie theater seats soon, just in time to bear witness to the post-Avengers fourth and next debut phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beginning this November with Marvel’s The Eternals, director Chloe Zhao marks her fourth feature film to date after notching up some career buzz since her Camera d’Or-nominated 2015 drama, Songs My Brothers Taught Me. Her most recent feature, Nomadland starring Frances McDormand, scored several wins last year, including TIFF’s Peoples’ Choice Award, and the Leonard Maltin Tribute Award. Marvel Studios’ Eternals features an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, an unexpected tragedy forces them out […]

AKILLA’S ESCAPE Gives Chase In The Official Trailer For Charles Officer’s Debut Crime Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

After making several festival stops in Toronto, Santa Barbara and Atlanta, Charles Officer’s new crime thriller debut now runs amuck with excitement and danger for Akilla’s Escape. Vertical Entertainment acquired the pic last November, which stars Saul Williams, Thamela Mpumlwana, Donisha Rita and Claire Prendergast. Akilla Brown is forty-years-old and for the first time in his life, the clandestine cannabis grow operation he runs is legit. Only one year into government approved legalization, the pendulum of hypocrisy takes a toll and Akilla decides to cash out. While making a routine delivery on a cool, summer night, destiny takes an unexpected turn when Akilla confronts a firestorm of masked youths in an armed robbery. In the aftermath of the heist, Akilla captures one of the thieves, a mute fifteen-year-old boy named Sheppard. Upon learning the bandits are affiliated with the Garrison Army, a Jamaican crime syndicate his grandfather founded, Akilla is […]

Your Next Viewing: CENTRAL PARK

Christina Ortega

https://vimeo.com/522407846 I have only been to New York once and of course I had to hit as many of the tourist spots as I could including Times Square, Central Park, and Washington Square Park, where I had an intense and memorable encounter with a homeless person. True story. I’ll have to tell you sometime over a virtual cup of java. However, that encounter was nowhere near as life-threatening as what happens in Jinga Films’ latest release, Central Park. Harold Smith’s father has been accused of stealing money from his company and customers. It is all over the news. So Smith turns to his friends for some stress-relief which leads the group of teens to have a late-night party in Central Park including lots of drinks and some smoking. It’s all fun until they are attacked. Reminiscent of old style slasher films where the unsuspecting teens are targeted by an unknown: […]

THE ART OF ACTION: Scott Adkins Kicks Up Next Week’s Epsiode With Johnny Tri Nguyen

Lee B. Golden III

Actor and action star Johnny Tri Nguyen (Da 5 Bloods) is still working in movies, though – and in my view – he’s less prolific than he should be at this stage long since landing hard and heavy fourteen years ago with a lead role in Charlie Nguyen’s The Rebel, and following suit with Thai thriller Power Kids, and Le Thanh Son’s Clash; I know for me the most fascinating turning point was when his 2013 gangster thriller, Cho Lon, got kiboshed by Vietnamese censors, only to end up leaked on the internet in its raw, unfinished form. It’s a shame, frankly. Having seen Indonesia rise to the occasion with a prospective action star in Iko Uwais for barnburners like Merantau, The Raid and The Raid 2 at the time, the momentum in Southeast Asia for trendsetting action on film should’ve been a huge benefit for Nguyen. With a resumè […]

THE ICE ROAD: Survival Is A Slippery Slope In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

If you still have enough in you to root for actor Liam Neeson’s enduring trend as an action star, there’s always The Ice Road which is landing on Netflix beginning June 25. The official trailer is just above, host to a story that brims of death-defying thrills and intrigue that makes this one more than meets the eye. After the collapse of a diamond mine in northern Canada, ice road truckers (Liam Neeson and Laurence Fishburne) race against the clock, before the ice thaws and the miners are trapped. Will they make it in time and intact? Ray McKinnon, Marcus Thomas, Benjamin Walker, Amber Midthunder, Holt McCallany, Matt McCoy and Martin Sensmeier also star.

Henry Golding (Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins)

SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS Teaser Trailer, Featurette: Henry Golding Sets The Tone For A New Franchise Beginning

Lee B. Golden III

Just in time for anyone tuning into MTV on Sunday night, the first official teaser trailer arrived for Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. The press launch also includes a behind-the-scenes featurette with headlining cast Henry Golding and Andrew Koji who star as the iconic famed Hasbro rivaling duo, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins stars Henry Golding as Snake Eyes, a tenacious loner who is welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage after saving the life of their heir apparent. Upon arrival in Japan, the Arashikage teach Snake Eyes the ways of the ninja warrior while also providing something he’s been longing for: a home. But, when secrets from his past are revealed, Snake Eyes’ honor and allegiance will be tested – even if that means losing the trust of those closest to him. Based on the iconic G.I. Joe character, Snake Eyes: G.I. […]

THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD Trailer: Reynolds, Jackson And Hayek Go Full Throttle For The Sequel

Lee B. Golden III

Patrick Hughes’ The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard may not be rated yet, but that’s likely to change given the violent, off-the-wall action comedy morsels we get to peep in the newest trailer. What’s more is the film is set for June 16 in theaters and IMAX, an opportune moment at that as the CDC lifts restrictions for fully vaccinated moviegoers. The world’s most lethal odd couple – bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) and hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) – are back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius’s even more volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek). As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protectees, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful […]

THE FOREVER PURGE Continues The Body Count In The First Teaser Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Continuing to be one of the most self-nourishing film franchises to date, the world culminating Universal Pictures and Blumhouse’s The Purge is still standing eight years since the first film. This time, it’s Days Of Grace helmer Everardo Gout’s turn to sound the alarms and unleash the anarchy with a new story that goes beyond the limits with The Forever Purge, this summer in theaters in time for the July 4 weekend. This summer, all the rules are broken as a sect of lawless marauders decides that the annual Purge does not stop at daybreak and instead should never end in The Forever Purge. Blumhouse’s infamous terror franchise hurtles into innovative new territory as members of an underground movement, no longer satisfied with one annual night of anarchy and murder, decide to overtake America through an unending campaign of mayhem and massacre. No one is safe. Adela (Ana de la […]

THE GREEN KNIGHT Trailer: Dev Patel Stars In The Legendary Arthurian Tale From A24 This July

Lee B. Golden III

One of the things I purely enjoy about Dev Patel deals inherently in that I’ve always felt there was an untapped potential. Undoubtedly he’s proven himself time and again, and I guess that’s the beauty of it we’re seeing as we look forward to A24’s newest dark medieval fantasy epic, The Green Knight. There’s heavy drama, compelling visuals and a few morsels of action I could go for here, and I know Patel definitely has it in him. An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, ‘The Green Knight’ tells the story of Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur’s reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of […]

New BARAGAKI: UNBROKEN SAMURAI Trailers Unsheathe Online Ahead Of October Release

Lee B. Golden III

It’s taken two years and a global pandemic since the earliest promos began making the rounds for Masato Harada’s Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai, though now the period sword drama has an October 15 date set for its release in Japan from Toho and Asmik Ace. Harada, best known for playing the loathesome villain role in films such as The Last Samurai and Jet Li starrer, Fearless, reunites at the helm with The Fable star Junichi Okada since wrapping 17th century war epic, Sekigahara (2017), which scored 2.4 billion yen at the box office. Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai takes its cues from Shiba Ryotaro’s 1964 Shukan Bunshun publication, centered on the wartime chronicles of Hijikata Toshizo, the Shinsengumi vice-commander who led the shogunate forces against the imperialist Meiji government during the Boshin War. Epic period drama based on Shiba Ryotaro’s historical novel, helmed and scripted by Harada Masato of Sekigahara and KAKEKOMI. Vividly depicts Shinsengumi vice commander Hijikata Toshizo’s life spanning […]

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE Official Trailer Lets Loose Online

Lee B. Golden III

If Godzilla VS Kong hasn’t fully satisfied your monster movie appetite since this Spring, there’s also the promise of finally getting to see one of Marvel’s most menacing villains on the big screen in sequel fashion with Venom: Let There Be Carnage coming to theaters on September 24. The official trailer is now streaming as well, and despite the mixed reactions drawn from the inaugural 2018 film, that it faired well enough to garner a sequel will hopefully guarantee something more promising for those disappointed by the first film. Peep it above, as well as the newest poster down below. Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL’s greatest and most complex characters. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film also stars Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Woody Harrelson, in the role of the villain Cletus Kasady/Carnage.

THE PAPER TIGERS

Reminder: Bao Tran’s THE PAPER TIGERS Debuts In Theaters Today From Well Go USA!

Lee B. Golden III

By all accounts, if you’re a martial arts fan then there’s really no excuse for not having heard of Bao Tran‘s feature debut, The Paper Tigers. Born from an idea nearly a decade ago leading to an action-packed proof-of-concept, and an extensive galvanizing effort to crowdfund a targeted campaign to the global film markets for better appeal just a few years ago, that idea now comes nourished with nearly back-to-back stellar reviews from critics and virtual festival audiences the world over, including two reviews here at FCSyndicate HQ from none other than myself, as well as Melbourne-based Vance Ang whose own recent coverage partly states the following: “…As a feel good action comedy, the movie concludes in a decidedly formulaic fashion neatly wrapping up the story. Though nothing teases a sequel, the strength of its characters and themes could no doubt present this avenue – as Bao Tran clearly deserves […]

Shock Wave HKD - DVD-2D.jpg

SHOCK WAVE: HONG KONG DESTRUCTION Devastates UK & Ireland Virtual Theaters Today, And On Digital And Disc In June

Lee B. Golden III

Say what you will of Andy Lau, but the man’s output has been pretty damn noticeable in the last several years, including a sequel to his 2017 thriller, Shock Wave, now guaranteed a summer rollout in the UK. Joining actor Sean Lau (Call of Heroes), Ni Ni (The Flowers of War) and Philip Keung (Sheep Without a Shepherd), Yau’s 2020 follow-up, Shock Wave: Hong Kong Destruction, is billed as “a must-see blockbuster full of twists, turns and explosive action from start to finish.” Trinity CineAsia is proudly premiering the film on Friday via Chinese Cinema Season, with releases on Blu-ray & DVD from June 7, and on Digital beginning June 14. After suffering life changing injuries in the line of duty, bomb disposal officer Poon Shing Fung (Andy Lau, Infernal Affairs, House of Flying Daggers) turns his back on the police. But when a devastating series of bombings sweep Hong Kong, the […]

BABY ASSASSINS Kill Or Be Killed In The First Short Trailer For Hugo Sakamoto’s New Actioner

Lee B. Golden III

If director Hugo Sakamoto’s name doesn’t ring a bell and you a read sites like this, you’ll be pleased with comes next as a warm welcome to your senses… You can begin by familiarizing yourselves briefly with his action crime thriller breakout, A Janitor, which centered on a high school janitor thrust into action when a gang war between families puts his own cousin in the crossfire. Apparently that film came out in January, and while there wasn’t any information logged in any of the English-friendly info sites, I certainly hope this helps puts eyes on Sakamoto’s newest female-fronted effort, Baby Assassins, starring Akari Takashi and actress/martial artist and another favorite of The Hit List, Saori Izawa in a debut lead role. Chisato and Mahiro, a pair of high school girls who are assassins, have to become “members of society” to disguise their true identities from tomorrow. They are tangled […]

THE BOOK OF PERSEUS Fan Film Trailer: Bryan Sloyer Teases Pensive Dystopian Action And Drama

Lee B. Golden III

As unfitting it might be to try and sequelize the Hughes Brothers’ 2010 dystopian action drama, The Book Of Eli, there are some things worth considering, particularly if you follow independent action. For this, looking at the latest trailer for Bryan Sloyer’s own shortform offering on Saturday with The Book Of Perseus lends an interesting reminder of the kind of pensive, provocative and deep allure he so often captures in some of his work, in his inherent capability to shoot narrative drama as well as action. And this especially ought to be a sight to see given the latter, with respect to Sloyer’s own trade in martial arts and ready to present his own inspired take on Denzel Washington’s own brooding, pugilistic drifter, driven with a purpose and armed with a killing instinct that doesn’t hold back. Actor/stunt performer Aaron D. Alexander is on hand here to help realize Sloyer’s […]

WRATH OF MAN: Jason Statham Pops Off In The Latest Red-Band Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

Word has it that Jason Statham will be back in cinemas punching sharks again soon enough if Ben Wheatley’s involvement on a Meg sequel is any hint. In the meantime, you can look for the ole’ cockey bloke to punch regular Bobs in the face instead, along with a whole ‘nother list of violent gratuities in the new revenge thriller, Wrath Of Man, which now has a red-band trailer to help show you just how vengeful our man gets. A mysterious and wild-eyed new cash truck security guard (Jason Statham) surprises his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score. Guy Ritchie reunites with Statham to direct from a script co-written with Ivan Atkinson and Marn […]

DEMONIC: Neill Blomkamp’s Pandemic-Shot Thriller Goes Behind The Scenes With A Teaser And Two Stills

Lee B. Golden III

IFC Midnight and AGC Studios are ready to ramp up efforts to push writer/director Neill Blomkamp’s newest thriller, Demonic. The pandemic-shot horror was acquired by IFC Midnight last month and marks the latest studious effort from the man behind sci-fi wonders District 9, Elysium and Chappie, and even a Robocop or Alien film if the genre cinema powers that be actually willed it. Co-financed and co-produced by AGC Studios and STABILITi Studios last summer, Blomkamp’s fourth film also employs Oats Studios’s own Austyn Daines as editor and stars up-and-comers Carly Pope (Elysium), Chris William Martin (The Age of Adaline, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, TV’s The Vampire Diaries), and Michael Rogers (TV’s Siren, TV’s The Blacklist, TV’s Supernatural). In DEMONIC, a young woman unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades old rift between mother and daughter are ruthlessly revealed in this horror-thriller from director Neill Blomkamp. […]

SOUND OF VIOLENCE Trailer: Alex Noyer’s Seething New Horror Releases On VOD In May

Lee B. Golden III

For some time now we’ve in part had our eye on Alex Noyer’s 2021 SXSW thriller, Sound Of Violence, starring Jasmin Savoy Brown (the upcoming Scream revival, HBO’s “The Leftovers”). It definitely caught the attention of our own Christina Ortega Phillips who’s the biggest horrorhead among this lot, and now with a North America release in tow from Gravitas Ventures, we now have a trailer, and key art to present, with a date set for May 21 on VOD. “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by people who believed in my idea of an artist in lieu of a killer. From our amazing lead Jasmin Savoy Brown to my producing partner Hannu Aukia, to our cast and crew, this movie came together because of confidence in that vision. Gravitas showed us that same confidence. I am delighted for them to bring it to North American audiences so soon after our World premiere […]